Chapter 7:
Lucius sat in his armchair reviewing an invitiation an owl had just delivered. Wonderful, he thought grimly, the Yaxleys have changed their coming out party to a masquerade ball. He hated masquerade balls.
He of course had known about this blessed event for some time, he had demanded Draco to be home this weekend from school. There was a lot riding on this occasion.
Still, this invitation could not be ignored. It was from a prominent pureblood family. Not to mention their son was a dominant death eater. He remembered when their daughter Jonina came out to society almost 20 years ago. She was the perfect young woman, beautiful, bright, with connections. He had seriously attempted to court her. One day she just sort of disappeared. It was just like the Yaxleys to keep their lives a secret. This girl must be her daughter. Yes, she certainly would be the right age. If she was anything like her mother, she would be impressive.
Draco was upstairs in his room. For some reason his father had insisted that he come home this weekend. In fact, most of his comrades were "requested" home by their parents. He had no idea why but knew it must be something important.
A quiet rap came to the door, "Excuse me... Master Draco, your father would like to speak with you inthe library." the new house-elf almost whispered.
Draco reluctantly got up and walked apprehensively down the stairs and met his father in his library. "Draco, my son".
Draco knew his father was up to no good now but answered, "Yes father. You wished to see me."
"Yes. We have an opportunity this evening. We have been invited to a masquerade ball for the emergence of Master Yaxley's granddaughter." Lucius announced.
Draco was in shock. "Master Yaxley? That hideous faced death eater? He has the audacity to have a daughter? No wonder they are making this thing a masked ball, probably to cover up some kind of facial deformity! What is she like Jojo the dog faced girl!"
Angered by his son's attitude, Lucius bellowed, "Draco! That is enough. These people are not to be trifled with. Yaxley is an ambitious wizard. While I agree with you that he is a bit scarred from his tribulations over the years, you would best be advised not to challenge this family. His parents are a force to be reckoned with. Furthermore, I will have you know his sister was lovely."
At this Lucius's voice and facial features softened, "I remember her entrance into society like it was yesterday. She was such a breath of fresh air. She was brilliant, witty and extremely high spirited. She never went to Hogwarts, she was tutored at home. They did not want her mixing with the wrong kind of people. Quite right I must say.
Draco, the reason I called you down here was not to have this debate but to demand you to win this girl. There is only one reason why the Yaxley's are introducing this girl. She is eligible for marriage. I want this alliance, Draco. If she is anything like her mother, she will be the best. Go after her. Acquire her."
Draco's mind was racing. He was too young to get married, before he knew it he was talking back to his father again, "Father, you cannot be serious! I am too young to be married. You have got to be out of your mind! You really have lost it."
Lucius struck his hand violently across Draco's face and roared,"Draco! That is enough. This is the second time I have had to tell you. You will not speak to me in this way. You will do exactly what I tell you to do, without complaint. I want you to secure her hand before someone else steals her from our family. You don't have to marry her until after you graduate, just woo her. Do not lose this opportunity or you will regret it. You are dismissed."
"Yes, sir", Draco sighed as he walked out of the room. What a waste of time! This weekend was shot. He could not believe he had to play kissy face with "Jojo" the dog faced girl.
As Draco turned to go up the stairs, his father called to him, "Oh, and one more thing Draco. Your friends are now your competition. Don't trust anyone."
Little did Draco know that at this time all of his friends were having the same discussion with their fathers.
