Title: Marriage Binds

Chapter title: My News is the Greatest
Author: Blemery

Rating: PG-13

Pairing(s): Arthur/Lucius

Beta: none would really like one anyone interested?

Spoilers: sort of for OtoP but probably a bit AU off of that

Summary: Ever wonder why the Malfoys and Weasleys hate each other or why there is a nine year gap between Charlie and Percy. The answer is rather simple as most families of pureblood descend both Weasley and Malfoy practiced arranged marriages. However, arranged marriages go slightly array when one of the pair falls in love with someone else, before the arrangement is made official.

January 7th 1966

"Bubb, da, duh, unnh, aaah," Bill told his father not realizing that his sounds were not words he was sitting in a high chair having lunch with Lucius, Rabastan, Rodolphus, and Bella at some restaurant in Diagon Alley.

"You should really come see him Lucius he's mind blowing. Everything he says makes perfect sense," Rodolphus explained as they waited for their meals.

"Exactly, he's got all these ideas about muggles and how they should be working for us, not us fearing them," Bella explained.

"I don't know," Lucius pushed Rabastan's sleeve up running his fingers over the invisible mark, "He brands you perhaps he's not telling you all of his ideas."

"These," Bella explained, "are symbols of unity so we know who we and they are."

"So he can control you, maybe you're the ones working for him," Lucius pointed out, "Giving that much control and power to one person who thinks mudbloods aren't the 'true' 'prueblood' and that they should be punished for that…" he shook his head, "I think he's a bit too extreme."

"He's not extreme! He's just defending his beliefs!" Bella defended earning nods from the men.

"His beliefs are extreme and he takes extreme measures," Lucius argued, "I just, I'm not sure. I have to make a decision that's not just about me, but about my family as well."

"Lucius, if Arthur cares about you then he wouldn't make you change your decision," Rabastan pointed out.

"He doesn't but its common courtesy to think about his views and welfare as well that's how a marriage works," Lucius calmly retorted, "Plus what about Bill?"

"That sack of nothing?!" Bella snapped glaring at the baby redhead. How could he be more important then the cause?

"Luke what she means is do you really want him to grow up in a world where he has to hide who he really is. Growing up in fear?" Rodolphus supplied.

Lucius glared at the both of them, that was a low hit, "You two will never understand how wrong what you just said really was." He stood from the table, "I hope you have fun rolling over for your master," he sneered pulling Bill out of his chair before leaving the restaurant. Lucius kissed the baby's head holding him close to his chest he went down to leave threw the Leaky Cauldron. "You don't have to worry Billy. Don't be afraid Daddy will make sure nothing bad ever happens to you, baby."

"Dada," Bill wiggled a little just because he could.

Lucius blinked and held Bill out at arms length, "What? What did you say? Dada?"

Bill gave an innocent look, sense all of his looks were innocence he was a baby after all. He wiggled even more in his arms. He did not like to be held at arms lengths he, like most babies, liked to beheld as close as possible. Lucius got the hint and brought him against his chest. "Dada, he said it…" his heart swelled with pride being a father was, he determined, the greatest role he ever played. He never wanted his son to feel fear or scared; he loved him and wanted to make sure he knew it. There weren't words to describe the feelings he had that came from the moment he first held his baby and that only grew more each day. It was unexplainable unless someone was already a parent themselves.

Arthur had been owled by his parents earlier that day and despite the fact that their disappointment in him for marrying Lucius infuriated him, he wanted to meet them. They had not spoken in around two years and so perhaps this meeting would call an end to their feuding. They were his family and he wanted their acceptance and a relationship with them, he did not need them but he wanted them.

So, he was waiting in the Café for them to show up. They were supposed to be there for tea but they were late, as always and it was not fashionable, ever! He sighed perhaps they decided not to come after all, losing hope he rose to leave only to be met by his approaching parents.

"Oh Arthur!" his mother rushed up to kiss her second son. His father shook his hand formally. "How's the baby dear? We thought you'd bring him," Catherine his mother asked.

"Luke took him today. I was worried that you might disown him as you did to me. I did not want to let him be hurt like that," Arthur explained pulling out a picture of the three boys so his parents could see.

The grandparents cooed over the picture for a while, and then the waitress came to take their order. After which Arthur finally asked what they wanted.

"We wanted to discuss the estate Molly's parents are still upset but we have paid them a fair amount for the mix up."

"Why?" Arthur furrowed his brow, "She has her own family wealth and I'm sure she'll find someone with money as well."

"We just had to give them something for their time. We have good standings with her family," His mother explained, "But we've come to realize that you are serious about this marriage and since there is not anyone else who deserves the money. Arthur we know you three need the help and we understand you've been working it's just not in our favor to have the Weasley name come to poverty."

"Besides, I will be damned if my grandson goes without the same luxurious you provided!" His father answered gruffly.

Arthur smiled weakly, surely the reasoning why his parents were helping was not the best ones but he could use the help, "Thanks Mum, Dad."

The conversation during the meal was about business and politics of the ministry. His father handed him the key to his vault before they parted.

"Luke!" Arthur called when he apperated into their flat. Bill blinked from where he stood supported by the couch. Lucius looked up from his book on said couch. "I have the greatest news!"

"No way, I do!" Lucius smiled brightly, "Go, first though."

Arthur moved to sit on the couch he pulled Bill into his lap in one swift motion, "Mum and Dad caved, sort of, they're not giving me all my inheritance, I mean not like I would get it all with them alive, but…" he held the key up, "You see now we can get that house we want."

Lucius grasped the key, "You're shitting me. Arthur this is perfect! Are you sure you want to waste it on me?"

"Of course, who else," Arthur grinned placing an endearing kiss against his lover's lips, "What was your news?"

"My what, oh my news…"

"Dada," gooed little Bill. Arthur stared down at the crop of red fluff on top of Bill's head.

"Did he just speak did he say…"

"My news is the greatest!" Lucius chirped happily.