Chapter 3: The Perfect Princess

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Sunlight streamed through the high windows of Malfoy Manor, casting long shadows across the marble floors. The grandiose home, with its elaborate tapestries and statues of ancient wizards, was a reflection of everything Lucius Malfoy valued—elegance, power, and legacy. Yet the true power within its walls often lay in the hands of the smallest, most delicate figure that graced its halls.

Aquila Black, as she was known to the outside world, moved with the grace of a ballerina through the manor's corridors. Her doe-like blue eyes, wide and innocent, observed everything around her, taking in every detail. Her black hair flowed like a silken curtain behind her, and her soft pink lips curved into the perfect smile that could melt hearts and sway minds. She had learned early that people responded well to beauty, and Aquila had perfected it as both a mask and a weapon.

Lucius often called her his "little princess," a term that made her smile, but also amused her. It was easy to be Lucius Malfoy's princess—easy to wrap him around her finger with a sweet smile and a gentle word. Her first memory of manipulating him was when she was five years old. She had wanted a new dress—one that Narcissa had hesitated to buy because of the extravagance. Aquila had simply taken Lucius's hand, batted her lashes, and asked in the sweetest voice if she could be his "pretty little girl in a pretty dress." Lucius had caved immediately, rushing out to buy not one, but three dresses.

From that moment on, she knew she had power. And she adored it.

Aquila's life at Malfoy Manor was one of comfort and adoration. Lucius, who prided himself on maintaining control in every aspect of his life, was powerless when it came to her. He would go out of his way to fulfill her smallest whims, often to the secret amusement of Narcissa, who enjoyed watching her husband become putty in their daughter's hands. To Lucius, she was perfection—a pureblood beauty with the elegance and poise expected of a true lady of the Malfoy household.

Narcissa would tease him in private, her laughter soft and light as she watched Lucius rush to please "his girls," as he liked to call Aquila and Narcissa. And Narcissa herself was no stranger to Aquila's charm. Though she was always elegant and poised, Narcissa had a soft spot for her "sweet Aquila," often indulging her whims in ways even Lucius didn't.

But it was Draco who was her greatest admirer.

As Aquila entered the sitting room, she found Draco, as usual, waiting for her. He was small, barely reaching her shoulder, with platinum hair and eyes that mirrored his father's. Yet where Lucius was stern, Draco was soft—always eager to please his big sister. She saw herself reflected in his wide, adoring eyes.

"There you are!" Draco said excitedly as she entered the room. He was holding out a small, neatly wrapped package. "I saved up my pocket money all month for this."

Aquila's eyes lit up, her lips curving into a smile as she took the gift. "Draco, you didn't have to…"

Draco beamed, his cheeks flushing pink. "I wanted to. Open it!"

Carefully, Aquila unwrapped the package, revealing a delicate silver bracelet adorned with tiny emerald stones. She let out a delighted gasp, and Draco's face glowed with pride.

"It's beautiful," she said, slipping it onto her wrist. "Thank you, Draco. I'll wear it every day."

Draco's eyes shone with happiness. "I'm glad you like it. You deserve the best."

Aquila leaned down and kissed his cheek. "And you are the sweetest little brother anyone could ever ask for."

It was true—Draco adored her, and he had ever since they were young. Aquila had taken on the role of his protector, guiding him, softening the edges that his father's stern discipline often caused. Draco, in return, had grown into the perfect little brother—devoted, kind, and loyal to her above all else.

When Aquila had gone to Hogwarts for her first two years, Draco had been devastated. He had cried when she left, clinging to her as if the world would end without her presence. Aquila, for her part, had soothed him, promising to bring back gifts from Hogwarts whenever she returned for holidays. And she did. Every time she came home, she brought back enchanted trinkets and magical toys, each one chosen carefully to delight him. Draco's joy was genuine, and seeing him so happy made her feel something close to affection—though it was always tempered by the knowledge that even the strongest bonds were tools to be used.

Draco's admiration wasn't just useful; it was a comfort. His loyalty would ensure that he stood by her side no matter what.

Now, as Aquila twirled the bracelet on her wrist, she thought back to the day's events in Diagon Alley. Meeting Harry Potter had been… unexpected. She hadn't known what to expect of the famous Boy Who Lived, but he was nothing like she'd imagined. The way he carried himself, the way he spoke—everything about him radiated a sense of control and confidence. It was like meeting a prince from a fairytale, but one with shadows lurking behind his eyes.

And she liked that.

She made her way down the hall to Narcissa's private sitting room, knowing she needed to plant the seed. Her mother looked up as she entered, her eyes lighting up as Aquila approached.

