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.

Not Beta Read…yet…

Chapter Eleven: Court Gossip and Holy Matrimony

The back ballroom was grand with its sweeping elegance that spoke highly of the sophistication of the royal family. It was obvious that no expenses were spared when it came to the decorations. The food alone was well worth the price of a lord and ladies wedding. The dance floor gleamed, the wooden panels delicately placed to form a breathtaking design of the Dragons, though they were crude in shape. The candleholders gleamed of polished silver and gold, and the windows were formed of tinted glass that cast a rainbow of colors upon the floor. Pale greens, reds, and blues graced the dancers' skin as they waltzed beneath the heavenly lights.

The second to the last ball held for the court members had been moved into the back hall as a symbol of their eminent parting. Tomorrows' ball would be held within this ballroom as well. The royal family had planned to send their guests off with enough memories or beauty and perfection to last them a lifetime. Those gathered for the princes' balls had found themselves lost within a fairy tale, for while they themselves were not royal, for a couple of days they knew what it was like. The ladies glided down the hallways in lavish gowns with glittering tiaras, each one imagining herself a princess sworn to love their charming prince. The lords envisioned the crown atop their head, their kingdom back by its mighty warriors and prepared to defend its people. It was a dream…

Still, a few members of the court could not help but wonder what had happened to their beloved prince. Draco had been absent from many of the daily events and even the meals. It was very puzzling as the purpose of the week of celebration was in honor of him. Many noticed but said nothing of it, while others seemed to have nothing better to do than speculate on the prince's comings and goings.

"I saw him just yesterday," Pansy said with a smile of superiority.

"Did you, because I saw him today, not that long ago," Cho Chang said with a smile of her own.

"Where? Do tell," Pansy asked, though she loathed the thought of having to ask for information from another. She had always prided herself on knowing the happenings of the royal family long before the other members of the court.

"Well, I was on may way down, having just dressed for the occasion, and who should I happen upon in the hallway, but the prince," Cho said with a short laugh as she pressed her hand against Pansy's arm.

"Did he speak to you and you to him?" Pansy asked curiously. She had always considered herself close to the prince, though the blond had often reinforced his sentiments that he cared nothing for her beyond what a prince should feel for one of his subjects.

"Indeed we did delight in conversation though he seemed quite anxious about a matter I was not privy to," Cho said softly as she considered her encounter with the prince.

"Anxious, I wonder whatever for," Pansy murmured, her pale blue eyes glanced across the room as Seamus who was bantering with Dean. The two seemed close, though Pansy knew them to be loving friends.

"Well, I bid him good day, and he glanced at me, though I am certain that had I said nothing he would not have known my presence. He said good morning and paused to ask how I was fairing, then inquired about last nights' dance, I am sure you noticed he was absent from it," Cho said as Pansy nodded. "I told him of my feelings toward the gatherings, then mentioned my despair at his lack of presence at the events, and he smiled and assured me that he would be in attendance at tomorrows' midday meal and evening ball. So delighted was I that I hardly noticed his hurried farewell before he had gone."

"It is quite curious," Pansy said. Her eyes again scanning the crowd, though this time she sought another member of the court. Nowhere did she find the one she sought and this caused an even greater curiosity to arise within her. "Cho, do you recall if the Potter Lord was in attendance to last nights' dance?"

"He was not, I searched for him because I wished to dance, but I found him absent," Cho said as she watched her companions' eyes narrow.

"How curious that the prince and the young lord should end up absent at the same time yet both have been spotted frequently moving about the palace," Pansy said.

"Perhaps the prince is attending to his duties, as you know there is rumor of a war," Cho whispered, her voice having lowered at the mention of war.

"True, but what of Harry?"

"I saw him once within the library, perhaps he is there. Lily once wrote to my mother and mentioned Harry's odd delight in books though he himself did not possess many," Cho answered thoughtfully.

"I find it admirable that he can read properly," Pansy said. "I had though him illiterate, what with his living on a farm in the middle of the country and so far removed from society."

