A/N: here's another chapter, pretty sure thats like five chapters in 24 hours, aren't you lucky! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW

Pyxis stared at herself in the mirror. She had a black long sleeved, off-the-shoulder dress on and had done her hair in perfect curls. She was applying her lipstick.

Draco stood in the open doorway of his daughter's room. How had the time passed so quickly? It seemed like only yesterday that Pyxis was crawling on all fours, now she had grown into a beautiful young lady. Pyxis noticed her father in the mirror and turned around.

'Do I have to go daddy?' she pouted.

Daddy. His little girl was still there.

'You know you have to. It's a very important dinner party.'

'But I'm meant to be spending the Easter holidays relax- I mean, revising for my owls.'

Draco smirked at his daughter.

'C'mon'

Draco, Astoria, Scorpious and Pyxis all arrived at the gates of Malfoy Manor after side-long apparition. Pyxis tidied her hair as they walked through the courtyard. Her father opened the doors.

'Mother?' Draco called, leading his family in to the Foyer.

Narcissa Malfoy swept into the room from the dining room.

'Oh my dears! So lovely to have you here.'

Narcissa greeted everyone and beckoned them all to follow her into the dining room. Various people, some of whom Pyxis had seen at the annual Malfoy New Year ball, already filled the seats around the grand table. The men sat around the table stood and greeted Draco and Astoria. Pyxis caught a few names. Basil Avery was sat with Alec, who smiled and winked at Pyxis. There was Edmund Burke, Marcus Flint, Theodore Nott, and a few elderly gentlemen that Pyxis didn't catch the name of. Pyxis took a seat opposite Alec. Dinner got underway. It was rather more enjoyable than Pyxis had expected it to be. The food was, as always, delicious and she and Alec chatted together. Once she had finished desert, she thought that he stomach was going to burst. However, that's when the atmosphere changed.

'Alec tells me that you're in the same year at Hogwarts Pyxis?' questioned Mr Avery.

'That's right.' She replied politely, not wanting to be at the centre of attention.

'Yes, she's quite the talent so I'm told, top marks in her subjects.' Narcissa chipped in.

Was her grandmother actually paying Pyxis a comment?

'Oh really, and what subject do you like the best?'

oh crap. Think Pyxis. Think. Defense against dark arts? Not in this room of purebloods. Care of magical creatures? No.

'Potions.'

Pyxis seemed to have said the right thing as the man nodded in approval.

'A good strong subject. I also hear that you were sorted into Gryffindor?'

The room tensed. Never had her family discussed her sorting so openly.

'I hardly think this is appropriate conver-' flustered Narcissa.

'Let her speak.' The commanding voice came from an elderly gentleman on the left of Narcissa, who had leaned forward. Pyxis gulped and breathed deeply.

'Well yes, that is true. But I was almost sorted into Slytherin. The hat said that I was cunning and ambitious and-'

'But you were not sorted a Slytherin.' The elderly man interrupted.

'No sir.' Pyxis breathed. The calm facial expression she wore was the complete opposite to what she was feeling inside.

'But never the matter, being brave and loyal is a valuable characteristic to have, as long as you are brave for the right reasons and loyal to the right people.' He said pointedly, taking a sip from his glass.

His words hung over everyone there. There was a long moment of silence before Narcissa invited her guests into the parlour for after-dinner drinks. Once everyone was back to their talkative state, Narcissa requested that Pyxis join her in the kitchen.

'So once again, your sorting has caused me shame.'

'Grandmother, I could no more help my sorting, than you could help the natural colour of your hair.' Exasperated Pyxis.

'Do not talk back to me.' Commanded Narcissa. 'You may not be able to help your sorting but by damn you will make the right decisions when the time comes.'

'What are you talking about?'

Narcissa faltered for a split second, but regained her composure.

'You will live your life as a Malfoy woman should. You will marry a pureblood. You will bear more heirs for our family line and you with be loyal to our ideals.'

'That's your life grandmother, not mine.'

'Listen here girl, I-' started Narcissa, menacingly.

Draco walked into the room.

'Everything all right?'
The two women in the room brightened their facial expressions.

'Yes, everything's fine dad.'

'I was just asking Pyxis what she thought of the desert.'

Draco didn't notice the lie.

'Oh, it was delicious mum. I'm sorry, but we're going to have to make an exit. It's been wonderful, thank you for having us.'

'Oh, no trouble dear, I'm always delighted when you come and visit.' Said Narcissa sweetly.
Draco leant over and kissed his mother on the cheek. Pyxis said goodbye to her grandmother and apparated home with her family.

Pyxis laid on her bed, itching to get back to Hogwarts and talk to James and the others. What had her grandmother meant when she said she had to make the right decisions?