A/N second chapter complete! I know it's starting quite slowly but I assure you it will pick up soon. I just want to lay the ground work. I also appreciate feedback so please do leave a review if you can!
Ps – apologies for any typos. Unfortunately the PC wasn't available so this chapter was written on a phone and I'm not 100% sure I caught all the auto corrects.
Disclaimer: None of its mine!
Chapter 2
School had finished 2 weeks and already Eleanor was restless. She had read and re-read a few of her 7th year texts and was even considering starting up a conversation with her mother to pass the time. She sat by her bedroom window staring out into the grey, miserable July afternoon. Her mind drifted back to her brief introduction with Lucius Malfoy. He had been true to his word and contacted her parents just 3 days into the long summer break. She was suspicious of his motives; he and his family had purposefully avoided her family. They were no longer invited to dinner parties, ministry fundraisers or any social affair. He had invited her parents to his mansion for dinner that very evening. Her mother had spent the last week discussing nothing but what she though the décor would be like, the colour of the lounge and the extensive wardrobe of Narcissa Malfoy. She had gone to Diagon Alley to pick out new robes that Eleanor knew must have a cost a small fortune; a small fortune they did now have. Her father actively encouraged her mother to buy them. He insisted they looked their best for the evenings festivities.
Deciding to continue reading about the great Goblin Rebellion, Eleanor had noticed just how much time had past. It was only when the house elf knocked on her bedroom door to enquire as to whether or not she would like her meal did she realise just how hungry she was. Putting her book down she headed down the stairs of her modest family home to the dining room where a single place had been laid for her. After turing on the wireless, she sat down and pulled her napkin on to her knee. Nora, the family house elf appeared to set down her dinner of stew before running off into the kitchen. After a couple of mouthfuls she heard her parents bedroom door close and their voices on the landing.
"Have we got everything darling? Are you sure I look ok" her mothers voice got louder as she began to descend the stairs.
"I must have told you six times now! You look beautiful" her fathers voice sounded exasperated. "And if we've forgotten anything it's not as if we can't come back to get it".
Her mother appeared in the doorway dressed in opulent navy dress robes. She had chosen the best of the Crestwell family jewels to compliment her outfit and Eleanor had to admit her mother looked beautiful. Her mother pulled her wand from her serve and silenced the wireless. "We're off now darling. We wouldn't want to keep Narcissa and Lucius waiting. Don't wait up for us" with that her mother turned and waked towards the living room. Eleanor waited until she's her both her mother and father say "Malfoy Manor", the whoosh of the Flames audible even on the dining room, before she got back up and turned on the wireless. She was actually looking forward to a night alone.
Gideon and Alexandria Crestwell arrived at the Malfoy Manor with time to spare. They were asked to take a seat in the grand front parlour by a house elf before being handed a glass of champagne. They were assured that their hosts would be there shortly.
"This room is simply stunning. I must ask Narcissa where she got this beautiful throw from. I think it would really set off our living room. Don't you darling?"
Gideon turned to her with a warning look I his eyes. "Alexandria, I don't want you bothering Narcissa with inane questions about the décor. I have no idea why Lucius has suddenly got invited us after 12 years but you will do nothing to jeopardise it. I want you on best behaviour tonight!"
Alexandria was hurt but quickly plastered a smile on her face to hide the pain caused by her husbands name. She would be the perfect wife tonight. Suddenly the house elf that greeted them reappeared to introduce the Lord and Lady of the house. Alexandria and Gideon both stood at the arrival of their hosts, greeting them like long lost friends with hand shakes and air kisses. Lucius and Narcissa took a seat on the leather Chesterfield across from them.
"I'm so very glad you could both make this evening. It really has been too long since we last spoke." Lucius drawled.
"We are extremely gracious for your hospitality this evening Lucius. It really has been too long since we spoke last" Gideon replied nervously. He felt on edge but tried to relax to make sure he made the best possible impression. He did not want this meal to be the last he was invited to.
The 4 of them talked until they were called to dinner. They covered a variety of topics, from the ministers latest plans to what was happening with the Parkinson family before sitting down to a lavish 6 course meal. Conversation flowed as much as the champagne did and the night was slowly drawing in.
Lucius placed his napkin and the table before standing and addressing Gideon. "Would you care to join me in my study? I have an excellent vintage Brandy for you to sample" he walked to his wife and kissed her gently on the cheek, "Narcissa, I will have the elf fetch you and Alexandria more wine if you wish to retire to the drawing room? I'm sure there is plenty of gossip you ladies need to catch up on" he said with a slight smirk. With that Lucius led Gideon to his study.
Gideon looked around impressed at his surrounds. The Malfoy study was an impressive room. Dark wood panelling adorned the walls and 2 green leather Wong back chairs faced the ornate fireplace. Lucius indicated that Gideon take a seat in one of the chairs before flicking his cane towards the hearth to start the flames. He walked over to his drinks cabinet and poured 2 glasses of brandy. Handing one to Gideon he finally joined him in front of the roaring fire.
