Disclaimer: As always, anything that you happen to recognize regrettably does not belong to me but to the most divine, J. K. Rowling.
Chapter 4: Malfoy Manor
"Arthur." Lucius Malfoy greeted Ron's father crisply.
Lucius Malfoy was a tall and very imposing man. His stature was intimidating and his face was stoic. His chin was high in the air as he seemingly looked down his straight nose at Arthur Weasley. His skin was of the palest nature and his eyes were a stony gray. He wore his hair passed his shoulders and tied at the nape of his neck with a green sash. He wore robes of the darkest black and the sun from the outside glared off of them brightly, surely they were made from the finest silk.
It felt like hours before Arthur made any response towards the man but in reality it was but a few seconds. Arthur was not put out by the mans aura.
"Lucius Malfoy." Arthur greeted, his voice cold. Dorinda's lips pursed. She had just had the pleasure of meeting Arthur and she could already tell he was a kind and honest man. That man however, was not in the face of the now much more serious looking man before her. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"
Arthur Weasley was a family man, through and through. He was tall, much like his sons and in the presence of Lucius Malfoy, he stood tall. He was balding but the little hair he had was still a flaming red. His eyes appeared tired but fierce and his mouth was stressed as if he was biting his tongue back from whispering an enchantment of sorts. His robes were faded and wrinkled, they were old and weather worn but it didn't matter. He was a man of inner strength and not of outer glory. Even next to a man such as Lucius Malfoy, Arthur Weasley held his own.
"Ah, I see that you have not been informed." Lucius said slowly, glancing first at his son, who said nothing and then finding the amused eyes of Julian. "Mister Potter?"
"Mr. and Mrs. Weasley." Julian started of confidently, a charming smile on his still childish face. "You're home is a wonderful place. I feel quite honored to be here in the presence of such enchanting wizards and witches and while I am quite sure you could easily keep me fed with your delightful cooking, I don't wish to inconvenience you too much." Julian paused as he caught eyes with Harry, the mirrored emerald eyes looked slightly betrayed. "My brothers and sisters are a lot to handle on our own but to care for all four of us, I couldn't dare ask this of you."
"You are always welcome in our home, Julian." Mrs. Weasley said, she too looked a bit put out. "We can always make do."
"Mrs. Weasley you are a generous woman but having us all here would just put unnecessary strain on you and Mr. Weasley. It would be best if just Harry and Rose were to stay here for the rest of summer." Dorinda added, her face calm. She didn't wish for the woman to take offense. Mrs. Weasley was a kind woman and if there was more room, Dorinda would have loved to have stayed.
"Dorinda?" Julian inquired softly, his eyes questioning. Dorinda looked away from him and over to the eyes of Lucius Malfoy, who had raised an amused eyebrow.
"Albus will never-" Arthur started slowly but Lucius interrupted, he handed a sealed letter over to the man. Arthur hesitantly took it.
"Dumbledore already approved of it." Lucius leaned slightly on his snake head cane. "It's magically sealed of course, no trickery I assure you."
"If it is your wish." Arthur turned towards Julian and an awkward Dorinda. "However, if you find it not up to your liking, our invitation to stay here is always open."
Arthur was very stiff but he smiled kindly at the two. Dorinda relaxed at the comforting gesture, she didn't want the man to be angered by the decision. She glanced back at the betrayed faces however of the Weasley children, her and Julian were sure to never be in their good graces again. Then she met the eyes of her sister and brother, both looked resigned but Rose was slightly tearful. Harry nodded his acceptance and put a comforting arm around Rose, who leaned into his side gratefully.
"I must insist that we be going now Mister Potter." Lucius urged. "And if you wish, Miss Potter."
"Thank you Mr. Malfoy." Dorinda acknowledged and hurried to grab her trunk.
"Good day to you Arthur." Lucius turned around and began to walk away slowly. "Come along Draco."
Dorinda looked up, she hadn't even noticed the boy. He had obviously been standing just out of her sight. He had grown slightly taller since she had seen him last and he wore robes of dark green. A Slytherin through and through. She sneered at him, a gesture of which he returned before he turned to follow his father. Dorinda turned back to her trunk but it was no longer there. Instead, it was floating out of the door, following behind Julian's trunk.
"I will write you as soon as we settle in." Dorinda promised Rose as she hugged her sister tightly.
