Dulce Bellum Inexpertis
"War is sweetest to those who have never fought"
Hi there!
Thank you for checking out my story!
This is my first published fanfiction ever.
I hope you enjoy!
The actual first chapter should be up today.
Introduction:
"Astoria, dear, please come join your father and I in the study, we have something we would like to discuss with you." Astoria's mother, Isolde called.
Astoria plopped down from her perch on the bench. It was most likely another meeting with Mum's friend's daughters. Her small feet echoed across the corridor as she walked inside and slipped off her jacket. Heading straight to the study, Astoria made sure that not a crease was in her dress. Her mother would have her head if she looked untidy in the least. Astoria turned the big, silver knocker to the door and went inside.
When she closed the door behind her, she noticed there were two people in the room along with her parents. Astoria smiled politely before going to stand by her mother. She was thirteen now, and going to head to her third year at Hogwarts in a month's time. While her father and the strange man conversed, Astoria took in his appearance.
The man had long, pale white hair with matching gray eyes. He had bags under his eyes, although he was dressed impeccably. He reminded Astoria greatly of someone she knew at Hogwarts. Draco. Astoria was confused, to say the least. Why were they here? Daphne had said today would be a big day. Soon, her father and the man stopped talking. Her mother moved past what she assumed to be Draco's mother and stood next to her father.
"Astoria, we would like you to meet Lucius andNarcissa Malfoy. Their son, Draco, is going into his fifth year of Hogwarts next month." Her mother said in her clear soprano voice.
Astoria smiled at them softly. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy." She said, finally looking at Draco's mother. Draco and his father looked so much alike that it was uncanny. Before Astoria could question this occasion, her father had her sit down in one of the leather chairs in front of his desk.
"Now, as you know Astoria, as purebloods we want to keep our bloodline strong. With the Dark Lord on the rise, we don't have anything to worry about. However, in order to be positive that certain arrangements are made, we have a surprise for you." Astoria's mother went on, and soon began to beam. Why did her mother seem so happy? She never seemed happy. Unless there was some sort of socialite event that she had been planning.
Astoria's mind back-tracked. Oh no. Her parents were setting her up with….Malfoy? Of all people, Draco? Astoria's eyes widened and her heart started to pound. Daphne was Draco's age, why couldn't they have gotten together? She kept herself quiet and looked back at her mother.
"What's this surprise, Mother?" Astoria asked, her voice coming out a bit more fragile than she would've liked.
"Draco's parents, your father, and I have agreed to set the two of you up in an arranged marriage." She said, a bright smile coming to her face. Astoria's heart sank. She couldn't believe this. Her cheeks flushed with blood as she became angry. In order to not make a scene, she took in a deep breath.
Narcissa must've sensed the girl's distress because she soon stepped forward.
"You won't be getting married anytime soon, I assure you. When the time is right, you'll know. Why, both your mother and I were in an arranged marriage ." Narcissa said, a smile as frightening as Astoria's mother's on her face. She tried to act as Astoria's "friend", and the girl hated that.
"Daphne is in one too dear, to Theodore Urquhart." Isolde explained. Their attempts for making it seem right were failing.
Astoria could only nod. Times were different; she didn't need an arranged marriage when she could find her own man.
The adults chattered along as Astoria became quiet and despondent. Without being dismissed, Astoria found a place in the far corner of the study and sulked. Why? Why did this happen? Why did it have to be Malfoy? Daphne at least seemed happy with Theo. They were a great pair. Astoria didn't know if it was the time they had to accept each other, or if they really were in love.
"A few get lucky like that, but not all." Astoria thought, running her hand along the back of her head. She straightened her emerald green dress as the Malfoy's came to say goodbye. A forced smile came to her face as she said her farewells.
As soon as they had apperated away, Astoria looked at her parents. They never seemed 'in love' but they were comfortable enough. For the moment, she would accept what had happened. She mainly needed time to process it all.
Soon, she was dismissed and she went out running through the gardens. She needed to get away, to breathe. Astoria ran until her legs burned, and her throat was sore from pulling in the warm air. She stopped near the edge of their property, and rested against a tree. Tears began rolling down her face as she slumped to the ground, caring less about her fancy dress.
Astoria had never been a romantic, or even dreamed about being in love. Now that she was to be married to Draco, she didn't have a chance to experience those things. She had plenty of questions. Was she allowed to date? How old would they be when they married? Would she be able to get out of it?
