Madelyne 7
The weeks before the wedding were flying by despite Madelyne's attempts to make time stand still or reverse. Papers had been drawn up and exchanged between lawyers and signed between both parties. It would be over soon. One year she told herself. One year was all she was going to have to endure before she was free from the tyranny of her brother and Severus. Two days before the wedding Madelyne was reading by her window, when she received an letter via owl from her sister in law.
Madelyne,
You need to try on your bridal gown as soon as you are able. We need to be sure that it fits perfectly for the big day. Tomorrow would be a preferred choice as I have nothing else planned
Yours,
Narcissa
Madelyne had nearly forgotten about her gown. She hoped that it would not be one of those ultra sensible traditional gowns her mother had always worn. Those had always looked hideous and worked against her mothers perfect figure. Madelyne wrote a reply to her sister in law immediately.
Narcissa,
Tomorrow would be convenient for me as well. I'll see you then.
Sincerely,
Madelyne
She sent the bird off just as Marion walked in the door.
"Who was the letter from?" Marion asked.
"My sister in law. She has told me that I must try on my wedding gown as soon as possible. Any plans for tomorrow?"
"A lunch meeting with Samuel Francis."
"Who?"
"Your Fiancée's council."
"Well after your Date I was wondering if you would like to come to a private unveiling of my wedding dress."
"First of all it is not a date. Sam and I are simply meeting to have lunch and discuss some muggle wizarding relations contracts that he has been having problems with."
"Uh huh So it's Sam now."
"Look he and I ."
"I know are just friends. So are you in or out?"
"I'll be here. I wouldn't miss seeing you in a frilly white dress for anything."
"Thank you so much. Think I should invite Alix and Cade?"
"I think that they would hire a hitman within 24 hours if you didn't."
"Right, point taken." Madelyne called Cade and Alixis immediately. After much coaxing on Madelyne's part to get Cade out of throwing a fit for her not having bridesmaids/men, Madelyne had convinced them to come over the next night after she had met with Narcissa, so that she could display her gown.
***********************************************
Madelyne arrived at the manor by half past twelve and was greeted immediately by Narcissa.
"Madelyne good your here early. Not to worry. Lucius is out in a meeting with the Cornelius."
"I didn't know Lucius and the minister were so close."
"You know Lucius it's all about connections. Let's go to the east wing."
"The east wing? I haven't been there in ages." She began to feel a pang of sadness in her stomach.
"I don't go in there much myself, mainly because." Narcissa paused and gave Madelyne a sad look.
"Because of how my mother died." Madelyne supplemented. "You don't have to sugar coat it Narcissa. I'm a big girl. I can handle talking about her. After all I was the one who found her hanging from the rafters." Madelyne cringed at the memory.
"I'm sorry I should have had the dress moved somewhere else before you arrived."
"It's alright. Let's just find the dress and try it on so I can leave." Madelyne wanted to drop the subject badly. Narcissa led the way to the east wing and to her mothers bedroom. It was exactly as she had remembered. Unchanged. The walls were the exact pale shade of blue they had been sixteen years ago. The bed spread, pillows, drapes, all still the same beige color.
Narcissa sensed her confusion about the room and gave an answer. "There is an preservation spell on the entire house. It keeps everything looking like new."
"Where is the dress?" Madelyne felt she couldn't get out of this room fast enough.
"It should be in the closet." Narcissa walked into her mother's walk in closet and began to look for the dress. "Ah here it is." Madelyne waited for Narcissa to come out with the dress. Madelyne couldn't believe her eyes. The dress was absolutely gorgeous. It was white with short sleeves an empire waist. The neckline dipped down enough so as to showcase the natural charms of a woman without flaunting them over excessively. The trim underneath the bust and around the cuff of the arms was a delicate but intricate silver flower design. It was simple, yet elegant. In one word. Perfect.
"It's beautiful.," Madelyne gasped.
"Yes. You mother was always known for her exceptional taste. Would you like to try it on before you go?"
" Yes."
