SIRENCALL

THE ASSIGNMENT

Draco Malfoy stood firm against the chill wind blowing hard in his ears, his eyes narrowed under his cap as he surveyed the line of men standing before him. They stood straight and rigid against the cold just as well as he did.

"Good morning!" He announced.

"Good morning, Captain Malfoy!"

"I won't keep you long," he began. "The Council wishes to extend their gratitude to you all for your efforts yesterday. The invaders are in the dungeons as we speak, and are being dealt with accordingly. We do not expect any further attack upon the castle today, but I want extra men on the south side. Torens and Pole, you will be joining Adair and Ferrars today." They nodded in understanding. "Good! Get to your posts, I have no doubt the men on night duties will be grateful for their beds!"

"Yes, Captain!" They saluted him in unison and scattered in haste.

Draco watched as they all disappeared one by one, leaving him standing alone in the snow covered courtyard, footsteps tracking through it and dirtying it. The lone oak tree stood bare in the middle of it, a blanket of snow upon its reaching branches. He shivered to look at it before turning away and making his own way to his usual post in the Guard's Tower.

The Guard's Tower was the tallest tower at Sirencall, a large fortress built into the very foundations of a cliff looking out at the Atlantic. It stood high above the ancient wizarding town it surrounded and loomed over, protecting it from the sea winds. Only magic protected the castle itself from the salty air and erosion. His Tower had a view of the castle, its grounds, the cliff face, the sea, and the town below it, and only a few of his men patrolled each corner of it, eyes always looking out for the next ill-advised attempt to storm it.

This is what life was now, under the Dark Lord, even twelve years after his victory over Potter and the Order…. A life of paranoia and distrust. Draco shook his head and continued his journey without much thought, up the winding stone steps until he reached his office.

The cold had not dissipated until he reached there, where a fire had been lit and was crackling gently in the grate. He removed his cap and fur-lined cloak before venturing past his desk and up the spiral staircase to cast his eye over the expansive grounds and everything else beyond it. It had been he who had noticed the tiny figures clambering up the cliffside, his binoculars pressed to his eyes. He briefly wondered whether he should have just let them enter the castle and see what would happen.

Draco stood upon the iron walkway above his circular office, staring out of the window that spanned the entirety of the tower. He saw his men at their positions below, and when he was content, he returned to his desk and sighed at the pile of blue directives that had been left there. The Council had been rattled by the short attack on the castle walls, despite its clear lack of organisation or intelligence, so they had no doubt decided to write to him of what their views on the matter were. No doubt telling him what he should be doing to deter such attacks. They never did seem to realise or want to own up to the fact that the people rebelling were their own. But another envelope caught his eye, it was thick and the green seal on it caused him to swallow hard. It was stamped with the emblem of the Midwives; two wands crossed with a pomegranate.

Draco picked it up and sat down before breaking the seal. He unfolded the letter slowly, his mouth going dry as he was reminded of the assignment.

For the attention of Draco Lucius Malfoy, Captain of the Guards at Sirencall, OMFC

As you are aware, the Council has been working alongside St. Mungo's to create the Department of Midwifery. This is in response to the concerning low numbers of Purebloods listed on the census undertaken last year. We know the Second Wizarding War caused many Purebloods to lose their lives, however the Council and the Ministry are equally aware of the decreasing number of Pureblood births year on year since the beginning of the Dark Lord's reign.

As it is, both the Council and the Ministry are committed to the growth of the Wizarding community. This is all that we have fought for, after all. The new Department of Midwifery will focus solely on this campaign, aiming to increase birth rates among Purebloods. This will include incentivising the population, rewarding them for successful births; funding birthing schools to provide better and accessible teaching to mediwitches and wizards; providing better care to those who have given birth; abolishing abortion in cases of healthy pregnancies, and including sexual education in the curriculum at all schools, with a focus on the importance of having children.

The commitment to this campaign is obvious, however we need our very own to be committed to it too. You, and a number of your colleagues at Sirencall, will also play your part in this campaign as you have been made aware.

