Squib On The Run (sequel to Squib In The basement)

22. Snakey Birthday

On the 1st full day of the summer holidays, the Malfoys held a belated birthday party for Draco, since his real birthday fell towards the end of the school term.
Cassiopeia was suprised to recieve an invitation to this event, since she hadn't heard from the Malfoys in several weeks. And she was rather nervous about the party, since this was the first time Draco was going to see her in his own home.
She knew that if she misbehaved at the Malfoy Manor, she wouldn't get invited back, and she might never be able to see Draco again.

Since she wanted to put her best foot forward, Cassiopeia asked to borrow one of Narcissa's evening gowns, so that she would look the part.
She didn't own many clothes, due to living on the streets for so long, which meant that Draco had never seen her at her best. And for one night, Cassiopeia wanted to look like the godmother that Draco deserved.
Being a pure-blood wasn't something Cassiopeia normally thought much about, but that night, she knew she had to play the role she usually hated.

"You don't look as hideous as usual" commented Lucius, as Cassiopeia entered the drawing room, in a stunning green gown.
From the look on his face, Cassiopeia could tell that he was being forced to be nice to her by Narcissa. And she knew she would have to do the same.
"Thank you Lucius. It's nice to have an event like this to dress up for" admitted Cassiopeia, as she sat down on the sofa across from Lucius.
"If we'd have known you were alive, we would have invited you to join us years ago. We wouldn't have cared that you were on the run from the law" replied Lucius.
"Your hospitality is greatly appreciated at this time, and I agree that it is a shame that we couldn't have done this in the past" said Cassiopeia through gritted teeth.

"Draco will be so pleased to see us all getting along like a real family" smiled Narcissa.
"I'm sure he will... Where is the birthday boy?" Asked Cassiopeia.
"He should be down in a few minutes. He doesn't know you are going to be here through, as I wanted to leave it as a suprise. I told him he has a suprise gift, but he doesn't know it's you" answered Narcissa.
"Well, I hope he's not disappointed that I'm not a new broomstick or an exotic pet"
"Draco could never be disappointed by your appearance, for he loves spending time with you"
"I guess we'll have to wait and see".

Draco entered the room a couple of moments later, in a velvet green suit. And his eye's bulged open when he saw Cassiopeia.
"Cass! What are you doing here?" He questioned.
"I'm here to wish you a happy birthday of course, little dragon" answered Cassiopeia.
"But you're here, at my house, with both of my parents. I didn't think you would ever do that" admitted Draco, as his eyes flicked to his father.
"Well, people can change, and do things that had once seemed impossible to them".

"Father, are you O.K with this?" Asked Draco.
"I've always known since the beginning, that your mother was visiting Cassiopeia behind my back. And since I didn't have a problem with it, I decided that the two of them could meet here from now on. The three of us have actually been meeting up regularly for months now" replied Lucius, bending the truth slightly.
"But I thought that you didn't see eye to eye with Cass" said Draco, as he raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"You're right about that. But we have spent the past few months putting our differences aside, and trying to get along".

Draco looked away from his father and walked over to where Cassiopeia was sat.
"Are you really alright being here? I know you hate my father, for reasons you won't say. But if you are being forced to be here, then let me know, and I will help get you out" whispered Draco.
Cassiopeia smiled, and placed her hand around Draco's face, "You're such a brave boy".
"You know I would protect you if you were in danger" replied Draco.
"I know. But I promise I'm not in any danger. Your mother just decided that we should spend some together as a family, instead of the three of meeting up behind your father's back all the time" lied Cassiopeia, as she lowered her arm.

"And I was right, wasn't I? It is much nicer, the 4 of us hanging out as a real, happy family. There is no more sneaking around any more. From now on, we do things together" smiled Narcissa.
"Even with Cass being here, we are not exactly a very big family though" commented Draco.
Cassiopeia held back a chuckle.
"Just because we are not a large family like the Weasleys, it doesn't mean there is any less love between us all" insisted Narcissa.
"Trust me, if our family was larger, there would be even less love in it" murmered Cassiopeia.
"Cass!" Hissed Narcissa.

"What do you mean?" Asked Draco curiously.
"Well, let's just say that this cosy little family gathering couldn't have happened a few years ago when your grandparents and great grandparents were still alive. As they certainly would not have wanted to see me. It's a shame they didn't die before you were born, because you really shouldn't have had to meet them, since they were all horrible people. My grandparents had no love in their hearts, and they kicked out anyone who was a decent human being. Our large family get togethers were something to be avoided at all costs. So, it's a good thing they have all died now. This small family party is way better than all of the ones I was forced to attend as a child" revealed Cassiopeia.

"I do remember the elders of our family being rather strict" admitted Draco quietly.
"That's one word for it. Your grandmother Druella was probably the only half decent person left in our family, and that's because she wasn't born a Black, she only married into the family. But the rest of the people in our family were pretty shit" replied Cassiopeia.
"Cass!" Scolded Narcissa.
"Draco's not a small child, he's heard people swear before" reminded Cassiopeia.
"I know that. But I still don't like people swearing in my house" informed Narcissa.
"Sorry Cissy".

"Well, now that conversation is over, how about we get started on some presents" announced Narcissa.
"Good idea" agreed Lucius.
"Sure. But you know I was only telling the truth. Our family was pretty messed up" admitted Cassiopeia.
"Even if what you say about our family is true, it doesn't mean that it's true about us currently. The younger generation have the chance to learn from our mistakes, and become better people" insisted Narcissa.
Cassiopeia looked over at Draco and smiled, "Yes, they do... Now come on, start opening some presents, I want to see how much your parents have spoiled you this year".
Draco rolled his eyes, but followed Cassiopeia's instructions and climbed down onto the floor so that he could begin to open the large pile of presents on the ground.