The pain seared through my head, just like it always did after spending an excess amount of time with my pureblood maniac of a mother. She prattled on and on about how I must find a husband before the year is out. "16 is a prime time to snag a man" she says; but I tune her out, like always. I let my mind drift as she goes on and on about the importance of marriage as we walk through my favorite dance store in muggle London. Anyone could see how disgusted she was with the place, and it amused me greatly. "What about these?" I smiled holding up a pair of tan character shoes that were on the shelf, hoping to get her off her marriage kick, and it worked, kind of. She abruptly started talking about my schooling, in America.
Ever since I was a kid I've been an amazing performer. My parents, although over bearing and insane, knew that Hogwarts was not going to be the school for me. So they took matters into their own hands by sending letters to the headmaster at my school, PASOM (performing arts school of magic, for those of you out of the know), or possum as we students so lovingly call it. When it came time to except students I was at the top of the list and my parents accepted the invitation to attend immediately. The only down side about this school is that it is run by a bunch of "muggle lovers" as my parents so lovingly put it, and it's given me some different views that the parentals don't agree with.
Mother and I finally get tired of looking at all of the dance items, or school supplies and we walk to the pub just down the street. "You know Gwendolyn," She says "This is your last year of schooling, and I really wish that you would have some sort of future waiting for you when you graduate."
I heave a sigh, this isn't the first time we've had this conversation, "I do mother." I reply "In New York! Brian and I are going to rent an apartment in the city and become Broadway performers. We've got everything planned out."
"That's not what I meant Gwendolyn and you know it. I meant a husband who is waiting for you to marry him."
"Why do I have to even get married?"
"What kind of a question is that? You must get married, your father and I aren't as young as we used to be and I want grandchildren in my home before I die." I roll my eyes, which doesn't go unnoticed, at her insufferable nagging "Now don't you make that face at me young lady. Your father has a friend coming over for dinner this evening that has a son in his final year at Hogwarts. I want you dressed nicely, washed and presentable, by six o'clock to greet our guests." Her tone didn't leave much room for argument so I just nodded my head and responded with a simple:
"Yes ma'am" she smiled and walked into the warm wizarding pub next door to floo home. I followed closely behind as she snaked her way through the many tables and stepped into the fire place.
"Hasting Manor" She shouted throwing down some floo powder and vanishing.
Tonight couldn't be over fast enough.
I was this close to driving my head through the wall as my mother continued to list the reasons for tonight to be perfect as we walked through Diagon Alley after lunch.
"She's gorgeous Draco; she's a singer, a dancer and an actress. She goes to some performing school in America, but we must make sure she at least likes you this evening. Oh I'm so excited! I can hear the wedding bells now." My mother continued to list off what would happen at our wedding as we made our way into Madame Malkin's.
"Mother, don't you think it best that I meet her before you plan our wedding?" I interjected as she listed off the music we would play at the reception.
"Of course dear. Oh, but I just know that you'll love her."
"Have you met her?" I asked
"When she was much younger. But Genevieve has told me so much about her; she would be the best daughter in law. Your father is drawing up a contract now, so you'll be engaged before the night is out!" She twittered.
"I'll what?" I asked astonished.
"Be engaged of course. What did you think tonight was for, idle chatter?" She laughed beautifully "of course not Draco. Tonight is for business. I'm not as young as I once was and I want grandchildren to spoil before I die. So no funny business; tonight will go smoothly, understood?"
"Yes mother" I answered know that there was no way out of this dreadful arrangement.
She smiled as I opened the door to the clothing shop for her and walked inside.
Tonight would be dreadful, that much I knew. Being pureblood I'd always known that my parents would choose my bride, but I guess I always thought it would be to someone I knew. I shrugged off the worries, knowing I would do the right thing in the end. As a pureblood it was my duty to marry whomever my parents chose, even if it was to someone I had never met before.
