Disclaimer: I don't own it.
Oh man oh man. It's been a long time. I'm really really sorry about that. Getting back to school was harder than I thought it was going to be. Really sorry. But anyways...this chapter is good. Kind of funny in the sarcastic kind of way. I've already started the next chapter and have the next few ones after that planned out and it'll be good. Oh and I just wanted to thank everyone who read, I think as of today 68 people have read the last chapter. So good job to all those people.
Oh and to my awesome reviewer Gackts Sanura... I feel kind of threatened but no worries. The story will be finished regardless of how long it takes. But as to all your questions, sadly you'll just have to wait and find out! xD
Thanks bunches to everyone! Read, review, and enjoy.
Chapter 25 A Token of Affection
Isabella paced nervously in front of the gate, her heavy winter boots leaving sloshy tracks. It was 9:47 and knowing the mothers, they would be here any second.
They say ten but they mean to test you. They'll arrive at least ten minutes early and if you're not there, spend the rest of the day lecturing you about your tardiness.
For this Isabella had to endure the cold till their grand entrance.
She sighed, releasing a hot breath that clung to the air on its slow exit.
The day hadn't started out well for Isabella. Draco was gone by the first light and was "unable" to accompany her to meet the mothers. Isabella had jabbed herself with the mascara brush three times this morning trying to get ready and, damn near killed herself running through Hogwarts in attempt to reach the front gate before they did.
All because of this stupid, overrated, idiotic game.
Isabella huffed and pulled her coat closer to stop the escaping heat.
'Okay Isabella, think of something calm, something serene.' She stopped her pacing and focused on the gray sky. It was sure to snow again and the clouds stopped all chance of anything melting on the frozen ground.
The mottled sky was beautiful though, just a single solitary blanket covering all of Hogwarts, probably all of Scotland for that matter.
'Jason would love it here,' she thought. The lush, rolling hills and black locks had always appealed to him. He had once mentioned taking a trip here, like a follow you ancestors footsteps sort of thing. He had asked Isabella to come along.
Now here she was, enjoying Scotland during one of its most breathtaking seasons and he wasn't here.
'No, stupid! Jason could never come to Hogwarts. Unless you plan on telling him you have magical powers and then asking Dumbledore permission for him to visit. Oh yeah that would go over really well, especially with your husband!'
Isabella's next groan was suppressed by her mother-in-law's voice.
"Oh Isabella, dear, so lovely to see you."
Before Isabella could answer she was enveloped in Narcissa's thin arms, where were encased today by a large gray mink coat.
"Wonderful to see you again Narcissa. Draco and I are so happy you and mother could attend his match today."
"Of course we would come. Lucius and I always loved attending Draco's games before the…before the 'incident' that is."
"Really? That's so thoughtful of you. Maybe you could help me understand the game. I'm afraid they didn't have much quidditch in Boston, so I feel a little lost. And you know Draco, he drones on and on and I have no idea what he's talking about."
Narcissa's grin widened at the thought of this possible mother-daughter bonding experience. She had always wanted a daughter but after Draco and then the war…it had just never happened. Now she had a chance to influence a young woman and share in that experience. Oh, the things they could gossip about, maybe she could even find out when she's going to be a grandmother!
"I would love too. Anything," she emphasized, "for my new daughter."
Isabella coughed back the bile that had risen in her throat at the word "daughter".
Narcissa released her and Isabella faced her mother. Mary's fiery green eyes scrutinized her only child.
"I trust you have been a good wife?"
"Of course mother, I learned from the best, didn't I?"
Isabella watched her mother's frown turn to a scowl.
"Take us inside Isabella. It's freezing," Mary's equally cold tone commanded.
The game would start at precisely eleven o'clock after a half hour of ceremonial handshaking and what not.
Isabella and the mothers had taken their seats in the teachers' stand long before the beginning of the pointless processions happening on the field. It gave Professor Snape, who had taken a seat next to Mary, just enough time to inform the mothers of the entire Pansy fiasco.
