Title: The Anointed Prince

Author: Decadence

Genre: Romance/Drama/Angst

Rating: R (for later contents)

Setting: Set in a time barely ten years before the birth of magic within humanity.

Summary: Faced with his upcoming crowning, a war, and a royal ball, Prince Draco Romulus Gabriel Malfoy is forced into finding a spouse, someone of the proper breeding and etiquette.

Disclaimer: All character belong to J.K. Rowling, unless stated other wise (i.e. Clarisse and Owen).

Warning: SLASH (DM/HP); Draco will be dominate in the relationship. Also, I forgot to mention this in the first chapter, I forgot until one of my reviewers mentioned it, thank you kind reviewer, but this fanfic will contain MPreg in later chapters.

Chapter Three: The Prince and Pansy Parkinson

"How is the lunch coming along, Sinon?" Narcissa asked one of the cooks' helpers as she passed through the kitchens. She had no wish to bother the cook, as she was no doubt busy adding the finishing touched to the dishes that were to be served soon.

From the time the invitations had gone out, until the present, there was not a soul within the Noir palace that had been more stressed due to the upcoming arrivals than Narcissa had. In true Malfoy fashion, the matron of the royal family had accepted the challenge presented and risen above all obstacles. When the servants had been unsure of how not to offend the guests with rival lordship colors, Narcissa had stepped in. When the king had pulled rank on her direct orders and altered the room assignments, Narcissa had intervened with a loving word to her husband. And when the ambassador to Malus had been killed, Narcissa had ensured that the news was not revealed to the public by intercepting a very graphic letter depicting details. Indeed, often times Narcissa wondered what the kingdom would do without her around.

"The cook is done with the appetizer, the salads, the soups, and is currently adding the last ingredient to the light dessert, my lady." Sinon bowed, as she answered, not meeting the queens' eyes. Narcissa nodded, though Sinon did not see it, she was pleased.

"The dessert will be ready by the time it is to be served?" She asked.

"Yes, madam, it shall be warm and fresh out of the oven when it is time to be served." The helper said, supplying the correct answer.

"Very good, tell the cook she has done an excellent job. I shall be by at a later date to reward the cook myself. See to it that the proper arrangements are made." Narcissa said.

With her task completed and assured of the completion of the first obstacle of the day, Narcissa gracefully moved from the kitchens into one of the many back hallways of the palace. Such hallways were numerous, but rarely used by public officials, lords, ladies, ambassadors, or messengers, all were not welcomed into these halls. They allowed for royalty to move from one area of the palace to another without interruption or delay. Quite useful when the king or queen was required to attend to a matter of serious decree. Or, in the case of the prince, he could move his many one-night stands inside and out side of the palace without fear of the kingdom catching wind of his affairs.

Narcissa sighed as she moved out into the elegant entrance hall of the palace. She was forced to cross the large hall in order to reach the passage that would take her directly to her husbands' study. Said passage was hidden behind an invisible door, charmed that way by Dumbledore many years ago. Only Dumbledore and the royal family knew of its existence.

Soon we shall need to inform another of the passage, Narcissa thought as she considered her sons' soon to be spouse. At the moment, Draco was being quite secretive about his intended, though Narcissa was sure he had at least already selected one lord or lady to pursue.

Severus is in on Draco's decision, Narcissa thought bitterly. In her mind, Draco should have come to her for advice on the matter, being his mother and all. After all, she had been in his situation once…well, almost. At the age of twelve, she had been betrothed to Lucius.

She could still remember her fear of disappointing her parents. The pressure of being engaged to the crown prince was great. Every stutter, every trip, every mistake was observed by the vultures of the court. Each one hoping that just maybe the next mistake would be one too many and the prince would cancel the engagement and announce marriage to another. By fifteen, she had been cold on the outside. No emotion could be displayed before public, as each emotion could become a betrayal to her future status. Her manners were impeccable, and her politics were sharper than those of her peers. She could speak the various languages of her kingdom and a few of the surrounding kingdoms languages fluently by the time she was eighteen. And when she married Lucius at nineteen, she was in love. By twenty-two, she was pregnant and secure in her knowledge that Lucius loved her back. Of course, the birth of Draco, the heir to the throne, assured her that she would never be replaced as queen. Throughout her many years of reigning beside Lucius, her husband had never once taken a mistress, a fact she was quite proud of. In the eyes of the people, Narcissa was what a queen should be, cool, calculating, and behind closed doors, loving.

