This is the first chapter of the sequel so tune into DARK FORCES. Thanks ! ~sweetrevierie
Crack! A small creature with abnormally large ears and eyes suddenly appeared before Elizabeth as she was changing.
"Breakfast is served, madam!" squeaked the little elf.
"I'll be there in a minute, Minnie," said Elizabeth as she stretched her arms across her king sized canopy bed and yawned.
"Yes, ma'am!" and the elf disappeared with another crack!
Elizabeth slipped on her emerald colored chiffon dress tailored to fit her like a second skin. Next, she put on the pair of new silver earrings she had gotten for her "birthday" in July. She then proceeded with a subtle touch of make-up and after all was done, admired her work in the great mirror that hung in all its golden glory above her cherry-wood dresser. There was going to be an important visitor today and she wanted to look her best.
Breakfast on the veranda was a daily occurrence at Malfoy Manor and it was expected that everyone was there at nine o' clock sharp. However, Elizabeth took her sweet time descending the grand marble staircase making a dainty click! each time her heels hit the next step.
"Oh, Elizabeth! You're up!" exclaimed Mrs. Malfoy with a tired smile when she spotted the new arrival. "You look absolutely gorgeous." She sighed happily, proud of what a beautiful young lady she had created.
Elizabeth, on the other hand, frowned faintly. Both the Malfoy parents looked even more fatigued than usual, especially Mr. Malfoy, who looked like he was going insane from stress. His hair, which usually had a silky sheen, was coarse and slightly ruffled and the half-moon circles under his eyes looked like teabags ready to be dipped.
"Father, Mother, Draco," she greeted them with a forced smile as she took her seat next to the most lifeless Malfoy.
Draco had a blank look on his face that was not unlike one who's received a Dementor's kiss, but when Elizabeth touched his hand, he immediately came back to life and turned to her.
"Morning, Liz," he grinned weakly. "You look…nice." He gave a sort of hrrmmph! and a cough.
"Thank you, Drake. Well, let's eat."
No one spoke as they ate, and the only noises heard were the chirping of birds and the clink of forks and spoons. The breakfast itself was wonderfully made, but it all tasted bland in their mouths.
"There really isn't anything to worry about," began Elizabeth, who couldn't stand the stressed silence. "I am a true Slytherin …"
There was no immediate response, only more clinking of cups, but eventually Mrs. Malfoy opened her mouth to speak.
"We're not worried for you, Elizabeth. Not worried at all. You'll do wonderfully, I know it."
Elizabeth was not convinced whatsoever, but six years in Malfoy Manor had taught her to keep opinions to herself, and that the best way to get anything done was to secretly do it by one's self. Besides, it was going happen soon and any arguments would only heighten the tension.
Almost like clockwork, the family all felt an immediate chill in the air. Her guest had arrived.