I own nothing. All characters the property of J.K. Rowling. This is just for fun I am making no money. Thanks for the alerts and reviews. They make writing fun. Okay with this chapter, I think I need to put in a reminder that it is OCC and AU. I hope nobody throws stones ;]
Chapter 8
Silver admired the view in front of her. The gardens at Zabini Manor were magnificent. Winding paths and stone benches littered the garden. You could take a walk and rest to look at the flowers. She was smiling at the sight of a peacock showing off when a red rose appeared in front of her. When Silver turned, she saw Draco.
"Good morning." She took the rose and brought it to her nose to smell.
"Good morning. Enjoying the gardens early today I see." Walking around he sat on the bench and noticed Drago curled up on her lap.
"Oh, and good morning to you. Forgive me for not seeing you, Drago."
Silver giggled and caressed the white kitten. "Drago loves it out here. I have been bringing him out in the mornings."
Since Draco had given Silver her new familiar, she was rarely seen without Drago somewhere close by.
Silver thought that Draco seemed distracted. "Is everything alright? You seem like something is on your mind."
"I was just thinking that I have enjoyed spending time with you these last few days."
Silver laughed at him. "And that's a bad thing?"
Draco smiled at her in response. She still could not get over the affect it had on her.
"No, not a bad thing. Can I be honest without you going back to not trusting me?"
"I hope that you can always be honest, Draco." Silver took a deep breath before continuing. "Right now, that's important. Honesty, I mean."
"Well in that case, I….don't usually spend time with girls. I mean, I like girls; it is just that I …I sound like an idiot don't I? I have never been this unsure of myself with a witch before."
Silver laughed at the embarrassment on Draco's face. In the 7 years at Hogwarts, she had never seen him anything but calm, cool, and collected. Even his insults were given in that manner.
"I do understand. And I have enjoyed the time too. I would never have thought we could talk like this. Draco, I not really sure how it put this. I know…well, I know that you are not the kind of wizard that is content with only friendship from a witch. If you don't want to spend as much time here, if you have somewhere else to be I understand."
Draco took hold of her hand and brought it to his lips. He smirked at her blush. Not an evil, unkind smirk but an 'I love this' smirk.
"Silver, don't ever think that I do not want to be with you."
Silver blushed harder and stood up. She went over to the nearest rose bush and bent down to inhale the sweet fragrance.
Draco thought she moved with all the grace in the world. She seemed to glide from one place to another. He had never seen any think like it. He could see himself in five, ten years, with her. Living in a manor of their own with children and happy. He wanted that more then anything. Silver Zabini would make a wonderful wife and mother. Draco saw the way she cared for everybody. Even in school, he had thought that she cared far two much for her loser friends. Now, they were out of the picture and Draco would see to it that she cared for him more then she ever cared for them. And Draco would take care of her, she would be protected and loved like she never thought possible.
"Draco?" Silver had called his name twice and had gotten no response.
"I am sorry. I was lost in thought."
"Well, I hear your mother calling you from the library."
One of the reasons Silver loved this side of the garden was that the library opened out to it.
Draco went through the glass doors with Silver and Drago behind him. He thought it felt very domestic.
Narcissa and Avani were sitting close together going over some pieces of parchment.
"Silver, dear, I had not realized you were out there with Draco."
Silver smiled at Narcissa as she sat with Drago on her lap. "Drago and I were enjoying the fresh air."
Narcissa was pleased by the closeness that had seemed to develop between Silver and her son. In the last few days Silver was always with Draco or Blaise or both. The twins had also come along way and Narcissa was pleased for her godchildren. She was also happy that Silver had come in with Draco now maybe he would not blow up with her.
"Draco your father and I are leaving for home in a few minutes. We have a million things to do before the ball."
The only thing that surprised Draco was that it took so long for his parents to return to the Manor, usually his mother was frantic with plans months before a ball. However, with Silver coming home he knew that everyone had been distracted.
"I will be sure to tell father goodbye before you leave."
"Well, actually…."
Draco hated that tone of voice. He knew he was going to hate what she said next.
"Draco, we would like you to come with us." She cut off Draco as he was about to protest. "You have not been home and I really would like your help."
Draco knew one thing in life. His mother was not someone you made unhappy. Not only would she make you sorry but also the love of her life was likely to hex you into oblivion. Lucius Malfoy would not allow any one to displease his witch.
It looked like he would be going home.
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Malfoy Manor alive with activities. The ball was in a few days and Lady Malfoy was doing everything she could to make it a night to remember. Invitations had been sent and accepted, the ballroom cleaned and aired out, the menus perfected. Yes, The Malfoy's Anniversary Ball would be the social event of the year.
Draco and Lucius felt out of their element but finished all the tasks Narcissa assigned them.
