Author's Note:
I can't do anything right now. So I decided to write a new story. It's one of the stories that just popped out of nowhere. This is the first time that I actually wrote something aside from my other story, "Somewhere I Belong." This is still about Draco but I still don't who his partner will be. It will most likely be Hermione.
I had a hard time looking for a name to fit Draco's brother. I tried the history of Rome. But Remus one of the twins who were thrown into the Tiber River was already related to Draco. Lucius Junius Brutus the one who drove away the Etruscans from Rome is the father of Draco. I don't want to name him from one of the members of the First Triumvirate or the Second Triumvirate. I also don't want to name him from the four good emperors of Rome.
Finally I found the name I like in the history of Byzantine. sighs Thank God. Justinian or to make it short Justin, built the Church of St. Sophia and he made the Justinian Code. He ruled with his wife. And, let's just make it clear that I'm not a fan of Justin Timberlake. In case you're wondering.
And the name of Draco's sister comes from the Roman god of truth and light, Phoebus.
I hope you like it.
Chapter 1
"If only they would not fall in love with me." Draco Malfoy, Duke of Blackhope, told his brother and sister in exasperation. Draco leaned his head against the high back of his chair and soberly contemplated the fire. It was late one November night. Only the crackling fire and several candles lit the large drawing room of the Malfoy Manor, the ancestral home of the Malfoys.
Despite his brother's lugubrious tone, Justin did not seem inclined to tears of sympathy. In fact Justin burst out laughing and their sister, Phoebe, tried to hide a smile.
"What else can a handsome war hero expect?" asked Justin.
"Good God, man. After the battle with Voldemort and his faithful servants, a war hero is two a penny." That was an exaggeration but Justin did not point that out. In fact, only a handful of heroes survived.
"I did say handsome war hero, right? And stop smiling at the young hopefuls. You know the power of your heart stopping smiles."
Draco looked at Justin as if he wanted to throttle him. "You know Justin I do put a ceiling on them. And besides, how do you expect me to go a-wooing some woman without smiling? Would they like me if I had a scowl on my face?"
The three siblings were all informal as is their usual when they are alone. Draco and Justin had taken off their cravats and had unbuttoned the top buttons of their shirt enough to show some of their muscular chests. Phoebe was already wearing her nightclothes and just put on her robe to ward off the chill of the night.
They have only been reunited last month after Draco set off to the actual battle against the evil. After their parents were killed when their parents tried to save their children and leave the Death Eaters, the three siblings joined the good guys. But only Draco went off with Harry, Hermione and Ron to the actual battle with the Dark Lord. Since Justin and Phoebe knew all the old and new members of the Death Eaters, they were left behind with the Snape, Dumbledore and Lupin to take care of them so they couldn't help you- know-who. The other Hogwarts teachers and the other good guys saw to the safety of all muggles and those wizards who were too weak to defend themselves from harm.
"You know what brother" she said studying her brother with an odd twinkle in her eyes. "There's just something about a tormented soul that tugs at a woman heart. It's irresistible. We ladies often believe that only a woman can give comfort to such a soul. No woman alive can resist such a challenge."
"I am definitely not a challenge!" Draco objected. "In fact, I have been a perfect paragon this past month. I have danced with the wallflowers, I have been exceedingly polite with the chaperons and parents and I have not been obvious in my intent of finding a wife."
"Well then," Phoebe said, "I recommend that you look for a woman to wed right quickly before you suddenly change your mind and give up in finding a wife. My friends say that marriage life can make life more comfortable and others say that it is hell. Though I can't personally vouch for that for I don't have a wife myself and I really can't say that I want one anytime soon."
"I would be happy to choose a bride," Draco said, "I thought there are a lot of females in the world who cares for only a man's a title and money. Well, here I am. I am laying it at their feet and I will give it to them without hesitation, if only she would not fall in love with me."
Skeptically Phoebe looked at her brother. "Every one of them?" she asked. "Surely that's an exaggeration." In her opinion her brother was just a little too high flown to be seriously taken.
Draco looked at his sister. "You are a sensible woman right, Phoebs? Were you not my sister, you would not fall in love with me, would you?"