Checking my watch I noticed the time and bid my mother goodbye. As I strolled through the streets towards the nearest apparation point I noticed the happy couples on the streets. A part of me hoped that I would someday feel the same way, but another part of me sneered in disgust and I turned away from their public displays of affection.
Tonight couldn't be over fast enough.
I looked into the mirror at the horrendous dress and felt my head ache returning. It was awful. Pink crinoline and ruffles, it was probably the worst dress ever made. It didn't stop me from taking a picture on my cell phone and sending it to Brian, my best friend.
The dress from hell. Any EARTHLY ideas on how to fix this? I texted him
As I waited to the little device to ping I couldn't help but think about this mystery man coming over. The only thing I knew for sure about him was that he was a Malfoy. Our mothers have been friends since Hogwarts, but the only time I met him was when I was seven and my mother was hosting a party downstairs. All I can remember is that he was asleep the whole time. The cell phone pinged and I jumped onto the bed to see what Brian had sent back.
Why not just buy a new dress…that way no one will ever have to see this one and we have something to burn when I come over next week. He replied.
Brilliant. But I'm having dinner with my future fiancé tonight so no time to buy a new one! Any OTHER ideas?
Waiting for his reply was torture but after two minutes the phone pinged again.
Why not wear the Maria dress you wore for west side. It's perfect, and if you exchange the red ribbon for a black belt and stilettos you look smoking. He texted.
You are BRILLIANT! Where would I be without you? I praised.
Lonely and terribly dressed. XD I read while laughing.
Har har har. Now what about hair? I asked
Wear it down and straight like you did for Hair, but keep your clothes on slut. ;) He joked
I shall try my very, very best. Thanks for the help, this guy better be gorgeous. I sent as I went to the bathroom to fix my hair.
Let me know if he has a friend. I'm always in need of a little loving'.
God your hormones are going to kill you one of these days! I texted back just as I put the finishing touches on my hair and makeup.
One can only hope!
What do you think? I sent him along with a picture of his new creation.
Perfect, gorgeous as always, he praised.
Thanks babe! Go to go meet the in-laws. Kill me now.
BANG! Have fun. TTYL
Thanks! I'll text you when they're gone!
Love you! He sent as a farewell.
I placed my cell phone back on to my bedside table and gave myself another once over before heading downstairs.
Our manor was beautiful. The grand hall was decked out with candles and summer flowers to welcome the Malfoy family and the great mahogany French doors stood at the entrance of our home like a dark omen.
I was dreading this dinner, thinking that if I pretended it wasn't going to happen it wouldn't. My mother gave me a once over and smiled, even though I didn't wear the dress she'd chosen I think she enjoyed my pick, or Brian's.
"Beautiful Gwendolyn, as always" My father praised pressing a quick peck to my cheek when I reached the bottom stair.
"Thank you, father." I smiled under his praise, something I didn't receive often but enjoyed when it was given.
"The Malfoys will be here any moment. The elves are done with dinner, everyone's dressed, and I think that's everything" my mother said to herself as she went through her mental check list.
"Everything will be perfect mother, just like it always is." I said as I pecked her on the cheek.
"It will be if you can be polite Gwendolyn. I don't want to have to remind you of your manners this evening. You look stunning, but remember first impressions are everything." She may have wanted to go on, but we may never know that, for just as she was about to continue there was a pop just outside the door. "That'll be them." She squealed.
"Yay." I said with a voice laden with sarcasm.
"Manners, Gwendolyn." She replied giving me the standard 'don't push me' look as she opened the doors.
Where's a lightning bolt when you need one?
The tie was choking me to death and I was tempted to loosen it until my mother walked in. "Oh Draco, darling, you look dashing"
"Thank you mother, you look lovely tonight." I replied, trying to hold back my irritation with her.
"I know dear. Now remember be polite this evening. I do not want a repeat of dinner with the Parkinson's last year." I laughed quietly to myself at the memory.
