Emilia exhaled a tired sigh after leaving Severus Snape's house. She wandered aimlessly through the quiet Muggle town before settling down on a nearby bench at the local playground.
She watched young children climb the apparatus built for them. Innocent laughter filled the atmosphere bringing a smile to Emilia's lips. She was unfamiliar with Muggle inventions, being brought up in a Pureblood wizarding household but was curious about them nonetheless.
Her hand fished into the pockets of her robes, extracting the official Ministry letter. She smoothed out the crumpled ends of the parchment and stared at the names. The candidates allocated for her selection were as follows:
Arius Avery
Lucius Malfoy
Remus Lupin
Severus Snape
Emilia had stayed away from much of the war given that she studied and worked in France almost her whole life. She only returned to England when her brother, Evan, wrote her a letter informing her of his imprisonment in Azkaban and pleaded for help. She wasted no time packing her things up, leaving behind a cushy job, a home and her fiancé, Arius Avery. Shame filled Emilia, realising she only found the courage to leave her fiancé under the guise of wanting to help Evan. It was a step she should have taken long ago when he started hurling insulting remarks whenever he was in a drunken stupor and had beaten her far too frequently for it to be classified as mere incidents.
Concerned friends would ask why her cheeks were particularly red or why she was walking with an awkward gait. She could only laugh it off with a forced smile that she had been a tad careless lately. Many accepted her reasoning despite growing scepticism but what else could they do when Emilia continued to deny the abuse.
It was why her magic had become reactive as of late, uncontrollable spurts that unleashed whenever her emotions run unchecked.
Emilia wiped a tear that fell on her cheek.
A thought rationalised in her mind, the only way she could break free from the clutches of her fiancé was to marry one of the three on her list.
Her gaze rested on the second name.
Lucius Malfoy.
She knew of his name for two reasons – his highly prolific divorce with Narcissa Black, previously Malfoy and the exorbitant amount of money spent to hire an army of the best lawyers in England to maintain his freedom. Granted, it was money wisely spent for the man who escaped scot-free.
Those were the headlines Emilia read when subscribed to the Weekly Prophet to keep abreast of news in England. The wizard had too much on his plate to probably bother with the likes of her, so Emilia chose to not reach out. Besides, being in the constant limelight was not something she was keen on.
Next was Remus Lupin.
Emilia knew nothing of the wizard and she sent a letter to him, hoping for a cordial reply and to discuss further if he were to kindly accept her marriage proposal. He had given her a polite response, stating that he was currently out of the country and would return soon enough.
Lastly was Severus Snape.
He was by far the most interesting. The newspaper she subscribed to heralded him as an unsung hero before trampling his name as the man who deceived the Light and the Dark. He became a controversial figure who dodged the infamous Azkaban trials because the Boy who Lived vouched and would willingly stake his life to prove the man's innocence. No doubt, the population would support their young hero. In no time, the next edition of the papers retracted their statement and applauded the wizard for his bravery. To Emilia, the most surprising aspect was that Severus never issued a comment to clarify any doubts nor did he bother to provide testimony about his side of the story. He chose to stay hidden, to be a recluse and Emilia found that was just what she needed to muddle through life.
But, it seemed that Severus was adamant about living the life of a hermit. He was certainly furious when she invaded his privacy. When the wizard did not return her mail after two days, Emilia grew incredibly anxious which prompted her to react in an unprecedented manner. She took the direct approach, finding a way through inconspicuous means – an apologetic Imperio on an unassuming journalist interested in Severus Snape's life and Emilia attained his address just as easily.
Emilia realised how forward her actions were. To simply walk up to a man who clearly wanted to live solitarily and demand he become her husband was, in hindsight, a bit much.
She neatly folded the letter and pushed it back into her pocket, looking up to see that the playground was empty.
The children had left.
With another sigh, Emilia rose to her feet and walked to a secluded distance where she could apparate, not realising that she was being shadowed.
"Miss Rosier," A deep voice called out just before she could Apparate.
Emilia turned. A frown etched across her features at the stranger, wearing full dress robes. An odd sight for any Muggles that passed by.
"Yes?" Her fingers grasped the intricate handle of her Alderwood wand, ready to launch an attack.
The wizard inclined his head, a hand to his chest. "I was sent by Lord Lucius Malfoy to escort you to Malfoy Manor. If you could kindly take my hand, I could Apparate us directly into the manor's compound."
Emilia eyed the young wizard, who looked like he was in his late twenties. He had short brown hair, a neatly trimmed beard and clearly attractive features.
Emilia raised a questioning brow. "And who might you be?"
"An employee, Miss. Lord Malfoy respectfully invites you to his home. He wished to speak to you in regards to the Marriage law."
Emilia nodded, her body relaxed. "Very well."
