Note: Update! Update! Woot! I'm getting good at this, write everyday thing. Haha. I waste valuable sleeping hours, which results to a grumpy disposition in the morning. Still, I think this is good. Somewhat. Haha. Well on with the story!

Chapter eight: Approval

"What?" Narcissa Malfoy gasped. She had gone home distraught when she couldn't find Draco anywhere. She had gone from store to store, and questioned people around her. 'Excuse me, have you seen a man who is blond. About six feet, grey eyes, a grump disposition?' She looked like an idiot. It reminded her slightly of the time, when she thought she lost Draco in Diagon Alley. That day, she was on the verge of helpless tears. However, she found that he had merely followed Lucius around Knockturn Alley. She berated Lucius about bringing him, but she was happy she got her son back.

This happiness can only rival the happiness she felt now. Draco came home. Yes she was very happy about that. So he didn't run back to France as she speculated! Oh how nice! However, her happiness was cut short when he had announced a rather...surprising development. Instead of fleeing back to France, he went and got a wife!? Not just any wife either. Pansy. Pansy Parkinson. Instead of being generally happy about all of this, she looked panicked and tired, like she was dragged all over the place. What did he do? Corner her into marriage? How right she was.

"Are you saying you and Pansy are engaged now?" she pressed staring hard at her only son. She can usually tell if he lies. He may not have the same symptoms of lying like most people do, but he had some. For instance, his eyes would glint that certain Malfoy way. His mouth with twitch just slightly. He usually would come in casually. It was little things, but she learned from them. She really knew if he was lying, though she let some slide sometimes. Just to see what will happen, and for him to learn his lesson. Most of the times, he learns his lessons.

"Mother, this is not a real marriage," Draco clarified. He rolled his eyes. She actually thought it was a real engagement. Please. He had brains to figure out that Pansy wasn't exactly his choice of a woman. Hypocrite. If he remembered correctly, Pansy was one of the top contenders to be his wife. Well that was before. Times changed now.

"Not a real marriage?" She questioned. Suddenly she seemed even more suspicious. Her eyes narrowed and she straightened her form. To Pansy, it was like seeing the Mrs. Malfoy from before. During the war, she seemed like this. She was both tense and radiated power. It was rather scary. Even Draco's sureness lowered down. She bit her lip. This was not going well. Draco was still a momma's boy. Narcissa obviously held more power over him.

"Well...yes. It's something to...solve my problem," Draco managed to say. That one sentence clicked everything for Narcissa. They could tell she was linking everything together. She even took detail of the rings that glinted from their fingers. Her eyes narrowed even more. They both gulped. They weren't sure how she'll take this. Pansy was rather scared and happy at the same time. She looked like she was about to burst out shouting. It was fine by her, if she were able to break this whole thing up. Draco on the other hand was carefully calculating his mothers actions. Most likely...most likely, she'll do that.

Narcissa could almost smile. This was a humorous matter to her. For Draco to go this far, for a simple fib. Well it wasn't exactly simple, but he could turn it to his benefit. Oh Draco, oh Draco. You pick the most complex thing to do? You could do some much more easier things. Yet, his whole idea amused her. Her hermit Draco actually went with a plan like this. If it weren't as mental as it sounds, she would have put her foot down. Since it was as mental as it seems, she's letting this go through. Partly for her own amusement, but more for Draco's expense. She always let him learn his lessons. This one was a great opportunity. Plus, with a little nudge and polishing, he could break out from his loner habit. Pansy was a great choice. She was quite the little spotlight in the wizarding world. No doubt this will be a very fun ride.

She started to laugh. She can only imagine what these two idiots in front of her would do. While Pansy may think this was torture, she viewed this differently. It was like a show. A comedy show or one of her comedic books. It was a good laugh. So comical in many ways. Pansy looked at her confused. She has never seen Mrs. Malfoy laugh so merrily and freely. In fact, she didn't think she ever heard Mrs. Malfoy laugh with the exception of snickers for someone's expense. "A-are you meaning to say you paid Pansy into being your wife?" she forced out, trying to regain herself.

"Not necessarily," Draco answered simply. Pansy let out a small sound of disgust. It was more like blackmail. She glanced to see Draco's facial expression. He seemed...use to it? Maybe he expected all of this. Perhaps Draco saw this coming? She certainly didn't. Then again, he was their son after all.

Narcissa sobered herself and she examined the couple in front of her. Pansy seemed to be fuming. She nodded silently to herself. Apparently she was dragged in to this. Draco was Draco. While he was unemotional in the face, she stayed fixed on his small gestures. His hands twitch and clench from time to time. He's rigid. His eyes glinted seriousness. Hmm, Draco was definitely thinking seriously. He'll work something out. Yes, he will. She smirked silently. While she felt like she has to scold him for his inconsiderate behavior, but she felt it was not her place. This situation needed more...action. Just to see where it goes. She was positive it would be amusing.

"Now Draco, you have to think about all the consequences. Are you even sure that it's a good idea?" Pansy's eyebrows rose higher. She wasn't expecting laughter and gentle questions. Perhaps the war has made Mrs. Malfoy soft.