It was one of the few times in the last few days that the men had nothing to do that Lucius brought up something he had been thinking about.
"Son? May I have a word?"
Draco nodded to his father and sat on the chair in front of his father's desk.
"Your mother and I have noticed that you seem taken with Silver."
Draco raised his eyebrows. His father wanted to talk about Silver?
"She is very special. To be honest with you father I love her. I intent to have her as my bride."
"Draco, I have never had to have this conversation with you. Most of the girls you dally with are experienced and are accustomed to certain treatment. I feel it prudent to point out that Silver Zabini is not that kind of girl. From what I heard of her when you were in school, she was always carried herself in a certain manner."
Lucius looked at his son sternly before continuing, "She would not take kindly to being discarded. Furthermore, your godparents would also have something to say if that were to come about."
"Father, I have already told you, I will not 'discard' her. Merlin, more then anything I want her to be Lady Malfoy."
Draco got up and passed nervously in front of the desk. "The other girls…there gone. I don't need them when I have the chance of perfection." He stopped and looked at his father in the face. "I love her and I would die before I hurt her."
Lucius thought about what his son told him. If Draco did manage to secure Silver as his bride, his son would be happy, his best friends would be happy and most importantly his wife would be happy. He had feared that if his son married that Parkinson girl he would need proof of paternity with each child. Merlin knew that girl was 'popular' with Draco's friends. This would work out so much better.
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"I am telling you, Silver that Dumbledore is gay."
"Blaise, that is not true!" Silver was holding her sides from laughing so much. "Not that there is any thing wrong with that. I just don't think he is." Silver was wiping the tears from her face.
"He is too. I saw him checking out Snape's arse on more then one occasion. So there." To top off his declaration he stuck out his tongue at his sister.
"Oh, that's just gross! Snape? Oh, do you think that it how Lockhart got his job?"
Now it was Blaise's turn to howl with laughter. "No, no please I don't need the visual!"
"Dumbl- Dumbledore is a gre- is a great wizard." Silver could hardly get the words out she was laughing so hard.
Blaise tried to catch his breath. He nodded at his twin and replied, "Yes, a great wizard….who likes Snape's arse."
Silver had tears running down her face, she was laughing so hard.
The twins didn't notice their parents standing at the door of Silver's bedroom. Avani leaned back against Celso and he whispered, "Thank you, cara."
"Whatever for, amore?"
"For never giving up. You knew our daughter was out there. I believe that was what brought her home." Celso kissed her cheek and softly closed his daughter's door.
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Blaise gather his courage before getting his sister's attention. They were still in her bedroom. After they had calmed down they stayed in the room, each reading a book. Blaise and Silver were a lot alike and could spent hours together doing things they both loved. Now he hoped he would not make her angry enough to hex him.
"Silver?"
"Humm?"
"What do you think about Draco?"
"Okay. That was random."
"I know that it is none of my business but you're my sister and he is my best mate. I am…concerned."
"I know you are. Well, I think it is easy to talk to him. He makes me feel safe and I need that so much. I mean I can take care of myself. I have fought in a war and managed to come out all right. I don't know how to explain it, Blaise. There is just something about him. If I am honest, I can say that he has always had my attention in one way or another. Even if I was so angry I could not see straight or so hurt I felt I would die he has always made me feel so much."
Blaise took her hand in his and squeezed. "Silver, I have known that man my whole life. I swear to you I have never seen him this way. I know he will not hurt you. Please, give him the chance to prove that to you."
"I want to Blaise. I want to be with him. But I can't be hurt again."
"It's not wrong to go after what you want. You are a strong independent witch. One who knows her own mind. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you don't."
Silver looked Blaise in the face. "I love you, big brother."
Blaise felt his eyes water. "I love you too, little sister."
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Draco was anxiously waiting for the Zabinis to arrive. It had been over a week since he had come home and he couldn't wait to see Silver. The time away from her was had made him realize that what he felt for her was real. When he saw her, he was going to tell her.
Draco was standing in front of the mirror in the foyer when two skinny arms encircled his waist.
Draco grabbed her wrists and pried them off him.
"Drake, I have wonderful news! My father is talking to your father tonight. He wants to announce our betrothal! Is it not marvelous?"
"What the fuck are you talking about!?"
Pansy backed away, slightly frightened by the look on Draco's face. Pansy decided she better start asserting herself now.
The Slytherin in Pansy started to show.
"Draco, you know as well as I that our marriage is inevitable. We WILL announce this engagement tonight. You may as well face the facts there is no one else better for the role of the next Lady Malfoy then me."
Draco stared down his nose at her before sneering, "Parkinson, you have no idea what you are talking about but don't worry, you will find out soon enough."
