Chapter Text
The first time Draco saw Astoria Greengrass was during the Christmas holidays of his second year at Hogwarts. The Greengrass family was holding a ‘winter celebration’ at their house- they were reluctant to call it a ‘Christmas celebration’ because they held the notion that Christmas celebrations were far too influenced by ‘muggle sensibilities’, a common belief among pureblood families.
In regards to Purebloods, it was the unspoken expectation that with an invitation to any of their houses, they would be assured that only fellow Purebloods would be invited. Thus, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy found it appropriate to accept the invitation: much to Draco’s annoyance.
“Why do I have to go!” He whined to his mother as she slipped a silver clasp adorned with clear crystals into her silky two-toned hair.
“Draco, we’ve discussed this before! It is prudent that you have good connections to the right sort of people. You and others your age must influence each other to stay on the good path in life- god forbid we have anymore blood-traitors running around with their ‘proggressive’ muggle-loving views.” Narcissa scolded lightly.
Draco scowled, thinking of that detestable Weasley kid that followed Harry Potter, his arch nemesis, everywhere- like a particularly repulsive lapdog.
“That’s true. Alright, I’ll go, if it would please you Mother.” Draco scoffed.
“Good boy, Draco.” Narcissa cooed.
…
Draco entered the Greengrass estate, noting with a condescending glance that Malfoy Manor was far more grand. The Greengrass family seemed to take their family name quite literally, their white-bricked house surrounded by lush, shiny vegetation. How quaint.
The theme didn’t stop there- once inside it’s marbled halls, Draco was assaulted by the many greenery that climbed the walls and overflowed from intricate black vases. He could have sworn one of the unnaturally-vibrant vines reached out to touch him. Disgusting.
“It looks like the Herbology classroom threw up in here.” Draco remarked with snark dripping like venom from his voice.
Lucius elbowed him sharply, eliciting an indignant ‘ow!’ from his lips.
“Behave, Draco.” He chided coldly.
“It’s not like anyone heard me- OW!” His protests were cut off by another dig to the ribs.
“It does not do well to offend respectable people, Draco. A good reputation among the elite is almost as valuable as money.” He lectured slowly, like he was bored.
Draco did not see how it mattered whether people liked him or not when his blood was as pure as anyone could desire, and his family had all the power and money a wizard living in these times could hope for. But he only glared silently, fearing another painful punishment for his ‘insolence’.
Finally, they reached the double doors of the ballroom, which were, surprise surprise, green.
Narcissa Malfoy smoothed down her black and blonde hair which had been magically curled to perfection, completely in her element. Social events were her speciality and duty as the wife of a Malfoy.
“Lucius, we should approach the Greengrasses first to thank them for their hospitality.” Narcissa proposed in a business-like manner, followed by a curt nod from her husband.
“And, Draco, you would do well to talk to the eldest Greengrass daughter, I believe she is in your year at school.” Narcissa advised.
She was referring to Daphne Greengrass, a slytherin girl who he rarely spoke to and had no particular interest in. It would seem she had no particular interest in him either, or interest in anything at all. She seemed indifferent to everything; a bored, slightly irritated expression never leaving her face.
“Fine.” Draco agreed, rolling his eyes.
His parents took one gold door knob in their hands each, and opened the doors in unison, striding in with poised pride.
The Malfoy family had made their entrance.