Another week passed at Malfoy Manor. There was still no improvement with my relationship with Draco. But we did seem to have some kind of unspoken agreement; an 'I'll avoid you if you avoid me, except at meal times where we are practically forced to converse' agreement.
It appeared that, after my lack of being able to pay attention or give intelligent answers the other week, I wasn't worth the bother of trying to speak to. Nodding to show acknowledgement whenever we passed each other, however, was a good supplement.
Narcissa was very sweet and comforting, it was almost like being at home with my own mother Renee. Of course, Narcissa was a lot more grounded and sensible than Renee, and she seemed to really enjoy my company, much like I did hers.
The first time we properly spoke was, bizarrely, at 3 A.M on Thursday morning. I'd had trouble sleeping; my dream was plagued by images of his face, the woods, the numb state I'd curled up in on the forest floor. Not wanting to go back to sleep and risk waking up everyone in the house with my screaming, I'd ventured to the one place in the huge house that I felt most at peace in; the library.
She was in there already, reading. I slipped in as quietly as I could, trying not to disturb her. Of course, me being me, that didn't actually work. I ended up stumbling over the leg of cabinet, cursing my terrible co-ordination. Narcissa jolted up from her book, her face a picture of shock that soon dissolved into a warm smile. She looked at the clock next to her and jumped, almost as if she hadn't realised what the time was. She probably hadn't; getting so into a book that the reality around you fades away is an extremely effortless thing to do.
My cheeks flaming, I mumbled, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you." I went to turn away and walk out, back to that dark room containing my bed, but her soft voice called me back.
"Bella, honey. I don't bite; you can stay if you want to." She patted the space on the leather sofa next to her. "Come here, I feel as if I haven't spent as much time with you as I should have."
I smiled and nodded, walking to sit beside her. She placed the book down on the coffee table. "So, how are you feeling?" She shot a sly glance at the clock before frowning. "It's a little late - don't you think you should be sleeping?" I looked down, waiting for a moment to answer. It seemed just a little pathetic, you know? Being 17 and having dreams plagued with nightmares over a guy who literally shattered your hand into a thousand pieces. "Missing home?" She prompted. I nodded, trying to ignore the rising lump inside of my throat. I tried to clear it as quietly as I could.
"More so than I imagined," I murmured, but this was more to myself than Narcissa. I don't think she heard completely, anyway, since she only cocked her head to the side in response. I tried to smile, but it didn't fool her and it certainly didn't fool myself.
Narcissa wrapped her arm around my shoulder and pulled me in for a hug, and I found myself sobbing quietly into her shoulder. She gently patted my back in soothing motions;
"Come on, let it all out if you have to. I know this isn't ideal for you, and I'm sorry about that honey, I really am. But this is what your father thinks is best for you. He's doing it for you, sweetheart, not him. I know it seems harsh and cruel right now, but you are going to be thankful for this. Broken hearts are a right pain, but it gets better. I'm always here if you need me for anything, and I mean it. So, lets wipe those tears away, eh?"
I nodded and pulled back, wiping away the tears on my cheeks I did so. Narcissa smiled warmly at me and I couldn't think of a single reason as to why I couldn't like this woman. I was going to make this work, I would stop spending so much time holed up in the solitude of my room and I would get out and socialise with the family. I would make a good impression and have a really good time. If not for myself, I would do it for my father and for Draco's mother. I felt like I couldn't let either of them down, and being a reclused wreck would very much do so.
I had gone back to bed after that and slept peacefully, Narcissa's words of comfort had really helped me.
It was now Saturday morning, and I was doing very well on my self promise. I had taken many walks outside, enjoying the summer air. had even gone down to the stable yard and patted one of the horses. I didn't know which family member he belonged to, but he was very beautiful. Hair as pure as snow with a long mane and tail that trailed after him when he galloped. At least i think it was he, I didn't really check.
Hearing the bell signalling for lunch, I made my way to the dining room after a peaceful session outside observing the blossoming wildife that seemed to be around. I had just sat down when Lucius came in, bearing two sealed envelopes.
"Hello Father," Draco greeted him, his flawless voice sent a shiver down my spine.
"Son, Bella." He nodded at both of us, and I gave a timid smile in response. I watched as he sat at the head of the table and placed the two envelopes beside of him.
The room was positively silent all the way through the meal. Every now and then out of the corner of my eye I would see Draco eyeing the envelopes and then sending a subtle pleading glance at his Father. He probably knew what the contents were and was desperately trying to avoid it, or something. I prentended to be too interested in my food to notice.
After the dishes had been cleared away, Lucius cleared his throat. Passing one of the envelopes to Draco, he began to address me. "Now, Bella, as the summer holidays draw to a close, there is still one matter that we have not yet had the chance to discuss." He paused briefly to pass the second envelope down towards me. "As by law you are required to finish your education, and a spot for you has been secured at Draco's school." By the look Draco's eyes flashed at Lucius, I'm guessing Draco wasn't too thrilled about this. "That envelope contains all the information you will need to know."
I opened the envelope and read the letter, taking note of the train ticket that fell out.