Now if only I could find someone with enough cunning, courage, and spirit to keep Draco happily settled for the rest of his life, Narcissa thought as she glanced about her to ensure that she was alone. Finding that she was indeed alone, Narcissa pressed the flat of her hand against one of the ancient stones. This stone did not appear any different from the other million stones that made up the palace; the only difference was that this stone was enchanted to be the key to a door.

"Ardeur breaths no fire." Narcissa whispered. Normally, one would be concerned about spells or eavesdroppers over hearing the password that opened the door once the spell checked ones' physical signature, but Dumbledore had planned for that as well. Once one of the royal family touched the stone, only those of royal blood belonging to the Malfoy family were able to hear the password uttered by the speaker. As it was, once the stone was touched, the person became invisible and an altered version of the silencing charm was initiated. A passerby would see nothing and hear nothing, the only problem that could arise would be someone bumping into the speaker, but the hall was wide enough to usually such an encounter.

As for the whispered password, it was the missing link between the alliance between the dragons and the Malfoy family. Again, only the Malfoys knew what actually happened that fateful day between the dragons and Lucius' father. Of course, many people had created rather elaborate and flattering solutions to fill in the blank, but they were all wrong. They would remain wrong until the day the Malfoy family no longer ruled, and even then, they would take the truth with them to their graves. Draco would tell only his spouse, and even then, only if he was sure that his spouse was loyal to him and only him. When one was born into royalty, chances could not be taken when safety was in question. A betrayal within the family resulted in a death within the family.

Narcissa crossed into the hidden passage without incident, considering it a blessing as the last time she had accessed the passage a servant had come careening around the corner and crashed into her. The servant had then gone screaming from the area, yelling about ghosts who hoped to harm the living by creating miniature barricades in hallways. It had taken almost an hour for Dumbledore to erase the memory from the servant and those who had believed her tale of ghosts. It was all very aggravating.

To ensure that no one could ever reach the correct end of the passage, the end containing the kings' study, the passage had numerous branches to it that led to dead ends or led in circles. In the event someone made it past the spells and the identification wards, then it was highly likely that they would be lost forever, wondering aimlessly within the dark passage until they met their untimely doom. Horrifying, but necessary.

With the ease borne from walking the passage numerous times throughout the years, Narcissa quickly selected the path that led directly to where her husband was supposed to be. Upon reaching the dead end, she once again placed her hand against a random stone and spoke her name. Registering that she was whom she claimed to be, the spells and wards lifted as the wall swung in, opening to allow her entrance to the kings' study. As expected, Lucius sat studying the statistics and battlefield layouts sent by one of the recently attacked kingdoms.

"I take it you had no problems reaching me this time?" Lucius asked with a soft smile as he lifted his white-gold head from the layout and gazed at his wife. Narcissa smiled as she crossed over to his side, happy to see that he was not still upset with her for altering his orders after he had altered hers. In fact, he had had the gall to blame the entire incident on their son.

"No, no servant screaming about a ghost, no confused wondering through the passages, and no cold to alter my voice. I made it through in one piece and in record time." Narcissa said jokingly.

"I am please to hear it, as I have been forced to wait all morning to do this…" Lucius said as he stood and gently tilted Narcissa' chin up and claimed her lips in a tender kiss.

"And why, pray tell, did you wait all morning to do that?" Narcissa breathed when the two parted.

"When would I have done it, if when I woke my wife was gone, and all morning she has been off and about the palace running our servants ragged and driving our son up the wall?" Lucius asked, caressing her cheek as he spoke.

"Perhaps, if the king was not so lazy, and rose earlier he would have had ample time to complete his task. As it is, I have it on good authority that the queen has managed to accomplish all her tasks this morning." Narcissa said with a grin.

