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).

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.

Beta Reader: SarCal

Chapter Nine: The Wizard's Apprentice

"Tell me of your childhood, Harry. I know of your parents, your people love them dearly. Were you a happy child?" Narcissa asked softly as she took Harry's hand in her own.

Many seasons had passed since she had last visited or called upon the Potter family, as such, she knew very little of their current standings. As she gazed at this young lord, so simple in his appearance, and so humble in his speech, she had trouble remembering if Lily had emerald eyes as well. She thought that the Potter matron did, but after so much time had passed, she found she could not be sure. It was a travesty of the utmost kind, and it brought her attention to the fact that she had not attended to her duties as queen as best she could. In the old days, queens knew every lord and lady by name and could recite all recent births, marriages, deaths, and interactions between their people. To have lost such a connection to the people who made up her kingdom caused a great sadness to swell within her, and she vowed to send for Lily and James Potter immediately and to never neglect such duties again.

Placing the mental note aside for the moment, Narcissa focused upon the youth who would replace her when Lucius succumbed to the passing years. He was beautiful to behold, as fair as any young lady she had ever seen, but she knew well that appearances could be deceiving. So, she watched him. As he spoke, each gesture, each smile, each pause, and every sigh, they were all her signs to uncovering what kind of ruler he would be. Though she had never spoken to him before this, she had caught glimpses of him as he wondered the halls or danced within the ballroom. The moment Draco had announced his intentions she had taken great care to observe her son's chosen from afar. Thus far, he had not impressed her beyond what any other lord or lady her son had fancied had. He was too naïve, too honest, and too open in his expressions. There was not a secret he would be able to withhold from an enemy if torture were inflicted. No, this young lord, as charming as he appeared, he would break far too easily under the strain of being married to a king. She would not discard him just yet; however, perhaps there was more to him. Besides, if he was the one the prophesy spoke of, then he would prove to be a much better ruler than she herself was.

"A happy child? I suppose I was, however, I cannot know for sure. I do not remember my younger years, but my parents tell me I was always laughing, so I must have been happy." Harry said as he gazed at the queen. For a moment, she appeared distant, as if lost in thought and he was hesitant to interrupt whatever it was she was thinking.

"If I recall correctly, you live on a farm. Do you enjoy it?" Narcissa asked. She was curious about his past. Her mother had told her once, that you could tell a person's character by looking at their past. "Did you enjoy working on the farm and with the people?"

"The working could be quite dull if there was not a friend beside me. It is tiring, working on a farm. The crops wait for no man and grow only for a good farmer. It is much like tending to a child. You must pay attention to its needs because it cannot tell you what it requires. I enjoyed the planting season because I was creating something new. I was giving a new life a place to grow, and that is something that could not be viewed as work, in my mind. The harvesting was by far the most annoying part because of the manual labor, however, never once did I shrink my duties. I accept my life, and I take joy in each crop that turns out right. It means my people have something to trade or sell, and that means that they have the supplies they need to enjoy their life. There is no greater satisfaction than that, my queen.

I love the farm, and every moment I spend on it. Whether that means working or playing, I love it all. The people are among the kindest and most giving to be found anywhere within this great kingdom. It has always surprised me, how little a high ranking lord is willing to give though he has so much, and how much the common farmer is happy to share though he has so little. It is the people that give this kingdom its greatness," Harry said, and though she had heard such statements before, the honesty and love with which this young lord spoke moved her beyond all other comments of a similar nature.

"You do not approve of the lords and ladies that rank above the common men and women?" Lucius asked. Inside he smiled at such a perfect answer, but he found himself puzzled by the odd remark about lords. Harry was himself a lord that outranked the very people he loved.

"My apologies, my king, but you misunderstood my words. I believe that the lords and ladies all have the potential to be even greater than they are now. I do not approve of how little they offer their people beyond the knowledge that they are currently seeking a proper marriage or some other trivial possession when they could be aiding their people more appropriately," Harry said, and it was obvious to all present, that he was passionate about this topic. "They speak of serving those they govern, and yet, has any lord or lady beyond myself, Finnigan, and Cedric, ever ventured out into the field alongside the common man and harvested the wheat in the midday sun? They govern over people, and yet they know not of what those people do each day beyond the most basic of written statements."

