My mother's house wasn't anything fancy, but for me it was incredible. Finally, somewhere to call home, a place where I could tell people I spent my holidays. I rushed to the front door, knocking excitedly. The door opened and my mother stood in front of me. Her hazel eyes widened in happiness when she saw me.
"Scarlet!" She said, throwing her arms around me tightly.
I stepped back, studying her, "Your hair changed,"
"I change it up every now and then," She laughed.
Her previously hot pink hair was now the same shade as mine, a pale pastely pink. She looked like me. She looked like my mother.
"Oh, I just can't believe we finally get to be a family," She sniffed, pulling me into another bone breaking hug.
I laughed shakily, "I can't believe I finally have a family,"
"I just want you to know that what your father and I did, we did to protect you. We hated doing it, and we hated ourselves for doing it. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, you were my baby girl, and I missed you growing up," She sobbed.
"Shhh, mum, don't cry," I sniffed, my eyes watering, "Lets go inside,"
She nodded, leading me inside, into the living room. It was so... homey. My heart leapt.
"Actually, lets go see your room," She smiled, wiping her eyes.
My heart skipped a beat, "I have... I have... A room?"
"I always planned for you to have this room," She said, leading me up a short flight of stairs.
She pushed open a white door, revealing where I was to sleep. A place to truly call my own.
"I know it's not much..." Mum trailed off.
"It's perfect," I whispered.
I had a built in cupboard, a king single bed covered with colourful rugs and pillows and a desk with a lamp in the corner. It didn't matter how empty it was, because it was mine.
"How did you and Dad meet?" I asked.
Mum sighed, "I wish I could give you some huge romantic love story, but I'm afraid it wasn't like that,"
"It wasn't?" I frowned.
She sighed, "I like to think it could have gone somewhere if we didn't get so caught up in our work for the Order. We hooked up at graduation, resulting in you. We both loved you so much, but our duties to fight the Dark Lord would have hurt you, even if we stopped working for Dumbledore."
"How romantic," I said sarcastically.
Mum laughed, "I would go back and do it all again, if it meant I had you,"
"Tell me about being a Metamorphmagus," I smiled.
She laughed, "I didn't exactly use it to help people. I used to cause trouble at school wearing other people's faces, making sure that people I hated got detention,"
"God, there are a lot of people I should o do that too," I sniggered.
My mum laughed, "People started getting suspicious though, and I made the mistake of using someone's face while they were in detention. Then the teachers caught on."
I burst into a fit of giggles at the idea of McGonagall lecturing a twelve year old, purple haired, Nymphadora Tonks.
Mum smiled, "I still did it a lot after that, so every time someone was in trouble, they always asked where I was."
There was a loud knock on the door.
"Ah, that must be your father," Mum smiled.
Snape rushed inside, covered in snow.
"Dad!" I smiled, hugging him.
"Are you ready yet?" He asked.
"Ready for what?" I frowned.
Dad sighed, exasperated, "Really Nymphadora?"
"Sorry, I didn't expect you to be here early," She said.
"Seven means seven," Dad groaned.
"Scarlet, there's a dress and coat in the closet, your father is taking you to dinner with his friends." Mum said.
"Are you coming?" I asked, taking in her leggings and oversized hoodie.
Mum shook her head, "I have no incentive to see my dear uncle, aunt and cousin,"
"Who are they?" I asked.
"The Malfoys," Mum hissed.
"THE MALFOYS?" I growled, glaring at my father.
"Lucius and Narcissa are old friends. And I promise, you'll enjoy Draco's company when his parents are around." Dad said.
"Fine," I grumbled, trudging upstairs, "But we're spending Christmas Eve as a family!"
"Always the plan! That's not going to change," Mum called.
I came downstairs ten minutes later. The dress was gorgeous, not my style, but pretty nonetheless. I guess Dad wanted to make a good impression on the Malfoys. It was a blush pink, off the shoulder dress, that finish above the knee. The coat I was wearing was ice white, with fake fur on the inside and around the neck.
"We'll be back soon," My dad said, as I hugged Mum goodbye.
I grabbed my Dad's hand as we apparated away.
Malfoy Manor lived up to it's name. It was like a giant castle, with endless grounds and gardens.
"No wonder he's a spoiled brat," I mumbled to myself.
My Dad cracked a smile, "Behave Scarlet, please,"
"I'll try," I sighed.
We walked through the front gate, knocking on the huge oak doors. They were opened seconds later by a well dressed blonde woman, I assumed to be Malfoy's mother.
"Cissy," Dad said, hugging her.
"Severus," She smiled, "This must be Scarlet, I presume?"
I stepped forward, shaking her hand, "Pleasure to meet you Mrs Malfoy,"
"Oh, please dear, it's Narcissa," She turned to my Dad, "Nymphadora has chosen not to come?"
"You know how she is," Dad sighed.
"She's stubborn, like her mother," Narcissa said stiffly, "Oh you two must be freezing, come inside,"
She led us into a foyer, talking our coats.
"Draco, they've arrived," She called, turning to me, "You've met my son haven't you, I must apologise for him, he's a bit of a baby,"
"Mother," I heard Malfoy whine as he came down the main staircase, "I am not!"
"Proving my point, once again," She smiled at me.
Malfoy wailed indignantly, "I can still hear you!"
"Oh we know," I smirked.
"Hello Scarlet," He scowled.
Narcissa scolded him instantly, "She is a guest, apologise for your tone right now!"
"But.."
"Draco Lucius Malfoy!" She demanded.
"I'm sorry Scarlet," He said through gritted teeth.
We all went to the dining room, where a magnificent three course dinner was served. The best part of my night was every time Malfoy glared at me, his mother scolded him.
"Just stop glaring at her Draco," Mr Malfoy sighed, "It's not that hard,"
Malfoy rolled his eyes, "I'm sorry Scarlet,"
"Sorry for what?" Narcissa scowled.
"I'm not three mother! I don't need this from you!" He groaned.
Narcissa continued to glare at him, "You're acting like a brat, so clearly you do."
"But mum!" He whined, "Scarlet keeps laughing at me,"
"You're acting like a baby, of course she's going to laugh at you. Imagine what your friends would think of you behaving like this!" Narcissa said.
Malfoy quietened down.
"Thank you so much," I said, hugging Narcissa goodbye.
"My pleasure dear," She replied, "Draco, give Scarlet a hug,"
"I'm good," I said, as Malfoy said, "Why?"
"Shake her hand then Draco," Narcissa said, "Be a gentleman,"
Malfoy stumbled forward (his mum pushed him) clasping onto my hand, and attempting to crush it while shaking it. I smiled in response, squeezing his hand tightly, making him wince and release my hand.
"Ready to go?" Dad asked.
I nodded, I was ready to go home and be with my family.