"Nonsense, everyone knows that Lily was born of the higher society, despite her poor choice in husband," Cho said kindly with tender eyes as if she meant no offense to the woman in question.

"Still, who knows what such poor breeding could create," Pansy muttered. "It just raises further questions as to why the Potter Lord has been absent from the balls and the meals…"

"Perhaps he is ashamed of his poor breeding, as you say," Cho said. "I would not have shown my face if my parents were ill matched."

"No, that could not be it, for even if he were ashamed, he has done surprisingly well for himself. A match to a pureblood Lord of middle rank is more than he could hope for," Pansy stated.

"Yes, but what of their hostility toward each other as of late? Indeed, Seamus bears his ring still upon his finger, a golden band of penitence whilst Harry's finger now stands free," Cho said softly.

Harry had made a brief appearance at last nights' dinner before making his excuses and leaving well before the other guests. Of course, it could have been the conversation that made him depart so soon, as it was political bashing of the lower levels of society and their incompetence. However , as he moved quickly toward the exit, Cho had noticed the absence of the garnet encrusted engagement ring, and the way those emerald eyes had slipped past Seamus' bowed head to land upon the mercury gaze of the prince before the young Lord was gone.

"I would not put it past him to have engaged in some form of infidelity, whether it was with another lord or lady, or if it was with a servant, one cannot tell. Still, Seamus must have broken off the engagement upon learning of his…unfaithfulness, thus the absence of the ring," Pansy said with a smirk of content as she gazed at the man of her affection.

"I do not believe Harry to be capable of infidelity, Pansy," Cho said uncertainly. "He seems so nice and gentle, and obviously well mannered. Besides, when they arrived, he appeared quite enamored with Seamus. They seemed so happy together, always holding hands or touching…infidelity has no place in the picture they made."

"Cho, you have allowed yourself to be blinded by your wish for Potter to be innocent of his actions. He is likable, yes, however, what do you really know of him?" Pansy asked as she gazed at her companion. "Has he spoken to you of the sordid affair his family was involved in a few years ago with the Dark Lord?"

"Affair with the Dark Lord?" Cho whispered, her warm brown eyes widening as her hand drifted up to cover her mouth, a perfect picture of shock and disbelief.

"Oh yes, it was covered up by James Potter in an attempt to preserve his status as lord and citizen of Noir, however, the truth was discovered that he was making deals with the Dark Lord," Pansy said in a whispered voice. "It is rumored that the Potters have been exchanging information about the royal family for the deeds to vast amounts of land that the Dark Lord has obtained through his campaign."

"Oh dear," Cho breathed.

"But that is not the half of it," Pansy said before she launched into a full account of misleading, exaggerated, and outright lies. She carefully wove a blanket of fear, distrust, and anger in which to wrap the Potter Lord in upon his return to court. She had no doubt that by the time Harry returned from wherever it was that he vanished to the members of the royal court would be calling for his beheading.

As she watched the emotions play across Cho Chang's face, she smiled inside to know of the damage she had caused. It was no so much that she required a joint effort of the court to finish Potter off in order to claim Seamus, for she was sure that Seamus and Harry's engagement was over for good now, however, it felt nice to be malicious once in a while. She had to admit to herself, that her plotting against Potter was by far the most entertaining part of the ball.

-

The floor above the ballroom where Pansy was spreading her lies, Harry Potter paced across his bedroom as he awaited the arrival of his parents. Choking on a deep breath, he raised a shaking hand to run through his hair. It made to his face before it collapsed to his side again as his whole body trembled. He increased his pace as his breathing increased then slowed erratically.

It had been a pleasant evening, last evening. He had escaped from the torturous dinner and retired to Draco's room, waiting patiently for his intended to join him. He had waited a full hour before the prince had arrived looking irritated. Harry had risen from his position on one of the random chairs about the common room and gone to Draco's side. Tenderly, lovingly he had run his fingers over the prince's shoulders and up his neck to his face, softly stroking the tense body as he struggled to convey his understanding.