A couple of steps behind her friend, Hermione straightened her shoulders and gazed at her companion with more love and pride than a mother would at her child's first word. Often had she heard such words escape Harry as they tended to the fields or the livestock together. Always had he spoken for the common man, always had he taken great pains upon himself to ensure that his people could rest a bit more. She knew Lily would be proud to see her son speaking so ardently to the queen and king.

As the silence within the room extended beyond the realm of comfort, a voice so airy and wise spoke from just to the left of the royal family and their guest.

"No greater observation has even been spoken within my presence, and for that I find my respect for you growing, Harry." Dumbledore said, smiling as the lord in question lowered his eyes and mumbled a word of gratitude.

"How forgetful of me, please pardon my lack of manners," Draco suddenly cut in. He had only just realized that he had not introduced Harry and Hermione to Dumbledore and Severus. "Dumbledore, Severus, this is Harry Potter, Harry, Albus Dumbledore, king's wizard and advisor, and Severus Snape, Potion's Master, advisor, and my godfather."

Harry offered the men a small smile and bowed at the waist. He had heard mention of Albus Dumbledore only once and that only as a passing comment from Cedric. For years, he had believed wizards and witches to be a myth, or a fairytale, but to suddenly find himself within the presence of one, and the rumored most powerful one at that, seemed incredible. He heard an intake of breath behind him and knew that Hermione was thinking the same thought.

Twinkling blue eyes gazed steadily into his own emerald eyes as Harry considered the wizard before him. He did not appear impressive physically, if anything, the elder man seemed weary, almost fragile. However, as he studied this wizard, he felt the overwhelming presence of him as well. It was something intangible and so awe inspiring that Harry felt humbled and insignificant. The man seemed aware of his feelings, and the thought alone terrified Harry. The heat within him woke and whispered across his flesh, racing down his arms to his hands and to the very tips of his fingers, crying for him to reach out and touch this man who held unspeakable powers. A faint shudder ran through Harry's slender frame as he pushed the sensation away. As he brought his eyes up once more to battle with the wizard's, he found the iridescent shine had doubled behind those half moon spectacles. As he watched, a smile appeared on the older man's face, and Harry knew suddenly that Dumbledore knew about the fire that raged within him. Unable to stand such a knowing gaze, Harry turned to the other man only to wish he had not.

He could stand the understanding of the older one, but the hatred and suspicion that lashed out at him from obsidian orbs caused his courage to dwindle. This man did not like him, this man did not know him, and already he had passed judgment on him. With the reaction he was sure to get from the court along with this man, it did not seem as if he would find many allies who would support his engagement to the prince.

Such reactions gave him second thoughts about the intentions of the prince. Did Draco seriously consider him prepared to become a prince? He knew nothing of the rituals that the prince underwent; he had not been bred for delegations and negotiations. He could not walk amid his peers and maintain that aloof expression and manipulative mind. He was not ready, nor did he think he could be ready in a lifetime, to assume any form of throne.

As if reading his mind, Narcissa spoke suddenly, calling all attention back to her once more. She had seen the emotions that played across Harry's face and thought to soothe his mind.

"I shall send immediately for the best tutors in the kingdom, the very ones who taught Draco. They shall teach you the proper etiquette, as yours' seems to be lacking in a few areas. You shall learn the languages of the neighboring kingdoms, their political structures, and their histories: philosophy, logistics, statistics, diplomacy, strategy, battle tactics, weaponry, and hand-to-hand combat. These tutors shall arm you with every weapon known to a king so that you may rule as an equal beside my son," Narcissa said as she gazed at her son with pride.

"Yes, Draco shall assist you on everything. You shall have a smooth transition from farming into the duties of being the anointed prince," Lucius said with a nod of approval at his wife.

"With such lessons you will be wise beyond your years, Harry. However," Dumbledore said, moving forward to stand beside the king and queen. As he gazed at the wizard, Harry felt a chill pass through him, and he knew that what was said next would not be what he wanted to hear.

"However, I shall also be your tutor," Dumbledore said with a bright smile. "I shall instruct you on the proper uses of elemental magic, healing magic, and perhaps, if you show an affinity for it, defense magic."

"Magic, me?" Harry asked, his eyes shifting to Draco for support, only to find the blond smirking as if he had just won a bet. "I am afraid you are mistaken, my lord wizard."

"Oh no, Harry. Magic is never wrong. It can be used wrongly, but magic itself is never wrong, and it never lies," Dumbledore said softly, a withered hand coming forth to rest upon Harry's shoulder. Whether he meant to comfort him or stabilize him, Harry could not tell.

