The trek up to The Malfoys Winter Estate was much too far and rocky to call for the stately impression a carriage gives. Dad was always fascinated with old world charm, but on a blistery morning like this, you much preferred the warmth of a vehicle.
You admired your Fathers favorite classic, a Noir 1963 Rolls-Royce that gleamed just as brightly as the day it had come from the Muggle lot. He wasn't very enthused about too many Muggle Artifacts, but a fashionable entrance was always most exceptional to make.
You had the partition up, you enjoyed to soft melodic music that slowly played from the back. The scenery outside glistened beautifully from tree tops to grounds Below in the morning sunrise.
Your driver and yourself had left when it was dark outside, and you couldn't remember that last time you were awake in order to enjoy such a view. You allowed yourself to stretch your legs, kicking your shoes off to wiggle your toes.
"Only a while longer" you turned your attention from the little numbers strewn across your Grans watch upon your wrist.
"-You are listening to JINX 107" a soft and soothing voice came over the speakers, "Thank you for joining us this morning, Starting off our News Hour- authorities near Fife had recovered an unidentified body this morning off the coast-"
"What?" You said aloud, reaching for the knob to turn the volume higher
"-of Sources say this is another incident in a series of suspicious activity happening around the coastal area. In an ongoing investigation by the Department of Magical Law enforcement, This was a similar tragedy to one that had taken place weeks ago where another unidentified person had been found deceased."
This was the second time you had heard of this happening, how the Muggles weren't clued in was almost astounding. A shiver crept up your spine making you shudder. Reaching for the knob, you turned the radio off.
You couldn't shake the creeps that had settled in, despite looking out the window in order to distract yourself with the views.
Lush forestry powdered with snow, practically shimmering in the sunlight peeking through the branches. It was quiet, and actually quite lovely for a secluded area.
Suddenly, you heard the familiar whirring of the partition slowly descending downward, revealing the cap of the driver up front.
"Miss Crowe? We should be arriving shortly- Shouldn't be 10 minutes now" he looked to you in the rear view mirror
"Thank you" Your eyes went back to the window, noticing the road plowed up ahead was becoming much smoother.
The whirring of the partition came once more, ascending itself back into the last few moments of solitude you may have.
Furthest ahead out your window, you could begin to see the outlines and some detail of great iron gates off in the distance.
Sighing, you braced yourself for the next few weeks, slipping your feet back into your stiff leather shoes.
...
"Draco! Would you come down please?" Narcissa's cool voice echoed up to the ceilings
Foot steps could be heard making their way to the top of the staircase, "I'm coming, Mother- I'm coming"
Coming down the steps, Draco was rolling his black shirt sleeves up by his elbows, one or two buttons undone below his neck.
"Where is Scorpius?" Narcissa turned to her son, as soon as he heard his foot reach the last stair
"He should be down shortly, now any minute" Draco tucked his other sleeve up as well, "I haven't any idea what he's doing"
"The gate keepers informed us that (Y/N) has just arrived" she walked over to her son, fixing his collar
"Scorpius!" Draco yelled
A thumping of scurrying footstep were heard, quickly trying to find their way down the stairs, "Sorry!"
Narcissa looked up to her grandson, landing himself at the bottom of the staircase, and walking swiftly towards the two of them, "There you are"
"Now, were going to have her staying with us for the Holiday" Draco turned his attention to Scorpius, "Ineed you to do me a favor"
"Sure, what's up?" Scorpius was fidgeting with his sleeves
"I don't want you slipping and spilling anything about you and Albus's little time turner misadventure from the start of term- understood?"
Scorpius rolled his eyes, "You'll never let me live that one down"
"Unlikely, No" Draco eyed him before looking back to his mother
"Really now" she began, "Let's be on our best behavior, please boys"
"All will be well mother" Draco reassured her, "Let's just hope Miss Crowe isn't another one of Voldemorts illegitimates"
"Ugh" Scorpius was weary of his jokes
"Draco" Narcissa groaned
A slit of light began to trickle into the foyer, and the front door had opened to a brush of cold wind. A man with a long coat and gloves stepped aside, as he held the door open open wide.
"Mrs. Malfoy, Miss (Y/N) Crowe!"
Draco looked up to the doorway, to see the familiar figure of the heiress to the Crowe line, make her way over the threshold.
She was head to toe in slate greys, adorning an embellished brooch upon her left breast. Her soft hair had been tucked beneath a stately hat, showing a pair of sparkling earrings.
She seemed to be drowning in such a colorless ensemble, her usual mysterious beauty hidden like a garden on a cloud covered day.
"Good Morning (Y/N), So lovely to see you at last" Narcissa gleaned from ear to ear, outstretching her arms, I do hope the journey wasn't too weathering on you dear"
The young woman stood there, giving a smile as Narcissa gently took her shoulders, "Not at all Mrs. Malfoy, It's been a beautiful morning for a ride"
Scorpius looked to his father, puffing his chin out comedically at (Y/N) Crowe's posh dress. Draco looked back to him with a disapproving brow.
"I don't believe you've met my Grandson (Y/N), This is Scorpius!" She motioned towards the now straight spined boy
"How do you do?" Scorpius chalked up a polite smile, nodding in her direction
"-and of course you remember my son, Draco" Narcissa announced
She looked so closed off, and boxed in a corner he thought. Yes, he was familiar with the usual pomp and circumstance she demonstrated on all their visits, but an air of uncertainly spun its way around her like he hadn't seen before.
Draco gave her a reassuring smile, "Pleasure to meet with you again Miss Crowe"
...
You felt like a complete and upturned idiot.
Here's you showed up for a quiet, wholesome and more relaxed holiday with a family who was known for their propriety- and you showed up dressed too and tails.
The Malfoy family were still a rather fashionable crowd even in their more casual quarters, which you clearly had over dressed for. You felt so needlessly put on display, feeling theirs eyes upon you from top to bottom.
"A pleasure to see you too" you smiled back to Draco, quickly trying to remove your gloves from your now sweaty palms
"I've taken the liberty of directing your luggage to your room (Y/N)" Narcissa began
Thank God. A chance to change into something more comfortable and less formal.
"I'm sure you're in need of a moment to settle yourself in and sort yourself. I should be happy to send our Fitz up to you in an hour or so to draw you a warm bath and some tea from your journey" she lead you toward the stairway, "we do so look forward to having you with us this afternoon for tea I'm sure?"
"Thank you so much Mrs. Malfoy" you replied, "I'll be glad to fit myself in something more comfortable after a proper rest"
A hot bath, and warm drink were all you needed to hear to get you up the stairs and out of sight. You felt so stiff and claustrophobic in these leather shoes, it would be nice to actually garner a more casual side of acquaintances with someone for once.
It had been so long since you felt as though you could genuinely put down the mask of protocol, you couldn't imagine a family like The Malfoys actually having any form less of exquisite.
Never judge a book by its cover you suppose.
Narcissa Malfoy lead you up the long staircase overlooking the household. You could almost feel the hot water and sudsy fragrance of soaps washing over your body.
You couldn't help but let your mind trickle back to the broad shouldered man downstairs, however. Without his pressed blazer, perfectly cinched tie, or polished leathers- you had nearly found Draco Malfoy unrecognizable.
Had his forearms always been so distinguished? What of his hair? Not slicked back so stiffly or pointedly? He seemed more at ease than you had known him previously.
Almost more...normal.
More relatable.
You snapped yourself back into the present, brushing aside the wandering s of your mind. You had much to do before settling down into the comforts that the Malfoy's winter estate had to offer.