"Ah, well, then the queen deserves to be king and the king should step back and allow the queen to run all his affairs as she is capable of getting something done once in a while." Lucius replied.

"Why, my dear, I do believe that is the best idea you have ever had." Narcissa smiled and pressed another kiss against her husbands' lips before turning serious. "Did it happen?"

"Yes, I am afraid it did." Lucius sighed, regretting that they must end their banter and turn their attention back to important matters. "It seems as if the next stop for Lord Voldemort is the southern tip of Noir."

"So he has captured neutral territory southwest of here?"

"Yes."

"How long?" Narcissa asked. Her tone showed her worry for her kingdom. If Voldemort moved the same way he had through the other kingdoms, he would reach the palace in under a year. It did not afford them much time.

"It may take him up to half a year to reach the southern borders. Perhaps longer if the winter is as harsh as it was last year. Spies have informed me that his army is spread out too thinly currently, as such he will need time to regroup." Lucius said. He rubbed the bridge of his nose in agitation.

"Our troop's location?" Narcissa asked.

"I have sent half of the army south. They shall be guarding our borders. Dumbledore has promised to send at least two of our wizards to join them within the next month." Lucius said. He indicated on a map where he was positioning their men and where Voldemort was headed. "Of course, Voldemort has proven cunning in the past, for all we know our spies could be dead and he is sending us false information."

"Do not even consider such a notion, Lucius. It is too soon to fall into despair. What of Trelawney, has she had a vision? Perhaps she could help us." Narcissa said.

"She has seen nothing for the past four years. I fear she will not see anything in time to aid those in the south." Lucius said.

"How many lords and ladies live in the southern parts?" Narcissa asked, she could name at least two families, but did not know exactly how far south her husband was talking.

"The family in the most danger of attack is the Potter family, and they have already had a run in with Voldemort in the past. I doubt he will treat them kindly if he comes upon them." Lucius whispered. "Just north of the Potters is the Weasley family. They are at least a days' ride north of the Potters, though. About two days ride northeast of the Weasleys is the Diggory family, one of Noir's most influential families, and then just beyond them is the Finnegan family."

Narcissa stood in silence for a while; merely considering the information she had been given. Having lived barely two days ride from the palace when she was a child, her family had never feared an attack as help was always near by. Plus, being among the highest ranking of Lords and Ladies, the Black family had been ensured protection under the crown. When she had become betrothed to Lucius, that protection had doubled and everywhere she went, she went with at least two bodyguards.

"Have you warned these families?" Narcissa asked.

"I have sent personal messengers to inform them in person and to bring back a reply. I should receive word within the next couple of weeks." Lucius said slowly.

"Will they be evacuated?" Narcissa asked.

"If it comes to it yes, but I fear some may wish to remain with their families land." Lucius said, gazing at the maps but not seeing them.

Narcissa sighed. Lords and ladies were often quite attached to their ancestral lands, as it was their origins, proof of where they came from and who they were. To be parted from such possessions was to be considered nameless and title less.

"They will be informed that their positions and titles will remain constant despite the confusion and tragedy of war?" Narcissa asked. Lucius nodded, even though it was more of a statement.

"Of course, they are not to be blamed for the destruction caused by another." Lucius said.

For a moment, both remained silent. Each was lost in their separate thoughts, considering the peaceful times of the past and dreading the coming war filled years. For both understood that a war such as the one they were going to be faced with would not be resolved quickly. Indeed, there was little doubt that many lives would be lost. Both feared that by the end of it, Noir would cease to exist.

"What of Draco?" Narcissa asked.

"He is to be wed as soon as possible." Lucius said. "His defense training will be increased and he shall be driven to achieve a greater endurance than he currently lays claim to."

"And his spouse?" Narcissa asked.

"His spouse shall be guarded both day and night. Once he or she becomes pregnant, we must hide them away. Away from the public, away from the ambassadors, and the lords and ladies, we shall hide them away from even the servants. Only you and I and Draco, Severus, Dumbledore, and Madam Pomfrey shall know of Draco's spouses' condition and location." Lucius said.

"You know what you are asking of Draco's intended?" Narcissa asked.

"Yes, but it is the only way, and you know it." Narcissa nodded though she was loath to admit it.