Phoebe looked at him, really looked at him not as a brother but a man who could be a prospective husband. For the first time, she was not sure.
At her hesitation to answer his question, Draco stood up and hauled his brother next to him. "Look at us! I am certainly not handsome!" Draco fairly shouted enough for the roof to shake.
Phoebe compared them. And, there was no competition. There was handsome and there was HANDSOME. Draco is good looking. Her twin, Justin, on the other hand, is ridiculously handsome. Justin had the inherited the looks of their gypsy ancestors with cobalt blue eyes, midnight black hair, lean frame and absurdly thick black lashed that a woman would likely kill to have.
But then there were the eyes.
Where as there was the simple blue, his were strange blue eyes. They were pale of color that was so light of color that it was almost gray but then they were still blue. Slightly sunken, heavy lidded, they had a bright intensity that catches the eyes, maybe even the heart of some women. They shone with laughter and yet contain shadows that suggest hidden pain. Maybe it was just the darkness but with the air that surrounds him it was a lethal combination.
He was different, wounded and, to her surprise, dangerous.
"Alright Draco, you are not particularly handsome." Phoebe said. "But I can see that you have something that makes a woman lose her heart..."
"Enough!" Draco shouted. "This is---"
"Tell me, dear brother," Phoebe interrupted, "would you not like it if the woman you are wooing falls madly in love for you?"
Draco resumed his seat with a sigh. They thought that he would not answer. But then, "Perhaps" Draco allowed, "If I decided on one yet."
"Only perhaps?" Justin asked this question.
Draco usually did not talk about his feelings but since he was talking to his siblings he let his guard down. But this is only in front of them. He knew that he did not have hide his emotions from them because their relationship was so close that it would seem that nothing could break it. Besides, they would not break his confidence.
"I do not seem capable of romantic love, Justin." Draco said with a shrug. "I have never felt it so I doubt I ever will. I cannot think of anything as bad as a hovering wife who dotes on me when I care more for what happens to my horse than what happens to her."
That was blunt and Phoebe, being a woman, was silenced by such reasoning.
It was Justin who said, "Draco, I don't believe I've ever known you for being celibate. In fact, I think you have a lot of lady friends."
Draco looked at him in question. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"And did all these women fall in love with you."
Draco glanced at their sister. "I think we should save this discussion for later."
Justin nodded. Their sister was there they might say some things that are not to be mentioned in front of a young lady.
"Wait!" Phoebe shouted. "What are you saying? That you fear that you might offend my delicate ears and tender sensibilities?" At their nods of agreement, Phoebe rolled with laughter.
Justin and Draco looked shocked by their sister's laughter.
"Just because I'm an unmarried lady it does not mean that I do not know of such things. We have long since agreed that you should treat me as an equal. My gender is of no consequence. Anyway, I will not blush like a simpleton because of a few vulgar words." She said as she met their eyes with a hint of challenge.
They let the matter drop. After all, they have given her their word. Besides, it was her choice anyway.
"So, brother of mine, tell me why your past lovers have not fallen in love with you."
He looked once again at the fire thoughtfully. "You know, Phoebs, now that I think about it, I am not entirely certain I they did not. And I tell you it's not comfortable knowing that. I do not think of myself as an uncaring brute." Draco shrugged. "But that's how it is in this world. An unmarried man takes married women, widows, whores and women who don't have any virtue to protect to his bed. A man does not expect them to love him. It's a really futile thing to do."
"Do you believe that a person can control the emotion that is love?"
Draco looked at his sister. "My dear sister, as a matter of fact I do, at least to the point of avoiding love. And, I believe that one cannot force or influence the heart to feel something that is not there. If it were, I would probably be in love with Pansy Parkinson who is well-bred, healthy, intelligent, and is possessed with a very sizable dowry fit for a king."
"And, undeniably one of the doting ladies, am I correct? But if love is so easily restrained, why is she in love with you?"
"I don't know."
"Then you should just pretend that you are marrying for money." Justin said.