"I'll give you some privacy. Call if you need anything."
Madelyne got undressed quickly and put on the dress that would mark the last day of freedom for the rest of her life. She struggled in vain to do up all the buttons on the back of her dress, but then remembered Narcissa and decided to call her back.
"Narcissa, could you come here for a moment?" Narcissa slipped back into the room.
"Did you need help with your gown?" Madelyne nodded and turned towards her mothers old full length mirror, while Narcissa went close enough to Madelyne to do up the back of her dress. "Well I must say, It looks stunning on you dear. Not that there was any doubt in that." Narcissa glanced at her form in the mirror, and continued to fasten the many buttons.
"Pity then that such a lovely dress has to be used for such an ugly event." Madelyne gazed at her reflection.
Narcissa stopped her task for a moment as soon as Madelyne finished speaking, but began again a moment later when she began to speak. " When I married your brother, I was a girl of 18. We knew each other, but not well, much similar as you and Severus , but I knew that It was what my mother wished for me. On the night before my marriage my mother came into my room to talk to me."
"Did she tell you the same thing she told my brother? Marry first, fall in love later." Narcissa gave a little smile.
" No. She was not so kind. She came into my room and told me all about the relations between a husband and wife, all of which I was very well aware of. Also of the duty I had to my husband. I listened to everything she said to me silently and then finally when she was finished I asked her 'What of Love?' She took my hand in hears looked me in the eye and said 'Love my dear, may come in time, but it may not be for you. I've seen the way your fiancée treats women, and I'm sorry to say that your future with him will be difficult as mine had been. The only advice I can give you is to be the best wife to your husband that is required. Bear him a child, and when that child is born, you will feel such a love for that little creature that whatever unhappiness you may feel in regards to you marriage, will take second place to those feeling of your child.' " Narcissa took another breath in as though to attempt to hide any emotion. "It is perfectly true. Even though my marriage has been unhappy at times, it is Draco that has gotten me through the bad spells."
" Is that your advice for me?"
"No I don't think your marriage will be the same as mine has been. Severus is a relatively good man from what I have observed. At parties he rarely partakes in activities that so many others do. I have never seen him harm a woman. Although at times he can appear to be cruel there is always something that appears to be hidden beneath the surface that is not like the rest of his kind. He is in general a mystery. One worth unraveling I think."
" He is a Death Eater. There is nothing else to say. I am being forced into a marriage with him. I can never bear a child. Especially not with him."
"As you wish." Narcissa looked at the clock in almost horror. "I'm dreadfully behind in preparations. Do excuse me. I assume you will be able to get out on your own."
"Yes. Thank you Narcissa." Narcissa left the room. As soon as Madelyne heard the door click she quickly changed back into her regular clothing. Gathered up her bridal gown and accessories and left the Mansion as fast as she could.
***************************
Back at the apartment hours later Alixis, Marion, and Cade all waited in the living room of her apartment, while Madelyne changed into her dress to model it for her friends.
"Maddy come on we don't have all night. Get your ass out here before we breakdown the door." Alixis shouted though the door.
"All right but you all must promise not to laugh."
"Of course we do. Don't be silly." Marion supplied. Madelyne came out of the room and did a little twirl.
"You look amazing." Said Alix
"Your mother certainly had good taste." Marion added. They all looked at Cade.
"I didn't know they let girls like you wear white." Cade joked. Alix promptly began beating him with a pillow until he cried uncle.
"Now Maddy as this is your last night as a single girl you have to let us take you out," said Marion.
"Yes you have to let us! Before long you'll be trapped in a drafty old castle wishing you could break out to clubs so I insist were going out and I know the perfect place. Go change." Alix added.
"Fine, fine." Madelyne sighed. " I'll go so we can get this over with." Madelyne changed quickly. The night was spent drinking and dancing until Madelyne could barely crawl into bed early the next morning.
**************************************************************************** *******
Author's note: Thank you for reading my new chapter and I hope that it was worth the small wait. Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. Once again I encourage your reviews!!!! REVIEW!!!!!!