Turning on his heels, he went to look for his father.
"Lucius really, its high time Draco took his responsibility seriously. He has…. Pansy and he … well, they need to be married. It would embarrass both our families if they… started their family too early."
Draco walked into his father's study without knocking.
"Ah, Draco, Mr. Parkinson and I were just speaking about you."
Lucius sat back, getting comfortable to watch the show.
Draco poured himself a drink while the portly man swallowed nervously.
"Mr. Parkinson, from the comment I heard when I came in, you have a request of me?"
Mr. Parkinson couldn't believe that a … boy out of school could make him feel this way. True, his father was very powerful, ruthless even. Lucius had obviously taught Draco everything he knew.
"Don't you think it is time you honor your commitment to Pansy?"
"My commitment? And what makes you think I have a commitment with your daughter?"
"What makes… You listen here; I know that you have….taken liberties with my little Pansy. You will marry her!"
Draco said nothing as he lifted his glass to his lips and took a sip.
He startled Mr. Parkinson when he let out a laugh.
"Well, Parkinson you will need to buy a bigger house if you plan to have every bloke that has been with Pansy 'do the right thing'"
"How dare you!" Mr. Parkinson's face turned a brilliant shade of red.
"Let me tell you something, Pansy and I will never be married. Yes, there was a time when there was a possibility however that time has passed. I would suggest," Draco looked Mr. Parkinson in the eye while finishing his drink, "strongly, that you look else where for a husband for your daughter."
With that, Draco stormed out of the room.
Mr. Parkinson turned to Draco's father when he heard him chuckling.
"What do you plan on doing about your son?"
"My son is my concern not yours. And I am satisfied that he knows his own mind." He leaned back in his chair as Parkinson huffed angrily at him.
"He will never find any one to marry him. When I am done, his reputation will be-"
Lucius stood up so fast the chair toppled over. Mr. Parkinson gulped when he saw the wand in his face.
"You are a very stupid wizard. To come into my home, to tell me what my son has to do and then threaten him. You seem to have forgotten whom you are dealing with. Let me remind you."
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Narcissa was waiting for Draco to come down when she heard that bint Pansy behind her. "Lady Malfoy?"
Turning around she rolled her eyes at the dramatics the girl was displaying. Complete with tears and a pout.
"I need to speak to you. Draco is treating me horribly! All I wanted was to make this a night to remember. I wanted to announce our engagement. My parents told me that this would be the perfect gift to you and Lord Malfoy. Assurance that the Malfoy line would continue."
Narcissa smiled at Pansy. If Pansy had known Narcissa better she would have know that smile. The smile she gave you right before she crushed you into the dirt.
"Pansy, darling," She leaned in close to whisper in her ear. "If you open you mouth and ruin my party you will be very sorry."
She stepped back at continued. Seeing the look on Pansy's face, she smiled brighter. "Now, run along and find your mother and stay out of my way, humm?" Pansy scurried away while Narcissa turned to talk to the elegantly dressed women beside her.
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Draco smirked as he saw Pansy and her parents standing in the corner hissing at each other. "That went well don't you think?" Draco nodded to his father as he joined him. "Yes, I do. Parkinson looks unhappy. Any comment?"
"Let us just say that he will no longer be coming into the manor making demands of anyone in this family."
"Really? That is good news."
"Simple had to lay down the rules."Draco was about to ask for details when there was a gasp that seemed to come from the whole room.
He saw what blown the room away. His girl. Silver looked like an angel. The dark, off the shoulder dress with her hair up showed off her graceful neck and delicate shoulders.
His mouth went dry as Blaise walked in beside his sister an offered her his arm.
"Lord and Lady Zabini"
The twin's parents walked in first, all smiles. They knew the next announcement would set the pureblood world on it toes.
"Blaise Celso Zabini and Silver Avani Zabini"
You could have heard a pin drop.
Draco was happy with the effect she had on everybody. Well, Malfoys always did make an entrance and Silver would soon be Lady Malfoy he would make sure of it.
He made his way over to her. The room exploded in whispers as Draco took her hand and brought it to his lips. Lights from cameras went off and Draco knew he needed to track down a copy of best picture of them.
Silver lit up when she saw Draco. He looked so handsome in his formal robes. Every one else in the room disappeared as she looked in his eyes.
"Silver, I am so happy to see you."
Silver paused before decided to be honest. "I….missed you."
Draco wanted to kiss her then and there. If it were not of the hand on his arm, he might have.
"Drake, what are you.." Pansy's voice trailed off as Draco turned to her.
"Parkinson, don't ever put your hands on me again."
Looking at the girl who still held Drake's hand, she sneered. "That's not what you usually tell me."
The moment she saw Pansy lay her hand on Draco she made a decision.
