The grand Malfoy Manor was much busier than normal.
Today, Lucius was impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit as he sat at the long wooden table inside his drawing room.
Narcissa sat next to him. She had styled her blonde hair in a perfect chignon while wearing an emerald green robe.
On the other side was Draco. Just like his father, Draco has put on the same black suit. It was, in fact, made at the same time as Lucius ordered his suit so that father and son could dress the same.
Lucius glanced at the clock, seeing the hand closing at eight o'clock.
They should be here now.
He looked at the fireplace and waited for any change.
Anytime now.
Unconsciously, Lucius was tapping his cane on the floor to relieve the nervousness that grasped him. The cane itself was coated in shiny black lacquer, and at the top of the stick was a silver snake's head, which had green crystal eyes. The snake's head was actually the handle of his wand, which was hidden inside the stick.
Suddenly, a flicker of emerald green light erupted within the fireplace, swirling and twisting like a miniature tornado.
Finally, they were here.
Lucius remained seated, waiting for the people to materialize.
Then it happened. The floo network had delivered its passengers. It was a family of four. A man and a woman, both dressed just like the Malfoys' adults. From just their attire, one could guess that they were from a rich, respected family. Accompanied by the two were two girls.
"Tiberius," Lucius got up and greeted the man by extending his hand.
"It's good to see you again." The man, Tiberius Greengrass, returned the handshake with a firm grip.
"Lucius," he replied, his voice carrying the weight of a man used to taking charge. "Thank you for seeing us on such short notice."
Then he turned to his wife, and Tiberius introduced her. "My wife, Cressida."
Cressida Greengrass, a woman with a warm smile and kind eyes, leaned forward to embrace Narcissa. "Narcissa, it's been too long!" she exclaimed.
Narcissa responded with a polite hug. "Cressida," she said, returning the same warm smile.
Tiberius then gestured towards his daughters, who stood a bit behind him. "And these are Daphne and Astoria."
"Daphne," Narcissa acknowledged, her gaze lingering for a moment. "I believe you and Draco are in the same year at Hogwarts, aren't you?"
Daphne stepped forward. She had the same shade of black hair as her mother. She offered a small smile and confirmed Narcissa with a simple nod. Indeed, as Narcissa said, she was the same year as Draco, and in fact, she was also in the Slytherin House.
Narcissa then moved toward the next daughter.. "And you, dear," she reached out to pat Astoria's head, "are you a beautiful girl?"
Unlike her sister Daphne and her mother Cressida, Astoria possessed her father's striking black hair. Standing next to Daphne, the two looked completely opposite. Daphne had this cold demeanor, while Astoria seemed shy and curious. But the most striking thing about the youngest girl was her fragile frame.
After the greetings between the two families, Lucius gestured them towards the grand dining room. "Why don't we all make ourselves comfortable? Dinner will be served shortly."
As the Greengrasses followed their lead, Tiberius kept looking around as if searching for something or someone. This behaviour did not escape Lucius. The latter slowed down his steps until he was walking next to Tiberius.
Licius then whispered, "The dark Lord will be here soon."
Upon hearing Lucius' words, Tiberius Greengrass was now sure of one thing. The rumor that has just died down was, in fact, true. The dark Lord Voldemort has really returned.
The previous day, Tiberius Greengrass had received a letter from Lucius Malfoy inviting the whole Greengrass family to dinner. At first, Tiberius found it bizarre. There was no enmity between the two families, but neither were they friends.
Then, upon further reading, Tiberius understood the real reason.
Lucius had also mentioned in the letter that the invitation was coming from his Lord and that his Lord insisted that Tiberius come with his family and not alone.
What was the motive behind this invitation? Surely the dark Lord was not just inviting them for dinner. And why exactly did Lord Voldemort require Tiberius to attend with his whole family?
Whatever the real motive was, Tiberius could not really deny this request.
He followed Lucius' lead, taking his seat together with the other at the grand mahogany table.
Narcissa, sensing the shift in mood, called out softly, "Manny," and with a silent pop, a house elf materialized beside her chair.
Narcissa ordered, "Bring the dinner now."
"Yes, Mistress Narcissa," Manny bowed and immediately obeyed. With a snap of her bony fingers, a magnificent display of food appeared on the table.
Platters laden with roasted peacock, succulent steaks, bowls overflowing with fresh vegetables, and a steaming creamy soup were among the foods that Narcissa decided on for this dinner. Instantly, the room was filled with the delicious aroma coming from all the foods.
"Please," Lucius gestured towards the plates, inviting the Greengrass family to begin.
Narcissa served Cressida a generous helping of peacock, while Draco leaned across the table to fill Astoria's plate with a mountain of mashed potatoes, earning a shy smile from the younger girl.
As they began eating, the clinking of silverware filled the room. It felt quite awkward with no one talking and making sure they were eating with the best table etiquette.
Trying to break the anxiety, Lucius started a conversation. "Tiberius, how are things faring in the Greengrass enterprises these days?"
Tiberius placed his fork down with a soft clink. "Ah, flourishing, Lucius," he replied, a touch of pride coloring his tone. "We recently opened our first shop in Russia, marking our presence in over twenty-five countries now."
Lucius was impressed. It was no surprise that Tiberius was among the most successful businessmen worldwide. "Impressive. You've always been a wise businessman, Tiberius. Speaking of business..."
Lucius stopped as the sound of clapping invaded the room.
He was here.