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While Lucius went on his mysterious errand, Aria continued rummaging through the attic. The attic, although dark and dusty, might have been her new favorite spot in the entire Manor. The vast amount of history and treasures up in the space was astounding. Some of the things she found such as books and old clothes were fun to look at, but some of the other items up here were definitely of darker nature. Bottles and jars of unidentified objects lined random shelves and cupboards, and there were quite a few times that Aria's face grimaced openly at the mysterious objects floating in different colored liquids. Many texts and books she found as well were quite dark in nature too; some of the books even had chains wrapped around them. Perhaps they remained up here and not in the main library in case any guests came around the Manor and reported such dark items. Aria was pretty sure many items in the attic were illegal, making them no less exciting to look at though.
Aria was also astounded at the amount of how much jewels she found up in the attic. The Malfoys could open their own rare jewelry store it seemed. Most of the jewels were already in gorgeous settings in rings, necklaces, broaches and bracelets. Some however were just the jewel itself whether it was sapphires, emeralds or diamonds, ready to be put into any gorgeous jewelry one could imagine. Aria felt like a pirate who just discovered treasure. Aria knew Lucius no longer worked at the Ministry, but between his cache of riches here in the attic, his property and all of his other private business dealings, she knew he would be secure financially as he ever was.
After what seemed like hours, the dust began finally getting to Aria, as she felt her nose running and her throat feeling dry. She was digging through one last cabinet of drawers when her hands fell on a small black, velvet pouch. Thinking it to be more beautiful jewelry, she opened the drawstring and pulled out what she was surprised to find to be an actual time turner. Her eyes widened in shock and awe as she pulled out the very rare, and very potentially dangerous item. The temptation she felt as she held the device was overwhelming. She knew time turners were extremely rare and sought after. There were perhaps only a few in existence and only very trusted witches and wizards were able to use them for pre-approved purposes. However, she really wasn't shocked the find out that the Malfoy's owned one. With the right amount of money and power, she was certain it was rather easy for the family to possess one.
Her heart so longed to be able to use it. Her mind raced as she envisioned the images she had seen in the Chamber of Love back at the Ministry the other day. The images of Lucius and Aria throughout time. With this rare time turner, there was a possibility for her and Lucius to travel in time and to discover more about their past lives. It would of course be very risky and dangerous and would require much time and research on how they would pull something like that off, but her heart longed to discover more about them. She knew so much now, but she wanted to know more. Were they truly the first beings that created true love for the rest of humanity? Even to Aria it sounded ridiculous. But she so wanted to believe it was true, and there was much evidence to point to that fact. She also wanted to know if her and Lucius found each other in every life? Or just some? And were they always the same ages when they found each other or was it different each time? These were questions that had been weighing on her mind ever since that day in the Chamber of Love. Aria bit her lip as she held the time turner in her hand, careful not to spin the hourglass in the middle. She put it gingerly back in the black pouch and put it in the pocket of her robe. She wouldn't tell Lucius just yet that she had found it. She wasn't even sure if he knew he had one…although she couldn't help but think that he must know. Either way, she had some thoughts about how she would want to use it.
After her surprising discovery, Aria grabbed the books she found that she wanted to bring down to the main library and headed down the spiral staircase back down to the actual part of the Manor. Aria passed by the newly emptied rooms in this part of the Manor and smiled to herself. The possibilities were endless, and she couldn't wait to find a use for these newly emptied rooms. She perhaps wanted to make them nice guestrooms so that family and friends would be able to visit and stay over. She loved her alone time with Lucius, and she knew if Lucius had his way, it would just be the two of them only, forever. No visits, no more parties or functions, just them. But Aria lived in this beautiful place now, and she wanted to celebrate its beauty, and have it come alive with smiles, laughter and above all things, love.
After setting the pile of books down in the library, she made her way back to her and Lucius' room, took off her robe and went to the bathroom for a nice long shower, wanting to get all of the dust off of her and have the steam from the shower clear out her stuffed sinuses. As she showered, she wondered how long Lucius would be gone and hoping he would be back soon. Any time she wasn't with him, her body called out to him like a magnet. It wasn't so much that she was in need of or helpless without him, but she just felt like a piece of her was missing when he was away. Their bond was that strong. As her mind continued to think of him, she began fantasizing about one of the earlier times they had had in this shower. She envisioned him standing behind her, his hands running over her wet, soapy body as he caressed her breasts and rubbed her clit with perfection. Alone now in the shower, Aria's urge and need for him grew and she found herself quite aroused as she thought of him. She reached down and touched herself and moaned slightly at her own sensitivity and physical hunger. She could have easily brought herself pleasure right then, but she knew her Lucius would be back hopefully any minute and she knew if she waited, he would sense her need and he would ravish her deliciously.