"I know what I'm doing mother," Draco answered, "now if you excuse us. Pansy must make herself at home." With that he turned and grabbed Pansy out to the door. Before they could close it, Narcissa called, "Come back down in an hour for dinner. We all must talk about this."

Pansy could almost feel Draco stiffen before relaxing once more. "Alright," he said before closing it shut. He let out a sigh and muttered, "Come on." He almost dragged her down the corridor. She bit her lip. Apparently Draco had more harder things to tackle than her.

She ripped her arm away and shed, "There is no need for you to show me the way. I know this house a bit too much." That was true. She has spent most of her summers here as a child. Of course, that was back when there were actually bright summers.

"Whatever Parkinson, just get your arse upstairs," Draco barked. There is no need for her attitude now. His mind worked out ways for his own advantage. While Pansy was a clear answer, there were obstacles as always. One was his parents. His mother he could easily overcome, but his father was something else. In fact, he didn't know what his father would say. He hasn't seen dear-old Lucius yet. What was he suppose to say? 'Hello father. Oh yes, I'm quite fine. You? Oh, that's great to hear. Well, I recently black-mailed my way to a wife. Other than that, everything is great.' He could just picture his father's face. He would brush his long hair aside and stand up to face him directly. He would test if he was mental or hexed. Perhaps even drugged. To summarize, he wasn't going to take this well.

Now seeing as this is Pansy Parkinson, he just knew his father would put his foot down. "Do you have any idea how this will ruin our relationships with the Parkinsons!? Draco think before you act!" He could hardly care about their connections with Pansy's family. So they're a great, honest family friend? What did he care? Well of course his father cared. It was hard to gain a family's loyalty like that. Right. You can't gain loyalty from anyone. He knew that.

"Draco!" Pansy's voice snapped his train of thought. He jumped slightly and looked around. Apparently he found his way back to his room. Pansy had a defiant stare on her face.

"What?!" he barked. Already Pansy was getting him past irritated. How is it that women had this ability!?

"You expect me to sleep in the same bed as you!?" she cried out outraged. Draco's eyes flicked from her red face to the bed she indicated. It was a king sized bad, lavished with green silk. He was willing to say that his mother had it especially made for him. His eyes snapped back to Pansy. Stupid woman.

"Are you daft Parkinson?" he sneered, "you're not sleeping in my bed. You're sleeping" -he pointed to the left ceiling- "in the guest bed over there." Then Pansy remembered. Draco had a guestroom in his room. It was like a patio inside, that was attached to the wall and ceiling. It was used for sleepovers as a child. It would show itself when the owner of the house wanted it to.

She looked up to see the banister slowly reveal itself. The circling stairs began to lower itself down to them. When you get up there, you would find as many beds as you need. In this case, one for her. It was also equipped with a desk, walk in closet, and bedside tables complete a nice lamp. She stared back at Draco who smirked at her. Pain in the back.

He only said in response, "Well? Are you going to unpack or not?" She looked expectantly at him. He raised and eyebrow. "What? I'm not helping you." She let out a small noise of insult. He could at least be civil. They were technically husband and wife now. Of course in the public eye. In private, they're a couple of squealing, brawling adults. Oh perfect, now they are like man and wife.

Draco watched Pansy climb up the stairs. He'll leave her to her nonsense for now. He scrunched his nose in exasperation. Now what to say to father?


"I-Draco! Must we do this?" Pansy inquired. She felt jittery and scared. Why? She wasn't quite sure of this. They were about to see Draco's parents. She had chosen a simple emerald dress for the occasion. Apparently they had to do a formal dinner together. She was already biting her lip. She felt butterflies in her stomach. She shouldn't though. She has eaten dinner with these people her whole life. However, today was different. Somehow it was like the first time all over again. This time, she was an adult who was more conscious of what is happening around her. She felt like she was going to be cornered. Interrogated senseless. Lucius Malfoy would question her. With his sharp eyes, she was sure he would break her. They were just too scary.

Draco only nodded, quite unsure of the situation. He wasn't in a technical advantage this time. Unlike his mother, who he kept contact with, he barely talked to his father. Sure, they exchanged the usual letters but none where it revealed any change in attitude. His mother's personality changed, but he wasn't sure of his father. He knew that it changed. The war changed everyone. However, how did it change? How did it affect him? How does he act now?

He glanced down at the woman in question. Then there was her to worry about. What would she say if father happens to question her? He could only rely on the fact that she had a backbone. The Queen of Slytherin surely had that. Still, she looked nervous. His eyes narrowed. He'll have to do something if she freezes.

They entered the dining room silently. Lucius and Narcissa were already seated. They were at the head of the table and greeted both with a nod. Draco and Pansy took their respective seats opposite of them. Somehow the table seemed longer now. The delicious food didn't seem appetizing either. It was suppose to quench her nerves and hunger. Rather, she felt worse.

"Father, Mother," Draco addressed. Pansy gave a small smile. Lucius merely gestured them to be comfortable. He was in no mood for formalities today. So they sat there, waiting for the host to say something.