"Tell me Gideon, how is life in the ministry treating you?"
"As well as can be expected. It keeps me occupied" Gideon replied.
Lucius looked over at him as he took a drink from his glass. The man squirmed slightly under his gaze which made Lucius smirk slightly. He liked that he made people nervous. "I can't imagine it pays well, and I don't recall a promotion being offered in the 15 years you've worked there?" Gideon flushed at the question, looking uncomfortable discussing his lack of progression within the ministry. It was a sore subject for him. "How rude of me. Forgive me for asking such personal questions. Merely intrigued I assure you," Lucius responded.
"Things could be better but I suppose everyone can say that can't they," Gideon replied.
"I ran into your daughter at Hogwarts a couple of weekends. She has grown into quite the lovely young woman. You must be very proud"
"Eleanor didn't mentioned anything," Gideon looked confused. He was sure if his daughter had met Lucius Malfoy she would have told them. He'd had to have words with her when they got home. "We're extremely proud of her. She gets her beauty from her mother."
"Quite. Tell me, do you have any suitors lined up for her. She is coming of age now isn't she?"
"We haven't really thought of marriage for her to be honest. I think she's quite set on achieving her N.E. first. Then perhaps her other and I will set out to find her a suitable husband."
"Intelligence is wasted on a beautiful woman such as her. She has no need for it." Lucius suddenly stood from the chair and walked towards the fireplace. Staring at the flames he address Gideon once more, "I have a proposition for you … A business proposition should we say?"
Gideon perked up at the thought of doing business with Lucius Malfoy. He could already see their social standing raising. "Oh? I'm intrigued Lucius."
"I will not lie to you Gideon, your debt is well known within our group. We know you will lose the house shortly and that the inheritance has gone. Goblins talk when you're someone that matters. Your vault has been empty for years hasn't it?" Lucius didn't give him chance to reply, "well this is where I can help. How would you like 100,000 galleons? That's enough to buy back your house from the goblins and have plenty left over to treat yourself to some new robes perhaps?" He glanced at Gideons dress robes, doing very little to hide his judgement.
"That's very kind of you Lucius but I assure you we are not in that kind of debt …"
"Do not lie to me Gideon. I know how little you get paid at the ministry. Hardy enough to pay for food let alone repay what you own on the house. I'm offering you a way to get your family name back to where it was. Do you not miss that?"
Gideon sighed. Lucius was right. He had little money to his name but owed a lot, and he and his wife wanted nothing more then to regain their social standing lost after the war. "What will it cost me?"
"Nothing of monetary value," Lucius replied. "As I said before, your daughter has grown into quite the beautiful young lady and I would very much like the opportunity to get to know her better. Unfortunately my current mistress is not performing adequately and I therefore find myself in the market for a new one," Gideon paled as he realised what Lucius was asking for, "I want Eleanor as my new mistress. She will be looked after I assure you but I do expect her to be at my beck and call."
"Lucius you can't be serious, she's still at school for one!"
"That is unfortunate. I will allow her to complete her final year however you will write to Dumbledore prior to the school year commencing. A sick grandmother should allow her some time away from the castle."
Gideon was shocked. He didn't know how to respond.
"Just think of the money Gideon. Money for old rope really. You'll be paid handsomely and your daughter will be well looked after. I have accommodation in London she can have and she will have an allowance as such so she needn't be a financial burden on you."
"Can I think about it? I don't know if I can make a decision now! I should really consult Alexandria"
"I didn't realise you were that under the thumb Gideon. Discuss it if you must but I expect an answer by Sunday or I withdraw my offer. It's nice to see who's head of the household in the Crestwell family. Tell me, do you go running to your wife about every decision or do you man up and make some on your own?" Lucius knew exactly what he was doing. He was pushing his buttons; questioning his masculinity to force him into an affirmative answer.
Gideon's felt his temper rising. He didn't need his wife's permission to make this decision. He was in charge. He knew money was tight and what Lucius was offering would solve their problems for years to come. He knew his daughter would be looked after financially; she'd want for nothing. Taking a deep breath to calm his temper, he asked his final question, "you promise no harm will come to her?"
"I promise" Lucius responded. He didn't but he could hardly tell her father that. He planned many things that would cause her pain and bring him pleasure but he didn't plan on telling Gideon that.
Gideon sighed, "it's a deal then."
The deal was sealed with a wizards oath and toasted with a brandy. Lucius sat back in the leather chair and smirked. He was quite looking forward to properly meeting the delightful Miss Crestwell. He would sleep soundly that night imaging the moans, gasps and pleas he would elicit from her perfect young body.
Gideon stared into the flames wondering what he had just done. Regret filled his body as he watched the flames in a trance. His wife would kill him. His daughter would kill him. He was not looking forward to the conversation he would have to have with them.
A/N hope everyone enjoyed the second chapter of my story. Please do let me know what you think as it does keep me going and keep me motivated to write!
Elle x
