Intrinsic ▷ Draco Malfoy

ONE

     "Hey," Ginny chorused, offended by Fred's statement. The two ignored her.

     "Yes, I see your point, Freddie. It's an awful shame. We bought her that late birthday present but I don't think she really deserves it now."

     Ginny rolled her eyes, deciding to remove herself from the conversation and collect cutlery to help Molly.

     Stella gripped Fred and George's wrists. "What present? Please don't tell me it's an Extendable Ear."

     "It better not be," Molly said, eyeing her children. She pressed a swift kiss to Stella's forehead and welcomed her home.

     "You know what, George? I reckon Hermione would love Stella's gift. Should we save it for her birthday?"

     "Oh, come off it, you two," Stella hissed, rising from her seat.

     "Ah, that doesn't sound like an apology."

     She glared at her brothers, but stood on her tiptoes and kissed their cheeks. "I'm sorry, Fred and George, for not immediately rushing into your arms after coming home."

     "She can do better."

     Eventually, Stella threw her hands up in the air and left. Not long after, she heard Molly's shouts at the two after they attempted to use magic on helping with dinner and Stella snickered quietly to herself. Hermione stopped her when she saw Stella trailing upstairs.

     "You're not eating dinner?"

     "Ate at Draco's. Make sure my mum doesn't have a heart attack while I'm gone. By the way, do you know what Fred and George got me for my birthday?"

     Stella's birthday was a month ago, and it definitely wasn't a happy one. Percy left the week before after having a row with their father, and the family was left in shambles. Fred and George held resentment towards him, as expected, but Stella was saddened to see her brother depart from the family so easily. Molly was a terrible mess, but they all plastered on fake smiles to wish Stella a happy birthday.

     She didn't ask for any gifts, but Fred and George always surprised her with something. Although, their presents were not usually ones Stella wanted to remember.

     "Have no clue." Hermione shrugged. "Knowing them, it might be something you don't really want."

     Stella nodded in agreement and the two girls parted ways.

     When she reached her shared room with Ginny and Hermione, she immediately checked to see if anything was missing. Draco made a habit out of stealing something off of Stella so she would come back to the Manor and he could have his chance to apologize.

     She scoffed after she realized she was missing a charm bracelet given to her by her parents before her first year at Hogwarts. She managed to sneak into the drawing room located on the same floor without anyone noticing. After throwing a handful of Floo powder into the flames of the fireplace, Stella spoke her destination and stepped into the green fire.

     She stumbled into the main room of the house, coughing loudly. Narcissa Malfoy's head darted up. "Oh, Stella, dear!" She rushed over to brush the girl off, and helped her stand. "Did you forget something again?"