Not for the first time, I curse the stupidly stiff shoes that Mother insisted I buy, if only for the fact that it is making it harder to outpace my brother. "For the last time Draco, you're not coming with us to Diagon Alley!"

Draco tugs on my arm, "But Larissa I wanna go! Nimbus's released a new broom and I wanna see it!"

I yank my arm from his grasp and continue my march to the dining hall. If I'm lucky, Mother will already be eating breakfast, and will be able to stop Draco's endless whinging. "No Draco. Go another time with Father if you want to drool over some twigs. Merlin, if you take him, he'll probably buy one for you! This trip is for Mother and I to buy the items I'll need at Hogwarts. It's not about you today."

I spare a glance to see that Draco's face is scrunched and stormy. Just as I brace myself for further arguing, however, we both hear a pop ahead of us, and an unfamiliar house elf appears, wringing his hands.

"M-Miss Larissa?" the elf asks.

I stop in front of him and look down, "Yes?"

"L-Lord Malfoy would like to sees you in his study." He doesn't meet my gaze and shifts in his spot.

I nod and reply, "I will be there shortly."

The elf bows and moves to apparate, but I interrupt him with a raised eyebrow before he can. "You were never dismissed, elf. And on that point, House Elves are to introduce themselves before a new owner, I believe."

"O-Oh Miss Larissa! Dobby is very sorry, Dobby's is my name, and Dobby's very happy to serve the gracious Malfoys."

I frown as he bows yet again, "Ensure you do not forget again Dobby, or the outcome will not be pleasant."

"Dobby's is very sorry Miss Larissa, Dobby will do better he swears, Dobby will learn–"

"Yes Dobby, you will." I cut in, "Wheezer is the oldest house elf in our service. Go to him, and he will teach you the proper ways to serve this House."

The elf's eyes widen, and he thanks me profusely.

"Don't thank me Dobby, Wheezer will teach what you should've already known. Now, you are dismissed."

The elf briefly bows again before apparating away.

Draco scoffs. "Stupid house elves. They don't even come trained anymore."

"I'm not opening that can of worms, Draco." I gave him a rough nudge. "Now, go to breakfast, like a good little boy, and let me see what Father wants."

I turned down an adjoining corridor before I could see his reaction. In the peace of my own company my gaze wandered the walls of the corridors as my feet carried me through them. The portraits have always fascinated me, how they retain magic to hold a replication of the subject's consciousness. Up ahead is Karina Malfoy, and while she never spoke, you could always tell the weather by her dress colour. Today, it was a pastel blue, and I absentmindedly thought to grab an umbrella before Mother, and I leave to Diagon. I walk past the painting of Great Uncle Gregory who was a politician infamous for coming out of any scandal impeccably clean, as he, allegedly– his rivals never could find proper evidence– manoeuvred unfavoured colleagues to take the fall. Now, his painting could tell you dirty little secrets which while getting dated, could still damage many reputations. Finally, I come to a stop outside Father's study. I knock and only enter once I hear a muffled "come in".

On entering Father's study, my eyes are immediately drawn to the letter lying on his immaculate desk. It arrived last week by owl, and while expected; it still made me giddy with excitement. Although I'd never let that show in front of Father, 'undignified' he'd probably say. I drag my eyes away and mentally wince at Father's expectant look. Quickly, I move to curtsy.

"Good morning Father, I hope you have slept well."

Father arches an eyebrow, "Take a seat."

I gladly do so, and he waits a moment longer before continuing, "As your Hogwarts acceptance letter arrived, your mother will be taking you to Diagon Alley today to purchase your school items, uniform, and wand."

"Yes Father."

"It is expected you will achieve top marks in all your subjects, to do otherwise would bring shame upon myself both as your father, and as the Lord of this house. Detentions will not be tolerated. Am I understood?"

"Yes Father."

"Good." He reaches across his desk to and be a slip of parchment, "Now take this to your mother when you meet her for breakfast. It has all your required equipment for the year. You are going to take Draco with you. I have given you enough money to buy that broomstick he was after."

"… Yes, Father."

"Excellent. You are dismissed."

I rise from the chair with pursed lips, and turn to leave.

"Larissa," Father's cool blue eyes seem to pierce through mine, "You will honour the Noble and Ancient House of Malfoy." As is common with my father, I am unsure if he meant that as encouragement, or as an order.