Time flew by as the week was over before you knew it. Viktor had taught you how to ski properly on the side of a gorgeous mountain. Once you had reached the bottom you conjured up steaming cups of coffee and started a fire as Viktor made a snow fort and started a snowball fight. Falling into his arms you wished you could spend the rest of the break with Viktor in his brother’s cabin in the mountains. As much as you tried to forget what awaited you at the Malfoy’s manor, you couldn’t. You dreaded walking into the large foyer and dreaded even more the formal dinners and meetings that were held every night. You knew the talks would center on Draco’s gaining power and prestige as everyone readied for one of the most important pairings in pureblood history between your two families. You also knew that talks would center around what was to happen next once Potter was of age and how he would be dealt with. You dreaded even worse knowing what would happen to one of your closest friends.
Your last morning you awoke to find a note on the pillow next to you and a crystallized lily lying on top of it. You brought the lily to your face, inhaling deeply, as you unfolded the letter expecting it to be from Viktor.
Daphne
You will be at the manor by high noon for dinner this evening.
And for your own sake I suggest you comply for once.
Bring along your friend.
Draco
“Great,” you said aloud crumpling the paper into bits. You glanced at the clock and realized you only had a couple of hours before you had to leave. You skipped your shower, changing into a button-up green blouse, dark blue jeans, and knee high, black leather boots. You practically ran out of the room calling Viktor’s name in search for him.
“Whoa, whoa, what’s wrong?” Viktor asked getting off of the counter to wrap you in a hug, which you gladly returned.
“I’ve got to go today,” you said burying your face into his neck inhaling the sweet smell of his cologne. “I just wanted to spend more time with you alone before we had to leave.”
“What do you mean we?” Viktor asked holding you at arms length, searching your face for answers.
“I mean I got a letter this morning reminding me to go “home,” like I could forget, and it said specifically that you were to come along,” you replied matter of factly. “I don’t really think that you have a choice either way,” you added biting your lip. “I feel horrible getting you all mixed up into this.”
“Don’t feel horrible, you have no control over this from what you’ve told me. It’s not like you picked this for yourself. Besides I’m a member of the club, remember?” Viktor held up his arm showing off his Dark Mark, laughing.
“This is serious!” you exclaimed astonished that he could make jokes about what was about to happen. “You don’t know what they can do.”
“Yes I do,” he replied seriously, walking back towards you and looking into your blue eyes. “What most people don’t know, and what I managed to keep away from Skeeter, was where I spent last year.” You gave him a curious glance as he continued. “I have to joke about things to keep from going back to the things they made me do. The pain, the suffering, the torture…I hate myself for the things I’ve done.” You immediately walked back into Viktor’s arms wishing all of his fears and sadness would disappear as you imagined squeezing it all out of him. It seemed like an eternity before he broke your embrace with a passionate, toe-curling kiss that lasted just as long.
The last hour was spent joking and teasing one another as you attempted to repack your trunk and clean up the cabin. By noon your clothes were packed and you were as ready as you were going to be to leave the small, cozy cabin. You gave the small living room one last look around as you stepped into the fireplace holding tight to Viktor’s hand. Within seconds you were picking yourself up off of the floor in a surprisingly informal sitting room. Luckily no one was present as Viktor helped you dust the soot off of your sweater.
“Accio trunk!” You smiled as Viktor shook his head and threw his hands up in the air. “I need my clothes, you don’t understand!” you replied attempting to ease the tension in the air. You gave him another long kiss and grabbed his hand before leading him down a hall and into another sitting room.
The room had a fire to add heat and light to the otherwise darkly decorated room. Bookcases full of books lined one wall while weaponry was placed on the wall around the fireplace. Several armchairs were placed around a small table near two small loveseats. Narcissa Malfoy, who was in deep conversation with Bellatrix, occupied the armchair closest to the fire. As you walked in Bellatrix looked up and smiled one of her most condescending smiles almost willing you to say something. You kept your mouth shut as you pulled Viktor deeper into the room as you made your way toward Lucius and Draco.
“Daphne how good of you to join us,” Lucius drawled making a face at your attire. “Draco take Daphne to her rooms and leave Krum here with me.” You opened your mouth to protest as your eyes moved to find Draco. A miniscule shake of his head stopped your rebuttal.
“Yes sir,” you managed to spit out through clenched teeth as Draco rose from his chair. You gave Viktor a sympathetic look as he took Draco’s seat and gave you a reassuring smile.
You silently followed behind Draco as he brought you up the stairs and down green-carpeted hallway toward your bedroom. Draco opened the door and allowed you to step in before he followed and closed the door. You breathed in the sweet smell of your perfume that was all around the room as your eyes roamed to ensure everything was in its rightful place.
“What’s this for?” you asked moving towards your bed to finger a gold evening gown that was splayed across your blue comforter.
“What do you think?” Draco asked sitting on the edge of your bed looking bored. You were sure he resented the fact that he was upstairs with you when there were more pressing matters at hand. “We are having guests for dinner and you are expected to be there, don’t play stupid,” he added. “Of course you are expected to be on your best behavior and to play nice, if you can’t handle this I suggest you make a potion to ensure you will.” You glared at Draco as you walked past him, throwing the dress to the ground, and slammed the bathroom door. There was at least one place he couldn’t follow you…
Drying off after a long shower, you unlocked the bathroom door and peeked out to make sure Draco was gone. You emerged with a towel wrapped around your head and another around your body. You attempted to pull on a pair of panties and stockings while walking; resulting in near falls and tumbles. Your hands dropped to your sides as you found the dress back on your bed, a pair of gorgeous, strappy gold heels lying next to it, and a crystallized lily.