"There's my darling," Narcissa said, reaching out to touch her daughter's cheek. "You've been gone all day. What has kept you so busy?"

Aquila put on her best excited expression, her eyes wide and bright as she took a seat beside her mother. "Oh, Mother, I met someone today in Diagon Alley." She clasped her hands together, leaning forward slightly as if sharing a secret. "Someone very interesting."

Narcissa's eyebrow arched, a smile playing on her lips. "Oh? And who might this interesting person be?"

"Harry Potter," Aquila whispered, as if it were the most thrilling thing she had ever said. "He was like… like a prince out of a story. Tall, handsome, and so—" she paused, feigning a dreamy sigh, "—so charming."

Narcissa's smile widened, her eyes twinkling. "Harry Potter, you say? The Boy Who Lived?"

Aquila nodded eagerly. "He's going to be in Slytherin. I just know it." She paused, letting her voice take on a softer, more wistful tone. "Mother, he's different. Not like anyone I've ever met."

Narcissa's expression softened, and she gave her daughter a knowing look. "Is that so, my dear? It sounds like you've found yourself quite a catch."

Aquila blushed, looking down shyly, though a secret, devious smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "He's not mine… yet." She let the words hang, savoring the thrill of the game.

Narcissa laughed softly. "Oh, my little Aquila, you truly are growing up. It's only a matter of time, isn't it?" She leaned in, her tone conspiratorial. "Does your father know?"

Aquila shook her head, her voice playful. "Not yet. But you know how he gets."

"Oh, I do," Narcissa replied with a grin. "He'll be watching this Harry Potter closely now."

And that's exactly what Aquila wanted. She knew that Narcissa would be intrigued enough to observe Harry, and Lucius, as protective as he was, would be compelled to investigate. It was a game—a delightful game, and Aquila planned to enjoy every moment of it.

Dinner that evening was a lavish affair, as always. The Malfoy dining table, set with the finest silver and crystal, glittered under the chandelier's soft light. Aquila sat between Draco and Narcissa, her small, delicate form the picture of elegance. Lucius sat at the head, his eyes surveying the table like a king watching over his court.

As they ate, Narcissa brought up the topic Aquila had hoped she would.

"Aquila met someone special today," Narcissa said, a teasing smile in her eyes. "Harry Potter."

Lucius paused, his fork halfway to his mouth. "The Boy Who Lived?" he asked, his tone measured.

Draco's eyes lit up, and he turned to his sister with excitement. "You met him? Can you introduce me?"

Aquila's lips curved into a sweet smile. "Perhaps, if you behave."

Draco beamed, his face glowing with excitement, but Lucius's expression remained guarded. He placed his fork down, his eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded his daughter. "I trust he was… respectful?"

"Oh, very," Aquila replied, her voice as light and innocent as ever. "He was like a prince—polite, charming. But…" she trailed off, pretending to hesitate, "he's also different. I think he could be someone… important."

Lucius's expression darkened, and he stabbed his fork into his food a little too forcefully. "We'll see about that," he muttered. "I'll be watching this boy closely. We'll wait for him at King's Cross."

Narcissa's eyes twinkled with amusement as she watched her husband's reaction. "Oh, Lucius, must you be so severe?"

"I'm simply ensuring that our little girl is treated with the respect she deserves," Lucius replied, his voice sharp but protective.

Aquila smiled sweetly. "I know you will, Father."

But beneath her sweet demeanor, her mind was turning. She loved them all—Draco, Narcissa, and even Lucius. They had given her everything she could ever want, and they adored her. But sometimes… sometimes she found them boring. Draco was easy to manipulate; Narcissa was endlessly indulgent. And Lucius, despite his authority, was like a puppet on her strings.

No. She wanted more.

Her thoughts drifted to Harry, his piercing green eyes, and the darkness that lurked behind his calm exterior. He was different—dangerous. And Aquila liked dangerous things.

As dinner continued, she let her thoughts linger on him, her lips curving into a secretive smile. Harry Potter wasn't hers yet. But he would be. She would charm him, manipulate him, and eventually, he would belong to her.

Because for someone as ambitious as Aquila Black, no one was truly out of reach. Not even the Boy Who Lived.

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Hey everyone, i hope you're doing well, this chapter details Aquila's life, and how vastly it differs from Harry's, i also hope you like what I've done with the malfoy's, ( particularly Lucius and Draco ) i feel them being softened will benefit the story as a whole, i would love to hear what you all think of it! Thank you all so much for the support and God bless you!