Chapter 21: Silver and shadows

The first thing I noticed about Malfoy Manor was how quiet it was. Not the peaceful kind of quiet like the library, but a heavy, watchful silence that pressed in on my chest the moment Draco and I stepped through the iron gates. The manor rose before us in pale stone and sharp lines, elegant and intimidating all at once. I tightened my grip on Draco’s hand without realizing it. He squeezed back immediately. “You’re alright,” he murmured, leaning just slightly toward me. “I’ve got you.” I nodded, though my heart was already racing. Meeting Draco’s parents was terrifying enough on its own. Meeting them as a muggle born, one his father had very strong opinions about, made it worse. The doors opened before we could knock. “Narcissa,” Draco said quietly, straightening. She stood in the entrance hall, tall and composed, her pale blonde hair perfectly styled, her posture graceful in a way that felt effortless. For a moment, her cool grey eyes assessed me, and I braced myself. Then she smiled. Not a polite, empty smile, but a real one. “So this is Melody,” she said softly, her voice smooth and warm in a way I had not expected. “Draco has told me so much about you.” Draco blinked, clearly surprised. “I have?” She gave him a knowing look before turning back to me. “Come in, dear. You must be freezing.” I barely had time to process the relief flooding through me before she stepped forward and gently placed a hand on my arm, guiding me inside. The entrance hall was grand, with marble floors, high ceilings, and soft candlelight, but her presence somehow made it feel less intimidating. “Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy,” I said quietly. “Narcissa,” she corrected kindly. “Please.” Draco glanced at me, a small smile tugging at his lips, as if to say see. Then the temperature dropped. Lucius Malfoy stood near the fireplace, his back straight, his cane resting lightly in one hand. He turned slowly, pale eyes sharp and assessing as they landed on me. Unlike Narcissa, there was no warmth in his expression, only calculation. “So,” he said coolly. “This is the girl.” Draco’s hand tightened around mine. “Father.” Lucius’s gaze flicked to our joined hands, and something unreadable passed across his face. “I had expected something different.” Narcissa’s head snapped toward him. “Lucius.” “What?” he replied smoothly. “Am I not allowed to observe?” I swallowed, forcing myself to stand straighter. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Malfoy,” I said, my voice steady despite the way my stomach twisted. His lips thinned. “You’re muggle born.” It was not a question. The silence that followed was suffocating. “Yes,” I said quietly. “I am.” Draco stepped half a pace closer to me, his voice firm. “And that will not be a problem.” Lucius raised an eyebrow. “You speak boldly.” “I speak honestly,” Draco replied. “Melody is intelligent, kind, and stronger than most witches I know. Her blood status changes none of that.” Narcissa moved to stand beside me then, her presence unmistakably protective. “She makes you happy,” she said simply, looking at her husband. “I can see it.” Lucius scoffed lightly. “Happiness is a luxury, Narcissa.” “And love is not,” she replied coolly. “Especially not where our son is concerned.” Her hand rested gently on my shoulder, and the simple gesture nearly undid me. Lucius studied me for a long moment, his gaze sharp and uncomfortable. I felt exposed, measured, and found wanting, but I refused to look away. “Do not expect this house to change for you,” he said finally. “I would not dream of it,” I replied softly. “I only want to stand beside Draco.” Draco looked at me then, something fierce and tender in his eyes. Lucius turned away without another word, dismissing the conversation as if it were beneath him. The moment he was gone, I let out a breath I had not realized I was holding. Narcissa smiled at me again, this time gently squeezing my shoulder. “You did very well, Melody. He is not an easy man.” “Thank you,” I said, my voice thick. “For everything.” She leaned in slightly. “Anyone who loves my son the way you do is welcome here, no matter what anyone else believes.” Draco wrapped an arm around my waist, pressing a soft kiss to my temple. “Told you,” he whispered. As we stood there, caught between silver elegance and deep shadows, I realized something important. Lucius Malfoy might never accept me. But Narcissa had. And Draco had chosen me anyway. For now, that was enough.