A small smile upturned the corners of his lips. He let out an arm. "Come."
Emilia took his arm and immediately felt the pull of Apparation from her navel before her vision spun into a whirlwind.
They landed on soft carpeted grass. Emilia's eyes widened at the massive mansion before her. Indeed, it was not an exaggeration that the Malfoys carried wealth that could last for generations.
"After you, Miss Rosier," the wizard gestured courteously ahead.
Emilia nodded silently and walked up the perfectly manicured lawn lined with animal topiaries before stepping onto the verandah. Instantly, a house elf apparated at the doorstep with a loud crack.
Startled, Emilia took a step back and collided against the wizard's chest.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, embarrassed.
"It's alright, Miss Rosier," the wizard assured, guiding her forward towards the guilty-looking house elf, tugging at the hem of her worn-out clothes that must have been an old pillowcase.
Emilia bent down, a gentle smile curved on her lips.
"Hello," she greeted.
The house elf was nervously wringing her hands. Her head bowed down. "Bibby is sorry for scaring Miss Rosier."
Emilia placed a reassuring hand on the little elf's shoulder and lightly squeezed. "It's not your fault, Bibby. I… I was simply flustered," she explained quietly.
The house elf beamed. A sheepish grin spread across her elvish features. "Miss Rosier is not angry?"
Emilia shook her head, "No, love. I'm not angry."
The wizard behind them cleared his throat causing Bibby to jump —"Oh!"
She straightened up and provided a polite curtsy. "Bibby welcomes Miss Rosier into Malfoy Manor."
She pushed the large doors open, revealing the interiors of the house.
"Oh, goodness," Emilia murmured, admiring her surroundings.
The entrance hall was large, lined with cream wallpaper and portraits of past Malfoys.
"Ahem," a cleared throat came from above.
Emilia's eyes roved up the grand staircase before coming to rest on the central landing.
Lucius Malfoy stood proudly with his snake-headed walking stick. He was dressed to the nines with brocaded robes, stitched with silver serpents on its sleeve. His long blonde hair was tied neatly with a black ribbon.
"Afternoon, Miss Rosier," Lucius' sharp voice cut through the silence.
"Afternoon," Emilia replied evenly. The situation seemed entirely too formal for a short discussion; the grandeur was a tad overwhelming.
"Come," Lucius said in a tone that could not be refuted, beckoning his two fingers as if calling upon a pet. Completely distasteful in Emilia's opinion but she kept quiet, choosing to be a considerate guest.
When Emilia reached the landing, Lucius grabbed her hand. Her body instantly tensed at the forceful invasion.
"Wha –"
Then, he lowered his head, placing a kiss on her knuckles.
"Oh," Emilia mumbled awkwardly.
Lucius tipped his eyes up, his grey eyes dancing in delight at her discomfort. He released her hand before turning on his heel and walking ahead.
"This way," he said, with a tone that could not be refuted.
Emilia followed quietly. There was a small, rational voice in her head telling her to make up an excuse and leave in that instant. However, her more courageous side won, reminding her that Lucius had not been entirely inappropriate and there was no harm in listening to what he had to say. After all, he was her prospective husband.
Emilia found herself in a sitting room, decorated with an inordinate amount of emerald green, possibly reflecting the infamous Slytherin house that the Malfoys were known to be from.
"Sit," Lucius commanded.
"Respectfully, Mr Malfoy, I acquired social capabilities to function as a guest. You do not have to speak in an instructive tone," Emilia said with a firm voice.
A flash of interest sparked in the Pureblood wizard's cold eyes. A smirk ghosted on his lips before he dipped his head in assent.
"Very well, Miss Rosier."
Emilia took her seat on an overstuffed armchair upholstered with deep green leather. Oddly, she much preferred the seat in Severus' home.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"How do you see me, Miss Rosier?" Lucius drawled.
"How else could I see you, except for how the papers had portrayed yourself, Mr Malfoy?" Emilia answered softly.
That garnered a low chuckle from the wizard. A sound that seemed foreign on his serious countenance. "Indeed. You must know of my divorce then?"
Emilia nodded.
"And the fact that I have a son."
Emilia nodded once more. She had briefly glanced through the essence of his court case. "In the custody of his mother, I presume?"
Lucius hummed in agreement. "You're quite informed."
"I do what I can to learn of everything that has happened in England since the end of the war."
"For your brother?" Lucius questioned.
"Yes. For Evan," Emilia replied. She squared her shoulders, sensing that Lucius Malfoy had something up his sleeves. It was evident that the wizard had run through a check.
"I have a proposal. Well, a marriage proposal," Lucius began after a beat.
"What does it entail?"
"I've spoken to my lawyers –"
Emilia nearly scoffed. "Of course."
"And I could make the charges that are keeping your brother in Azkaban essentially disappear. He would walk away as a free man."