In those few short moments, before words had escaped from their throats to try, unsuccessfully, to voice their emotions, Harry had understood his lover. The fear that comes trembling throughout one's body right before the inevitable is to take place. The elation that floats within one's veins as lovers prepare to claim each other fully before the eyes of their peers. Together, lost within each other's embrace, they had understood every emotion and every breath that the other felt and breathed. Harry smiled now, to remember those moments.

"How beautiful the day is" Hermione said as she entered the room where Harry paced. She moved swiftly to the window and uncovered it, freeing it from the velvet drape that permitted no light to enter. Outside the sky had finally cleared and below the palace gates stood open to allow travelers entrance. "And how ugly the tension that waiting causes."

"Hermione, though your attempt to lighten my mood, and my room, is very much appreciated" Harry began slowly as he watched his friend. "I would prefer to dwell upon my fear of my parents' reactions than to allow myself to be unprepared for their rejection."

"Harry, never once throughout your entire lowly existence have your parents wished for your unhappiness" Hermione said.

"That's not true" Harry said lightly with a wave of his hand.

"Harry, your parent's have punished you only when you deserve it" Hermione said with a wave of her finger in his face. "You know very well you deserved the full week of mucking out the stalls in the village stable when you put that snake in Sirius' bed."

"Oh fine, so I deserved it" Harry pouted. "But...it was a sweet snake. Osiric never hurt anyone."

"Does not matter, your godfather did not appreciate your gift to him."

"I had to get him back" Harry argued. "You know he is a Marauder, they delight in playing pranks of every kind. Besides, how was I to know he would scream like a girl disturb the neighbors' baby."

Hermione sighed as she gazed at her friend. She had known Harry for years, just as she had known his parents since the day she had been born. They were as much her parents as they were his though she did not share their blood.

"I do not have time to argue with you, Harry" Hermione said in exasperation. "I have a wedding to prepare for."

"Oh, how is that going for you" Harry asked as he moved to the window.

"It is far more frustrating than listening to you moan about rejection. Draco has decided that he wishes to have lilies and white roses...He knows that we cannot do such things" Hermione cried as she threw her hands up. "We cannot decorate for this wedding, though I wish we could. To bring in flowers and cakes would be to announce the wedding to the whole court before it has taken place, and that would place you both in danger."

"Hermione, for the rest of my life I shall be in danger" Harry said softly.

Hermione knew this, just as Harry did. To be a prince was to be on the top of the assassination lists. Whether it was a foreign kingdom or a local lord who wished his demise, Harry would be hunted. Besides, there was Voldemort to be considered. A raging Dark Lord how wished him under his control.

He knows something about me, Harry though. He had felt that way for quite a while now, though he knew not why.

Hermione sighed as she watched Harry drift into his own thoughts once more. He had been doing that more often recently. She could understand his withdrawal from others. He was holding some mystery within him that threatened to consume him without special training. He was to be married today, with or without his parents' blessing. She sighed again, Harry would indeed live out his life in danger. Part of that danger would be from himself.

"I shall return Harry" Hermione whispered as she slipped from the room. She wished that she could call upon Draco to comfort him, but the prince was busy tending to his parents as they questioned him once more over his choices. They accepted his decision, however they had received a letter today from one of the foreign rulers to the west of Noir. Hermione prayed that the letter bore good news instead of ill, there had been too much ill news lately.

-

"Lucius, a proposal of this nature should not be so easily cast aside" Severus Snape said as he faced the king of Noir. Of to the side of the pair, Narcissa and Draco watched.

"It is not my decision to make, Severus" Lucius said as he rubbed at his temples.

He had received a letter from Claudius, the ruler of the kingdom to the west, Aeternus. It had been a short letter, brief in its words, but it held important content. Quite simply, it asked that Lucius agree to an arranged marriage between Claudius' daughter and Draco. It would have been a good match, Claudius had always been an ally to Noir and a close friend to Lucius, however, Draco would not accept the proposal.