"You think I haven't already tried that?" Draco questioned frustration. "And let me tell you, it did not help me one bit with Miss Pansy. Of course, being the one to inherit the Malfoy fortune since I was eighteen can really help me pass off as a fortune hunter." he said in a voice that reeked with sarcasm. His expression of self-derision was emphasized by his spread hands. "I'm a rich duke for God's sake! I recently returned a war hero and only twenty-five. Who would believe I would single out a female for reasons other than whims of the heart?" Draco finished.
"So why are you singling them out?" Justin prodded.
Draco's expression became flat and the twins thought that he was going to evade the answer.
"I have learned from the battle with Voldemort that life is a chancy thing. I believe I should not waste time and marry with haste."
"Brother," Justin began, "I believe that you should put off finding a wife for a while. There's no use rushing into things. Nothing comes out of doing this." Then, his twin looked at him as if she wanted to throttle him. What did he do now? Suddenly she tugged at his ear. "Twin brother, I would kill you for that." Phoebs said in a menacing voice. She immediately looked to see if Draco saw what happened. Fortunately he was not looking at them.
"But I wish to be married now."
"God's blood, why?" Justin questioned, clearly perplexed. In his opinion, those men who wanted to get shackles were either dumb or crazy. But his brother was neither of those.
Draco gestured apologetically. "I'm sorry I'm being obstructive. It's just that I am overcome with the simple need to get married and settle down." A rueful smile lit up his face making it look very extraordinary. "I should not have told you this." With that, Draco rose.
His sister followed suit. She approached her brother and laid her hand in his shoulder. "Of course you should have."
Draco studied his sister and then a sweet expression settled on his face. It was boyish and endearing. No wonder blooms of the Season fell wilted at his feet. He took her hand from his shoulders, brought it to his lips and pressed a warm-velvety kiss in her hands. "Phoebs, you are a jewel. Why can't I find a woman to marry just like you?"
"Because, I'm the only one like me in this world!" she retorted sassily.
"Tomorrow, we'll help you find someone." Justin said behind his brother. If his brother was firm in getting married, he would just have to support him. And, he added, find the right woman to fit his brother.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Author's note: So, what do you think? Should I continue the story? Should I make a second chapter? Please review and let me know coz if this is not good then I'll not continue the story and just abandon it.
I can't do anything right now. So I decided to write a new story. It's one of the stories that just popped out of nowhere. This is the first time that I actually wrote something aside from my other story, "Somewhere I Belong." This is still about Draco but I still don't who his partner will be. It will most likely be Hermione.
I had a hard time looking for a name to fit Draco's brother. I tried the history of Rome. But Remus one of the twins who were thrown into the Tiber River was already related to Draco. Lucius Junius Brutus the one who drove away the Etruscans from Rome is the father of Draco. I don't want to name him from one of the members of the First Triumvirate or the Second Triumvirate. I also don't want to name him from the four good emperors of Rome.
Finally I found the name I like in the history of Byzantine. sighs Thank God. Justinian or to make it short Justin, built the Church of St. Sophia and he made the Justinian Code. He ruled with his wife. And, let's just make it clear that I'm not a fan of Justin Timberlake. In case you're wondering.
And the name of Draco's sister comes from the Roman god of truth and light, Phoebus.
I hope you like it.
Chapter 1
"If only they would not fall in love with me." Draco Malfoy, Duke of Blackhope, told his brother and sister in exasperation. Draco leaned his head against the high back of his chair and soberly contemplated the fire. It was late one November night. Only the crackling fire and several candles lit the large drawing room of the Malfoy Manor, the ancestral home of the Malfoys.
Despite his brother's lugubrious tone, Justin did not seem inclined to tears of sympathy. In fact Justin burst out laughing and their sister, Phoebe, tried to hide a smile.
"What else can a handsome war hero expect?" asked Justin.
"Good God, man. After the battle with Voldemort and his faithful servants, a war hero is two a penny." That was an exaggeration but Justin did not point that out. In fact, only a handful of heroes survived.
"I did say handsome war hero, right? And stop smiling at the young hopefuls. You know the power of your heart stopping smiles."
Draco looked at Justin as if he wanted to throttle him. "You know Justin I do put a ceiling on them. And besides, how do you expect me to go a-wooing some woman without smiling? Would they like me if I had a scowl on my face?"