The Council have secured the services of Ms. Frances Snip OMSC, Headmistress of Snip's Finishing School for Witches. She is an expert in the field of teaching witches how to be excellent wives and mothers, and she has been training a select number of our female Pureblood prisoners for some time, readying them to be placed into you and your colleagues care. You will be expected to sire children with your assigned witch, and to be active in your efforts to do so.

As you know, a blood sample was taken from you some days ago to determine your compatibility with the prisoners. This is to ensure only the healthiest children are born, weeding out any abnormalities or familial conditions that could be passed onto your child. Based on this sample, you have matched highly with Ginevra Weasley.

"Weasley!" Draco scoffed in disbelief. He stared at the name on the letter as if it would somehow change, but it never did. The ink was thoroughly dried and set. This was ridiculous. How could he be compatible with a Weasley?!

Through teaching Miss Weasley, Ms. Snip has made a number of observations on her for your perusal, her letter is enclosed with this. We recommend that you take the time to familiarise yourself with this information before Miss Weasley is placed in your care. It is important to remember she will be part of your everyday life, and she will in turn learn things about you, she will be there to serve you, to bear your children. What you must not forget is her status as a Blood Traitor. You must not be complacent with her.

If you have any queries, please make an appointment by return letter.

Dolores Umbridge, OMFC OMSC

Secretary to the Council of the Dark Lord

Draco scowled, his brow furrowing deeper and deeper as he thought more and more about this campaign. He knew it was coming, and had been told as much by his father. No amount of pleading with him had changed his mind, if anything his father had used it as a lesson to him to stop stalling and find himself a wife. Despite all this, he was not prepared for the ludicrous match they had made for him.

How could it be possible? He had not thought of the Weasley's in a long time, had thought them all dead or exiled at least. No one really knew what had happened to them.

He sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair before picking up the envelope and pulling out another folded letter. His nose wrinkled at the strong musty smell that emanated from it the moment he pulled it out. It was so strong, Draco imagined this Snip woman had drenched the parchment in perfume.

As he unfolded it, something fell onto his desk. As he looked down, his eyes met the fiery gaze of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He picked up the photo, his mouth dropping open as he took in the heart-shaped mouth, the slim jawline. She was utterly gorgeous. But then he remembered with great horror that this was Ginny Weasley and placed it facedown on the desk with a frown.

She had been pretty enough in school, that much was a known fact amongst most of the boys at Hogwarts, but she had grown into a woman in the intervening years. A woman who could inspire immediate passion if…. He shook his head and forced his attention back on the letter in his hand, forcing himself to forget the look in her eyes as she stared back at him.

Mr. Malfoy,

You will find below a summary of my findings regarding the character of Miss Ginevra Weasley, as well as my own recommendations on how best to handle her should the need arise.

First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the world class education Miss Weasley has received in my care. She will come to you perfectly able to serve and entertain your needs. If you choose it, you will find her well versed in organising your meals and any gatherings you may have, as well as prioritising your busy daily schedule. Of course, this is entirely your decision to have her undertake these jobs for you.

In addition to this, she has been taught two instruments, the piano and the harp, to a respectable standard. As with all my students, she has also been trained to sing, however this is not her strong point. Dance is her strength and she will serve you well at the numerous events the Council has planned for this campaign, along with how to conduct herself in social situations.

Miss Weasley's strongest talent is in her mothering skills. Her enthusiasm and love for children far surpasses that of her fellows at this time. She has mastered all my teachings on newborns, guiding children's basic learning to maximise their potential and the correct discipline of children. In this regard, Miss Weasley will prove indispensable.

As to Miss Weasley's character, she sees the value of life, perhaps more so than my other students. This has most obviously been the driving force behind her willingness to learn and obedience. Despite this, she has tendencies to rebel when the mood suits her, her peers exceed her in this regard with their more pliant nature. Rest assured that she shall cause you no great concern. I understand that you will have a firm, but fair hand, and this is exactly what Miss Weasley needs. Too much oppressiveness will only cause her to rebel more than is palatable. If you do find the need to punish her, time alone in her room will be sufficient. Miss Weasley grows bored easily, and either prefers to be doing something or be in the company of others. Take this from her, and she will quickly learn that she cannot be disobedient with you. Lastly, her mental strength is to be commended, however she can struggle to keep her emotions in check at times.