The weeks before the wedding were flying by despite Madelyne's attempts to make time stand still or reverse. Papers had been drawn up and exchanged between lawyers and signed between both parties. It would be over soon. One year she told herself. One year was all she was going to have to endure before she was free from the tyranny of her brother and Severus. Two days before the wedding Madelyne was reading by her window, when she received an letter via owl from her sister in law.
Madelyne,
You need to try on your bridal gown as soon as you are able. We need to be sure that it fits perfectly for the big day. Tomorrow would be a preferred choice as I have nothing else planned
Yours,
Narcissa
Madelyne had nearly forgotten about her gown. She hoped that it would not be one of those ultra sensible traditional gowns her mother had always worn. Those had always looked hideous and worked against her mothers perfect figure. Madelyne wrote a reply to her sister in law immediately.
Narcissa,
Tomorrow would be convenient for me as well. I'll see you then.
Sincerely,
Madelyne
She sent the bird off just as Marion walked in the door.
"Who was the letter from?" Marion asked.
"My sister in law. She has told me that I must try on my wedding gown as soon as possible. Any plans for tomorrow?"
"A lunch meeting with Samuel Francis."
"Who?"
"Your Fiancée's council."
"Well after your Date I was wondering if you would like to come to a private unveiling of my wedding dress."
"First of all it is not a date. Sam and I are simply meeting to have lunch and discuss some muggle wizarding relations contracts that he has been having problems with."
"Uh huh So it's Sam now."
"Look he and I ."
"I know are just friends. So are you in or out?"
"I'll be here. I wouldn't miss seeing you in a frilly white dress for anything."
"Thank you so much. Think I should invite Alix and Cade?"
"I think that they would hire a hitman within 24 hours if you didn't."
"Right, point taken." Madelyne called Cade and Alixis immediately. After much coaxing on Madelyne's part to get Cade out of throwing a fit for her not having bridesmaids/men, Madelyne had convinced them to come over the next night after she had met with Narcissa, so that she could display her gown.
***********************************************
Madelyne arrived at the manor by half past twelve and was greeted immediately by Narcissa.
"Madelyne good your here early. Not to worry. Lucius is out in a meeting with the Cornelius."
"I didn't know Lucius and the minister were so close."
"You know Lucius it's all about connections. Let's go to the east wing."
"The east wing? I haven't been there in ages." She began to feel a pang of sadness in her stomach.
"I don't go in there much myself, mainly because." Narcissa paused and gave Madelyne a sad look.
"Because of how my mother died." Madelyne supplemented. "You don't have to sugar coat it Narcissa. I'm a big girl. I can handle talking about her. After all I was the one who found her hanging from the rafters." Madelyne cringed at the memory.
"I'm sorry I should have had the dress moved somewhere else before you arrived."
"It's alright. Let's just find the dress and try it on so I can leave." Madelyne wanted to drop the subject badly. Narcissa led the way to the east wing and to her mothers bedroom. It was exactly as she had remembered. Unchanged. The walls were the exact pale shade of blue they had been sixteen years ago. The bed spread, pillows, drapes, all still the same beige color.
Narcissa sensed her confusion about the room and gave an answer. "There is an preservation spell on the entire house. It keeps everything looking like new."
"Where is the dress?" Madelyne felt she couldn't get out of this room fast enough.
"It should be in the closet." Narcissa walked into her mother's walk in closet and began to look for the dress. "Ah here it is." Madelyne waited for Narcissa to come out with the dress. Madelyne couldn't believe her eyes. The dress was absolutely gorgeous. It was white with short sleeves an empire waist. The neckline dipped down enough so as to showcase the natural charms of a woman without flaunting them over excessively. The trim underneath the bust and around the cuff of the arms was a delicate but intricate silver flower design. It was simple, yet elegant. In one word. Perfect.
"It's beautiful.," Madelyne gasped.
"Yes. You mother was always known for her exceptional taste. Would you like to try it on before you go?"
" Yes."
"I'll give you some privacy. Call if you need anything."