The three siblings were all informal as is their usual when they are alone. Draco and Justin had taken off their cravats and had unbuttoned the top buttons of their shirt enough to show some of their muscular chests. Phoebe was already wearing her nightclothes and just put on her robe to ward off the chill of the night.
They have only been reunited last month after Draco set off to the actual battle against the evil. After their parents were killed when their parents tried to save their children and leave the Death Eaters, the three siblings joined the good guys. But only Draco went off with Harry, Hermione and Ron to the actual battle with the Dark Lord. Since Justin and Phoebe knew all the old and new members of the Death Eaters, they were left behind with the Snape, Dumbledore and Lupin to take care of them so they couldn't help you- know-who. The other Hogwarts teachers and the other good guys saw to the safety of all muggles and those wizards who were too weak to defend themselves from harm.
"You know what brother" she said studying her brother with an odd twinkle in her eyes. "There's just something about a tormented soul that tugs at a woman heart. It's irresistible. We ladies often believe that only a woman can give comfort to such a soul. No woman alive can resist such a challenge."
"I am definitely not a challenge!" Draco objected. "In fact, I have been a perfect paragon this past month. I have danced with the wallflowers, I have been exceedingly polite with the chaperons and parents and I have not been obvious in my intent of finding a wife."
"Well then," Phoebe said, "I recommend that you look for a woman to wed right quickly before you suddenly change your mind and give up in finding a wife. My friends say that marriage life can make life more comfortable and others say that it is hell. Though I can't personally vouch for that for I don't have a wife myself and I really can't say that I want one anytime soon."
"I would be happy to choose a bride," Draco said, "I thought there are a lot of females in the world who cares for only a man's a title and money. Well, here I am. I am laying it at their feet and I will give it to them without hesitation, if only she would not fall in love with me."
Skeptically Phoebe looked at her brother. "Every one of them?" she asked. "Surely that's an exaggeration." In her opinion her brother was just a little too high flown to be seriously taken.
Draco looked at his sister. "You are a sensible woman right, Phoebs? Were you not my sister, you would not fall in love with me, would you?"
Phoebe looked at him, really looked at him not as a brother but a man who could be a prospective husband. For the first time, she was not sure.
At her hesitation to answer his question, Draco stood up and hauled his brother next to him. "Look at us! I am certainly not handsome!" Draco fairly shouted enough for the roof to shake.
Phoebe compared them. And, there was no competition. There was handsome and there was HANDSOME. Draco is good looking. Her twin, Justin, on the other hand, is ridiculously handsome. Justin had the inherited the looks of their gypsy ancestors with cobalt blue eyes, midnight black hair, lean frame and absurdly thick black lashed that a woman would likely kill to have.
But then there were the eyes.
Where as there was the simple blue, his were strange blue eyes. They were pale of color that was so light of color that it was almost gray but then they were still blue. Slightly sunken, heavy lidded, they had a bright intensity that catches the eyes, maybe even the heart of some women. They shone with laughter and yet contain shadows that suggest hidden pain. Maybe it was just the darkness but with the air that surrounds him it was a lethal combination.
He was different, wounded and, to her surprise, dangerous.
"Alright Draco, you are not particularly handsome." Phoebe said. "But I can see that you have something that makes a woman lose her heart..."
"Enough!" Draco shouted. "This is---"
"Tell me, dear brother," Phoebe interrupted, "would you not like it if the woman you are wooing falls madly in love for you?"
Draco resumed his seat with a sigh. They thought that he would not answer. But then, "Perhaps" Draco allowed, "If I decided on one yet."
"Only perhaps?" Justin asked this question.
Draco usually did not talk about his feelings but since he was talking to his siblings he let his guard down. But this is only in front of them. He knew that he did not have hide his emotions from them because their relationship was so close that it would seem that nothing could break it. Besides, they would not break his confidence.
"I do not seem capable of romantic love, Justin." Draco said with a shrug. "I have never felt it so I doubt I ever will. I cannot think of anything as bad as a hovering wife who dotes on me when I care more for what happens to my horse than what happens to her."
That was blunt and Phoebe, being a woman, was silenced by such reasoning.