We were sitting in the parlor after dinner, both families, chatting and drinking when all of a sudden Pansy grabbed my arm and whispered into my ear. 'Isn't this great Drakie? Everyone's getting along and soon we'll be married'.
'I highly doubt that' I replied attempting to loosen her birdlike grip on my arm.
'Just picture it, Drakie-poo. You and me with a little one running around being chased by the elves. Isn't it beautiful?'
I was disgusted and angered by her statement so I shook the irritating witch off of me saying 'get off of me! The day I marry you is the day that Dumbledore lays the moves on McGonagall.' I jumped up and looked at my father 'I've never asked you for anything father, so please, please allow me to marry someone else; I beg you.'
I apparated home that night and got wasted with my best friend Blaise; it wasn't one of my finer moments.
"Don't you smirk like that Draco Malfoy. If you pull another stunt like that tonight we'll be lucky to find you a half decent bride." My mother chastised.
"I won't pull another stunt like that one." I said and she fixed me with another pointed look "I promise."
"Fine. Are you ready?" She asked.
"I suppose." I answered.
"Where is your father? Lucius!" She called. "We need to leave. I told Genevieve that we would be outside at eight, and it's already five after."
"Here I am, dear." My father said as he appeared at the top of the stairs. "Sorry, the lawyers and I just finished up drafting the contract."
"Yay." I said, my voice laden with sarcasm.
"You will be polite and respectful, do you understand me young man?" My mother threatened.
"Yes, mother." I smirked holding out my arm "Shall we go?"
"We shall. I'll apparate us both. Lucius, meet us there." She replied taking my arm and ignoring my sarcasm.
I felt the familiar tugging sensation at my navel and held tightly to my mother's arm.
Where's a lightning bolt when you need one?
He's not awful, was my first thought. I think he just checked me out was my second.
The squealing coming from our mothers was enough to shake me from my thoughts and turn my attention towards them.
"Oh Narcissa! You look stunning as always! Oh gosh! You probably don't even remember Gwendolyn!" She gushed.
"As do you Genevieve! You're a lucky man Oliver!" Narcissa smiled back at my father making me roll my eyes to myself. Women gushing drove me crazy. "Remember Gwendolyn? How could I forget? She used to put on such lovely performances for us when we had tea all those years ago. But I doubt you'll even recognize Draco. He's grown so much! Draco, come introduce yourself again."
"Hello Mrs. Hasting, thank you so much for the invitation to dinner." He said smoothly, not quite smiling but doing more of a smirk thing.
"Oh my goodness, how you have grown. Oliver, do you recognize him at all?" My mother gushed.
"Just barely love." My father replied as he looked up from his side bar with Mr. Malfoy.
I was feeling blissfully forgotten until I heard my name brought into the conversation. "Now where is Gwendolyn?" My mother said looking around. It was amazing how I could turn invisible in almost an instant when another child was around.
"I'm here mother." I replied stepping up next to her and holding my hand out to the new comers "Hello Mrs. Malfoy thank you so much for coming this evening, we're so glad you could make it."
"Such lovely manners. Now I'm sure you don't remember me at all but you used to love performing for me and Lucius when you were much younger." Mrs. Malfoy prattled on.
"I'm sorry, I don't" I replied, ever the woman of few words.
"Well then you surely won't remember my son Draco." She smiled bringing her son into the conversation.
"Draco Malfoy." the boy drawled, throwing me another half smile face.
"Gwendolyn Hasting." I said, internally rolling my eyes, this guy was way too into himself. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine." He replied, taking my outstretched hand and kissing it.
"I'm sure." I smiled, forcing myself not to gag at his display. I already didn't like him.
"My mother tells me you are quite the performer."
"Do you listen to everything your mommy tells you, Draco?" I asked mockingly.
"Only in regards to beautiful women, Gwendolyn." He replied. Man, this guy would not give up.
