SHE'S A MALFOY

THIRTY-TWO

As the eventful year at Hogwarts drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the unexpected turn my life had taken. Departing from the enchanting halls of Beauxbatons to embrace the ancient stone walls of Hogwarts had initially been a daunting transition, but as I bid farewell to my beloved school for the summer, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of contentment.

Just then, my dear brother Draco, with his characteristic air of aristocratic nonchalance, summoned a house-elf to assist with our luggage. The elf, an eager creature with a tea towel draped over its arm, appeared with a bow.

"Allow me," it squeaked in a voice that carried all the pride and dedication of house-elves in service.

Draco, casting a sidelong glance at me, said, "They may be a tad overenthusiastic, but they do get the job done."

Draco nodded at their job, a flicker of understanding in his eyes, and we continued our leisurely stroll in the direction of the carriages. "Are you prepared to depart, Luna?" I ask her.

Gazing at the surreal landscape of the Hogwarts grounds one last time, I turned to my ethereal friend, Luna, her silvery eyes reflecting the whimsical spirit she so often carried. "While I revel in your company, I too find myself yearning for the comforts of my own home and the presence of my father," She responded, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

A sardonic voice chimed in from behind us, announcing its owner's arrival. "Well, I, for one, cannot contain my anticipation to be distanced from all of you," Blaise Zabini declared, strolling over with a wry grin.

Adrian Pucey, never one to let an opportunity for banter pass him by, chimed in. "I dare say, Blaise, I share your sentiments entirely."

Draco, always the one to offer a touch of gravitas, interjected with a sly smile. "And I'd love to echo those sentiments, but, unfortunately, Mr. Zabini has become an almost permanent fixture in our abode," he quipped, casting a glance in Evan Rosier's direction, who nodded in amused agreement.

Blaise, ever the dramatic soul, couldn't resist a chance to play the wounded party. "Hey! Who's going to entertain your boredom and fill your life with happiness if I'm not around?"

Pansy, rolling her eyes at his theatrics, shot back, "Oh, Blaise, darling, certainly not you." Her retort was accompanied by a melodramatic flourish of her hand, and the air was filled with the banter and camaraderie that was typical of our Hogwarts days.

Draco, always quick with a witty remark, chimed in, "Well, Pansy, without Blaise, we'll just have to settle for dull, ordinary happiness." The group laughed, their voices echoing through the platform.

As we made our way toward the train, our laughter and playful banter filled the air, reminiscent of the camaraderie that defined our days at Hogwarts. We embarked on the train, eager to find a vacant compartment where we could continue our friendly exchanges and relive the magical moments of our past.

Back at the station...

"Welcome home, my dears," our mother greeted us with a wide and warm smile as we stepped into the grand entrance hall of our ancestral manor. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the ancient stone walls, giving the place an air of mystery.

"It's nice to be back, Mother," Draco replied, his aristocratic accent thickening as he spoke. Mother embraced him delicately, her eyes brimming with affection.

I, too, felt a sense of nostalgia as I gazed around the familiar surroundings. "Indeed, it feels like an eternity since we last roamed these halls."

Mother turned her attention to me, her gaze filled with maternal concern. "And how are you, dear? School must have been quite challenging."