On the eve of Christmas, Malfoy Manor was putting the finishing touches on its Christmas decorations.
When Draco entered the drawing room, he found his mother, Narcissa, standing in the center with her arms crossed, scrutinizing the angle of the silver Christmas tree, the position of the mistletoe wreath, and the dark green vines that twinkled with silver lights, while her house-elves, dressed in Christmas patterned pillowcases, were being directed about.
Those unfamiliar with Narcissa would likely perceive her as arrogant and aloof. She always wore a weary expression, seemingly uninterested in anything around her.
However, in private, at least in Draco's eyes, Narcissa was a person with a strong sense of ritual and a great love for life.
How can anyone say that someone like her, who is dedicated to celebrating every holiday, big or small, with style and flair, is bored with everything?
As for his father Lucius, he continued to unconditionally support his wife's hobbies, allowing Narcissa to cut down the best growing silver fir trees on the estate every year and proudly display them in the drawing room.
"Are you certain you will not regret it?" Draco overheard his mother asking his father while they were cutting down trees this year. "Do you not always say you cherish every tree and blade of grass on the estate?"
"I love how enthusiastically you decorate the manor," Lucius said, watching the house-elves chopping down trees in the snow.
He had his back to his son, so Draco could not see his father's expression. However, Draco could tell that his voice was much gentler than usual. "Cissy, I am always concerned that you are too bored at home. I know you do not particularly enjoy the social gatherings and business dealings I conduct at the Ministry. I am glad you have something you enjoy doing."
His father seemed to be encouraging his mother to cultivate more hobbies, so that she would not feel lost or neglected while he was busy pursuing his career. Draco glanced at his parents holding hands, silently watching the snow fall, and quietly retreated.
In his previous life, Draco had never paid special attention to the conversations and interactions between his parents.
I considered myself the center of the world.
I only focused on the linear communication between myself and my mother, and between myself and my father.
My mother always liked to subtly instill certain ideas in me, and she was gentle and rarely angry. My father, on the other hand, was not reluctant to reason with his son directly, and would occasionally praise me, but more often he was happy to use criticism to correct my various supposed flaws.
However, upon his rebirth, Draco, whose observational skills had been honed to an exceptionally sharp level during those dark years, discovered a subtle mutual care between his parents that he had never noticed in his previous life.
For example, at this moment, although Lucius was sitting in his favorite armchair, seemingly concerned about his son's school life, saying, "Draco, come here," his gaze remained fixed on Narcissa.
"I have heard Severus praise you a few times in Potions class. You did well," he said, continuing to glance at Narcissa with the smug look of someone directing a house-elf.
"Professor Snape has always been exceptionally lenient with me," Draco replied, standing respectfully beside his father.
Draco knew that even if he showed the slightest bit of pride, his father would mercilessly criticize him.
It seems that only when I display extreme humility can I receive even the slightest word of affirmation from Lucius.
"I know his temperament. Unless he is extremely satisfied, even the closest person will not get a kind word from him," Lucius said calmly.
Draco nodded slightly.
At this moment, Narcissa was backing away, trying to get a better look at the Christmas tree from a distance. Lucius quietly waved his cane, moving aside the annoying boxes behind her.
"Also, what is your opinion of that famous Harry Potter? Is he worth befriending?" Lucius was in good spirits, taking a sip of wine and savoring it.
"At present, he seems like someone worth befriending," Draco said slowly, carefully choosing his words. "He is quite talented in some areas. After all, he has the distinction of being the Boy Who Lived... but obviously, he grew up in the Muggle world and knows nothing about the rules and basic customs of the magical world. In this respect, we can help him."
"Indeed, a wizard who can defeat the Dark Lord, even if temporarily disadvantaged, is not to be underestimated. Besides, the Potter family is a pure-blood noble family, although they were later excluded from the Sacred Twenty-Eight. They were once influential in the Wizengamot and involved in business, and their members are quite talented in Potions..." Lucius said thoughtfully. "Draco, observe him closely. If his magical talent is even greater than the Dark Lord's, a proper Malfoy should befriend everyone who is beneficial to us."
Draco nodded silently.
"Very good." He stood up with satisfaction, smiled slightly at Draco, and ended his concern for his son.
He eagerly approached Narcissa, who had just finished decorating the Christmas tree, and tenderly massaged her shoulders as though she had just accomplished a tremendous and arduous task.
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