She got out of the shower and wrapped herself in plush white towel and headed downstairs back to the library where she lit a calming fire and sat on one of the comfortable sofas while she curled up with one of the books she pulled down from the attic: Notable Wizarding Families- Malfoy. Aria had instantly wanted to read this book when she saw it. It seemed to be a part of a series of books on famous wizarding families, and this volume focused solely on the Malfoys. Aria loved learning about Lucius' family. The good and bad parts. She wanted to know as much as she could about the man she loved and where he came from. She knew not all of it would be pleasant, but being the historian she was, she was excited to learn more about the Malfoy name.
She was in awe when she learned the name Malfoy was first traced back to the late Middle Ages around the 1300s in Britain. The book did mention though that although that was the first recorded instance of their name appearing in wizarding history, there was a strong chance that they were around long before then. That gave hope to Aria's theory that her and Lucius' love was even more ancient and powerful. As an hour or two more went by, Aria had learned much about the early Malfoys. They had always been rich and powerful, as each patriarch of the Malfoy family had been involved in business, banking or politics, whether those involvements had been legal or not, that seemed to matter little. The Malfoys had always been well to do and aristocratic. Aria felt she was in a world she knew little about but had always dreamed of; and she felt incredibly lucky that Lucius had allowed her into his heart and his world.
Soon Aria heard footsteps in the marble entry way down below and her heart felt his presence back in the Manor. Lucius seemed to know exactly where she was too, as he immediately came into the library, as his body led him there as if knowingly. Lucius adored the sight of the young love of his life, curled up on the couch in nothing but a towel, the firelight gleaming off of her skin. She seemed perfectly at home here and that is what mattered the most to him. He smiled to himself, his iconic smirk gracing his handsome face. Aria turned and caught his eye and smiled softly as well.
"You're back," she stated simply, as she closed the book she was reading and scooted to one side of the couch, indicating that she wanted him to sit by her.
"Indeed, I am," he said as he strode over to the couch, taking off his thick outer robes as he walked over to her, not breaking their gaze.
Aria's eyes took in his gorgeous form hungrily. She had wanted him badly earlier, and the sight of him didn't disappoint as he briskly walked over to her with a look on his face she couldn't quite put her finger on. It was an expression of contentment, excitement…and maybe a touch of nervousness was it? Or maybe anticipation. Either way, Aria was intrigued at this new expression she had not yet seen from him before.
His body looked marvelous as he took off his thick robes to reveal his taught form clad in a gorgeous button up shirt and silver and black embroidered waist coat, and tighter fitting black slacks. He always looked so divine and had the most amazing sense of style. Something which only added fuel to her burning fire of lust that she had raging inside of her.
Lucius sat next to her and noticed her skin had a strong flush to it; it was very becoming and only heightened her beauty. He leaned in, breathing in her sweet clean scent, as he reached out his left hand and tilted her chin romantically towards his lips so he could kiss her deeply. They both sighed in pleasure as they broke the kiss and Lucius looked to the table where Aria had laid down her book and he slightly laughed to himself.
"Does reading about Malfoy Family History arouse you so, my love?" he smirked.
"It is enjoyable to learn about I will admit, but I have been aroused since earlier in the shower. I am afraid distracting my mind with some reading hasn't dissuaded my body from wanting you," she smirked back at him and then whispered, "wanting you so incredibly much." Her eyes gleamed with lust in the firelight.
"Mmm," he practically growled as his fingers traced her jawline, lips and chin. Her skin tingled with need, and she leaned in closer to him, needing more. He stopped her suddenly, "but I have something special in mind for us for tonight and I would love nothing more than to ravish you there instead of here."
Aria pouted but her mind piqued with excitement. She loved surprises. She noticed he said "there." Was he going to take her somewhere? Lucius noticed her pouting and her questioning look and chuckled to himself.
"We aren't going far, you've been to this place before…but I thought tonight would be a good night to revisit it," he teased. "Now go put on something warm…but easily removeable…." He demanded to her with a raised eyebrow and a naughty smirk.