Julian was currently speaking quickly to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
"I'm sorry I didn't warn you, I only just found out about ten minutes ago." Julian apologized profusely. "I didn't wish to cause a scene and I don't wish to offend you."
"We aren't offended Mr. Potter." Mr. Weasley replied cupping the boy's shoulder with a smile. "Go along and remember what I said."
"Be careful my dear." Mrs. Weasley enveloped him in a crushing hug. He stiffened at the sudden feeling of emotion from the woman but easily relaxed and hugged the woman back. He liked her.
"Thank you." Julian smiled before hurrying to hug Harry and Rose good bye. "See you soon."
"Not soon enough." Rose smiled sadly. Julian ruffled the girl's messy hair.
"Don't worry sister, you blend in well enough here I say." Julian chuckled before grabbing Dorinda's hand. "You sure you want to come?"
"Why not?" Dorinda sighed. "Probably learn a thing or two I'm sure. Plus I imagine that I could get lost in their house. Might not even have to see the git's face the rest of summer."
"That's the spirit!" Julian laughed. The two smiled at the family of glaring red heads, minus the elders. And with a fleeting glance at Rose and Harry, left through the door. Lucius and Draco were waiting patiently at the end of the property. Their trunks were no longer around.
"Take hold." Lucius said as he held out his right hand, a golden ring sparkled brightly in the gleaming sun.
Two seconds after they touched the ring, Dorinda felt as if she was going to throw up. She fought to hold her breakfast in as she seemed to be falling in circles, it wasn't long however before she knew she was on solid ground once more. However, she was on her bottom. Julian, Draco and Mr. Malfoy stood above her. Mr. Malfoy offered his large hand to her and she gladly took it.
"Mister and Miss Potter, I want to welcome you graciously to our home." A low melodic voice rang out.
A tall and elegant woman was descending the stairs. She was beautiful with hair of the whitest blonde. Her face was aristocratic with high cheek bones, broad full lips and almond shape eyes. The color of which was a dark memorizing blue. She walked down the grand staircase slowly and gracefully. Her robes of dark purple swirled around her and her lips were slightly upturned in a smile.
"Thank you for having us." Julian replied, his cheeks red. If Narcissa was at all surprised by Dorinda's presence, she did not show it.
"You're trunks have already been put away in your rooms, would you like to be shown to them?" Narcissa asked softly. Her eyes carefully took in Dorinda, not missing a single misplaced hair upon her head.
"I thought I might show Julian around the grounds mother." Draco addressed Narcissa smoothly and respectfully. Narcissa nodded thoughtfully, noting that he didn't include the girl in the invitation.
"Go along then but be ready for dinner at six o'clock sharp Draco. Tonight we dine together." Narcissa instructed him. "Miss Potter, perhaps we could visit Diagon Alley?"
"I suppose so." Dorinda shrugged. She didn't mind going there she supposed, Narcissa probably had errands to run.
"Excellent." Narcissa nodded. "Let us be on our way then."
"Narcissa." Lucius said goodbye, his wife kissing him lightly on the cheek.
"Lucius." She replied with a nod. While this seemed quite awkward to Dorinda, the two seemed to take it comfortably. It was not stiff in the slightest. It was almost heartfelt.
"Mother." Draco grabbed and kissed his mother's hand lightly. "Father."
"Don't be late." Lucius replied and with a nod, which Draco obviously took as a dismissal, he turned to leave.
"Thank you once again." Julian bowed his head respectfully before he followed Draco through the next door way.
"Come along Miss Potter." Narcissa gestured for the younger girl to follow her. "I thought we might do a bit of shopping, yes?"
"Whatever you wish Mrs. Malfoy." Dorinda nodded. "Might we stop at the Gringott's bank? Only I haven't brought any money with me."
"Not a problem dear, I will take care of it." Narcissa stopped in front of a beautiful masonic fireplace. It was made from a beautiful white stone and carved into it was an intricate pattern of animals of which she couldn't recognize. "I thought we might floo there."
"I'm sorry, floo?" Dorinda inquired, her eyebrows scrunched together. "I'm assuming it's a sort of transportation?"
"Your assumption is correct." Narcissa paused, Dorinda was perceptive. "You simply grab a pinch of floo powder, throw it into the fireplace, step in and in a clear voice speak of your destination."
