Chapter 34. 2:

Chapter 34. 2:

...

Not all of Adam's visits to the Lovegood house consisted of Ginny interrogating him about aristocracy or trying to convince him to teach them high-society dances.

Some nights, they simply climbed up to the Lovegoods' telescope tower and watched the night sky.

It was on one of those nights that Adam, Luna, and Ginny ended up sitting on the rooftop, wrapped in blankets as they gazed at the stars.

"Mum taught me to recognise the constellations when I was little," Luna said in her usual serene tone. "Though sometimes the stars move when we're not looking."

Adam smirked slightly.

"Well, I hope they decide to stay put tonight."

Ginny, snuggled up in her own blanket, laughed.

Adam already loved the fact that she always laughed at his comments like they were the most hilarious thing in the world, even when they were absolutely terrible.

Not that he was complaining—his ego definitely appreciated it.

"Do you know which constellation I like the most?" Ginny asked suddenly.

Both Adam and Luna looked at her with curiosity.

"Orion's constellation," Ginny said. "I don't know… my mum always told me that if I ever got lost, I could look for Betelgeuse and find my way home"

Luna tilted her head with a soft smile.

"That's lovely."

"..." Adam stayed quiet for a moment.

He had no idea how in the world finding Betelgeuse in Orion's constellation was supposed to help anyone find their way home.

But he wasn't about to admit that.

Instead, he decided to follow Luna's lead and simply nod along like he understood perfectly what they were talking about.

After that, they spent the evening lying under the starry sky, with Luna softly humming a tune that Adam had to admit was actually quite pleasant.

Yeah, if she ever decided to, Luna could probably be a decent singer.

Her voice was soft, soothing…

Almost like her, really.

Funny how that worked.

.....

....

-October 31, 1990

The sun was barely rising over the Malfoy Manor grounds when the house-elves were already hard at work.

The air smelled of toasted cinnamon and freshly melted beeswax, blending with the sweet aroma of floating enchanted pumpkins, their twisted stems glowing like silver threads under the soft morning light.

Narcissa Malfoy supervised every detail with military precision, her sharp blue eyes scanning every corner of the mansion.

"The garlands must be symmetrical," she said, pointing at a group of elves hanging golden silk cobwebs over the entrance arches. "And make sure the pumpkins don't emit that dreadful squeaking sound. It's vulgar."

Upstairs, Adam, still in his room, watched the commotion from the window.

The garden was being transformed into a dreamlike spectacle: crystal pumpkins projected constellations into the air, and living statues recited macabre poetry in Latin.

"Draco," Narcissa's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "Come down for breakfast. Your father wishes to speak with you."

...

The dining hall was illuminated by floating candles, casting dancing shadows across the dark wooden walls.

Seated at the head of the table, Lucius Malfoy flipped through the Daily Prophet with an expression of mild disapproval.

The headline "Fudge Proposes Magical Restrictions for Halloween" stood out in bold black letters.

"These new regulations are an affront to our traditions," Lucius murmured, setting the newspaper down. "But the Malfoys will not be intimidated by the Ministry's incompetence."

Adam took a bite of his enchanted pumpkin bread, which let out a low growl every time he tore off a piece.

Narcissa poured tea with her usual serene smile, though her eyes reflected the tension in the conversation.

"Draco," Lucius continued, glancing at Adam over the rim of his cup, "tonight, we will be hosting several important families and persons. I expect you to demonstrate the elegance and refinement that befits a Malfoy. No childish pranks or sarcastic remarks."

Adam inclined his head slightly, his expression calm.

"Of course, father."

...

By nightfall, Malfoy Manor had transformed into a theater of elegant shadows.

The marble staircases were flanked by living statues, their voices reciting macabre poetry, while a quartet of ghostly harps played melodies so haunting they chilled the wine in the guests' goblets.

One by one, the attendees arrived, their silver and gold masks gleaming under the flickering candlelight.

Pansy Parkinson, dressed in a black-feathered ensemble designed to resemble a raven, approached Adam with a smug smile.