"Yes, my Lord," she smirked back. She knew he loved it when she acted the innocent type, and with one more excited squeeze of his hand she left him waiting on the library sofa as she went to change.
She quickly hurried back upstairs and wondered what would be warm enough but easily removeable. Her body was alight with desire and excitement and she didn't want to have to think too hard now. She opted for one of her tighter fitting sweater dresses in the deepest shade of emerald green; Lucius' favorite color. She paired it with some knee-high socks and boots, so that her legs wouldn't get too cold and then she wrapped a cashmere crème colored scarf around her neck and finally hurried back downstairs to meet Lucius back in the library.
She saw him sitting in the same spot she left him in on the couch; he had picked up the Malfoy family history book and was turning through the pages with half interest, but she could tell he was anticipating her return so he could take her to her surprise. She came up behind him where he sat and wrapped her arms around his shoulders as her face came up from behind him, leaned her head into his pale neck and kissed him softly with her plush lips. He moaned in pleasure as he tilted his head back a bit to give her more access to the skin on his neck. She didn't disappoint as she continued kissing his soft skin and breathing in his concentrated musky scent. After a bit she stopped her kissing but leaned her lips to his ear and whispered, "I'm ready for my surprise now my Lord."
He smirked widely and got up from his spot on the couch and made his way to her, taking in her beautiful body in the very suiting emerald green sweater dress. She looked divine. He put on his thick black robes once more and offered her his left arm to take as he led her outside. What Aria didn't see, was Lucius reach his right hand into the pocket of his robes to feel for the velvet box that lay within it; his heart beat faster as his hand stroked over the material of it.
Aria was happily surprised when Lucius led them outside to the first parterres of the beautiful Malfoy Manor gardens. One of her favorite places in the world. He led her deeper into the maze that was the gardens, as they walked peacefully and happily together, breathing in the crisp autumn air and marveling at the gorgeous colored tones of the setting sun. Much of the garden was still green but a lot of the trees were turning beautiful shades of gold and copper, colors that the sunset was only highlighting even further. As much as Aria loved these gardens, without Lucius guiding her she still would have likely gotten lost. She would have to memorize every inch of this gorgeous Eden one day; her Eden, as she was now an owner of them. Her heart soared at the thought.
Her heart grew even more as she suddenly recognized the grove Lucius had led her into. It was the same one they had first kissed that night at the Masquerade Ball those few months ago. So much had changed since then, but not her feelings for the man at her side. If anything, her feelings had grown to unmeasurable heights for him, her soulmate, and she delighted that even now she still felt those butterflies he always gave her in the pit of her stomach. The grove was of course much the same, with the gorgeous fountain of the Cupid in the center and the old stone benches that surrounded the fountain, but Lucius had made it even more special for tonight. There were candles laid out everywhere; on the benches, on the edge of the fountain, scattered around the ground, and some even floated in midair above them. The tiny flames from all of the candles made the air around them the perfect warm temperature, the crisp coldness of the evening melting away into the blissful comfort and everything was bathed in a golden glow of candlelight. White roses and peonies were now sprouting from the hedges that surrounded their private little grotto, as if they had been growing there for decades, however Aria knew Lucius had magically made them, as they shimmered almost gold and silver in the evening light. A white fur rug was placed in front of the fountain with white and gold and emerald green pillows scattered about, almost like how it was in the tent that they had stayed in back in Scotland.
Aria stared in shock and wonder at the sight around her. Lucius had truly made it a romantic Wonderland; she had never seen a place more beautiful or perfect.
"Lucius this is…this is so wonderful and beautiful…" she said almost unable to talk through her emotion.
He smiled proudly at his work, glad that she loved her surprise. It wasn't over yet though. He led her to the center of the grotto and sat down with her on the edge of the fountain. Aria took in his expression again; the same one from earlier…full of emotion and something unreadable. She noticed him swallowing hard, his brows furrowing before he spoke.
"I just love you…so incredibly much Aria…" he said seriously. The candles in the evening light causing his gorgeous platinum hair to shimmer slightly.
Aria breathed out a sigh of emotion. She hadn't expected this evening to turn into something so romantic and passionate, but she delighted in it. "I love you Lucius," she said as tears prickled her eyes. She blushed and smiled at her overcoming emotion.
