Chapter 6: A Glimmer of Defiance

As the days passed, Selene and Draco's relationship continued to blossom, much to the dismay of Lucius Malfoy. The tension between Draco and his father was palpable, and Selene couldn't help but feel that they were walking on thin ice. Every conversation with Lucius seemed to be laced with an undercurrent of threat, and Selene began to wonder what he was capable of. One evening, as they were walking through the gardens, Draco's owl, Hedwig, fluttered down from a nearby tree and landed on his shoulder. She nudged his cheek with her beak, and Draco smiled, reaching into his pocket for a treat. Selene watched, fascinated, as he stroked the owl's feathers. "I think Hedwig has a message for me," Draco said, his eyes scanning the horizon. "She's been acting strange all day." As he spoke, Hedwig spread her wings, and a small piece of parchment fluttered to the ground. Draco picked it up, his eyes scanning the contents. His face darkened, and he cursed under his breath. "What is it?" Selene asked, her heart racing. "It's from my father," Draco said, his voice tight with anger. "He's summoned me to the Manor for a family meeting. I have a feeling this has something to do with our conversation the other day." Selene's stomach twisted with anxiety. She knew that Lucius was not a man to be trifled with, and she worried about what he might have planned. As they made their way to the Manor, Selene couldn't shake the feeling that they were in grave danger. She glanced at Draco, who was walking beside her, his eyes fixed on some point ahead. "What's going on, Draco?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do you think your father wants?" Draco's eyes flicked to hers, and for a moment, she saw a glimmer of fear. But then, his face hardened, and he shook his head. "I don't know," he said, his voice firm. "But I'm not going to let him intimidate me. I've made up my mind, Selene. I'm going to marry you, no matter what." Selene's heart swelled with love and admiration for the man beside her. She knew that he was taking a huge risk, defying his father like this, but she also knew that he was doing it for her. As they approached the Manor, Selene could feel the air thickening with tension. She knew that they were walking into a lion's den, but she was ready to face whatever lay ahead, as long as Draco was by her side. The doors to the Manor swung open, and Lucius Malfoy stood before them, his eyes cold and calculating. "Welcome, Draco," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I see you've brought your... friend." Draco's eyes narrowed, but he stepped forward, Selene by his side. "Let's get this over with," he said, his voice firm. As they entered the Manor, Selene couldn't help but feel that their lives were about to change forever.