Dear Miss Swan,
You will be pleased to know that you have been accepted into Hogwarts School for the Gifted and Talented. Term starts on the 1st September and your ticket for the train ride has been enclosed. As you are joining us for your last year only you will still be required to take your final exams at the end of the year, but they shall be modified depending on how you progress through out the year. You will have a choice of three subjects to take along with the core subjects, chose wisely as once chose they are final and can not be changed.
Upon arrival, please follow the first years so you can be sorted into your house group. You will then be free to go and enjoy the welcome feast with your fellow house mates. During your time here at Hogwarts, your house will be like your family. Doing good deeds will earn points for your house, while any rule breaking will lose points. Also enclosed is a list of rules and all the equipment you will need.
We look forward to having you join us. Enjoy the rest of the summer holidays,
Professor Albus Dumbledore,
Headmaster.
I frowned, it was a boarding school. I wasn't gifted, and I sure as hell wasn't talented. I didn't belong there. "But sir, I'm not gifted or-" Lucius held his hand up, silencing me.
"Do not worry yourself, it has all been taken care of. Your equipment has also been gathered, all thats left to do is to get your uniform fitted. Narcissa will take you tomorrow." The women in question nodded encouragingly at me adn I took a deep breath and mustered up the best smile I could.
"Okay, fine." Lucius seemed to be satisfied with my answer.
The 1st of September rolled around faster than I expected and soon I was walking through King's Cross Station in London towards Platform 9, ready to start school for the year. For the past week Narcissa had been telling me all sorts of stories about the place, that it was a castle somewhere up in Scotland and the four houses were very competitive when it came to sporting events. She had very much enjoyed her years there as a teenager and was certain that I would too. I could only nod, for fear of my voice betraying the terror I actually felt about this. I had spoken to Charlie this morning, to find out he had sent some money to the school for me to collect.
Before getting onto the train I noticed many people seemed wary of Draco, and stayed well clear of the Malfoy family. I recieved quite a few odd looks as Narcissa kissed my cheeks goodbye and Lucius gave me a slightly awkward hug.
On board the train, Draco stayed only to help me find a compartment. "Here." He said, sliding an empty compartment door open. I went inside there and sat down, placing my trunk on the shelf above. "I'm going to go find my friends, goodbye." And he walked out, not even giving me a chance to respond. I frowned, so I was going to be alone for the whole journey. Great.
Taking advantage of the fact I had the whole compartment to myself, I kicked my shoes off and placed my feet on the chair beside me, curling into the corner and getting out my Hogwarts: A History book, determined to learn something true about the school before I actually set foot inside. About 10 minutes later there was a knock on the door, and I looked up to see three people stood there nervously. The girl cleared her throat.
"Hello," She said, tucking her bushy brown hair behind her ear. "I'm Hermione. This is Ron and this is Harry." Hermione told me, pointing at the two boys behind her.
"Hi." I said, closing my book. I looked up at them, waiting.
"Do you mind if we sit here? Everywhere else is full." I shook my head, motioning to the seats opposite.
"Thanks." The three of them sat down, staring at me now. I swallowed.
"Errr... I'm Bella, it's nice to meet you." I smiled, sitting up properly in the seat.
The next couple of minutes passed in silence.
The ginger one, Ron I think, spoke first. "So, Bella, what year are you in? I haven't seen you before." I thought for a moment, I wasn't actually usre who the years operated here.
"Last. That's seventh, right?" He nodded, and I saw Hermione roll her eyes. "And I've only just joined." Harry replied this time and I noticed he had rather odd glasses.
"I didn't think they let students just join-"
"They don't." Hermione cut in impatiently, looking me up and down. "Why are you here?" I was baffled, was she seriously being this rude? Ron glared at her,
"Ignore her, she's just an insufferable know it all." Smack. Hermione had hit him across the back of his head with a rolled up newspaper. I bit back a giggle. Then all pairs of eys were on me. They were still expecting an answer to Hermione's question.
"Erm," I shifted uncomfortably under the sudden scrutinization. What was I supposed to say? "I'm not sure why I'm here, honestly." Honesty is the Best Policy. "I'm not sure what Lucius did, but he said it was all taken care of, so..." I just shrugged.
"Lucius Malfoy? As in Draco's father?" Harry asked incredulously, his eyes growing wide. They knew Draco?
"Yeah. Do you know Draco?" I watched, confused, as the trio shared several long glances with each other. Hermione spoke, and she seemed very much like the ring leader. Or at least the most informed one.
"We're in Draco's - your year. How come Lucius got you into this school then?" By the end quetion, her voice had turned oddly suspicious. Was there something wrong with the Malfoy's? They had seemed pretty decent to me.
"Well, I've come to live with them, from Forks. They said I needed to carry on education here, and that it would be easier if Draco and I went to the same school." And then Ron asked a question.
"Why did you come over here?" I winced visibly and the three shared another quick glance. I quickly recovered and answered as simply as I could;
"Personal reasons."
The rest of the journey passed slowly. I had half expected them to get up and leave at several times during the journey, but they didn't, instead having their own conversation and occassionally including me.
Shortly before arriving, Hermione instructed us all to get changed into our uniforms. Yeah, she definately had the most authority of the three.
I'm not too proud of this chapter, let me know what you all think? Thank you for reading!