"Do you hit on every girl you meet?" I asked again.
"Only when we are to be engaged." He smirked back.
"Fair enough." I nodded, quickly losing interest in this little game of cat and mouse.
"Would you care for some fresh air?" He asked abruptly.
I was about to refuse but my mother fixed me with a look that dared me to so, so I accepted saying, "that sounds lovely. Mother Draco and I are going out for a moment; I hope that's all right."
"Of course dear, I'll have Kipper come and get you when we are ready to eat." She smiled giving me a wink.
Someone kill me now. I'm begging.
As we walked toward a small creek on her parent's property, I couldn't help but check out the woman next to me. She was beautiful, that was quite obvious. She was stubborn, I could already tell. She hated this more than me, and it made me curious.
"So, what do you like to do for fun?" I asked smirking.
"Not you." She replied, picking up her pace.
"Good." I said, irritated with her display.
This woman was trying to shake me and I knew it. The quickening of her pace coupled with her irritation made me weary of her, but not weary enough to back off. Something about her made me want to see her snap.
"Do you have a boyfriend?" I asked cockily.
"I'm a lesbian." She lied.
"I could be into that." I smirked.
"Go away."
"Make me.
"Maybe I will."
"Feel free."
Then she snapped. From a pocket in her dress that I hadn't seen, she pulled out a wand and pointed it at my chest waving it in silence. Then I felt my feet slipping backwards and the ground coming closer and closer to me. It wasn't the ground I connected with in the end, it was the creek.
"Why you little-"I started, but she cut me off.
"You said I could." She smiled innocently.
Then I felt it, a biting at my bum, and I looked down.
There, attached to my trousers was a snapping turtle, nipping away at my backside. I did the only thing a person could do in the situation. I jumped up, swatting at the thing to let go of my pants but it wouldn't.
"Get it off!" I shouted at the witch in front of me.
"Not unless you promise to be less of a jerk." She shouted back.
"Fine, just get it off." I said, still swatting.
"Fine, snappy let go!" She said to the thing, and it listened.
"It's your pet?" I asked.
"Well, duh. What else would it be?" She asked.
"A carnivorous beast!" I answered, choosing to ignore the high pitch of my voice.
"It's just a turtle. Don't pretend that you wouldn't try to hurt someone if they entered your home uninvited." She said but I could see the double meaning in her words.
"Good thing I was invited then." I replied standing up and attempting to dust myself off.
"Yet you're still unwanted." She hissed.
"Only by you. It seems to me that your mother is all but in love." I drawled, attempting to regain some of my dignity.
"Then why not marry her."
"Someone already beat me to it." I smirked, and then we heard a pop and an elf appeared in front of us.
"Dinner missus." The thing said, bowing deeply.
"Thanks Kipper. Tell mother, we're on our way." She smiled at the creature.
"Yes, missus." It said and popped away.
"Why are you so nice to that thing?" I asked in disgust.
"That thing practically raised me, why would I be mean to her?" She replied.
"It's a creature meant to serve you, not be your best friend!" I said with disdain.
"You have no heart, Draco Malfoy." She observed.
"Thanks, luv." I said winking.
"Go to hell." She muttered.
"Why? So you can meet me there in a few years?" I replied.
"I don't want to marry you."
"Trust me, you're not exactly my first pick either."
"Go die."
"And give you the pleasure?"
"Pretty please?" She begged feigning innocence.
I stormed off.
Someone kill me now. I'm begging
Draco Malfoy is a prick. He was rude and disrespectful and practically asking to be bitten by Snappy. I'm not sorry. Walking back to the house with him was a pain, he was pouting and I was choosing to ignore him. We continued toward the house until I noticed his soaking clothes.
"Stop." I said to him, causing t=him to turn around.
"What?" He spat back.
"You're soaked; my mother will murder me if she finds out about what happened." I said pulling out my wand again and silently casting a drying spell on him.