Madelyne got undressed quickly and put on the dress that would mark the last day of freedom for the rest of her life. She struggled in vain to do up all the buttons on the back of her dress, but then remembered Narcissa and decided to call her back.
"Narcissa, could you come here for a moment?" Narcissa slipped back into the room.
"Did you need help with your gown?" Madelyne nodded and turned towards her mothers old full length mirror, while Narcissa went close enough to Madelyne to do up the back of her dress. "Well I must say, It looks stunning on you dear. Not that there was any doubt in that." Narcissa glanced at her form in the mirror, and continued to fasten the many buttons.
"Pity then that such a lovely dress has to be used for such an ugly event." Madelyne gazed at her reflection.
Narcissa stopped her task for a moment as soon as Madelyne finished speaking, but began again a moment later when she began to speak. " When I married your brother, I was a girl of 18. We knew each other, but not well, much similar as you and Severus , but I knew that It was what my mother wished for me. On the night before my marriage my mother came into my room to talk to me."
"Did she tell you the same thing she told my brother? Marry first, fall in love later." Narcissa gave a little smile.
" No. She was not so kind. She came into my room and told me all about the relations between a husband and wife, all of which I was very well aware of. Also of the duty I had to my husband. I listened to everything she said to me silently and then finally when she was finished I asked her 'What of Love?' She took my hand in hears looked me in the eye and said 'Love my dear, may come in time, but it may not be for you. I've seen the way your fiancée treats women, and I'm sorry to say that your future with him will be difficult as mine had been. The only advice I can give you is to be the best wife to your husband that is required. Bear him a child, and when that child is born, you will feel such a love for that little creature that whatever unhappiness you may feel in regards to you marriage, will take second place to those feeling of your child.' " Narcissa took another breath in as though to attempt to hide any emotion. "It is perfectly true. Even though my marriage has been unhappy at times, it is Draco that has gotten me through the bad spells."
" Is that your advice for me?"
"No I don't think your marriage will be the same as mine has been. Severus is a relatively good man from what I have observed. At parties he rarely partakes in activities that so many others do. I have never seen him harm a woman. Although at times he can appear to be cruel there is always something that appears to be hidden beneath the surface that is not like the rest of his kind. He is in general a mystery. One worth unraveling I think."
" He is a Death Eater. There is nothing else to say. I am being forced into a marriage with him. I can never bear a child. Especially not with him."
"As you wish." Narcissa looked at the clock in almost horror. "I'm dreadfully behind in preparations. Do excuse me. I assume you will be able to get out on your own."
"Yes. Thank you Narcissa." Narcissa left the room. As soon as Madelyne heard the door click she quickly changed back into her regular clothing. Gathered up her bridal gown and accessories and left the Mansion as fast as she could.
***************************
Back at the apartment hours later Alixis, Marion, and Cade all waited in the living room of her apartment, while Madelyne changed into her dress to model it for her friends.
"Maddy come on we don't have all night. Get your ass out here before we breakdown the door." Alixis shouted though the door.
"All right but you all must promise not to laugh."
"Of course we do. Don't be silly." Marion supplied. Madelyne came out of the room and did a little twirl.
"You look amazing." Said Alix
"Your mother certainly had good taste." Marion added. They all looked at Cade.
"I didn't know they let girls like you wear white." Cade joked. Alix promptly began beating him with a pillow until he cried uncle.
"Now Maddy as this is your last night as a single girl you have to let us take you out," said Marion.
"Yes you have to let us! Before long you'll be trapped in a drafty old castle wishing you could break out to clubs so I insist were going out and I know the perfect place. Go change." Alix added.
"Fine, fine." Madelyne sighed. " I'll go so we can get this over with." Madelyne changed quickly. The night was spent drinking and dancing until Madelyne could barely crawl into bed early the next morning.
**************************************************************************** *******
Author's note: Thank you for reading my new chapter and I hope that it was worth the small wait. Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. Once again I encourage your reviews!!!! REVIEW!!!!!!