As to her appearance, Miss Weasley is not blessed with height, however her figure more than makes up for this. Her body is well cared for, and she has feminine curves and a decent waistline. There is no indication that she will struggle with pregnancy or birthing, her body is well suited to the task.

I have enclosed a photo of Miss Weasley to better acquaint yourself.

Lastly, I have been urged by the Council to remind you that Miss Weasley, whilst fully and admirably trained, is not your wife or your girlfriend. She is also not to be seen as a lover. In a way, she is a servant or a concubine. The Council does not wish for you to forget this.

Miss Weasley will be placed into your care in a week. Please ready yourself for her arrival.

Frances Snip

His door burst open as he finished, making him jump out his chair and causing it to crash against the wall with a loud thump.

"Who have you got?" The intruder asked in haste, slamming the door shut.

It was Blaise. Of course it was Blaise. His tall and lithe figure wasn't difficult to distinguish, and his smooth, dark skin too. That, and his complete disregard for manners gave it all away. He pulled his hood back and sat down across from Draco as he retrieved his chair, excitement in his usually bored face.

"When will you ever learn to knock?" Draco muttered.

Blaise waved a careless hand, a twitch of annoyance passing across his mouth. "Who have you got?" He asked again, such unusual excitement in his voice. Draco had not seen him like this in a long while.

"Why are you so excited about this? I never thought you would be so desperate for a woman…" Draco said, raising an eyebrow at his friend. "Now, Pucey, I could understand, but you have a new witch on your arm every weekend."

Blaise rolled his eyes. "Stop avoiding my question," he said, and he leant forward. "Tell me who you got."

Draco sighed and rolled his own eyes now before picking up the downturned photo and tossing it at Blaise. As soon as his friend's eyes fell on the girl, they lit up like fireflies in winter.

"Merlin's beard… she is gorgeous," he muttered, and he looked up at Draco with a wide smile. "Your father wrangled this, I bet…."

"My father seeks to punish me for my lack of enthusiasm in finding a bride, he would not orchestrate this for me."

Blaise said nothing as he stared at the photo, perhaps for a little longer than Draco thought appropriate. He didn't want anything to do with Weasley, but Sirencall was not a place to be complacent, it was not a place to allow what was yours to be oiled over or stolen. Reputation was all that mattered. Then Blaise frowned ever so slowly.

"She looks familiar," he said, and he turned the photo over as if expecting to see something there. "What is her name?"

"That is Ginny Weasley," Draco replied and he plucked the photo out of Blaise's hand and slipped it into his desk drawer.

"Weasley?" Blaise hissed. "Weasley? You lucky bastard! How are you compatible with her?"

Draco shrugged. "I was just as surprised as you, I'd rather have nothing to do with her."

Blaise baulked at this confession. "Are you dense? Has this position gone to your head? That girl is pure fire, and even you can't disagree with that."

"She will be nothing but a hindrance," he replied. "She will not obey me, no. She will do everything she can to make my life difficult. She may have been trained by this Snip woman, but she is still a Weasley. No doubt she was soiled by Potter too…. So, no, I'm not pleased to receive Potter's leftovers."

Blaise scoffed at him. "You are ridiculous sometimes," he said, shaking his head. "Nothing would piss Potter off more to know his girlfriend was being fucked by his enemy. If her face isn't enough to inspire you, then that should."

Draco simply stared back at Blaise, his lips pursed. He really could not care less about Potter, the boy who failed. "You have her then, since you love redheads so much," he said. "I am insulted that they think I am compatible with her."

Blaise smiled wide again. "Oh, I would have her in a heartbeat," he said with assurance. "But I don't think the Council will approve."

Draco shook his head and sighed. This campaign was a bad idea from start to finish. To make it even worse, he was assigned Weasley. Surely, even his father would not agree with his son being placed with her, the daughter of the biggest Blood Traitors in all of Wizarding Britain….

"I am going to speak with my father," he said, and he stood up to retrieve his cap and cloak again.

"Tell him I am more than willing to swap!" Blaise called out to him.