Before Aria could comprehend what was happening next, she saw Lucius reach into the deep pocket of his robes and pull out a black, velvet box. As she still sat on the edge of the fountain, she saw Lucius gracefully sink to one knee as he knelt in front of her and looked up at her with depthless grey eyes full of love and for the first time ever, vulnerability. Aria's hands came up to her mouth as she stared down at her true love in shock. Her brain went almost blank, as she saw him open the box to reveal the most spectacular ring she had ever seen. It was very large, and the glimmering square-cut yellow-gold diamond in the middle was gloriously surrounded by tons of tinier diamonds all around. Aria's breath stopped and tears of pure joy started flowing down her cheeks, as Lucius began to talk.
"Aria, my goddess, from the moment I first saw you I knew you would be the one that would turn my dark world upside down and bring me into the light. You have given me so much already, just by simply existing, but to know that we are soulmates, destined to be together, made me realize that I don't want to waste any more time in this life. I want you, in every way possible. You have taught me how to truly love, something I never thought was possible and the power I so longed for throughout my miserable life, has only now just been realized because of you. I know I have already been married and had a family, and that might not be the most attractive prospect, but the only woman and family I want for the rest of my life is you. After everything we have been through, this was the only option I could see for us moving forward. A life together forever, in this lifetime and the rest. Will you do me the unsurpassable honor of marrying me, my love?"
For a few seconds, Aria could only smile and stare into Lucius' deep grey eyes, the vulnerability he had shown in his expression she now understood was building up to this moment. He had said such beautiful words to her, and her mind was buzzing so much, she almost couldn't hear him through the beating of her heart, but finally she found her voice amidst all of her emotions.
"Yes, my love. Of course! It will only ever be you…forever," she said as she then got off the ledge of the fountain, knelt next to him, took his face between her hands and kissed him deeply, as more tears of happiness fell down her face. As she pulled away Aria saw the beaming smile on his face, one of true happiness, as he took her slightly shaking left hand in his and slid the stunning diamond ring onto her finger. It was a perfect fit and felt solid and just right on her skin. He brought the ring up to his lips and kissed it, almost as if blessing it with his love.
Aria placed her hand on his chest, and simply stared at the ring on her finger. It was stunning and perfect, but the beauty of it couldn't compare to the love she felt for this man, this powerful wizard, who just professed his undying love for her. This moment was perfect; only one more thing could make it even more so. The lustful flush of her skin from earlier returned and having him in this perfect moment was the only thought that possessed her mind.
Without saying a word, she slowly slid his robes off of him, and then slowly unbuttoned the crystal buttons of his waistcoat and then his dress shirt until his glorious upper body was naked before her, her eyes never leaving his, as she undressed him. Lucius smirked at his now fiancé, and just as slowly unwrapped the scarf from around her neck and trailed her sweater dress slowly up her body until he slid it off over her head. He noticed approvingly that she had worn no bra or underwear, clearly anticipating this very moment, so she was only now clad in her socks and boots. As she helped him take off her boots, she went to remove her socks as well, but he stopped her suddenly.
"No, leave these on…I rather like the sight of you in nothing but these knee-high socks," he smirked with a spark of lust in his eye.
He then quickly removed his slacks and underwear in one swift motion and knelt back down to the soft fur blanket where his love knelt waiting for him. He lay over her, just taking in her beauty for a few seconds. She shined with love and light for him in that moment and he began kissing her passionately. His tongue soon sought entrance to her mouth, and she moaned as she felt his tongue graze hers. As he kissed her, he started moving his hips, which were in line with hers, causing his hardening shaft to rub over her now wet center and clit. They both moaned as the friction became more and more intense. He had grabbed her ass tightly in the palm of his hand, bringing her even more closely pressed against him.
"Lucius…want you…now," Aria breathed out in pleasure as she rubbed against him fiercely one more time before pressing lightly against his chest, signaling to him that she wanted him to sit back. Seeming to know what she wanted, Lucius sat up on the fur blanket, leaning back on both hands to support himself. Aria came up over him, as she straddled him, her legs on either side of his. Lucius let her take control in this moment, knowing that she had wanted this so badly from earlier today, and now fueled by the perfection of this special night. She stared at him with green eyes, boring into his grey ones, as she leaned her head in to kiss him while simultaneously lowering herself inch by inch onto his throbbing cock. God, she felt so wet and soft thought Lucius, and as she slowly impaled herself upon him, he broke their kiss as he groaned out into the night. She was sublime. She started riding him at a steady pace, adoring the feeling of the control she felt as well as how full she felt with him inside of her at this angle. It felt so incredibly good and her pace quickened immediately, as she couldn't control her pleasure.