Isabella's head immediately fell into her outstretched palm and stayed there till Snape's drawing voice finished the story.
The pair didn't speak but Isabella felt her mother's piercing gaze.
"How shameful," Narcissa finally wailed. "To think such a nice girl like Pansy attacking Isabella and only a week after her marriage!"
Mary silently comforted the hysterical Narcissa saving her comments for a more private location.
"It was really quite amazing," Dumbledore interjected from his seat two rows behind. "Isabella masterfully disarmed Pansy without even a flick of her wand."
Isabella's groan bellowed from deep within her diaphragm.
'Damn it old man!' she cursed.
"Narcissa, mother it was really no big deal. The professors are making me out to be some kind of invincible hero which we all know is untrue. So I would appreciate it if all further discussions about Pansy and me were stopped."
Snape raised an eyebrow but then gave a quick nod and the discussion was over.
The conversation shifted to recent Ministry events before the teams began to take the field.
First were the Gryffindors who exploded onto the stadium with a fury of cheers from all sides, except for Slytherin. Of course, they were favorites to win.
One boy led the team and the crowds shouted his name.
"Harry Potter! Harry Potter! Harry Potter!"
He was the only player Isabella got a good look at. They locked eyes as he flew by and for an instant Isabella was drowning in an emerald sea before he was gone.
The team buzzed around awhile till they formed a 'v' formation and hovered closely above the field.
That was the cue for the Slytherins to emerge.
Isabella's husband lead the way, his pale hair pulled handsomely back at the nape of his neck.
'He looks happy,' Isabella thought.
Draco had a slight smile etched on his lips. Narcissa also lit up at the sight of her son. She cheered and screamed along with the rest of the Slytherins while Mary gave a soft clap.
Isabella hesitated not knowing what to do, but decided to join her mother-in-law, to escape her own mother's questions. I
The team flew around the pitch showing off their best barrel rolls and what not, and Draco was not exempt from the festivities. In fact, he made the most commotion.
"You know Isabella," Narcissa whispered in her ear, "a woman always gives her man a token of her affection before a big fight. It's English tradition."
"But I don't…I don't have anything to give him," Isabella stuttered, wide eyed.
'Is she honestly expecting me to give Draco and what did she call it? A token of affection? Gods, it's like we're in the middle ages. Maybe I should throw him my embroidered handkerchief as a sign of my undying love,' she scoffed.
"I'm sure you'll think of something but you better hurry. The game will begin soon," Narcissa said with a push.
"Uh, okay," Isabella mumbled before making her way down to the edge of the stands.
Not knowing what to do, Isabella squinted her eyes in search of Draco. She found him, soaking up the glory in front of his adoring fans. She waved her arms trying to catch his attention.
Once she felt foolish enough, Isabella screamed his name as loud as she could. Thankfully he heard her. With a wave of her arm, she signaled him to come and he sped over.
Draco was even more gorgeous up close, she decided. Isabella had seen the dirty uniform on the floor, but she could have never imagined how good it looked on him. He stopped and hovered just in front of her.
"Yeah?" he asked with a lazy grin.
'Gods forgive me for what I'm about to do.'
Without a word, Isabella grabbed his face and smashed her lips onto his.
Draco seemed too stunned to respond but eventually caught on. He grasped the back of her neck with one hand, steadying his broom with the other, bringing them closer together.
She pulled her lips away but his forehead stayed laid upon hers.
"Good luck," she breathed against his warm lips. Isabella pulled back further and turned back to her seat.
"I'll win this for you," he called behind her.
Isabella shook her head and looked over her shoulder, "No Draco. Win it for yourself."
He smiled at her and sped off to play the game of his life.
Isabella crawled, wrought with embarrassment, back to her seat. Narcissa beamed at her and even Mary's demeanor lightened.
Narcissa took Isabella's arm once she regained her seat, and intertwined it with hers.
"That was exactly what I was thinking, my dear. Exactly what I was thinking."
Isabella didn't reply, but kept her arm with Narcissa's as they settled in to watch the match.