Madam Pomfrey was the most gifted healer in Noir. She had been trained by the best healers England had to offer. Dumbledore had even instructed her in the ways of magical healing, though she possessed no great talent for it. There was no one better to tend to an injured or pregnant person to be found, of that Lucius was sure. In addition, Madam Pomfrey could be trusted not to reveal private information. In short, she was perfect for the task of birthing the heir.

Still, Narcissa was worried. The pregnancy still meant that Draco's spouse would be in isolation for almost an entire year, seeing none but those who knew of his or her location. Such a prospect would not give anyone much incentive to marry the prince, no matter his future crowning. Narcissa promised herself, in that moment, that she would do everything in her power to make the nine months tolerable.

"Let us pray that whoever Draco marries has the strength to survive the coming years." Lucius said as he gripped his wife's hand tightly, pressing a tender kiss to her pale knuckles. "If Draco chooses poorly, then he could end up widowed before his time."

"Second fork from the left." Harry said after a moment's hesitation as he considered the answer to the question.

"Correct, now, if you greet a lord you, what?" Seamus asked, watching his companion closely.

"I incline my head and bow slightly. He will not bow back as I am of a lower rank than he is, unless he is of the Weasley family." Harry said, quickly calling up the correct information.

"And what do you do when introduced to a lady?"

"I again, incline my head and bow slightly, but I take her hand in mine and kiss the back of it. However, I do not maintain the touch longer than one second, or be deemed using inappropriate behavior." Harry answered, smiling softly when Seamus pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"How do you address the prince?"

"As, your grace, my prince, prince, sire, or your highness unless given permission to address him otherwise." Harry responded quickly.

"You will be fine. I shall be beside you as often as possible." Seamus said, squeezing Harry's hand. Harry nodded.

During the ride there, they had discussed the possibility; in fact, it was almost a certainty, that they would be separated often during the course of the ball. More than likely, Seamus had said, the other lords and ladies would attempt to get them on their own to discover more about them individually and about their courtship. It was also likely that they would be forced to sit apart during dinners and lunches if there was a seating arrangement. And, of course, neither could predict the room assignments, and as they were not yet married, they could not expect to share a room. Seamus had armed Harry as well as he could given the limited amount of time and the lack of formal education Harry possessed. Seamus hoped that Harry would not be corrupted by this experience, though he doubted even Pansy Parkinson could so much as make a dent into Harry's kindness. If anything, Seamus was concerned about Harry's temper.

While Lily had bestowed Harry with a gentle nature and slender build, James had gifted their son with his dark hair and his temper. Quick to offer assistance to those less fortunate, and quick to anger, Harry seemed at times both warm and cold. Seamus prayed that if Harry grew angry he would contain it and remain silent. If not, then Harry would leave a great impression upon the court, in the form of injured lords and crying ladies.

"Is that it?" Harry whispered. Seamus turned and followed Harry's gaze. At the angle the carriage was traveling, they could see the towering palace. Beautiful in its majesty and commanding in its presence, the palace shone in the midday light as the sun rays caught the brilliant marble stones that composed the outside of the structure. Arched windows, many of which were gifted with stained glass, glinted as the sun reflected off them. Atop the many walkways paced warriors of the highest training and military experience. They were the Roux-chein, the elite warriors of Noir, numbering over a thousand; they were a force never before defeated, by any army of any size. They guarded the royal family when all other guards failed. It was a privilege to be named Roux-chein, something men and women trained for, for years. Often, the best of these warriors were raised from infancy to become Roux-chein. It was both a privilege and a danger, a task one dedicated their life to.

"Yes." Seamus whispered back. Both quiet in their whispers as if they feared disturbing the huge structure and incurring its wrath.

Gazing up at the palace, Harry could not help but feel minuscule in comparison. Everything he had ever seen, everything he had ever dreamed suddenly seemed small. He could not help the trembles that ran through his body, though he did try. He had been distrustful of the royal family before, but now, as he sat in this carriage, drawing ever closer to the palace, Harry could not help but feel as if he was sealing his fate. For the first time, since he was young, Harry felt afraid of what lay ahead. As if sensing his companions' dread, Seamus wrapped his arms around Harry and pulled the smaller boy closer.