"Might you show me first?" Dorinda asked simply. Narcissa nodded and she proceeded to go through all the steps and Dorinda smiled as the woman disappeared in a flash of green colored flames. Magic never ceased to amaze her.
"The Leaky Cauldron!" Dorinda said confidently. It was a bit warm and she could feel the soot of the fireplace gathering on her clothes but soon she came to a stop. She coughed lightly and opened her eyes and met the pleased ones of Narcissa Malfoy.
"Tergeo." Narcissa whispered as she flourished her wand. Dorinda looked down happily, she was clean once more.
"A cleaning charm?" Dorinda asked excitedly. She hadn't had the chance yet to study cleaning spells.
"Yes now we must be on our way. We mustn't be late to dinner." Narcissa turned around and ignoring the appreciative looks of the many men around the Leaky Cauldron, she stared straight ahead and headed towards the Diagon Alley entrance. "Come now Miss Potter."
"Can we go to the bookstore?" Dorinda asked just before they passed it. She looked longingly at the cases of books, Narcissa however looked straight ahead.
"Not today." Narcissa looked down at her from the corner of her eyes. "Today we have more important things to be taken care of."
"But Mrs. Malfoy?" Dorinda inquired slowly as they stopped in front of Madam Malkin's. Narcissa looked down at her, she was a tall woman.
"Miss Potter, Draco has told me that you are very intelligent. That you enjoy learning, yes?" Narcissa asked. Dorinda bit her tongue back, she knew that those exact words had not come out of Draco Malfoy's mouth, certainly not about her anyway. More like stupid know-it-all Ravenclaw.
"Of course." Dorinda answered hesitantly. She didn't know where Mrs. Malfoy was going with this.
"Excellent." Narcissa whispered. "While your visit was not planned, I intend to help you make it an intellectual one."
"By shopping?" Dorinda asked, her tone doubtful and a bit rude.
"Have you no interest in your own culture?" Narcissa wondered. Dorinda's eyes gleamed with realization. "I wish to show you the pureblood ways, starting with appropriate attire for every day."
"Oh!" Dorinda covered her mouth, embarrassed that she had not come to this conclusion sooner. "Well yes, yes of course. I'd love to learn about it!"
"Yes? Good, well lets start here then." Narcissa seemed pleased, but she didn't fully smile. She nodded her head almost imperceptibly and then waited.
"Madam Malfoy, so good to see you." Madam Malkin's door opened magically and the older woman stood off to the side, her head bowed respectfully. "And dare I?"
"Miss Dorinda Potter." Narcissa confirmed moving to the side slightly as to allow Dorinda entrance into the shop. Robes were everywhere. Dorinda had to admit that she never thought she would need robes for anything other than school.
"So good to have you here Miss Dorinda." Madam Malkin looked at her closely but her face didn't convey whatever the woman was feeling. Dorinda smiled sheepishly and looked down at her feet, clad with worn trainers. "What can I do for you two ladies today?"
"A new wardrobe." Narcissa said simply as if by just saying it, she had willed it to be. Madam Malkin nodded happily however and gestured for Dorinda to walk over to the pedestal. "Everyday robes, dress robes, under garments, dress shoes, school shoes and evening-ware."
"Right away Madam. Might as well get her fitted for her school robes as well Madam?" The older woman suggested as she set a few tape measures flying at Dorinda.
"Yes." Narcissa added shortly. Her attention long since gone from the conversation as she browsed the hanging robes. "It would do you good Miranda, if you remembered that we Malfoy's only accept the best."
"Yes of course Madam." Miranda Malkin bowed her head and set herself into work mode.
Dorinda bit her lip at the way Narcissa seemed to talk down to Madam Malkin. It wasn't derogatory in the least but it still felt a bit degrading. Mrs. Malfoy obviously held reverence in the magical community but she had already known this. She didn't know much about purebloods but she knew the Malfoy's were an ancient wizarding family, one that was rich and very influential. While not being on the most liked or friendly of lists, they were feared. Which for the most part, got them the same means to their end.
Dorinda stood as still as she could and let her thoughts run. It didn't take long to get measured but Dorinda was glad when she was able to actually move without the fear of being poked by a sharp needle. The hard part however came next, she had to sit through the next two hours of playing dress up. She didn't have to do much, just stand there as robes, dresses, shoes and even underwear were magically put and taken off of her. Ultimately what looked good was up to Narcissa, something that Dorinda was completely fine with.