"Claudius will not understand your decision" Severus argued. "You know he has hinted at a marriage between Draco and his daughter for years. She comes of age within the next two months. She has loved Draco since she was ten. Constantly she spoke of him as if they were already married, I doubt Claudius will be able to find another husband for her that she will willingly accept."

"This is not about what she wants, Severus" Narcissa said suddenly. "She may want Draco, but he does not want her. He is in love with Harry and refuses to budge on the matter."

Severus and Lucius remained silent, understanding that Narcissa would speak until she had said her peace and then allow them their words. Beside her, Draco kept glancing out the large window to the grounds below, his silver eyes searching for the carriage that bore his future mother and father.

"You are right, Severus, it would be a good match. Regina would have loved Draco for the rest of his life, when he died she would have mourned until her own death and never look at another man. However, Draco could never feel the same for her. He would gaze into her clear blue eyes and remember emerald that use to shine with love instead" Narcissa continued. "Would you wish for Draco to suffer so, to lay awake at night and wish that it was Harry he held in his arms"

"Mother" Draco began, his cheeks a faint pink at her words. They were true, that would most likely be his fate if he married Regina, but it was embarrassing to have such words spoken in front of his godfather and father.

"Severus, would you wish this for your godson" Narcissa asked.

"No" Severus whispered. He could not argue against Narcissa, he never could.

"Then we shall not speak on the matter any further" Narcissa said. "Draco, you need to go put on your robes. I shall send Harry's to his room now. I am sure that Lily and James are to arrive within the next few moments at the gates."

As if the gods had heard her words and decided to prove her as a seer, a knock sounded at the door to the study. Glancing at his wife and son, Lucius called for the person to enter. A servant hesitantly entered the room and, with his head bowed, quickly spoke.

"Your highnesses, master, my prince" He said quietly, his eyes never leaving the floor in front of him.

"Yes, why have you come" Lucius asked.

"Sire, the lord and lady Potter's carriage has arrived and has been sent around to the back entrance."

"Very good" Lucius said.

"Have attendants waiting for them and take them to the old ballroom" Narcissa said.

The ballroom she spoke of was the smallest one inside the palace. It had at one point in time been used for private parties, such as birthdays for the royal family when they wished to celebrate alone. For years though it had remained unused, as such, no one beyond the royal family remembered its existence. Thus, Narcissa had decided to use it for the wedding ceremony. It would not be decorated, and there would be no guests or cakes waiting for the couple, but neither minded.

The servant bowed and quickly left, leaving Narcissa to glare at Draco.

"Well, do you wish to get married today or put it off until tomorrow" She demanded, though her eyes smiled at him. Draco blinked and quickly left the room to get dressed.

"I suppose that now we have set into motion a course of events never before imagined" Lucius said softly as he gazed at his friend and his wife.

"I only pray that everything turns out well in the end" Narcissa said.

"I only pray there is wine, lots of wine" Severus said. He was in need of a stiff drink.

-

Hermione paced the corridor outside of Harry's room with a pace equivalent to that of her friend. Desperately she sought a way to calm her companion. He needed to save his strength for his actual wedding. Most brides grew frantic and uncertain only as they stood behind the doors that lead to the long aisle and the groom. To see Harry's discomfort already building was alarming and, in Hermione's mind, a cause for concern.

At this rate, he will be unable to actually speak his vows, let alone prepare himself for the court, Hermione thought as she unleashed a distressed moan.

"Milady" A soft voice whispered. The young girl holding carefully folded silk robes seemed afraid to interrupt, yet afraid to allow the owner of the robes to receive them late.

"I am no lady" Hermione said kindly as she turned to the girl. She felt her cheeks heat up slightly as she realized that the girl must have heard her distressed noise.

"I am sorry, lady" The girl whispered. "I have been instructed to call you lady. I am to give you the young lords' robes. The queen sends them and bids the young lord haste. His parents have arrived."

Hermione froze. Her eyes widened in her surprise at the sudden arrival. She knew that Harry did not know other wise he would have come rushing from the room in search of her in a panic.

"How long?" She asked quietly.