"I will not leave you, Harry, I promise." Seamus whispered. Harry could only nod, as he could not form words. However, even as he nodded in understanding of Seamus' words, he felt as if, in the end, even Seamus would be forced to leave him.

An hour later, though it seemed much too short in Harry's mind, their carriage was pulling through the gates and onto the cobblestone path that led to the doors of the castle. Breathing deeply, Harry closed his eyes for a moment before opening them. He found Seamus watching him closely, and tried to smile, though it ended up wavering. As the carriage came to a stop behind another carriage that was waiting for its passengers to disembark, Seamus moved across the small aisle and once again picked up Harry's smaller hand.

"You know everything that is required, and you have far more courage than half the people here do." Seamus said in all honesty. "You will be fine, and you will win them over with your charming beautiful self."

Leaning over, Seamus pressed another kiss to Harry's cheek, smiling as the smaller youth turned a faint pink at the touch. Harry looked as if he wanted to speak, but whatever he had been about to say was forgotten when the carriage jolted into motion and then came to a stop again. Then, the door was opened and a middle-aged man was greeting them with a smile.

"Welcome to Acheron, the palace that makes up the heart of Noir." The man said as Seamus stepped down, again reaching back to assist Harry in his descent. "Please tell the man at the door your names, and he shall announce you to the members of the court who have already arrived."

"Thank you." Harry whispered, though Seamus said nothing. The man seemed surprised by the words, but merely nodded at the youth. Harry turned to Seamus to find him waiting a few steps ahead.

"Come." Seamus said, holding out his hand for Harry to take. Harry smiled at his friend and grasped his hand. His smile widened as Seamus easily intertwined their fingers and squeezed reassuringly. "This is where we shock them with how good we look."

When they reached the doors, Harry was still laughing quietly behind his free hand at his companions' words. The man there again requested their names, this time full names and titles, much to Harry's disgust.

"Lords Seamus Charlton Finnegan and Harry Danovan Potter." Seamus said proudly as he glanced at Harry, who had regained control of his laughter.

"Very good, milord." The man said. "I shall announce you and then you will enter. Be careful, as you enter at the top of a flight of stairs."

"Thank you for the warning." Harry said; glad to be given a heads up. He was nervous, so naturally he could rest assure that he would foul up somewhere.

"Follow me, my lords." The man said as he turned and entered the most beautiful hall Harry had ever seen. It was not cluttered with over priced objects, nor empty of all comfort. Instead, this hall, done up in whites, pale blues, and silvers, seemed elegant but simple. The marble floor was faintly colored as the light from outside drifted through the huge pane of stained glass that formed the crest of Noir about the towering double oak doors that led into the hall.

"Harry." Seamus whispered, leaning over to whisper into Harry's ear. Harry turned his head toward his companion, questioning. "Please, put this on."

Harry inhaled faintly as Seamus pressed a slender silver band into his hand. Harry slowly revolved the ring, seeing the square shaped emerald set into it. As his fingers brushed along the inside of the small ring, he discovered the engraving.

"Love of the highest status." Seamus whispered with a smile. Harry smiled back. In a world of kings and queens, lords and ladies, peasants and merchants, Seamus was not afraid to lose his title or to joke about it.

"That way, when ever someone picks up your left hand, they will know not to hold on for longer than a second." Seamus whispered quickly as they neared another set of double doors. These doors were smaller, but the wood used here bore carvings. Upon the doors, lay a twisting pile of dragons, each dragon represented a different species. It was sweeping in its magnitude, and glorious in its achievement, Harry found his breath stolen away for the second time in two minutes. Turning back to Seamus, Harry nodded his consent and slipped the ring onto his finger. Seamus smiled and once again gripped Harry's hand. "Here we go."

Two well-dressed servants opened the double doors wide, and the man who had been their guide stepped forward. Off to the side another man banged twice upon the wooden floor with a huge staff. Then, as Harry and Seamus moved to stand at the top of the stairs, their names were announced clearly throughout the large ballroom. Across the floor, the only lady already in attendance turned to face the newcomers. And so did, the prince. Harry swallowed.