"Dear God, Aria…" he groaned out again. He brought one of his hands around her waist, causing her to come in closer and tighter to his body, as he buried his face into the spot between her neck and ear and began kissing her and sucking on her neck. This time causing her to moan aloud.
She continued riding him, and he couldn't believe her fervor in this position. He adored everything about it. The way her pace was rapidly increasing, the way her gorgeous breasts bounced against him with every pump, the way he had easy access to her delicate and delicious neck. It was all too much and Lucius' eyes rolled back into his head as he felt himself getting closer and closer to climax. But he wanted to get her to her bliss first, that was most important to him. And so, he braced himself and began meeting her thrusts with his own. As she came down onto him, he would move his hips up to thrust his iron cock into her. Aria's eyes opened wide at this newfound sensation of them coming together more intensely and cried out Lucius' name several times.
Their stamina seemed to never end and they both kept at it for a while, never wanting to break their connection or have this moment end. Lucius could see in her eyes she was so close to coming and that it would only take a few more powerful thrusts up into her, and Aria could also see Lucius' furrowed brow telling her that he was experiencing immense pleasure and was concentrating on holding on.
"Come with me Lucius, come with me," she whispered as she continued riding him quickly.
"Yes," he groaned out hoarsely and with one more thrust up into her as she rode him, he felt her inside walls begin to quiver and pulse around him, and he heard her initial screams out into the night, causing him to come hard and unbridled into her wet heat. They came together, both groaning in pleasure and holding onto each other tightly. Aria's nails had dug into his alabaster skin on his back, causing scratch marks, but neither of them noticed. They breathed heavily as they both came down from an incredible orgasm, one that they had had together on this perfect night. Lucius held Aria in his arms, she was still impaled on his still slightly hard cock and he kissed her tenderly all over her spent and satisfied body; her breasts, her neck, her face.
"This night is so perfect," she whispered into his ear.
"Yes," he agreed as he smiled contentedly, his face currently buried in her neck. He had never been this happy in all of his life. Never. "You make me the happiest I have ever been, I hope you know."
"You deserve it," she smiled as she finally moved herself off of his lap. The sudden loss of each other's warmth both made them sigh out.
"I've tried so hard to be a changed man after he War, and until I met you, I didn't know if that was possible. But you showed me love and light," he said as he traced a finger across her cheek. "One more thing…" he said as he snapped his fingers suddenly and a bucket of ice with an expensive bottle of champagne and two glasses appeared.
Aria smiled and laughed at the surprising magic he always seemed to possess. The man was always full of surprises. With a pop, he uncorked the bottle and poured them each a glass of champagne and passed a glass to her. She held the glass in her hand and noticed that the gold of the champagne was almost similar to the yellow-gold color of her stunning ring. She smiled and held out her hand and slightly moved it so that the ring sparkled and glinted in the candlelight. It was the most stunning jewel she had ever seen.
"Is this why you left earlier today?" Aria asked with an innocent smile on her face.
Lucius nodded his head. "Yes. I found it up in the attic this morning. I knew I had wanted to propose to you soon, and had many ideas in my head about what I would love to give you, whether it was one of my family's old heirlooms or a brand new ring altogether, but I saw this yellow diamond today and it reminded me of your sunlight you constantly radiate and the way you glow when we make love on those special nights," he revealed.
"Lucius," was all she could say as tears came to her eyes. She was so touched.
"The jewel itself has been in my family for centuries, as I found it in a box with other jewels dating back to at least the 1500s. The setting and ring itself I picked out today. The smaller diamonds around the large yellow one reminded me of stars. You often tell me I remind you of the moon and stars and so I felt as if this ring was us combined."
Aria stared at the man next to her in disbelief. How was he so perfect? So thoughtful? "Are you real?" she said as she stared at him in disbelief.
He slightly chuckled to himself and kissed her softly, assuring her he was, in fact, real.
"I am, my love. And so is our love and our future," he said as he raised up his glass of sparkling champagne. "To us…forever."
Aria raised her glass and clinked it lightly against his. "Forever," she agreed.