"Her majesty the queen said a few moments more before-" The girl blinked in surprise as Hermione jumped forward and grabbed the robes before dashing into her friend's room, slamming the door as she went.

-

"Hermione, what-" Harry began. He gasped in shock as his best friend moved quickly to his side, pulling him away from the window and closing the drapes.

"Your parents are here, you will be meeting them shortly," Hermione began as she moved to help him begin the tedious task of undressing. Harry remained silent as his outer robe fell from his shoulders to pool about his feet.

"Mum and dad are here?" Harry whispered as he pulled off his forest green tunic. He felt no embarrassment in Hermione seeing him undressed. She had spent the night over at his house for years. She had tended to him when he fell sick the same way his mother would. She was his sister, nothing more needed to be said.

"Yes, I have no doubt that Draco's parents have ordered their carriage to come around to the back entrance," Hermione muttered as she fumbled with his new robes. She had seldom worked with silk robes, only the occasional merchant who had passed through the village had owned silk. Clumsily her fingers sought the silver clasps that would hold the robe upon her friend. Dimly she noted the lovely black silk trimmed with emerald green, the exact color of her friend's eyes.

"Did you see Draco anywhere?" Harry asked as he tossed his trousers off to the side and reached for the black silk trousers that lay upon the bed. He shivered faintly as the cool material slid across his thighs to settle lightly about his legs.

"No," Hermione said shortly as she opened the clasp only to accidentally shut it again on her finger. "Bloody-no, I did not see your charming prince anywhere. I believe he is more than likely doing as you are doing…"

"Fighting with his robe?" Harry asked lightly as he pulled the robe away from his companion before she tore it to pieces. Swiftly, with able hands, he flicked open the clasp before he handed it back to her and reached for the emerald green tunic that would conform to his figure.

"Ha ha…" Hermione grumbled as she quickly settled the robe about his lithe form before closing the clasp with a fierce snap. "There…"

She took several steps back and studied her friend. The black silk robe slipped casually down his shoulders to faintly skim the ground about his feet. The silk hugged his slender form and lengthened his legs. With his wavy raven locks and his wide emerald eyes, Hermione had to admit that her friend was beautiful.

"Harry, you are beautiful," Hermione whispered as she moved forward and pressed a quick kiss against his flushed cheek.

"Thank you, 'Mione," He said softly.

"Now hold still so I can do something with your hair."

-

Lily Potter never saw the beautifully stained glass windows or the lovely painted ceilings as she entered the palace. Her emerald eyes searched only for her son. Behind her, she could hear her husband speaking to the servant who had led them into this small ballroom. It appeared to have been abandoned for years. There was a layer of dust on everything…she was surprised that the royal family allowed a room to fall into such a state.

"Lily, the servant does not know why we have been sent here, only that the queen requested it," James whispered to her as he clutched her hand. Both were still shaken up from their encounter with the Dark Lords' gift.

"I do not care about the queen, James," Lily whispered back. "I care only for my son."

"And I too, love, but we must be patient," James answered as he turned to cast an uninterested glance upon the two guards who stood inside the room watching them for a moment before leaving.

"Oh James," Lily moaned. "What if something has happened to him? What if Voldemort has come for him? I do not think I can handle it…"

"Shh, love," James whispered as he wrapped his arms around her slender form, drawing her closer to his own body in his effort to protect and comfort her. "Harry will be fine. He can take care of himself. Besides, Hermione is here with him, she will not allow him to fall into harms way."

"I know, but I still worry," Lily said as she pressed a light kiss against her husbands' lips. She knew they both looked tired and their clothes were wrinkled. They had traveled non-stop for the past couple of days to reach the palace as quickly as possible. "Harry has never been-"

"Mum!" James and Lily both turned at the happy cry to see their son moving towards them. Lily's smile was brilliant as she moved forward to embrace her only child. Twin sets of emerald eyes misted slightly as the pair embraced. Lily pulled her son against her and pressed a kiss to the top of his head as his arms wrapped around her tightly. The days of fear and restless waiting were forgotten. The bloodied child faded in the face of her beautiful son being back in her arms once more. She laughed softly as James moved to their side and wrapped his arms around both of them.