Emilia's brows were lowered in a frown. "His trial was completed weeks ago. It's done. There's no way the ruling could be overturned."
Lucius raised an eyebrow as if her worries were inane. "Money works wonders, Miss Rosier. And I happen to have plenty to spare."
Emilia remained unconvinced. "How? And at what cost?"
Lucius smirked. He was quite fond of the witch. She was not as gullible as he had predicted. "For the hows, let my lawyers dwell on that. They are kept on my retainer for a reason. As for the cost. I would say a simple request, a fair trade if you will."
"And what would that be?"
"Marry me. Produce a male heir," Lucius paused to track for any disagreement. When he found none, he continued, "But, once the child is born, you're not his mother. You will have nothing to do with the boy and he will never know of your existence. You'll leave England for good. Anything you want will be paid for. You only have to ask."
Emilia's jaw slackened at his words.
"What?"
She was appalled at how the wizard saw it as fair trade and worse off, to see her as a reproductive machine who was soulless enough to abandon her child for money and see it as a 'fair trade' for her brother's freedom.
The cold hardness in Lucius' eyes returned. He pulled a rolled-up parchment from the depth of his navy robes. He placed it on the ornate marble table, pushing it towards Emilia with a finger.
"A contract has been drawn up. You may peruse it to your hearts' content. There is an added incentive that I did not disclose but see as a benefit after leaving Avery," Lucius drawled.
The look of surprise on Emilia was undisguised. A deep indent formed between her brows.
"How –"
"You may keep those whether or not you've decided to accept the terms listed in the contract. That will be all," Lucius dismissed with a wave of his hand.
Emilia let out a frustrated huff, pushing the parchment back to the wizard. "You may keep all of your money, Mr Malfoy. I've made up my mind."
Lucius laughed coldly, stroking the snakehead of his cane. "Have a peek, Miss Rosier. It's a start for you after what happened. Unless a little rough handling is something to your liking?"
Emilia narrowed her eyes.
"Money may have smoothened many of your endeavours, Mr Malfoy. I am for one not keen to be in your debts just so you could get a child, a tool if I may speak freely, to vie for the family's inheritance to ensure that your ex-wife and your son, Draco would not receive the full amount when you pass on."
Emilia could see the last vestige of Lucius' control threatening to burst free. She breathed out softly. "Now I see you for the person you are, Mr Malfoy. Vindictive and spiteful. It is no wonder your family wants nothing to do with you, leaving you alone in a manor the size of your loneliness."
"Leave," he murmured in a deadly voice.
Emilia snorted quietly. "Gladly."
Emilia made her way out of Malfoy Manor with a pitiful shake of her head. It was night by the time she reached the doorstep of the Green Dragon, a small and unpopular pub with an inn that catered to only two guest rooms. It was not at all as busy as the Leaky Cauldron and was well-liked by patrons of all walks of life. The Green Dragon suited Emilia just fine, away from prying eyes.
"Evening," Emilia greeted the landlady, surveying the empty pub.
The landlady did not meet her eyes. "Evening," she said softly, placing several letters atop the high table. "This came for you whilst you're away, Miss Rosier," the landlady said.
Emilia took the letters, eyeing one from Remus Lupin. She put on a friendly smile.
"Oh, thank you."
"You should head upstairs soon. It will be a long night," the landlady murmured before leaving to the back room.
Emilia thought it was strange to see the affable landlady turn cold but said nothing. She went up the rickety stairs and turned right to her room for the past three weeks. She stopped at the door and tore open the envelope from Remus.
It was a short note:
Dear Miss Emilia Rosier,
I am to be married to my fiancé whom I promised before the war. I sincerely apologise if you were kept waiting for my reply.
Thank you for considering me to be your prospective husband.
I do hope you find yours.
Best of luck,
Remus J. Lupin
Emilia sighed heavily, folding away the parchment. She thought amongst all of her allotted choices, Remus was the kindest. It seemed quite clear that only one choice remained — Severus Snape. Perhaps, tomorrow morning, she could visit him once more and offer an apology and definitely bring him out for lunch. It was the least she could do if she wants to start on a new footing.
With a light wave of her hand, the door unlocked with a click. She pushed ahead and turned on the lights with a snap of her finger.
"Hello, Darling," the voice of Arius Avery invaded the room.
Emilia's entire body froze at the sight of her fiancé who had a wide grin and eyes alighted with silent fury.
"Ar–Arius," Emilia stammered.
Arius stood up, arms wide. "What? Aren't you going to give your future husband a proper hug? Come here."
Emilia steeled her nerves and forced herself to move toward the man. He pulled her into a deep embrace, lowering his face into her curls and breathing in deeply.
Emilia went rigid at his touch. Tears started forming in her eyes for she knew what would come next.