She was tired of being a wimp. She wanted Draco. She had thought about nothing but him the entire time he was gone. After talking to Blaise, she realized that wanting Draco was not a crime. He had helped her so much and …had taken care of her. She knew, just knew that he did not feel for Pansy Parkinson what he felt for her. She was going to fight.
"That was when he didn't know better."
"How dare you!" Pansy clenched her fists and step closer to Silver.
Draco was about to step in between when Silver side stepped him and stood in front of Pansy.
"I am telling you this only one time, Parkinson. If I have to repeat it, I will not be as nice. Stay away from Draco."
Draco thought he might pass out. What the hell? It was un-fucking-believable. He tightened his hold on his girl's hand as she glared at Pansy.
"Drake! Say something! This…tart.. needs to be put in her place."
Draco nodded "You are right but my girlfriend already told you off."
Pansy's mouth opened and closed like a fish before spinning around. "DADDY!"
With Pansy running off Silver groaned and turned to Draco. "I am so sorry I -"
Draco put a finger to her lips.
"That was the sexiest thing I have ever seen. You are so passionate and knowing that passion is for me is overwhelming."
"Will your parents be mad at me?" Silver was now panicking at the thought of and angry Lucius or even worse an angry Narcissa.
Draco looked over her shoulder to see their parents together. Narcissa and Avani smiles could not be bigger and the were giggling like schoolgirls.
"I don't think you need to worry about them."
Draco placed her hand on his arm and led her through the room. Draco could feel the stares but it did not bother him. He felt like a king with her on his arm.
Draco ushered her in the parlor and shut the doors. He went to put her in his arms when she stopped him.
"Draco, we need to talk. I think I might have over stepped my boundaries. I mean, yeah we have kissed, and it was great, fantastic even, but to interfere in your life like that-"
Draco stopped her by placing his lips on hers. Silver moaned at the feeling of his tongue on her lower lip asking for entrance. She moved closer to him. When had she ever felt so…good? Draco ran his hand down her back and gently pushed her even closer.
Silver felt his hair, his smooth beautiful hair in her hands. The sound of his moans and the feel of his hard body had her rubbing herself against his thigh. When his lips left hers to trail down her back, she let out a breathy moan. "Oh, Draco"
Draco felt like a fourth year with his first girl. The feel of her in his arms had him almost to the edge. He shivered at the thought of her naked and under him in his bed.
He buried his hands in her hair and tugged to get her to look at him.
"Silver, the fact that you want me enough to fight for me… I don't know how to describe it. I want you to know that I want you and know that I know that you want me too nothing is going to keep us apart. You are my future. I… I have never said this to anyone. Maybe to my parents when I was small but not in a long time. I love you, Silver."
Silver had tears in her eyes as she looked at Draco.
Did she love him? It had been less then a month since they had met again.
This man had always intrigued her at school. His taunts always hurt the worst. He seemed so untouchable like she would never be able to reach him. Was it because they were destined for this? Her heart said yes. She looked at him and went with what she felt in her heart.
"I love you too."
Silver smiled when Draco went for her neck and kissed the side of it softly. She felt him inhale. As if he needed all his senses for this one moment. Silver knew she would never forget this. The feeling that everything was going to be all right.
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The rest of the evening was a blur to Silver. Draco never left her side. She had caught Blaise smirking at her more then once. That's was fine she would get him later. There were a few people taking pictures, Draco had said that Narcissa wanted to have them to remember the ball. Silver was very glad, she knew that there were some great ones of her and Draco.
She was dancing with Draco when she saw a hand tap his shoulder.
Draco rotated his head to find out who dared interrupt them.
"Draco, mate, must you keep the all the gorgeous girls to yourself? Do I not warrant an introduction?"
"No. You don't."
Draco went to gather Silver in his arms again when the offender again tried to cut in.
"Really, Malfoy. Do you always have to be a selfish git? Maybe the lady would like to meet some one new."
Tuning his attention to Silver, he bowed. "Hello, I am Theo Notte. Pleasure."
As he took her hand, Silver felt Draco tense. "Silver Zabini." She winked at Draco to get him to play along.
"So, how do you know my boyfriend?"
Notte eyes dulled in disappointment. "Your boyfriend?"
"Yes, Draco. Do you think if I had another boyfriend he would let me dance with Draco Malfoy?"
"No, I suppose not. Oh, I know him from school. We were in the same year and have been friends since we were children. And Blaise of course."
Draco had enough of Notte chatting up his girl.
"Now she knows you and you can get lost." Draco whisked her away.
Draco was twirling the girl Pansy looked on with hate. Draco would dump the tart eventually. She knew he would. Draco was not capable of commitment not even to a beautiful pure blood girl. She knew first hand.
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