"I have never expressed any sign of being capable of wielding magic," Harry said just as softly. The heat within him raged at the blatant denial, however he could not bring himself to admit to such a talent when barely a month ago he had been sure it did not exist.

"You do not feel the fire that burns within your soul?" Dumbledore asked, pale blue eyes stripping the youth of all his defenses. "Your anger does not burn your flesh the same as a blaze would when it too unleashes its fury?"

"I…" Whatever he had thought to say was forgotten as the flames twisted around his heart, and he knew that no amount of denial or argument could save him now. He had suspected for a few days now, and within a matter of seconds his suspicions had been proven true.

Harry could not tell which scared him more; not knowing what ailed him, or knowing his defect. Before he had been terrified of causing harm to others because he did not know how to stop it, but now, now, he found himself horrified by the very heat that used to warm him in the night.

"Harry, I say this not to scare you, but you must know. This fire that dwells within you, cannot be ignored any longer, if you choose to disregard my efforts to aid you, I fear the fire shall consume you, body and soul. Though your soul will be the first to burn." Dumbledore said in full seriousness. "I can teach you to control this element, and in so doing teach you the ways of an elemental wizard. It will be difficult, far more difficult than harvesting any crop, more difficult than gaining the respect and acceptance of the royal court, but it will be rewarding as well.

At the end of your training, you shall wield one of the most powerful magics ever conceived. There will be those that fear you because of this power, and there will be others who will seek to claim it from you, though such a feat is not possible for those who do not wield a power of their own. You will be ostracized by many and ridiculed for being a demented man, for few believe in magic, and those that do, do so only barely. There is also the very real possibility of you, however accidentally, harming those closest to you as you being to gain control of your element. Knowing these things, will you accept my help and allow me to train you?" Dumbledore asked, watching Harry carefully.

Despair, fear, helplessness, anger, and hope swirled within Harry as he gazed at the ground. He had listened to Dumbledore's words, and while he knew what his answer would be, he feared the response he would receive from the court, from the king and queen, from Draco and Hermione, but most of all; he feared the response he would get from his parents.

"I do not wish to be burned by my own magic, if it truly exists within me. I shall accept your instruction, and I thank you for the opportunity to train under you. I am sure I could have no better instructor," Harry whispered. All ease he had felt before, during his conversation with the king and queen, vanished and was replaced by trepidation. Hesitating only a moment, Harry raised his head to look at Draco.

"Do you still wish to continue a relationship with me, knowing what you know now?" Harry asked quietly. Lowering his head he gazed forlornly as Draco's chest, at the beautifully stitched dragon that proudly breathed fire at the viewer, he could not stand the thought of having to give up yet another lover. "I understand if such new developments are unacceptable, however, I wish it known that though I may loose control, I shall try with all my might to withhold from ever harming you."

"It is a bit late for that, love," Draco whispered as he cupped Harry's chin and raised that sorrow filled face to meet his own. "That day in the garden, I am afraid your passion caught me unawares, and I was scorched by it. However, I find that the thought of a second passionate encounter caused a fire to stir within my own body."

Not another word of hesitation or regret was spoken as the prince repeated the same kisses as those that they shared on their first encounter in the carriage as they journeyed into town. When at last their lips met, Harry felt the fire flare within him and he let it go, sweeping in a fiery frenzy of delight, into the embrace he shared with his prince. As the flames touched him, but did not burn him, Draco smiled welcomed them by delving deeper into the warmth that Harry offered. It appeared that he was now immune to the fire, it had accepted him as a part of Harry and he had accepted it.

Dumbledore smiled as he watched the pair. He watched as the flames swirled higher around the two as they pressed tighter against each other, Harry's arms slipping around Draco's neck and Draco's hands running up Harry's back. Dumbledore knew that even though the other occupants of the room were not magic wielders that they too saw the flames as they consumed the prince and the prince's chosen.

The night was growing ever later, and while many of those gathered, were weary from the day's events, they remained where they were. Greetings had been made and emotions had run high, and now the conversation turned to an even more serious topic. One none wanted to discuss but would because someone had too. The war.

"I understand that your family has suffered an incident previously that concerned Lord Voldemort, Harry, is that correct?" Lucius asked. They were seated within the study, their chairs forming a crescent in front of the desk behind which Lucius sat. Draco and Hermione sat on either side of Harry. At the mention of Voldemort, Hermione gripped his hand.