Lucius complied with a simple, "Let's eat." With that they dug into their feast, trying to ignore the awkward atmosphere around them. Draco took this time to carefully study his father. Lucius has indeed aged. His platinum hair was rather white now. His face was visible of wrinkles. However, he seemed fit and strong as ever. From the looks of his face, you can see a man who has struggled his way through life. Indeed he has given in to the darkness, but he was fortunate to be saved. To him, his father reflected a different personality completely. The eyes that use to show coldness and indifference now looked worn. He has seen many, and most were not be seen. He looked down at his food. How does that affect his character though?

It was silent for a while and Pansy was tense. She didn't like this atmosphere. Not at all. He seemed alright but in deep though. Narcissa seemed solemn, but she was the closest to being normal. She can't really read any distinct expression on Mr. Malfoy's face. She shuddered slightly. She didn't like his company.

"Well then," she almost jumped when Lucius began to talk, "Draco, I'm going to skip over all the formalities and get to the point." Draco's head shot up and his eyebrows raised. Hm, it seems his father didn't bother with formalities now. Interesting. His best bet was to see what he'll dish out. Draco nodded and let Lucius continue.

Lucius merely wiped his mouth and started once more, "And what, may I ask, will you gain from this Draco? How will this affect you?" Pansy looked at him too. She was curious to what he'll say.

"Nothing in particular," Draco answered simply. Pansy choked slightly. What?! She was about to say something when Draco added, "I have more to loose than I am to gain. Naturally, I'll go through with it." She closed her mouth. Bastard. He gave her a heart attack for a second there.

"I can only imagine," Lucius commented. Pansy glanced at him, then back at Draco. It seemed that Lucius understood everything already. It was like Draco had no need to explain it. Lucius already had it all worked out. "However," he continued, "I am not comfortable with you doing this to Ms. Parkinson." She let out a small smile. Finally, some understanding.

Her slight happiness died down when Lucius suddenly asked, "Tell me Ms. Parkinson. Do you agree with any of this?"

That question caught Pansy completely. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Naturally she would say, "Of course not!" However, she must remember that she was in the presence of a Malfoy. One doesn't just act uncivilized in front of the head Malfoy. So what was she suppose to say? "No sir. I do not agree with any of this." It sounded foreign but correct to her. However she must voice her thoughts.

A small nudge from Draco made her glance at him. He was giving her that look. That look that just said, 'Say anything and you die.' That look made her gulp. Her life was already bad enough when he showed up. If she screwed this, he would appear in the next chapter of her life. None of it will be pleasant either. She whimpered silently. She was a lost cause.

"Ah...," she began trying to find words, "I...I-" -she glanced nervously at Draco- "agree with Draco. I will loose more if I don't go through with this." This in fact was true. Still she had to swallow a whole lot of her pride to say it. She could almost feel Draco smirk beside her. She had let him win this. For Merlin's sake, why did she say that? She should have voiced her thoughts! She was capable enough to take Draco on! She was sure Mr. Malfoy would have not approved if she had said something. So why? Why in the world would she go through with this?!

"I see," Lucius said. She could feel him calculating her. It was like he fully examined her face to uncover all her secrets. So this was what they called the famous 'Malfoy stare.' It was as famous as the Malfoy smirk or sneer. No doubt, Draco could do this perfectly. Scary.

Her eyes landed at Narcissa. She hadn't realized that she had completely pushed aside her food and stared hard at them. Her eyes trained at their face then it snapped to Draco's face. A small smile was lingering on her lips and she muttered to herself.

She looked down at her food. She lost her appetite. The atmosphere completely ruined it. She couldn't take it. They were being evaluated. She was being evaluated. She didn't like it. She had heard Malfoy stares were tough. However, she didn't expect them to be like this. Their stares were making her feel like putty. It was downright embarrassing and she was getting paranoid.

"Father. Mother. Will you excuse us?" Draco suddenly said. The two older adults simultaneously nodded and soon the couple fled out of the dining room. Pansy didn't mind Draco grabbing her arm hard. It was better, really.

Once out of earshot Narcissa broke into a grin. She stared merrily at her husband who sat there amused. "So," she questioned, "What do you think?"

Lucius only raised an eyebrow to question her. "Are you sure this will end well?" he asked. He certainly wasn't sure. Just by looking at the two, one can see a boundary. It's going to take a whole lot of shedding pride just for them to open up to each other.

Narcissa nodded placing her hand on top of her husband. "I'm sure. A mother knows best!" That statement made Lucius reminisce about his childhood. Didn't his own mother use to say that? Didn't she say when he question why Narcissa was chosen as his wife? He smirked. That's right. A mother knows best.

"This will be an intriguing year," he said. Narcissa chuckled next to him. Of course it was. At least there would be something to entertain them this year. It was better than

chatting with Mrs. Cutters about god knows what. Heavens, that woman can talk up a storm!

"One week," Lucius started, "One week and we'll see what happens. One week."


Note; Okay I haven't kept with the whole updating every week thing. Sorry. Sorry. Well, exams can do that. Crushes too. And...drama. Well, I was distracted. To make up with it, I'm submitting another chapter after this. We'll see how it goes. :D