"My prince and my lady, the Lord Seamus Charlton Finnegan, and his intended, the Lord Harry Danovan Potter."

Alone within his chambers, absently stroking the colorful feathers of his phoenix, Albus Dumbledore paused in his ponderings. Fawkes, the phoenix, lifted his head and turned toward in the direction of the entrance hall. Something had changed in the air of the castle. The wards had flickered for just a brief moment, as if welcoming someone or something home. For a moment, Dumbledore sat searching the wards around the castle in hopes of identifying what had caused the odd sensation, but he found nothing. Everything had returned to normal.

Standing up quickly, Dumbledore moved toward his door. Perhaps it was time to revisit Trelawney again.

The day had started well, in Draco's opinion. He had slept in, ignoring his mother's ranting that he should be up and preparing to greet his guests. There was really no point in that, after all, Narcissa refused to allow Draco to make executive decisions regarding his ball. As such, why should Draco be forced to rise early if all he was going to do what get in the way of his mother. She should be thanking him for his consideration.

Now, four hours later, Draco was up and dressed in a stunning set of robes befitting a prince, and waiting in the ballroom to greet the first of his guests to arrive. A boring affair, to be sure, as the guests were not expected to arrive for almost another hour. Still, one could never be sure. None of the lords or ladies would want to be late, and thus, would rush to be here, but none would want to be left alone with the prince for a long period of time, and thus, would slow down upon approaching the palace. Draco sighed; sometimes he hated the royal court. Of all those invited, he would be speaking to maybe five of them as equals, the rest were merely fools attempting to play the vicious game of politics. Well, the politics of the court would kill them and yet, for perhaps years to come, they would not even realize they were dead. And by the time they did, the damage was done and could not be reversed.

Oh well, politics aside, Draco thought as he wondered past the long table laden with finger foods and beverages, …how am I to woo Finnegan?

It was a tricky matter, tricky. On one hand, he could always rely on his charming persona and his dashing good looks to do the job for him. A few tender words and soft touches, and Finnegan would be as clay in Draco's hand. Of course, Draco knew next to nothing about the Potter heir beyond what records and spies could tell him. Basically, this is what Draco knew:

Harry Danovan Potter was born to Lily Renee Potter and James Phillip Potter seventeen years ago. As it was, Harry was about to turn eighteen within the next six or seven months, making him of age to marry. Home schooled by his mother, Harry had never been gifted with many friends, that is, friends in high places. Beyond the Weasleys, Finnegans, and Diggorys, the Potter family was not on good standings with the other titled families of Noir. Still, they always paid their taxes, even when it was a struggle, and still managed to find ways to aid the Weasley family when they needed assistance. The Potters had run into a bit of trouble with Lord Voldemort, but Draco did not know too much about that situation as his father was not answering questions currently. It was through said incident that Harry had come to enter a sudden courtship with Seamus Finnegan. Before hand, the pair had been close friends, which boded well for Draco, as he could expect some awkwardness between the two. One did not go from friends to lovers that quickly. Draco's spies/investigators had informed him of Harry's small stature, literally. It seemed the Potter heir was only five foot six inches, which meant that Draco literally towered over him with his impressive six foot two inch height (he was still two inches shorter than his father and it seemed as if he had ceased growing). In fact, if his assumption was correct, Harry Potter would only come up to his shoulder, it was laughable really. Kind, courteous, soft spoke, and poor, overall, Draco could see no reason for why Finnegan had requested permission to court Potter. There was nothing special about the boy, and both parties contained no magic, thus no heir could be created. It was, in one blow, the end of the Potter and Finnegan family.

Well, there have been rumors circulating in recent years that Potter has become quite pleasing to the eye, a little voice, the voice of doubt, whispered in the back of Draco's mind.

Nonsense, even if Potter had suddenly become attractive, there is still no way in heaven or hell that he could have reach a level of physical maturity that could hope to hold a candle to me, he thought with a superior smirk.

It is said that he could bewitch a careless man with a single smile, the voice came again.

Lies, Draco snorted.