"That is correct, my king," Harry said faintly.

"Father, Harry, call me father. I recall the dispute had to deal with land that was traded unfairly, without your father's permission, by one of his friends. The land became the property of Voldemort, correct?" Lucius asked.

"Yes, father," Harry said, though he paused just before saying father. His father had always been called dad. Father seemed too formal. "Dad came before you, but due to the negotiations you were involved in at the time, you were unable to help us."

"I am sorry, sorry that I could not be the king your family needed when this event occurred. I cannot tell you that it will never happen again, as I am not qualified to predict the future. However, I can assure you that I shall do everything in my power to ensure that it does not happen again," Lucius said solemnly as he gazed at his future son in law. "Now, you are aware of the rumors that there is a war fast approaching Noir?"

"I have heard such rumors, yes," Harry whispered, glancing at Draco as he felt that smooth cool hand envelope his.

"Members of the court have been circulating those rumors despite my attempts to silence them. What the court does not know is how much time we have to formulate a plan of defense for the kingdom." Lucius paused to ensure that Harry was following. "At the rate that Voldemort is moving currently, he shall be within striking distance of the southern end of Noir in a matter of months, perhaps half a year at the most.

"We sent out word yesterday, after Draco came to us with his intentions toward your developing relationship, to your parents. We have seen a suitable guard to escort them here. They shall be protected from the advancing armies. We decided to proceed with this plan due to the nature of Voldemorts' past strategies. There is no doubt in our minds that he has sent out his servants, his Death Eaters, ahead of the rest of his army to begin plantings doubts within the minds of our people. Spies, assassins, we are unsure exactly what kind of Death Eaters he has sent, or even if he has sent them yet, however, we are taking no chances with this."

"What of my people, the villagers that live within my home land?" Harry asked softly, emerald eyes confused and questioning.

"We have sent a large fraction of the royal army down to protect Noir's borders. If the enemy continues to advance, then we shall have to evacuate the southern end." Narcissa said.

"They will not leave their home," Harry said, his eyes asking them to understand. "It is all they have of great value beyond their lives."

"If they do not leave when we say, then I fear they shall lose both their land and their lives before the war is done," Lucius said.

"Then I must go to them. I must return home and speak to them," Harry said as he rose from his seat. "I must reassure them and tell them what you have told me."

"No." Lucius said, shaking his head. Harry glanced at Draco as Draco's grip tightened on his hand and pulled him back down onto his chair. "You are to be Draco's spouse. We cannot risk your life in such a manner. We have seen messengers bearing the royal crest with warnings and advance notices of the possibility of their evacuation. They have been warned, you need not-"

"With all due respect, king, these are the people I grew up with. I have worked beside them my entire life. I cannot simply leave them to this uncertain future. Future prince or not, I will not sit here while harm comes to my community.," Harry said, emerald eyes flashing and his voice firm with his conviction, as he pulled away from Draco and rose once more.

"You do not understand, Harry," Lucius said softly, gazing at the youth with understanding.

"What do I not understand?" Harry asked.

"You have accepted Draco's proposal for marriage, correct?" Lucius asked.

"Marriage?" Harry asked, glancing at Draco who had flushed a faint pink.

"Father, I have yet to ask him." Draco smiled foolishly.

Confused, Harry's eyes darted from Lucius' amused face to Draco's serious one as the prince rose beside him, only to reach out and take Harry's hands within his own. Heat pounding, Harry watched his companion smile at him softly, a rushing filled his ears. Then, there was only that voice, soft, cultured, and beautiful.

It was not the romantic setting that he had imagined. There was no garden, no towering trees to smile down upon them, no gentle breeze cooling their bodies. There was only this study, with these people who watched each action closely. Before this desk, laden with maps and battle plans, before the king and queen he had only just met, Harry listened to the most beautiful question that could ever be spoken in the human language.

"Lord Harry Donavan Potter, though we have known each other for such a short time, would you accept my request for your hand in marriage?" Draco asked as he gazed into those emerald pools that seemed misty as they returned his gaze.

Though he had known him for only a couple of days, and though his parents knew nothing of his situation, there was really only one answer that Harry could give.

"Yes."

Of course he would. He could not imagine a more perfect moment for such a proposal. He could not imagine a life without the prince of Noir, without his prince. Yes, he would marry Draco, he would never be happy otherwise.

