Yay, more reviews and story alerts/favorites :D Thank you to everyone who's been reading and reviewing. I have an announcement to make with this chapter update. In about three weeks, I'm traveling to Asia for the whole summer, which means I won't be able to update until September. I'll try my best to have the story completed before I leave, but I can't make any promises as there's still a lot left. I'll try to update frequently from now on, and I hope you all keep reviewing regularly so I have motivation to update. Enjoy the chapter, and I'll put up the next one as soon as I can!

Ten: Wonderful News

Draco came home that evening with a burst of relief: Pansy was dining at her sister's house tonight. She had been eating at the Malfoy Manor for weeks now, and Draco felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from him at this break. Smiling, he changed out of his work robes and washed up for dinner. How spacious and comfortable the dining room seemed to him tonight! The house elves had prepared crepes with smoked salmon, which Draco found tasted better than usual in Pansy's absence. Tonight Draco could eat as much as he wanted without Narcissa fussing over his lack of table manners. He helped himself to the artichoke salad, which was laden with a rich, creamy dressing – the type which wasn't allowed at the Malfoys when Pansy was over, because of her ridiculous diets. He had an extra serving of potatoes as well, which was drenched in enough butter to give Pansy nightmares. Draco chewed softly, savouring the pleasantness of being away from Pansy.

"My Draco, I haven't seen you look this happy in a long time," his mother commented.

Draco nodded blissfully. "Did you have a good day at work? Is that why you're so happy?" Narcissa persisted.

He shook his head, taking another big, flavourful bite. His mother suddenly grew concerned. "Does it have anything to do with Pansy? Are you two – you're not – I hope that you both behave decently towards each other –"

Draco began to choke on his potatoes. "Mum!" He shot a look at Lucius, who was carefully avoiding his gaze.

Her lips thinned. "Hm, I just want to make sure that you kids know what is acceptable and what isn't. It's horrifying what young people these days are up to. Bear in mind that Malfoys do not tolerate such...inappropriate activities before marriage."

Draco was still coughing. "Yes, mum, I know."

Narcissa looked satisfied. "Good," she said as the house elves collected their dinner plates and laid out the pudding. "Now that we have that clear... I have some good news."

Draco loaded his plate with pineapple slices and cashew pudding, barely interested in his mother's news. His mother took a sip of her tea and announced, "I've set the date for Lucious's party for the twelfth of June."

"Isn't that a bit late, mum?" asked Draco, glancing over at his father. "Dad's birthday is at the end of May."

Lucius cleared his throat. "Er, yes, you see, we have something very special planned for the evening."

"Well, what is it?" Draco asked, suddenly aware that his parents were both looking at him strangely. Narcissa gave a loud sniff and a small tear escaped her eye. Draco was growing impatient.

"We've decided – we want to tell you – you and Pansy are getting engaged!"

"What?" Draco shrieked, knocking his plate to the floor. The glass shattered at once, spilling food over the rug.

"Isn't it wonderful news?" Narcissa exclaimed, now failing to stop her tears from falling. "If only your aunt were here..."

"I am not marrying Pansy!" Draco snarled.

"Draco, watch your tone!" Lucious thundered.

Draco ignored him. "What gives you the right to decide that I'm getting engaged?" he demanded.

"Oh Draco, don't be so foolish," his mother replied. "It's a perfect idea. We all know it's bound to happen, so why not now? Pansy is a wonderful Pureblood girl and I can't wait to make her a part of our family. Her parents and I have already discussed it and have decided that it would be best for you to propose at your father's birthday party. That'll allow us plenty of time to buy the ring and –"

"YOU ALREADY MADE THE DECISION WITH HER BLOODY PARENTS WITHOUT EVEN CONSULTING ME FIRST?" Draco boomed.

His parents looked horrified. Lucius stood up from the table in anger, but Narcissa stopped him quickly. "It's alright, Lucius. Let me handle him," she murmured.

Draco couldn't believe this. His parents were acting as if he was a five year old! As if it wasn't bad enough that they had already picked a career for him, they were now forcing him to get married!

"Draco, don't be childish now," his mother said sternly. "We've all talked this through and have decided that this is the best thing for everyone."

"Yeah, everyone except me!" shouted Draco.

"No, especially you!" Narcissa corrected him, shocked. "I can understand if you're a bit surprised right now –"

"A bit surprised?"

"- But you'll get over it. You two make a lovely couple, and you will propose to her at your father's party, in front of everyone. It will be a wonderful, romantic evening. Pansy will be so happy – her parents are very excited..."

"I bet," Draco snapped. He rose from his seat and stormed out. "Draco, don't be like that, dear!" he heard his mother call behind him, but he ignored her.

He walked out the front door in haste, not wishing to be anywhere near his traitorous family.