So involved in their little reunion were they that they never noticed the royal family appear in the doorway. Draco smiled to see his fiancé so happy and at ease. He silently prayed that one day Harry would be that way with him, and no longer worry about the wants and needs of the court. By his side, Narcissa smiled softly in understanding as she watched the Potters embrace. She had been the witness to several assassination attempts, on all members of her family. She knew the terror that quickly overwhelmed one's heart when a mother realized that their child was in mortal danger. She cast a quick glance at her husband, not expecting to see a smile. She was not surprised to see his face a cool mask of indifference, though she swore she saw a little twitch in his lips when James messed up Harry's hair and the youth cried out in mock indignation. She smiled as Lucius softly cleared his voice causing the Potters to freeze. She almost laughed to see James and Harry's identical sheepish looks and Lily's quiet dignity as she released her son from her protective embrace, though Narcissa noticed that Lily kept a firm grip on Harry's hand.

Harry struggled to prevent himself from blushing as he turned to face his future family members. Looking first at Narcissa and Lucius, he found understanding and amusement in their eyes. Then, almost hesitatingly, he turned to face Draco. He almost gasped to see the love and adoration that lighted in his fiancé's silver eyes. He also saw the silent question. Smiling, Harry took a step toward his intended, only to find his hand clasped tightly in his mother's hand. He paused, turning to her.

"It's okay, mum," He whispered. Lily gazed at her son for a moment. She suddenly realized that her son had changed in the short time he had been away from home. He seemed happier now, fuller, more at peace with himself. She hesitated, understanding that her son was telling her that it was okay to let him go. She knew something had happened, that the next few moments would change her life forever. Slowly, she nodded, though her eyes still held a trace of fear, and offered him a shaky smile before allowing his hand to slip free of hers'. Her eyes widened slightly as Harry gifted her with a brilliant smile and pressed a loving kiss to her cheek. Then he was gone, moving away from her and James. Moving toward the prince.

Draco watched at Harry spoke softly to his mother, he smiled sadly as he realized what was happening. He saw Lily's eyes widen and knew she understood what her son was asking. Draco saw her slowly nod and release Harry's hand, and he saw Harry kissed her cheek. Then, Harry was moving towards him with a smile gracing his pale lips. Draco glanced quickly at his parents, both of whom nodded with serene smiles. Draco smiled and moved towards Harry, meeting him halfway between the two sets of parents.

Lily almost gasped to see her son embrace the prince, his arms sliding easily around the prince in a gentle hug. She released the breath she had not know she was holding when the prince lightly caressed Harry's cheek before softly kissing her son. Lily almost cried to see them together. Their actions towards each other betrayed their emotions. Their soft touches showed their love, and their achingly slow kiss showed their passion. She felt her lips tremble as she realized what this meant. She was losing her son.

James stared at his son, his jaw dropping open as his son easily and willingly accepted the affections of the prince. Unlike Lily, he had not seen the silent plea in his son's eyes. He had not known this would happen. He knew only that his son was rapidly ceasing to be just his and Lily's son. He almost jumped to feel Lily's hand slip into his. He glanced at her, and saw her acceptance and understanding as she watched the pair before them. Turning back to the two youths, James' glanced beyond them to the king and queen. He saw the same understanding there as well. He sighed.

"Harry, are you happy?" James asked as Draco released Harry's lips and slipped his fingers between Harry's. Harry turned back to his parents, though Draco refused to allow him to return to his parent's side.

"Beyond happy," Harry said with a soft smile.

"What of Seamus?" James asked, curious. He had known the youth since his birth, he understand that Seamus would never withdrawal his offer of marriage to Harry. Thus it must have been Harry who had called it off.

"Seamus is free to marry for love now," Harry whispered. He still felt awful for hurting Seamus' pride. He hoped that one day Seamus could forgive him. He sent a soft smile to Draco as he felt his intended squeeze his hand.