She had never been able to experience shopping with an older woman, an experience she would have loved to have had with her own mother. But Narcissa was in her own way kind and very fashionable. She knew what looked good with her hair or what didn't look good with her skin tone. Dorinda had full confidence in the woman's taste. She had to admit, she was enjoying the trip much more than she had originally anticipated she would.
"I should have them fitted and ready within the week Madam Malfoy." The woman assured Narcissa, her face exhausted and delighted all at the same time. The Malfoy's were good customers.
"Can I request something?" Dorinda asked shyly. Normally she was a very blunt and confident girl but something about being around a woman of Narcissa's status, made her slightly more timid.
"As you wish." Narcissa allowed her. Dorinda asked only cause it was the money of this woman that would be paying for all of these new garments, including her request.
"Might you send a pair of robes to my sister?" Dorinda requested with a hopeful look. She wanted to desperately make it up to her beloved sister, she hadn't wished to leave her like that. But she had no doubt that Rose fitted in better with the Weasley's, much more than Julian or even herself did. "Of your own choosing Mrs. Malfoy."
"Of course." Narcissa answered, giving Dorinda an unreadable look. Dorinda however thought, that the gleam in her eyes appeared to be almost of a proud variety. "She is slightly lighter yes?" Dorinda nodded. "The red hair of your mother?" She again nodded. "Dark green of the first style we chose I suggest."
"Good choice Madam Malfoy." Madam Malkin wrote down the order. "And to where am I sending Miss Rose Potter these robes?"
"The Weasley's." Dorinda answered softly. "Same measurements only about half an inch shorter I'm guessing."
"They shall be sent Miss Dorinda." Madam Malkin again bowed her head, Dorinda smiled joyfully. Rose would adore them, she was sure.
"We must be going now Miss Potter." Narcissa interjected pulling a money bag from within her robes. She quickly paid for the purchases. Dorinda didn't dare watch the exchange, she was sure it was more money than she herself would have ever paid for clothing.
"Thank you Mrs. Malfoy." Dorinda said as they walked back to the Leaky Cauldron. "I am very honored that you would take me out shopping."
"Think of it as a housewarming gift." Narcissa suggested, noting the discomfort in the girl's face. "I wouldn't wish for you to not have a delightful time while staying with us."
"I can't imagine that ever happening." Dorinda said honestly. The Malfoy's up to this point had been most hospitable.
Narcissa's eyes gleamed unreadable once more.
Once they arrived back at Malfoy manor, it was nearly time for dinner. Narcissa quickly showed Dorinda to her room before she left to dress herself for the evening. Dorinda looked down the long hallway, in which her room sat in. It reminded her of Hogwarts in the sense that there was no actually electricity, all the light came from the flickering flames of candles. Ancient tapestries hung on the walls amongst beautiful paintings of places she could only imagine. Malfoy Manor was elaborate and the halls were filled with a dark history she was sure.
She opened up the door and quickly walked in and shut it. She wanted to enjoy the moment of seeing her room for the first time, alone. She gasped. She had thought herself prepared for it but she truly hadn't been. The room was done in all black and red and had wooden mahogany walls. The bed was of the largest she had ever seen and was dressed in a silk comforter that she could practically feel caressing her skin already. A large dark wooden wardrobe stood against a wall, waiting to be filled with her new clothes. A lounging couch of black sat next to three or four filled bookcases. A grand window overlooking the never ending fields lay at the back of the room. A small table with two red cushioned chairs sat in front of the window. She couldn't wait to sit and read her books there. Not to mention finish her homework. She had a lot of catching up to do since most of the summer, her books and the rest of her belongings had been locked away.
There was a door that Dorinda was sure led to her own personal bathroom. She didn't have time to go in there and appreciate it truly before she was do at dinner. Instead, she flung herself atop her new bed and sighed contently as she sunk into all it's wonderfulness. It was more soft than she had ever imagined and the best part was, it was all hers. She could have got lost in time right there, for truly she was that comfortable. But she was of course interrupted but a moment later.
"Dorinda!" Julian's voice bled through the thick wooden door. Dorinda sighed. "It's time for dinner, come on."
