Disclaimer: I still don't own anything.

AN: Deep bow to my beta Midnight Lilly. Tip of the hat to my loyal reviewers. You both know who you are...here are three, yes count them three new chapters for you!

Chapter 22 White Wedding

Take me back home
There is nothin' fair in this world
There is nothin' safe in this world
And there's nothin' sure in this world
And there's nothin' pure in this world
Look for something left in this world
Start again
Come on

It's a nice day for a white wedding
It's a nice day to start again.
It's a nice day for a white wedding
It's a nice day to start again

Billy Idol "White Wedding"

Snape stormed back to his rooms. He was furious with that miserable excuse for a dog. How dare he urinate on him? He quickly stripped out of his clothes and threw them down near the hearth. Throwing on his bathrobe he bellowed for Slinky. When Slinky popped in, Snape sneered, pointing at the pile of clothes, "Burn them."

Snape didn't even wait for Slinky to pop back out before heading to the shower.

He was still in a cold rage when he finished his shower and dressed in casual clothes. He still had tomorrow's Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons to plan. Lupin would be indisposed, so Dumbledore had requested that Snape take over his classes.

What could Alexis be thinking feeding that bloody stray? If she wanted a pet so badly, he would be happy to buy her one. One more suited to her station and breeding. A Kneazle or perhaps a nice python: if she insists on a canine type than a Krup. But that mutt would have to go.

Snape's musings were interrupted by a knock on his door.

He thought about ignoring it, Alexis had the password to his rooms, but a second more forceful knock came demanding attention.

Opening the door, Snape hid his surprise at finding Lucius Malfoy standing there.

"Lucius, I wasn't aware that you were planning a visit." Snape stepped back inviting Lucius into his sitting room.

"Severus, I wanted to check on Draco's injuries. I really feel that he shouldn't play in the game Saturday. I wouldn't want him to permanently injure himself by trying to play to soon. I really must insist that Draco have more time to recover from such a serious injury before playing Quidditch."

Snape looked at Lucius and nodded, "Of course. I will handle it personally tomorrow. I believe we should be able to rearrange the schedule and move Hufflepuff up to play Saturday. May I offer you a drink?"

"Thank you Severus. I knew I could count on you. Perhaps a brandy before I head home to Narcissa?"

Snape poured two brandies into snifters and handed one to Lucius. Waving a hand at a chair, Snape invited Lucius to be seated.

Gracefully seating himself, Lucius swirled the brandy in the glass to release the aroma. He then took a small sip and smiled his approval.

"I understand from Draco that you are seeing a lot of Miss. Draluck."

Snape forced his face to remain expressionless as he quirked an eyebrow at Lucius neither confirming nor denying the statement.

"I applaud your initiative Severus. Not only is she beautiful, she is pureblood and wealthy. She will be an excellent match. Can I hope to hear an announcement soon?"

Snape maintained his silence just looking at Lucius. His thin lips then lifted in the miniscule amount that passed for his usual smile, "We haven't discussed that yet."

"Severus you should get her to agree to an engagement as soon as possible: before you get some real competition for her. I mean now you have a clear field. The only one close to her age at Hogwarts is that new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher. From what Draco has told me he is penniless even if he is pureblood. Once she reclaims her place in society she will be much sought after and all the eligible bachelors will be vying for her attention. You need to get her signature on a betrothal contract before she realizes that she could have her pick of men."

"I thank you for your concern Lucius and will consider what you have said," Snape was feeling mildly insulted at the insinuation that he wouldn't be able to handle any competition.

"Well old friend, when you do have an announcement to make I hope you will allow Narcissa and I to host your engagement party?"

"That is to kind of you Lucius. I wouldn't want to put Narcissa to any trouble."

"Narcissa lives for parties it would be no trouble. In fact Christmas would be the perfect time for an engagement party," Lucius suggested pointedly.

"Christmas is an excellent time for an engagement party," Snape agreed noncommittally.

"Severus I would just hate to see you lose this opportunity by dragging your feet. You will need an heir and you don't want to wait to long to start a family."

Snape had started to take a sip of his brandy when Lucius started talking about children. Snape stopped with the glass half-way to his mouth and just stared at the man sitting across from him.

Lucius noticed Snape's uncharacteristic display of emotion and smirked, "Severus don't tell me you haven't thought about children?"

Severus regained control and took a sip of his drink before replying, "I can't say that I have given children a thought."

"Then it is a good thing that you have friends to remind you of these important matters. Not only do you have to think about children but you have to start planning for their futures even before they are born. I had Draco's future planned out for him before Narcissa and I were even engaged. The right primary schools are so important. You have to know someone in order to even get your child's name down on the waiting list. And then you have to reserve the best tutors for all the extra lessons that are necessary. Dancing, fencing, dueling, the list is endless."

Snape was beginning to get concerned about the future of his as yet unconceived children. He didn't know anyone that could get his child's name down on the right list. And who were these tutors and how did one contact them?

Lucius had cleverly led Snape to this point. And he decided to reel him in, "Now you know that I will be happy to help your children in any way I can, Severus."

Snape looked up at this, he knew better than to believe that Lucius would do anything out of 'friendship'.

"Of course if you were to have a daughter and she was betrothed to my son, there is no door that would be shut to someone who had the Malfoy, Draluck and Snape names associated with them. The schools and tutors would be seeking you out begging you to allow them to teach your daughter."

"But what if I were to have a son?" Snape asked idly.

"Of course you would want a son, but you could keep trying until you had a daughter. There are spells and potions to help in determining the sex of a child. You would know them better than I."

"You have given me much to consider tonight Lucius."

Lucius finished his brandy and got to his feet.

"I must be going. Narcissa is expecting me. She gets rather vocal if I am out to late."

"Certainly. I will handle the matter of rescheduling the Quidditch match first thing in the morning."

"Thank you Severus and give my best to Miss. Draluck."

Snape saw Lucius to the gates of Hogwarts and waited until he had apparated before heading back to his lesson plans.