LADY MALFOY
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything related belongs to J. K. Rowling. And the places I mention, in the story do not belong to me.
Author's note: My hearty thanks to Cassgrass for beta-ing this chapter!!!
Warnings: AU NON-MAGIC. Harry is a female. You will find swear words but quite seldom. I will add further warnings as story progresses.
Chapter 2: Alexandra's Ultimatum
Draco paced anxiously in the large sitting room that led to the master bedroom as he waited for the door to open. His breath stopped this morning for a moment as he watched Alexandra Jasmine Malfoy, the family Matriarch, one who ruled the family with an iron fist, breathing shallow then collapsing with a crinkled hand clutching her bosom, at the dining table during breakfast. An incredible fear had enveloped his heart since then.
Several minutes later when the door opened, Draco quickly walked to the Physician's side and waited for the diagnosis.
"She is out of danger. Although the stroke was mild, she needs at least four weeks of complete bed rest, regular medication and proper food. There absolutely must not be discussions that may cause her anxiety and stress," Dr. Derwent told him.
After a pause, "If this occurs again, Draco, I am not certain that we can save her," Dr. Derwent admitted grimly which then caused Draco to collapse on nearby chair.
"She is a strong woman. It is marvellous that she not only survived but also performed the family duties splendidly these many years. But now she must retire and relax in the time she has left," he advised gently.
Swallowing painfully, "How much time do you think she has left?" Draco asked quietly.
"That depends. If she follows my advice precisely and participates in no strenuous activities, she could survive up to two years or even more but if she continues like before she may not live to see the next dawn. I am sorry, Draco," he replied placing a hand on Draco's tense shoulder.
"Can I see her?" Draco asked quietly.
"Yes, although she is resting. I will send medicines with Gregory. Let me know if there are any problems," Dr. Derwent said as he gathered his bag to leave.
"Thank you," Draco said nodding.
"And Draco, no conversations till tomorrow," Dr. Derwent warned before leaving.
Draco silently walked into the room, glancing at his Grandmother lying on the enormous bed. It took every ounce of his strength not to break down crying as he stared at her pale and delicate form. Draco dropped on the bedside chair and gently gathered her hand in his.
It wasn't until that late evening that Alexandra opened her blue eyes and looked around until they rested on her grandson sitting by her side.
"Water," Alexandra croaked.
Standing and pouring a glass of water, Draco helped Alexandra sit up and held the glass to her mouth.
After she took a few sips, "how do you feel, Grandmother?" he asked calmly as he placed the glass back on the table.
"I feel much better than what Ethan might have exaggerated," Alexandra muttered quietly.
Draco glared at her until she relented, "A little tired but I am fine."
"Are you hungry? I'll call Elladora," Draco said as he rang the bell standing on the bedside table.
"I do not feel hungry, Draco," Alexandra sighed.
"You will eat nonetheless," Draco replied curtly.
Elladora appeared at the door in couple of minutes. "Sir?"
"Bring Grandmother some food. Make sure you follow Dr. Derwent's instructions," Draco ordered her.
"Certainly, sir," Elladore said leaving.
Draco watched as Elladore assisted Alexandra to eat a bowl of broth, occasionally throwing stern looks at his Grandmother before she could make any protests. She absolutely refused to have any after finishing just half.
"Have you eaten, Draco?" Alexandra asked as Draco assisted her back to lie down when she looked like she had no strength left.
"I will, later," Draco replied.
"You should. It's already way past dinnertime and then you should rest, you look tired," Alexandra told him closing her eyes.
Nodding, Draco said, "Rest Grandmother."
Making sure that Alexandra had fallen back to sleep, Draco kissed her forehead and called Elladora again.
"Stay with Grandmother," Draco commanded before striding out of the room.
Stopping in his tracks, Draco turned around and asked, "Have you eaten yet, Elladora?"
"No, sir."
"Ask Penny to stay with Grandmother while you have dinner. Then I want you to stay the night here. Let me know immediately if she feels any discomfort at all," Draco said briskly.
"Certainly, sir. Your dinner….?" Elladora asked him.
"Francis will take care of it," Draco said leaving.
The next morning, Draco walked back to the Master suite.
Draco gestured for Elladore to the sitting room outside the bedroom. "Were there any problems last night?" Draco inquired seriously.
"No sir, other than having to use the bathroom once, Lady Malfoy slept the whole night peacefully," Elladora said quietly.
"Good. Has she had breakfast?" Draco queried.
"Yes sir, some toast and orange juice," Elladore replied promptly.
"You may leave," Draco said walking back to the bedroom.
"How are you this morning, Grandmother?" Draco asked, internally sighing in relief as he noticed a bit of the colour back in her face again.
"I feel better than yesterday," Alexandra said with a smile.
"Good," Draco said as he settled in the bedside chair.
"Draco, there is a matter of utmost importance that I need to speak with you about," Alexandra said without preamble.
"Whatever it is, Grandmother, we can talk once you have fully recovered," Draco said firmly.
"Draco, we will not ignore the fact that I don't have much time left," Alexandra said sternly.
"Grandmother, please don't speak that way," Draco urged with a hint of pain.
"Oh darling, I know you are hurting but it would be foolish to ignore what is to come," Alexandra said gently.
Knowing that there was no use arguing with his Grandmother, Draco sighed. "What is it?"
