Umbras ? Harry Potter

December 31, 1993 • Briarwood Manor

Ciara still lay in bed even though it was well into the day. She had not yet recovered from the events of Christmas night, mentally or emotionally. After her father cast the unforgivable curse on her, her mother had been outraged, but Alaric quickly silenced her and put her in her place.

Seraphine had tried to argue, her voice shaking with a mix of fear and fury. "Alaric, how could you? She's our daughter!"

Alaric had turned on her with cold fury. "Seraphine, you will not undermine my authority in this house. I did what was necessary."

Seraphine had taken a step back, her face pale and eyes wide with shock. "Necessary? Torturing our own child is necessary?"

Alaric's expression had hardened. "It is necessary to maintain discipline and ensure she understands the consequences of her actions."

Seraphine had opened her mouth to protest further, but Alaric's stern glare had silenced her. She had reluctantly backed down, tears streaming down her face as she looked at Ciara, who was still writhing on the floor in pain.

Since that night, the atmosphere in the Briarwood household had been tense and oppressive. The trust Ciara once had in her father was shattered, and her relationship with her mother felt strained and distant.

Her mother had remained silent after that night, only sending subtle glances to her daughter whenever Alaric wasn't in the room.

Her father had only spoken to her when absolutely necessary, mostly to ensure she would behave at the ball happening in a few hours now.

She was also shocked by the way Draco had handled the situation at dinner. He seemed taken aback at first, acting as though he was going to protest. But then he completely changed his demeanor, making her seem irrational for reacting the way she did.

She knew Draco was scared of his father and always wanted to please him, just as she did. She longed for her father's approval more than anything, but deep down, she knew it was unrealistic.

With a heavy sigh, she finally decided to get up and start getting ready for the ball, hoping it would distract her from her swirling thoughts, even if just for a while.

She made her way over to her bathroom, and started a shower. She let the water and steam engulf her as she stood with her eyes closed. The warmth cascaded over her, offering a brief respite from the emotional turmoil she had been grappling with.

She took her time washing her hair, letting the fragrant lavender shampoo soothe her senses. The calming scent enveloped her, bringing a subtle sense of tranquility that she desperately needed.

When she finally turned off the water, she stepped out of the shower and wrapped herself in a soft towel. Ciara took a deep breath, feeling a small sense of renewal. Before getting dressed, she applied her favorite vanilla-scented moisturizer over her body.

Ciara moved to her vanity, picked up her wand and, with a series of practiced flicks and swishes, charmed her makeup into place. She opted for a simple, natural look—light foundation to even out her skin tone, a hint of blush to bring some color to her cheeks, and a touch of mascara to accentuate her lashes.

Satisfied with her appearance, Ciara put down her wand and took one last look in the mirror. The reflection that stared back at her was composed and graceful, a stark contrast to the turmoil she felt inside. With a steadying breath, she turned away from the mirror and began to dress for the ball, determined to face the evening with poise and strength.

The ball was being hosted at Nott Estate, which was in the picturesque English countryside, in a secluded area of the Cotswolds. The Nott Estate was nestled within a vast expanse of lush greenery, surrounded by ancient forests and hidden from Muggle eyes by powerful enchantments. The estate itself is a grand, old manor with tall, imposing spires, ivy-covered walls, and well-manicured gardens. Inside, the rooms would be elegantly furnished with dark wood, rich fabrics, and magical artifacts.