"Where have you been, Darling? You haven't answered any one of my letters. It took great efforts to track you," Arius whispered in a thin voice, filled with malice.
"I… I was busy," Emilia managed to mumble.
"Busy?" Arius asked rhetorically before roughly pulling her hair, and tipping her head back.
Emilia yelped in pain, fingers grasping the fabric of her robes, knowing if she were to retaliate, it would be much worse.
His face was contorted in anger. His mouth twisted in an ugly sneer. "Where have you been? Surely, it is quite clear that you will marry me. Have you forgotten your promise?"
"Arius, please. Let me go," Emilia murmured.
"Let you go?" Arius repeated.
"Please."
Arius laughed cruelly. His grip tightened, bowing her body backwards, restricting all of Emilia's movement.
"Oh no, my Darling. You're mine."
He picked her up easily before throwing her on the bed. Emilia scrambled to a far corner of the large bed, knees pulled to her chest as tears streamed down her cheek.
She knew what was to happen.
Arius had punished her for the times she disobeyed him.
He stared at her with a lascivious grin as he disrobe. "Come now, Darling. You should've gotten used to this. I'll make it good for you, I promise."
Emilia started trembling, her thoughts went to the past memory when he had taken her so brutally that she was severely injured. A bruised cervix resulted in a full week's stay in the hospital.
Arius was naked by the time her mind brought her back to the present. He was on his hands and knees, moving to her as a predator would to a prey.
Emilia inhaled sharply, arms instinctively wrapped around her body.
"Please don't do this, Arius. I'm sorry. Truly, please," Emilia pleaded, eyes locked on him.
"Do what? I said I'll make it good for you. Love making should be enjoyable, yes?" He asked in a soft tone that sent a frightful shiver down Emilia's back.
"I don't want to, Arius. Please," she murmured, hugging herself tighter.
Arius's countenance dropped its loving facade.
SMACK!
He struck her once, seeing her right cheek bloom with his red fingerprints. A sense of unadulterated glee filled the wizard before his hand came down her face repeatedly.
Emilia's cries of anguish drowned out as he continued with his assault. It was his task to ensure complete subservience from her.
Arius squeezed the sides of her mouth, fingers dug into her swollen cheeks. His eyes glittered with desire.
"Now we'll make love."
Arius tore through her robes like a ravaged werewolf bent on having her. Emilia struggled and fought her way through despite the stinging pain on her cheeks and the aches from her past bruises came alive.
A severe kick to his nether region sent Arius to bowl over. A tormented groan released from the depths of his throat.
"You fucking bitch!" He spat, breathing harshly as the sharp pain coursed through his pulse.
"I'm sorry!" Emilia wailed, pulling shreds of her ripped clothes to cover herself.
"Come here and help me," he instructed in a low voice, trying to not sound like he was debilitated by her action.
Emilia saw the resolute wrath in Arius' eyes that threatened revenge the minute he regained his strength. At that moment, she made a decision that she will no longer be hurt by anyone else, physically or otherwise.
The days of being subdued by a loved one were over.
"No," Emilia said in a voice that broke no argument.
"What?" Arius hissed.
"I said no, Arius. I'm leaving for good."
Emilia cautiously moved out of the bed, her eyes swept his hunching form. The pain had obviously not abated.
Arius gritted his teeth. "Who will love you now, Emilia?"
"That's not important, Arius. I owe myself this much to know when enough is enough."
"You stupid slut!" Arius growled, lurching forward.
Emilia screwed her eyes shut. Without meaning to, she released a flare of magic hitting the wizard square in his chest. He hurtled backwards at a great speed before crashing to the wall with a loud thud.
A defeated whimper escaped Arius' lip and his body slackened.
Emilia creaked open an eye, letting out a shuddering breath at the sight before her. Realising that Arius was unconscious, her instincts kicked in. She fled the room without so much as belonging to her, not turning back even once.
She dashed out of the pub, looking around in a panic to find the street dead silent, without a soul lurking behind the shadows.
Her body took over there and then. Terror gripped her heart, afraid that Arius might awaken at any moment and hunt her down. It spurred her flight reaction. A sense of lightness carried her feet as she started running with no destination in mind.
Emilia's first coherent thought went to Severus Snape. As snarky and curt as his replies were, she found an underlying warmth in his distant persona. Something in her gut told her that she could trust him and would find a safe haven in his home. She apparated just as she remembered, landing haphazardly on the asphalt road, skinning her knees. She took off running once more as if the pain did not affect her one bit.
Emilia arrived at Severus' house, fists pounding at his door. Relief flooded her features when she saw his familiar raven hair.
"What the –"
"Severus!" Emilia gasped.
The adrenaline high died down. Extreme fatigue overwhelmed her body and before Emilia knew it, her vision subsumed into darkness.
