A/N: Thanks to Hermione 2000 for a great review!

Disclaimer: I don't own HP...only Abbey.

Chapter 16

Lucius Malfoy paid a visit to Abbey and Draco the next morning. He immediately let Abbey know of his disapproval of her staying gone so long at the Burrow.

"But anyway, that's not the point of my visit," he said curtly after telling Abbey off (who only glared coldly back at him). "I have invited some close friends from both our family and Abbey's to a house-warming party for you two," he continued, "Tonight."

"Tonight?" Abbey asked, surprised.

"Yes, tonight," Lucius snapped impatiently, "It will begin at eight o'clock, and end at midnight." He paused, looking at both of them sternly; particularly Abbey. "You two will behave politely and properly. No fighting or avoiding each other. Look happy!" he hissed warningly. He then gave them a nod of goodbye, turned on his heels, and left the house.

Abbey figured everyone would be wearing dark colors, so she decided on a long-sleeved black dress that was slightly off-the-shoulders. She got dressed in the bathroom, and kept her hair down, so it cascaded over her shoulders. She put on dark lipstick and dark eye shadow (she was only bothering to look nice for her family's friends).

When she left the bathroom, she found Draco folding down the collar of the dark blue turtle-neck sweater he was wearing. He was also wearing black dress slacks, and black shoes.

He gazed at her, and he seemed slightly taken aback for a moment, before he regained his usual stone expression.

Abbey pushed up her sleeve and checked her watch.

"They'll be here in ten minutes," she said flatly, going over to her dresser and opening the lid of her jewelry box. She pulled out a silver chain and fastened it around her neck.

"Well, you heard what Father told us," Draco said gloomily as he and Abbey stood at the top of the stairs, watching Jingles let in the first few guests, "we have to look happy." Abbey nodded in agreement, realizing miserably that she had to endure four hours of playing happy hostess. "I don't want to risk him getting…upset. So…" his voice trailed off as he grabbed Abbey's hand and held it in his.

Abbey was slightly surprised at first, but she didn't protest. He had a point…she could only imagine Lucius's fury if she and Draco embarrassed him in front of his closest friends.

Draco's parents and Abbey's parents soon arrived, and Lucius gazed up at them, giving them a smile of approval.

Abbey and Draco stayed at the top of the stairs until everyone had arrived, and then after a brief introduction by Lucius, they descended into their guests.

Abbey and Draco knew better than to stray from each other for too long, especially when Lucius was keeping a very close, ice-cold gray eye on them. At first, Lucius took Abbey and guided her around the room, introducing her to all of the Malfoy family's friends, while Draco was being introduced to Abbey's by Abbey's father.

Then Abbey and Draco roamed around together, chatting lightly with the guests. In order to keep Lucius off their backs, Draco was often putting his arm around Abbey's waist, or she was clutching onto his elbow.

They were like that when they were watching the guests leave, politely thanking them for coming, and telling them that they hoped that they had had a good time.

When everyone was gone, even Lucius, Draco and Abbey exchanged glances for a moment before letting go of each other. They silently ascended the stairs and went into their bedroom, tired from the long night.

Ugh, having to fake affection. But what's this about Abbey maybe liking it? Hmmm...hope you liked it, and thanks for reading!

AbbeyMalfoy87