Chapter 56: The Malfoy Christmas Banquet
The compression of Apparition was more intense than Regulus had anticipated.
Orion's magic enveloped him steadily — like hurtling through a tight rubber tube, organs momentarily squeezed, then in the next instant an abrupt release.
When his feet touched ground, Malfoy Manor's castle already loomed before him.
Moonlight draped the ivory stone, lending it a frigid luster. The spires stabbed into the night sky. The surrounding gardens were trimmed to perfection; enchanted lanterns kindled in sequence along the paths.
The castle doors stood wide. Two immaculately turned-out house-elves bowed in welcome, the Malfoy crest embroidered at their collars.
The air was a blend of champagne, roasted chestnuts, and magical spices. From deeper inside came strings — low and sweeping, befitting the tenor of a pure-blood gala.
"Good turnout." Orion straightened his jet-black robe, brushing the family brooch at his chest. "Stay with me. Speak little. Observe much."
Regulus nodded. His eyes swept the guest register by the door — names stitched in gold thread.
Lestrange, Carrow, Nott, Yaxley, Cuthbert, Travers, Goyle, Crabbe...