"Draco, what do you think of my costume?" she asked, twirling on the spot so that the feathers ruffled like wings.

"Very… err, dark?" Adam replied with a smirk. "Though I can't tell if it's a costume or a personality statement."

To Adam's surprise, Pansy actually laughed—but her amusement was cut short when Argentum, his snake, suddenly slithered effortlessly up his leg, coiling comfortably around his neck.

Yes, Argentum liked to do that sometimes.

The snake spent most of time alone, but occasionally, got clingy like this.

Oh and Adam had the distinct feeling that Argentum did it on purpose—just to unsettle people.

Like Pansy, who had immediately taken a step back, her expression shifting from mild amusement to mild horror.

She eyed him as if he were a complete lunatic for keeping a snake—especially around his neck.

"How did you even tame it?" she asked, adjusting her mask in an attempt to sound composed, though her unease was obvious.

"Draco has… a gift with snakes," Blaise Zabini cut in smoothly, throwing an arm over Adam's shoulders with a knowing grin, completely unbothered by the serpent draped around his friend.

"Though some snakes are trickier than others."

He subtly tilted his head toward Lucius, who was currently deep in discussion with Cornelius Fudge near the fireplace.

"Restrictions are necessary!" the Minister was arguing, completely oblivious to the ice bat melting over his hat.

.....

Tired of all the pomp, Adam slipped out into the garden, where Astoria Greengrass was studying a crystal pumpkin that projected constellations into the night air.

"Do you think these will ever stop being so unbearably dull?" she asked, tracing her fingers over the smooth, cold surface of the glass.

Adam naturally figured out that she was referring to today's Halloween gathering... something that should have been a lot of fun for them had turned out to be pretty boring. He at least had had a good time with his family and siblings in his original world, but others like Astoria who didn't have that opportunity, well, this was all they ever knew. 

"Hmm, I doubt it… but once we get completely used to them, they might become a little less tedious. Maybe we'll even figure out how to make something good out of them—who knows?"

Adam honestly couldn't wait for that day to come.

And judging by the expression on Astoria's face, neither could she.

"I hope so… but I don't think I'll ever be like my sister," she said, glancing toward the large window overlooking the ballroom, where Daphne stood inside, conversing gracefully and effortlessly with the guests... as was expected of her now that she was eleven and officially the Greengrass heir.

"She seems made for this sort of thing, unlike me."

Adam leaned back slightly, looking at her thoughtfully.

"Well… you could say the same about me, couldn't you? But, as I've told you before, I'd rather be doing anything else than this."

Astoria scoffed, crossing her arms.

"Yes, you did say that, and I still don't quite believe you. You always act so perfect, polite, and well-mannered with everyone. Even my parents always go on about 'the wonderful Malfoy heir, so refined, so well-raised… blah, blah, blah.' "

She rolled her eyes dramatically before adding, completely offhandedly:

"They've even mentioned you as a potential candidate for a future marriage."

Adam choked slightly, coughing as he tried to compose himself.

"That… yeah, I'd rather pretend I didn't hear that last part."

Astoria smirked but said nothing, looking smug.

"As for the rest—why would I lie?" Adam continued, recovering. "I just happen to be good at acting the way people expect me to. Doesn't mean I enjoy it. That's why I'd rather be out here with you."

Astoria raised an eyebrow.

"I thought you were out here keeping me company because we're friends and you know how much I hate this."

"Er, well, that too. But I also prefer being out here rather than in there."

She tilted her head.

"Then why don't you just stay outside the whole time?"

"Because I'd rather suffer for a while and then have peace later, instead of dealing with my parents scolding me every single day for my 'lack of proper behaviour.'" He smirked. "I think you know exactly what I mean, don't you?"

He knew perfectly well that Astoria's mother was always watching her, making sure she behaved appropriately... and lately, even Daphne had taken up that role when her mother wasn't around.

Astoria groaned, pouting as she turned her head to the side in mock annoyance.

"Not all of us are as good at acting as you are."

Adam chuckled.

"Oh, believe me, I can tell."

Astoria shot him an offended glare, making him laugh even more.