"What makes you think that I won't tell them all about this little incident?" He asked.
"You really want to tell your mother that you were being a total arse hole and made me push you into the creek?" I answered with another question.
"I guess you're right." He muttered.
"I know." I said back.
This guy was infuriating. Putting up with him was going to be hell, I could already tell.
As we walked into the house we could see that the family had already gone to the dining room and I led us there. We walked in to the formal dining room and I was embarrassed by the sight. My mother, attempting to show off, had decorated the place for the summer season. It smelled like a flower shop, with the scent of dinner mixed in. At the head of the dining table, that could easily seat 100 people, sat our families. And it was just my luck that there were two set places right next to each other obviously meant for Draco and me. Great.
"How was your walk dear?" My mother asked as Draco pulled out my chair for me. Her voice was heavy with innuendo and I could tell she was dying to know what had happened outside.
"It was nice." I replied not actually giving her the answer that she had wanted.
"Now, Gwendolyn, your mother was just telling us about your schooling, where is it that you go?" Narcissa asked from across the table as she began eating her green salad.
"I go to the Performing Arts School of Magic." I replied "it's in New York City."
"That sounds wonderful dear. I've never been to America!" She smiled.
"It's lovely there." I said.
"Is this school exclusive?" Lucius asked.
"Very." I replied. "They only let in the most talented witches and wizards. In my year there are only twenty students, and we each have different study focuses."
This seemed to satisfy him, and he went back to his salad. "What is your focus?" Narcissa asked.
"Musical theatre." I replied "I want, so badly, to become a Broadway performer. It's what we've been trained to do."
"How does the magic come in?" Narcissa asked.
"Well, after our fifth year we are done learning about magic. That's why we start school at age ten. Sometimes people continue to learn magic, but most don't. We learn practical uses for it, but mostly we rely on muggle ways of living. Sometimes we have newly discovered talents come to the school. They're behind everyone but they always graduate and go on to do great things. Though I only know of one, she's in my year."
"Fascinating." Narcissa smiled.
Maybe life wasn't going to totally suck.
This woman was frustrating and fascinating, hideous and beautiful, witty and stubborn, and I couldn't stand the fact that she had just put me in my place.
I couldn't help but dwell on the future; I would go insane living with this woman. She was just like my mother, minus the pureblood mania. Gwendolyn Hasting was a muggle lover, or as close to one as she could get. I needed to talk to someone and was instantly grateful that Blaise had invited me to Diagon Alley for drinks the next evening. Sometimes all a man needs is his best friend, and alcohol…lots of alcohol.
She and mother went on and on about her schooling, it was enough to make anyone sick.
"Well what about you, Draco? How is your schooling?" Genevieve asked from across the table.
"It's lovely. I'm in my seventh year at Hogwarts, a prefect, and in the running for head boy or quidditch captain." I drawled, listing off my accomplishments.
"Draco was top of his house last year." My mother smiled.
"My, isn't that impressive, and what house is that?" Genevieve asked again.
"Slytherin."
"I was a Slytherin once, oh but that was so long ago. Do you have any plans after school?" She asked again.
"I'll take over the family business." I smiled.
"Oh, how exciting!" the woman gushed.
"Gwendolyn you must come to Draco's graduation. I know he would enjoy it." My mother said, not knowing how much it would irritate me.
"Please, Mrs. Malfoy, call me Gwen everyone does!" Gwendolyn said.
"Only if you call me Narcissa!" My mother replied.
The two women laughed and continued chatting. If my mother likes the girl so much, then maybe I could learn to as well.
Maybe life wasn't going to totally suck
This night will never end. I thought to myself as we all sat in the parlor after dinner drinking tea, I would have preferred coffee but whatever. Draco was certainly charming my mother and Narcissa was chatting to me endlessly on wedding details. Things I never would have cared about before but were obviously the most important thing in the world at this moment.
