A Cat Among The Birds
It was a chilly March morning, and the family were sitting round the table in the dining hall. Of course, the term 'round the table' did not really live up to it's name in this house. The table was a long rectangle, and Lucius always made sure that Draco or his family never sat anywhere near him.
Not a word was spoken between the two men except the occasional 'Pass the butter.' which was laced with gritted, icy tones, that made the hall feel colder inside than out.
The baby, although it was only two months into existence, had made a big impression on the family already. Lucius avoided her more than ever now, and Narcissa and Svetlana had begun to take turns in looking after the children when Draco was at work, due to Svetlana's morning sickness.
Nicoleta and Matthias were in the nursery one morning, looking out onto the large garden, which was beginning to defrost. The nursery had a small window seat, upon which they were kneeling. It was a game they played. They pretended that they were secret spies, and people were watching them, causing them to duck down every few seconds, then bob back up again, laughing and whispering.
Suddenly Nicoleta saw something.
'Mattie! Look!' she whispered, grabbing his arm to show him.
A cat had crept into the garden and had started chasing the magpies in the garden. Matthias remembered a rhyme that his mother had taught him.
'One for sorrow
Two for joy
Three for a girl
Four for a boy
Five for silver
Six for gold
Seven for a secret
Never to be told.'
Svetlana walked into the nursery then and heard her son reciting the poem. She walked over to the window seat to have a look. There were four magpies on one area of the lawn, and three in the other.
Svetlana suddenly walked out again, leaving her children to continue with their game.
Ooooh! Cliffhanger! What will happen next? Find out in the next chapter or so!