It was Justin who said, "Draco, I don't believe I've ever known you for being celibate. In fact, I think you have a lot of lady friends."
Draco looked at him in question. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"And did all these women fall in love with you."
Draco glanced at their sister. "I think we should save this discussion for later."
Justin nodded. Their sister was there they might say some things that are not to be mentioned in front of a young lady.
"Wait!" Phoebe shouted. "What are you saying? That you fear that you might offend my delicate ears and tender sensibilities?" At their nods of agreement, Phoebe rolled with laughter.
Justin and Draco looked shocked by their sister's laughter.
"Just because I'm an unmarried lady it does not mean that I do not know of such things. We have long since agreed that you should treat me as an equal. My gender is of no consequence. Anyway, I will not blush like a simpleton because of a few vulgar words." She said as she met their eyes with a hint of challenge.
They let the matter drop. After all, they have given her their word. Besides, it was her choice anyway.
"So, brother of mine, tell me why your past lovers have not fallen in love with you."
He looked once again at the fire thoughtfully. "You know, Phoebs, now that I think about it, I am not entirely certain I they did not. And I tell you it's not comfortable knowing that. I do not think of myself as an uncaring brute." Draco shrugged. "But that's how it is in this world. An unmarried man takes married women, widows, whores and women who don't have any virtue to protect to his bed. A man does not expect them to love him. It's a really futile thing to do."
"Do you believe that a person can control the emotion that is love?"
Draco looked at his sister. "My dear sister, as a matter of fact I do, at least to the point of avoiding love. And, I believe that one cannot force or influence the heart to feel something that is not there. If it were, I would probably be in love with Pansy Parkinson who is well-bred, healthy, intelligent, and is possessed with a very sizable dowry fit for a king."
"And, undeniably one of the doting ladies, am I correct? But if love is so easily restrained, why is she in love with you?"
"I don't know."
"Then you should just pretend that you are marrying for money." Justin said.
"You think I haven't already tried that?" Draco questioned frustration. "And let me tell you, it did not help me one bit with Miss Pansy. Of course, being the one to inherit the Malfoy fortune since I was eighteen can really help me pass off as a fortune hunter." he said in a voice that reeked with sarcasm. His expression of self-derision was emphasized by his spread hands. "I'm a rich duke for God's sake! I recently returned a war hero and only twenty-five. Who would believe I would single out a female for reasons other than whims of the heart?" Draco finished.
"So why are you singling them out?" Justin prodded.
Draco's expression became flat and the twins thought that he was going to evade the answer.
"I have learned from the battle with Voldemort that life is a chancy thing. I believe I should not waste time and marry with haste."
"Brother," Justin began, "I believe that you should put off finding a wife for a while. There's no use rushing into things. Nothing comes out of doing this." Then, his twin looked at him as if she wanted to throttle him. What did he do now? Suddenly she tugged at his ear. "Twin brother, I would kill you for that." Phoebs said in a menacing voice. She immediately looked to see if Draco saw what happened. Fortunately he was not looking at them.
"But I wish to be married now."
"God's blood, why?" Justin questioned, clearly perplexed. In his opinion, those men who wanted to get shackles were either dumb or crazy. But his brother was neither of those.
Draco gestured apologetically. "I'm sorry I'm being obstructive. It's just that I am overcome with the simple need to get married and settle down." A rueful smile lit up his face making it look very extraordinary. "I should not have told you this." With that, Draco rose.
His sister followed suit. She approached her brother and laid her hand in his shoulder. "Of course you should have."
Draco studied his sister and then a sweet expression settled on his face. It was boyish and endearing. No wonder blooms of the Season fell wilted at his feet. He took her hand from his shoulders, brought it to his lips and pressed a warm-velvety kiss in her hands. "Phoebs, you are a jewel. Why can't I find a woman to marry just like you?"
"Because, I'm the only one like me in this world!" she retorted sassily.
"Tomorrow, we'll help you find someone." Justin said behind his brother. If his brother was firm in getting married, he would just have to support him. And, he added, find the right woman to fit his brother.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Author's note: So, what do you think? Should I continue the story? Should I make a second chapter? Please review and let me know coz if this is not good then I'll not continue the story and just abandon it.