The Manor gleamed under the silver winter moon, a majestic silhouette against the starry sky. Snow blanketed the vast gardens, lending an ethereal beauty to the scene. Inside, the grand hall sparkled with magic, filled with elegantly dressed guests. Enchanted snowflakes floated above, casting a soft glow that mingled with candlelight and the brilliance of the grand chandelier overhead, suspended like a galaxy.

The Winter Ball at the Manor was legendary among wizarding circles, an event that drew guests from all corners of the magical world. It was an evening steeped in opulence and mystery. Guests wore masks as fine as they were mysterious. Some were delicate, adorned with silver filigree and intricate lace, while others were bold and sweeping, nearly covering the entire face, glinting with feathers or studded with jewels. Together, the masks created a sea of hidden identities, turning each guest into an enigma.

The hosts themselves were unmistakable, even amidst the lavishly masked crowd. Lucius and Narcissa moved with practiced elegance, exuding an air of authority and sophistication. Their robes were a striking combination of frosty blue and gleaming white, as though they had stepped out of a snow-covered painting. Draco followed a few steps behind.

Once the formal greetings concluded and the ball officially began, Draco slipped away from his parents. He let the hum of the crowd fade into the background. He had glanced over the guest list earlier, but there was only one name he cared to remember. The thought of seeing them brought a fleeting hint of a smile, though he quickly masked it, slipping back into his familiar expression of cool indifference.

Slowly, he began to weave his way through the gathering, moving with a subtle purpose. His every step seemed casual, as though he were simply observing the guests around him, but his gaze flicked with practiced care towards the far end of the hall. His focus remained steady. He was here to find them.