Smiling lovingly, Draco raised those hands and pressed a kiss to them. He had never known such content until that moment. It was almost frightening how such a simple question could cause such happiness. The court's reaction no longer mattered; other foreign rulers' reactions did not matter. All that mattered was this moment of happiness, for this happiness would last beyond a lifetime.

"Now, Harry…tell me, what happened to your cheek?" Narcissa asked suddenly, stepping forward to brush aside a strand of hair to gaze at the blemish. She had struggled all night to ignore it, as if would be impolite to bring up embarrassing events, however, she found her curiosity fueled by her anger at the person who had struck her new son.

"Suffice it to say, mother, that his ex-fiancé was none too pleased with Harry choice of husband," Draco said as he kept his gaze locked with Harry's.

"I can fix it," Dumbledore said quietly as he stepped forward. A wrinkled hand pressed gently to the dark spot, and Harry felt a faint tingle before the fingers fell away. The cheek was returned to its clear state. Draco's hand rose to stroke the soft skin.

"This changes nothing, though." Harry said, returning to the previous topic, as he pulled himself away from the intense gaze of his new fiancé. "I must still speak to my community."

"I thought you understood now, however, I see that I am wrong," Lucius said.

"You keep saying that, but you never tell me what it is that I do not understand," Harry said in exasperation.

"Harry, you parents will arrive here within the next couple of days." Narcissa said as she rose and picked up the marriage contract that still lay upon the desk. "When they arrive, we shall inform them of your agreement to marry our son."

"Of course, I understand that," Harry said, still confused.

"The day they arrive, after they are informed, they will be shown to their rooms, where they will be given time to freshen up and prepare…"

"Prepare for what?" Harry asked.

"The wedding. The day your parents arrive is the day you and Draco will be wed," Narcissa said as she held out the contract to the youth.

"I…I had thought there would be more time…before we were wed…" Harry whispered, looking desperately at Draco in hopes of support.

"Harry, please try to understand, that because the war is so near at hand, we cannot allow such a great amount of time to pass for an engagement period as we normally would allow," Draco said soothingly. "Over the next couple of months, you will be undergoing your training, both to be a prince, and a wizard. The closer Voldemort comes, the more difficult a royal wedding will become. Voldemort could gain knowledge of our intended union and strike sooner than he had planned, in which case, more people will be caught unawares."

"Then, we must consider the court. Most of the lords and ladies that this union will affect long term are present currently. It is best that we conduct the wedding now, before they catch wind of it. They will object, naturally, however, if the two of you are wed before they can realize your intentions, then they cannot attempt to separate the two of you," Lucius said. "It is safer to perform the union now, before such a thing becomes complicated."

"Oh…of course…" Harry whispered weakly as he slowly sank into his chair. Hermione grabbed his hand tightly as he offered her an even weaker smile.

"Then there is the matter of an heir. You will-" Narcissa began. In her mind, she could already see her grandchildren. The sound of a child's laughter would echo throughout the halls once more, and the patter of little feet would sound as the rain that poured in the springtime.

"Heir? There will be no children unless we adopt, and where we would find a child of the proper lineage as befitting a prince-" Harry began.

"Oh dear…Draco, have you not told him?" Narcissa asked, turning to glare at her son.

"Mother, I just asked him to marry me…I did not wish to frighten him before hand," Draco said with a careless shrug.

"Harry, dear, Draco has a fraction of Veela blood in him. You have heard of Veela correct?" She asked.

"Yes, but I thought them very rare indeed," Harry said.

"Yes, they are. They do not trust humans, especially ones without magic; however, our family has several ties to the Veela community. I am sure you have not heard this yet, but because of Draco's Veela blood, he is…capable of impregnating both genders." Narcissa said with only a slight pause. "Harry, are you willing to carry yours' and Draco's child?"

There was an endless list of things, questions, comments, that she could have said that Harry would have had a proper response for. Much of the words that were spoken seemed surreal and yet, they were wonderful. For years, Harry had imagined him aging happily with his large family. Always, had he longed for a family of his own, for children whom he could teach and dote upon. With his engagement to Seamus, he had been forced to abandon such wistful longings, and now, to suddenly have that hope restored…it was fantastic in its glory.

The thought of actually bearing the child was beautiful in his mind. The thought of a child bearing both his and Draco's features was enchanting and he wrapped the idea around himself as one would a blanket to keep warm in the night. And he thought, that Draco had done this. Draco had chosen him and in so doing, had bestowed upon him two of the greatest gifts that he could ever hope to receive. Draco had given him love, a consuming passionate love, and he would now give him the chance to be blessed with children.