"Just a moment." Dorinda snapped as she practically had to throw herself off the bed. She quickly went through her trunk, attempting to find something suitable to wear but she didn't have anything but her old Hogwarts uniform.
She debated wearing her Hogwarts sweater and skirt but decided that Draco and Julian would probably make fun of her for it. The old cut shorts and t-shirt she had on would have to do for tonight at least. Quickly she looked into the mirror and combed her fingers through her slightly tousled hair and smiled at herself. It would have to do. Annoyed, she opened her door and glared at her smiling brother.
"You look entirely too happy." Dorinda noted. Ignoring a sneering Draco just behind Julian. She felt under dressed as soon as she took in what Draco was wearing. He had black slacks and crisp white long sleeved dress shirt on. His shoes were shiny.
"You would be too if you had just rode a Pegasus." Julian promised. He himself was still clad in his worn jeans and black shirt from earlier, which made Dorinda feel slightly more comfortable. "Draco and I will have to take you out there to the stables. They are amazing. Rose would adore them."
"Where's your room at?" Dorinda asked curiously. She didn't voice the fact that she didn't think Draco wanted to take her much of anywhere, she was she he didn't even want her in his house. She of course, would just ignore his very existence.
"Just down there. This is Draco's wing." Julian informed her. Dorinda scrunched her nose up slightly, the boy had his own wing! Preposterous.
"I see." Dorinda answered, sliding out of her doorway. "Perhaps we better head down."
"Isn't this place amazing Dorinda?" Julian smiled at his sister, throwing his arm around his sister's shoulders.
"Yes." Dorinda answered shortly, not wanting to blow up Malfoy's ego any more than necessary.
"What did you do with Mrs. Malfoy?" Julian asked curiously as they began descending the staircase.
"We just had girl time." Dorinda answered ambiguously as they reached the landing. They followed Draco as he led them to the dining hall. "She is kind."
"Aren't you glad we came here?" Julian asked as they walked into the dining hall. Lucius stood off to the side. Narcissa hadn't entered the room yet. A long elegant cherry wood table sat in the middle of the room, it was set for five already.
Dorinda was indeed happy that she had chosen to go with Julian. There was nothing against the Weasley's. They were a wonderful and most kind family and she was sure that she would have had a good time staying with them. But she needed space, one thing which, The Burrow was definitely lacking in. She didn't actually care that the Malfoy's were rich and had a large manor, she could care less if they lived in a shack. But it was a nice minor detail and she felt like she could breathe hear, which was nice.
"Yes, quite glad." Dorinda finally answered as Narcissa came in. She was such a beautiful woman. Her long white blonde hair was tied back in an intricate bun. She wore a form fitting white dress that fell just above her knee. Her make up was light and there was only enough to accentuate her already fair features.
Dorinda watched as Lucius went and pulled out the chair at the left end of the table, for his wife. He waited till she sat before he pushed her chair in and walked over to his seat at the other end of the table but he did not sit. Her eyes met Draco's as he offered his hand to her. His face was cold and his eyes a harsh gray. Not wanting to be rude, she took his surprisingly warm hand and let him lead her over to the only chair on the left side of the table. He helped her take her seat and then pushed her chair in. Dorinda watched as he went and stood behind one of the two empty chairs on the right side. Julian joined him.
"Let us eat." Lucius announced, gesturing for the boys to take their seats. As soon as he said this, food appeared on their plates. It was to be a five course meal she assumed by the salad that was currently present.
The Malfoy's did not speak during dinner, Dorinda quickly figured out. They ate silently and in between courses, they sat silently. It wasn't uncomfortable and Dorinda didn't mind as she wasn't sure what they could all possibly have in common. But she kind of missed the loud discussions that had happened that very morning at the Weasley's table. It was quite a different atmosphere. Lost in her thoughts she managed to accidentally spill her pumpkin juice.
"Oh, sorry!" Dorinda quickly apologized, standing up quickly to clean it up before it spread.
"It's okay Miss Potter." Lucius spoke snapping his fingers. "The house-elf will get it, please sit."
A second later, a crack was heard and a very familiar face appeared, bowing lowly in his tattered pillowcase.
It was Dobby.
AN: Sadly, I didn't receive any reviews for the last chapter. Too bad. However, this chapter came out rather well I think. So hopefully you might spare a moment for a quick review? The next chapter will be the final one before they return to Hogwarts. Enjoy.
Mettea