His eyes sparkle as if he knew a secret yet instead of sharing such information he longs only to tease you senseless with it, the voice sang.

Yes, and I am the queen of Noir, Draco said.

Hair like ebony, and lips so soft that a thousand kisses could no satisfy you. A laugh that rings of innocence and purity, that begs someone, anyone, everyone, to touch him, taint him, whisk him away from this sanctuary he was born into and to show him the pleasures of-

Thump, thump

"Lady Pansy Parkinson." Draco turned at the announcement and winced.

"Ah, Draco!" Pansy cried and she flounced down the stairs and sauntered up to the prince, who merely raised an eyebrow in greeting. "Is it true, tell me it is!"

"I can tell you nothing if I do not know what it is you speak of." Draco drawled in amusement.

"Did you truly invite Lord Potter and the Weasley Lords?" Pansy asked with a grin of delight.

"Unfortunately, yes. Mother demanded that all available lords and ladies be invited. It seems she expects me to lower my standards and help the poor." Draco sighed.

"How dreadful," Pansy said, though she was excited at the news. "So, the Potter heir will be here?"

"Yes, mother received word that he is arriving with the Finnegan heir."

"Ah, yes, they are engaged in their courtship. The whole court was abuzz with that news when it first came out into the open. Is it not shocking that they managed to hide their affair for over a year before it reached us? A travesty to the gossip mill, let me tell you, I spent days yelling at the fools who allowed that tidbit of gossip to slip past." Pansy said with a satisfied smirk.

"Yes, quite." Draco said with a sigh. He glanced up at the doors, wishing that someone, anyone else would arrive now to save him from this gossiping wench.

"Well, I was in town the other day and I cannot describe to you the outfit my cousin suggested I purchase. It was dreadful with its oranges and greens and purples, I simply could not stand it. I tell you my cousin is never going to rise about her social status with a fashion sense like that. I mean, honestly, what kind of husband wants a poorly dressed wife who cannot even-"

"My prince and my lady, the Lord Seamus Charlton Finnegan, and his intended, the Lord Harry Danovan Potter."

Both Draco and Pansy turned at the announcement, but for two different reasons. Pansy to be able to claim that she had met the Potter heir before any other lady of the court, and Draco so that he could view his intended and his competition. Both were shocked with what they saw.

The pair hovered for just a moment at the top of the stairs, and then, as one they began their descent. Slowly, carefully, gracefully, they came, hand in hand. Seamus alternating between gazing back at the prince his companion and gazing at Harry, who had turned a faint pink upon noticing the stares. Seamus smiled and gently squeezed Harry's hand, his smile widening when he felt the pressure returned.

The rumors were wrong, Draco thought as he watched the Potter heir move ever closer.

The rumors had said he was pleasing to look upon, but no one had said he was gorgeous. In that moment, when Seamus and Harry had began to descend, Draco had known true beauty. It was not a painting; it was not a flower, the first of its kind to bloom in the light of spring. It was not a sunset, casting heart-breaking colors across the sky as the night swept in without a care. It was not even a diamond, cut with flawlessness and shining. Those were not perfection now, nor ever could be again. Perfection had become this young man who came before him.

Slender and light, with raven locks that shimmered in the light, a slight smile quivering in nervousness as glowing emerald eyes swept across the space between them. Yes, Harry Potter was very attractive with his delicate features and his creamy skin.

I bet he is rude and obnoxious as sin, Draco thought as his smirk returned and he watched pair, now on the floor, move towards him.

Whereas Harry was of an unnatural beauty, in Draco's eyes, Seamus was a grounded handsome bloke. Six foot one with auburn hair and pale blue eyes and a clear complexion, Draco could see himself married to the youth. The blue eyes darkened with suspicion and tension as they locked with the silvery-blue of Draco's eyes, but they lightened and danced when they gazed down at the Potter heir. A fact with irked Draco to no end. With every step he took, Seamus seemed determined and confident of himself and his abilities, which did appeal to Draco. Seamus was of a lithe build, as if he were a runner or a swimmer, and Draco found his thoughts wondering to inappropriate ideas.