"Yes, I will carry our child." Harry smiled softly as he gazed at Draco as he whispered. "Our child…"

The night was cold and the blankets struggled valiantly to ward off the chilled air, but the thoughts of the events that had taken place in the king's study warmed the heart. Harry sighed as he curled up beside his friend. He knew Hermione wanted to talk, she always did.

About an hour ago, the king had called an end to the conversations and those gathered had adjourned to their private rooms to rest at last. Hermione had been given the room to the right of Harry, as Seamus still occupied the room to the left. Harry had just slipped beneath the covers of his bed, though he had turned down the side beside the one he slept on, and sure enough, barely ten minutes later Hermione had entered and joined him.

Often had they shared a bed, usually because whenever she spent a night over at his home, there was not another bed beyond his parent's, thus they had shared. Neither minded, it merely gave them more time to speak privately. Late at night, under the protection of the darkness, they shared secrets and fears that could not be expressed in the light of day.

"I am happy for you," Hermione said softly. She lay on her side facing him.

"You approve, then?"

"At first I did not, because I did not know him. However, I have seen you interact with each other, and I have seen the love that he holds for you. The heavens could fall to this land and he would care for nothing else but your smile. Yes, I approve," Hermione said.

"I am glad. I could not bear to be at odds with you," Harry whispered back.

"Do you think your parents will agree? Will they sign the papers?" Hermione asked.

"I do not know, but I hope so. I fear I shall never know such happiness as I know now if they do not. I love my parents, but the love I hold for Draco is beyond explanation. With every gesture, with every smile, with every kiss we share he can ignite my blood and scorch me with my own fire," Harry said with a faint smile.

"They will accept this marriage. They will see what I see and they shall welcome Draco into your family." Hermione said with a sigh.

They fell to silence then. Each adrift within their thoughts. One thought of tomorrow, the new day and the wonders it would hold. The thoughts of holding hands in the hallways, of kissing behind closed doors, and of being wrapped in warm arms caused the warmth to stir within him as his eyes drifted closed. The other thought of the loneliness of being alone as she worked within the fields now, for her friend was gone.

"You do realize what this means, do you not?" Harry asked softly.

"No, what does this mean?"

"That we can now dedicate the rest of our spare time to finding you a husband." Harry smiled, eyes still closed. Hermione smiled as well.

"I fear such a man does not exist."

"I shall find you someone," Harry said.

"And how shall you do that?" Hermione asked.

"I am to be prince, Hermione; I shall simply use my connections and find you the perfect, charming, handsome husband worthy of your devotion."

"This I shall have to see." Hermione whispered. "Good night, Harry."

"Good night, Hermione."

Silence fell as both gave into their weariness and allowed their dreams to claim them. Tomorrow was to be hectic indeed, but at the moment, only their dreams mattered.

AN: There you go, chapter nine. I will be updating once every Monday, sometimes there might be more than one chapter, it all just depends. I still find it funny though, the way some chapters take forever to complete while others, such as nine, seem so easy to produce. I enjoyed writing this chapter, and so far, I am enjoying chapter ten. Chapter ten will be completed in the next couple of days and will be checked so that it is ready for next Monday. Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter; I only aim to write my ideas in the hopes that others will appreciate them. To all my loyal reviewers, and new reviewers, thank you each and every one of you, you guys make my day when I see your responses to my story line. Thank you all so much.

Yes, the proposal for marriage was soon, however, remember there is a war about to break out. Noir needs a new heir, thus...marriage.

For everyone still confused about Voldemort and why he is after Harry, do not fear, that shall be explained in the next chapter. In the next chapter, we will go behind enemy lines and welcome Voldemort into the growing list of characters. And, for those of you wondering when Draco will learn about the predicament Harry is in, that is in the next chapter as well. The prophesy will be explained by Dumbledore, and Harry's training shall being.

Also, can anyone tell me how to put in lines to divide the sections? I have been putting them in throughout the entire chapter but they do not show up. This time I tried a new approach with a different design of dividers, so we will see how it works out.

Review Response:

PalmTreeBlood: I cannot tell you how happy your review made me. I swear, each time I receive a review as kind as yours' I cannot stop smiling for hours. With such wonderful reviews, it is easier to proceed with the next chapter. Thank you very much for your kindness.