All of these questions swirled around in Astoria's mind as she sniffled. She soon heard a pair of footsteps coming in her direction, but didn't bother to look up. It wasn't her mother. If her mother had seen her in this state of undress, she would've said something as soon as Astoria came in to view.
The footsteps grew closer, and the person stopped a few feet ahead of her. Astoria looked up to see her sister, Daphne standing there. Daphne and Astoria hadn't always gotten along, but they were close enough. In situations like this, Daphne seemed to give her the tough love speech. At least she cared enough to do so.
"Come on, you. Get up and stop sniveling. Mum and Father won't be happy to see you like this." Daphne said, practically dragging Astoria up to her feet.
Astoria brushed off her backside, removing the traces of dirt and tree bark. She looked up at her older sister who merely adjusted her own dress.
"Luckily for you, mum and father went to a dinner party at the Zabini's. I'm headed off to Theo's in a while, and you're supposed to stay here. "Daphne stated. Parents rarely took the children to dinner parties. It was just another rule in their pureblood society.
Astoria and Daphne headed back to the house. When the girls reached the second floor where their bedrooms were, Daphne stopped her younger sister.
"Go change into something that isn't wrecked. I would suggest hiding that dress from Mother." She stated apathetically before heading to her own room.
Astoria did as she was told, hanging the dress in the very recesses of her wardrobe. She looked out her window and enjoyed the feel of the stone beneath her feet. Soon, her sister began calling for her. Astoria quickly changed into a summer dress and sandals. It was perfect for this balmy afternoon.
As she walked down the hall, Astoria glanced at all of the portraits of her ancestors. Were they all in arranged marriages? It was likely so. Astoria timidly opened the door to her sister's room. Daphne was sitting on the stool to her vanity, magically curling her hair. She always looked her best for Theo.
"It's about time you found your way in here." She stated, continuing to do her hair. Unlike Astoria, Daphne had gotten their father's black hair. It was beautiful, and shined in the sunlight. Astoria's was a dark brown, and seemed lackluster compared to her sister's.
It had never been a competition, Daphne was always better. Better looking, Better in classes, Better with personal issues. Astoria felt jealous. Her sister could even take a situation such as being tossed into an arranged marriage.
Astoria soon got bored with wandering around her sister's room and took a seat on her bed. The sheets were a dark emerald, paired with silver pillow cases. Ever the Slytherin, her sister was. Her hand faintly traced the embroidered pattern on the comforter as the girls stayed silent. Astoria took in a deep breath, her questions finally surfacing.
"Daph, how do you seem so happy with Theo?" she asked in a voice that seemed much too young to be her own.
"Because I am happy with him." Her sister stated simply, as if she was mentioning what perfume she wore.
"How long have you known about your two's….err, betrothal?" Astoria asked, watching her sister's reflection in the mirror.
"Since I was your age." Daphne said, getting up to get dressed. These short answers were getting her nowhere.
She really looked beautiful. Her dark hair fell in ringlets, and her green eyes were rimmed in the smallest amount of black. Theo seemed to love her, but how was it that they could be happy? They were forced into it.
"You see, you end up loving the person you're meant to be with. For Theo and I, it was easy. Knowing Draco, it's going to be a challenge. " Her sister bluntly admitted. Astoria knew that much was true.
"If you're lucky, you'll begin to date during Hogwarts and won't have to go through the awkward first meeting at a dinner party like most. It's more personal when you meet beforehand." Daphne said, changing into a dark grey shirt and a black skirt. She soon took the place on the bed next to her sister, slipping on her heels.
"The only advice I really have is to accept it. Things are easier that way, and you won't get disowned by the family." Daphne finished by giving Astoria a peck on the cheek. She soon used her floo powder and headed over to Theo's house.
By habit, Astoria left Daphne's room and headed outside. Astoria ended up sitting on the edge of their fountain, thinking about her future. Her eyes were fixed on the forest behind their manor. It was easy for her to think this way. With no one home, she could do whatever she liked. Astoria was content with sitting out in the gardens.
A while later she found her way to the small flower garden that the elves kept for her mother. Astoria's favorite had always been a poppy. It was a small flower, but very pretty. Astoria bent down and picked one before sticking it in the fountain. She frowned as it burned away. The magical enchantment did that to all objects that fell into it.
She couldn't help but think that was where her life was headed. Her youth was going to burn away, and she would be stuck with Draco Malfoy. Astoria headed inside and a wild notion filled her thoughts. She would try to fight this marriage, anyway she could. That seemed like the only option for her at 13 years young.