"Now for flowers I thought roses, white and red. What do you think dear?"
"Well I'm allergic to Roses, Narcissa." I answered grudgingly seeing her face fall. "My favorite flowers are daisies. How about those?"
"Allergic to roses? That must be dreadful dear." She gushed pityingly. "Daisies will work just fine, white and yellow are the best. They'll match your hair beautifully!" She smiled regarding my chocolate brown mop.
"Perfect." I smiled.
"Well the contract is ready for signing." Mr. Malfoy announced as he and my father walked into the parlor.
"Perfect." Draco muttered. Copying my earlier sentiment.
"Shall we sign it in my study?" My father asked.
"That would be lovely, dear. Go on children, we'll be right here when you are done." My mother pushed.
"Shall we?" Draco said, offering his arm to me as he stood.
"I guess." I muttered taking it, more to keep me from fainting than for guidance.
As we followed the two men into my father's study I couldn't help but begin to hyperventilate. I saw my life flash before my eyes, past present and future. Draco picked up on my heavy breathing I think because he kept shooting me odd glances and adjusted his arm so that if I fell he would catch me.
"Right in here" My father said ushering us all in.
"Now then." Mr. Malfoy started as we all sat down. "The contract has been reviewed by both of our lawyers and is pretty rock solid, if I say so myself."
"Perfect" I muttered under my breath.
"Now it states that the two of you must be married within sixth months of Gwendolyn's graduation. Which I think is more than enough time to get to know one another and plan a wedding." My father interjected.
"You will have to have a child within the first five years of marriage. Which is more than enough time, I think." Lucius kept on.
"Perfect." Draco muttered under his breath.
"Now on the subject of divorce. After ten years, if the two of you desire, you can get a divorce and all of the properties will be divided equally and the child may choose which parent to live with." My father continued."
"While the two of you are married, there will be no adultery. You must live together for the first five years of your marriage. After the five years is up, you are permitted to live separately." Lucius finished. "Any questions?"
"No." Draco and I both said at the same time.
"Wonderful. Now we must have both of your signatures here. And your initials here." My father said producing two quills and making us sign where he indicated.
"Wonderful." Lucius drawled. "Shall we go back to the parlor?"
"Perfect, we should toast to the occasion." My father said as he walked out of his study leaving Draco and I alone together.
The silence was deafening. I could barely breathe and all I wanted to do was run into my room and cry.
"Well, I guess that's it then." Draco said all I could do was nod in return. "Shall we go back to the parlor?" He asked after a long period of silence.
I still couldn't form words so I just nodded and followed him out of the study and into the parlor.
When we walked in the family was toasting and my mother was the first to notice the two of us.
"Gwendolyn, darling, are you feeling all right?" she asked noticing my pale skin. Still unable to form words I just nodded my head and attempted to force a smile, which turned into a grimace. "Don't lie to me because we have guests. Say good night and head to bed. You look as pale as a ghost."
"Yes mother," I said finally able to form words "Thank you for coming this evening it was lovely meeting you."
"You too my dear." Narcissa smiled standing to peck my cheek. "You must come stay with us at the manor before you go back to school. How does next week sound?"
"I have a friend coming over next week." I said shakily
"Well, by all means, bring them too. I would love to meet your friends." She gushed
"Then next week sounds lovely." I smiled.
"Good evening young lady." Lucius drawled next to me taking my hand and kissing it. "We are glad to welcome you into the family" he continued on, showing no real signs of emotion.
"Good evening, Mr. Malfoy." I smiled forcibly.
"Goodnight Gwendolyn." Draco smirked from beside me. He was obviously taking our engagement much better that I was.
"Goodnight, Draco." I replied, not in the mood for his cockiness
"I'll see you next week." he whispered.
"Fine." I replied.
He pecked my cheek leaning back knowing I had won this battle. "Goodnight everyone." I said as I shakily left the room to head upstairs.
What did I ever do to deserve this?