"Your marriage," Alexandra said simply.
"You know my feelings in that regard," Draco growled.
"Yes, I know how much impact your parents' marriage had in your beliefs. That is the reason I did not push for your marriage this long," Alexandra replied slowly.
"Then why now?" Draco asked with a hint of anger.
"Draco, you have assumed the responsibilities of Malfoy properties and businesses for 4 years now but you are still not a Lord. Being Lady Malfoy gives me power to place you in that position but what will happen when I die?" Alexandra asked him. "You know, darling, that if you don't become the Lord before my death, the power will revert back to your Father. And you and I both don't want that," Alexandra reminded him. "You have to take a wife to gain the title of Lord and then sire an heir."
"Grandmother, why can't you just declare me as Lord Malfoy?" Draco asked furiously.
"Draco, it is a year old tradition of the Malfoy family. An heir is declared the future Lord on his wedding day. The honour is bestowed upon him as an indication that he is not only taking the martial responsibilities, but also family responsibilities. And I don't intend to be the first one to break it," Alexandra said firmly. "Draco, you knew all this. What did you think would have happened after me?" Alexandra asked staring curiously at his face.
"Grandmother, I had hoped that you would declare me as the Lord and then I could declare young Nicholas as my heir," Draco admitted hopefully.
"So you are planning to spend rest of your life all alone in this huge Manor," Alexandra sighed heavily.
"I won't be alone. There are servants; friends and cousins who will visit from time to time," Draco insisted forcefully.
"Your friends and cousins will be busy with their lives and families. Only a wife would be your constant companion."
Noticing the dark look on his face, Alexandra shook her head slowly. "Draco, I have made my decision. You will marry within the next 3 months," Alexandra said decidedly.
"How can you force me to marry after the drama of my parents' marriage, Grandmother?" Draco sneered with fury.
"Not all marriages end up like theirs. Your grandfather and my marriage worked just fine. Your cousins are happily married. Why, your best friend is getting married next week. If so, then why can't you?" Alexandra argued incessantly.
"Can you promise me that the next Lady won't be just like my Mother? That she will not manipulate me into doing her bidding? Can you promise that she will not finish Narcissa's job of destroying our family?" Draco grounded out.
"I can see that none of my words will change your beliefs," Alexandra sighed. "I had hoped that you would accept my desire but your stubborn attitude is forcing me to take severe action."
Alexandra shook her head in disappointment.
"Since Ethan has restricted my movements for the following weeks. You have that time to find yourself a bride. If you can't find one by the end of one month, then I will find you one who you will marry. If not, then you will lose the privilege of being a Lord, Draco," Alexandra warned seriously, her tone indicating that she would make good on her threat.
Draco sneered at her and angrily stalked out of the room. Before he disappeared he heard her say, "Don't be angry with me, Draco. Think of it as your Grandmother's dying wish. It is for your own good. I want you to be happy and settled. I want to die happily knowing that there is someone who would take care of you in my absence."
"Evening Draco," Blaise said opening the door widely, to which Draco nodded stiffly, his face blank.
Closing the front door behind him, Blaise led Draco to the study.
"I had thought you wouldn't come. How is Lady Malfoy?" he asked.
"Recovering," Draco said in the way of explaining as he settled himself in one of the chairs before the chessboard.
Blaise rolled his eyes at him.
Noticing Blaise making their drinks, Draco frowned, "Where are the servants?"
"Mother and Susan had to do some last minute shopping, so they took all the servants with them," Blaise answered handing him his drink and occupying the chair across from him.
"You are distracted," Blaise observed after several minutes of playing.
"What?" Draco asked confused.
"Draco, you lost three games in a row, each in less than 15 minutes," Blaise said in exasperation. "What's wrong?"
When Draco didn't answer, "Is your Grandmother really in that bad condition?" Blaise asked carefully.
Noticing the rigged ness in Draco, Blaise stood and picked up his almost empty glass and refilled it with wine before handing it back to him.
"That is part of the problem," Draco admitted reluctantly as he stood and walked to the large window that overlooked the gardens.
"What else is there?" Blaise asked curiously.
Draco stayed silent for a moment before replying. He recollected the discussion that happened between him and Alexandra.
"But I don't want to marry and bring in another Narcissa. One betrayal is enough for this lifetime. My family is still suffering from its effects and I don't think it can survive another!" Draco finished, agitated.
"What makes you so sure that your wife will turn out to be like your Mother?" Blaise asked calmly.
"What?" Draco asked angrily.
"I agree with your Grandmother. Draco, you can't discard such a sacred union just based on your parents' marriage," Blaise said ignoring the glaring directed by Draco.
"Blaise, you are my friend. You are supposed to side with me," Draco growled fiercely.
"Yes, it is also my duty to save you from your idiocy. And just like your Grandmother, I don't want to see you end up as a miserable, old man wasting away in the Manor," Blaise replied just as fiercely.
Draco turned away, snorting in disgust.
"I would rather give up Lordship than marry," Draco declared at last.
"And transfer the control of the family back to your Father and indirectly to your Mother? Will you really?" Blaise asked in disbelief.
Draco did not respond.
Instead placing the glass on the table, "Goodnight, Blaise," Draco said, sweeping out of the study.
Look out for next chapter: First sight
Yes, it will contain Harriet and Draco's first meeting.
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