Vladaia: In all honesty, I have no idea why I chose Seamus to play a role where normally Ron would be. I have always loved Seamus' character, and even though I know I have butchered it in this story, I really could not picture someone else in his place. Yes, Seamus does end up receiving the bad end of the deal, but not to worry, he is not going to simply whimper and lie down like a whipped dog. Dean comes in soon…never fear. Seamus will find someone and end up happy. Thank you for your review, I do not mind the length. I appreciate all of your comments. Thank you.

Feli Lupan Draco: I am overwhelming glad that you have enjoyed my fanfic. It surprises me that there are people out there who are afraid to miss too much of it. I can understand though, having found numerous stories where I simply could not miss a single moment or I would go mad. I have never been in a relationship, so I am glad that you found something in it that you could relate to (though I am sorry if it did not work out for you, I, in no way mean that I am glad your relationship had trouble). Thank you for understanding my writer's block, I seriously hope it does not return. As always, thank you for a beautiful review, I hope you continue to enjoy this story.

Elation: Your review made me laugh. I do the same thing with other fanfics. I wait and wait and when one updates I squeal and dance around before rushing in to read it. I appreciate that you understand the difficulty of updating constantly, though I shall try to always update when I say I mean to so you do not have to wait forever. Thank you for your wonderful review, I appreciate it so much.

Arigazi: No offense taken at all, I know there are grammatical errors. However, I can now begin correcting those errors. My Beta has returned and has caught up with the story and corrected everything. I am glad that you did not consider the time jump a bad thing; I was concerned about it and almost did not skip. So, thank you for your brilliant review, you set my mind at ease. As for my kindness towards reviewers, how could I not be, you guys are the kind ones, not I. Thank you, your review made me very happy.

The Shadow Bandit: A Moment in Time was one of the first Harry/Draco fanfics I read. Your work really got me hooked on that pairing. It is one of those stories that I eagerly anticipate the next update on, though I understand why it takes time. I am so glad that you enjoy my story. Each time you review, you always have wonderful comments and I appreciate them so much. Anyway, yes, Lily and James will be arriving soon, so there is not long to wait. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to review, it always manages to make my day.

Suisho-foxeyes: Thank you for your wonderful comments, such reviews always lift my spirits and encourage me to being working immediately on the next chapter. The message from Voldemort will be explained in the next chapter, and the "gift" to Lily and James will be explained in the chapter after that since I do not think I can fit it into the next chapter. Anyway, thank you once again; I am glad that you enjoy my fanfic. Thank you.

Nocena T. Calamus: Wow, really, wow…your review is truly inspiring. Your kind comments are appreciated, especially the one about being published. It is amazing how you seem so sure of your words, I cannot simply leave them unanswered. Instead, I can only say thank you, thank you, and thank you a thousand and one more times.

Lady Prongster: Of course, your reviews help; it is the reviewers that keep this story line alive. Your comments are simply outstanding and uplifting, each one is cherished for they hold true inspiration in them. I wish to thank you, not just for this review, but for all of your reviews, they are appreciated beyond words. Thank you.

A-Brighter-Dawn: As always, your words have given me reason to continue. I cannot tell you how much your reviews mean to me. To even receive one from you is amazing in my mind. Thank you so much for your encouragement and comments, I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as the last.

AmethystAquamarine: Brilliant, simply brilliant. You always review with such energy that it makes me laugh. You always have something good to say and that alone would earn you my respect and my deepest appreciation, however, you go beyond that. Your comments allow for reflection and consideration, and for that, I thank you. Thank you, thank you very much.

SuishouTenshi: Your comment was not pointless, I am glad you mentioned it or else I would not have added a flashback at all. I hope I answered the bruise question with this chapter. My original thought was that, this is medieval times, it was common and accepted for a lord to beat his spouse, however, I would consider it rude to mention such a thing in public or amongst guests. So I hope that clears it up for you, I really have no idea what it was like back then, so I hope it works out for everyone. Anyway, thank you for your wonderful review as always, you are brilliant.

Chief clerk: Yeah, after writing a chapter I tend to go right into the Author's Note and that usually ends up being written in the same dialogue as the actual story. Thank you very, very much for your kind review, it was simply beautiful.

Fragile Dragon: I am very glad that I could improve your day, even if it is only a little. I think, that if my story can have at least one person smiling, no matter for how long, then I have done a decent job. Thank you a million times over for your wonderful reviews.