"My prince," Seamus greeted, initiating a perfect bow, never releasing Harry's hand. Harry echoed him and performed the same bow, though not as low as Seamus had. Draco allowed the slight to slip by.

"Please, call me Draco, the ball is a neutral time, titles will not be necessary." Draco said smoothly, reaching out and grasping Seamus' free hand and pressing a kiss to the back it. Seamus raised an eyebrow when the prince held on longer than the required second. At his side, Harry watched the proceedings with trepidation. If the prince was to begin courting Seamus, then there was no way that Harry could retain his position as Seamus' intended. The prince would win without trouble.

The prince was tall, toned, handsome beyond a doubt, and commanding, everything Harry was not. Platinum blond hair, tied back in a ponytail shone beautifully in the natural light, and for a moment, Harry wondered what it would be like to touch it. The prince's countenance bore aristocratic features, perfect facial features and piercing silver-blue eyes that seemed to stab at Harry's frantic heart. The youth was royalty if Harry ever saw one.

Still, if the prince chose to pursuer Seamus, and Seamus reciprocated his feelings, then Harry would stand down happily. At least then, Seamus would be happy and know true love. Harry could handle whatever consequences he had to face for not being wed.

"Very well, Draco." Seamus replied lightly, not wavering a bit at the daring act of the prince. "Call me Seamus, and this is Harry, my life long friend and soon to be life long husband."

Draco's lips quirked slightly as Seamus pulled Harry closer and made sure in emphasis their relationship. Draco also noticed that Harry seemed uncomfortable in his presence, well, perhaps that could work to his advantage.

"Harry, it is a please to finally make your acquaintance." Draco said softly before gesturing to Pansy, who had been staring at Seamus the entire time and shooting Harry glares. "This is my dear friend, Lady Pansy Parkinson, but please, call her Pansy."

"I must say, Seamus, that when I heard you were invited to the ball, I was quite sure my heart had skipped a beat. I was in tears I was so delighted. It is common knowledge that you are quite the charmer and a fine catch for any lady…" Pansy paused and glanced at Harry. "…or lord, as the case may be."

"Truly, you flatter me." Seamus laughed, absently stroking Harry's fingers, occasionally glancing over at his companion. "I tell you, I am certainly not handsome enough to warrant such kind words."

Harry winced slightly as the looks Pansy was shooting him. For a moment, he wondered if he had insulted the lady during the short time, he had been in her presence. However, upon review, he could find no moment in which an insult or action that could be deemed an insult had been exchanged. He had warranted no such looks.

Draco smiled as Seamus laughed at her words, noticing how Harry kept glancing toward the double doors and windows as if longing to be anywhere else but within this hall with these people. There was no doubt in Draco's mind that by the time the rest of the guests arrived, Harry would be alienated and uncomfortable amid such company. Yes, Harry Potter would be easy to defeat, and perhaps, if he played his cards right, he might just be able to gain a little satisfaction from inviting the lower classes to the ball.

AN: Yes, changed the title from what I had originally planned. I just came to me as I was finishing this chapter. Sorry, I shall try not to do that. Anyway, I am so happy that I managed to complete this chapter so soon. I am sorry for the wait as I was unavoidably detained at a friends' house. Again, as always, thank you to all of my reviewers, it is you who keep this fanfic alive, not I.

I hope this chapter measured up to all of your expectations, it was my favorite chapter to write thus far, but the next one promises to be very entertaining. I am afraid I did not get to Dean in this chapter, but I promise to in the next one. Plus, I know you are all anxious to get to the Draco/Harry parts, so am I, but you have to allow me time to set everything up. However, in the next chapter you will see some Draco/Seamus and Draco/Harry. When I update tomorrow I'll add a brief explanation on exactly what I am aiming for with Draco/Harry on my bio.

Oh, and for those of you confused about the whole male pregnancy factor, it will be explained in the upcoming chapters, rest assure.

Next Chapter: Harry is introduced to the rest of the lords and ladies of the court. Will react the same way as Pansy, or will they accept him? And, it seems as if Seamus was correct in assuming that he and Harry would be separated, can Harry face the members of the court alone? And why is Severus Snape glaring at the Potter heir?