"My prince, your intentions are pure?" James asked quietly, his hazel eyes boring through Draco as he spoke. Draco gifted him with a small smile of sincerity, never breaking eye contact with the elder man. He understood that James only wanted what was best for Harry, and he could never fault him for that.

"They are," Draco said without hesitation. James studied him a moment longer, then nodded. He turned to Lucius and Narcissa. "My king, my queen." He bowed to them in formal greeting.

"Do not bow, James," Narcissa said lightly as she moved towards Lily and James, Lucius following her. "We are to be family in a couple of minutes."

James and Lily both stared at her for a moment, and then their eyes went to Harry. Harry quickly turned red and pressed his face against Draco's shoulder as he nodded. He felt Draco's shoulders shake as he chuckled.

"Oh, Harry," Draco laughed as their parents began to talk together.

"Quiet," Harry said, his ear pressed against Draco's chest.

"Why?" Draco pouted.

"I am listening to your heart beat," Harry smiled as his eyes drifted closed. Draco smiled and merely held the smaller boy closer.

"Married, so soon?" Lily said as she gazed at the king and queen. She and Narcissa had gotten along well in their childhood, and now, as she studied the queen, she knew that they would be fast friends in the future.

"The war…" Narcissa gently reminded. She saw the understanding flair up in Lily's eyes.

"Yes, of course. What of an heir-" Lily began.

"Draco has a significant amount of Veela blood in him, it makes him very virile," Narcissa explained. "As you know, Veela are powerful magical creatures, with their magic flowing through his veins he is able to impregnate both genders. Do not worry, Harry will be fine."

"What of the marriage contract?" James asked.

"Harry has already signed it," Lucius said simply. Lily and James glanced at each other before nodding.

"It is Harry's choice. If your son makes him happy, then I approve," Lily said softly. "And it is obvious that they care very deeply for each other."

"They do," Narcissa said. "Draco has been skipping the balls and the dinners in favor of spending time alone with Harry. The other day they went down o the city for the day, the other court members are beginning to wonder what is going on."

"I trust we are ready to proceed?" Albus Dumbledore asked lightly as he entered the room, Severus Snape beside him. Severus felt his entire body tense as he spotted Lily. She seemed as lovely, if not lovelier; as she had the day they had parted ways.

"Yes, Albus," Lucius said. He quickly motioned for Draco to come with him as he moved further into the room where Dumbledore had chosen to set up his position. Draco pressed another kiss against Harry's soft lips before going to his father and mentor.

Harry watched Draco's graceful movements wistfully, before jumping in surprise as his parents grabbed him. James gently took his elbow while Lily hastily ran her fingers through his hair, struggling against his messy locks.

"The hardest part is walking down the isle," Lily said in a whispered rush as she tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. "Just think of how happy Draco makes you and of nothing else."

"Lily," James whispered soothingly. Lily nodded and began to move over to stand next to Narcissa and Severus. She paused and rushed back to Harry's side.

"Love you," She whispered, pressing a kiss against his cheek before rushing off to wait for the ceremony to begin.

"You always make us proud, Harry," James said as Dumbledore waved his wand and the light tune of the bride began to play within the room. "Remember that."

Harry nodded before his attention was captured by his handsome soon-to-be husband. Draco stood on the other side of the room, his body straight with its perfect posture. A small loving smile graced his lips, and his silver eyes were alight with joy. As James led him slowly towards the magnificent sight that was his prince, Harry forgot his hesitations and his questions.

The music and the witnesses faded away into nothing as Harry moved toward Draco. Harry felt the air between them heat up and dance between them. He felt the fire within him leap to new heights as it reaching longingly out to his lover. Across the distance he saw the warmth envelope Draco and saw Draco's eyes widen slightly. Harry felt the invisible flames caress Draco's form; it was almost as if he himself were running his fingers across Draco. The flames paused on Draco's heart, and Harry smiled to feel that slightly fast beat pound within him.

At last that distance was gone, and James was gone. All that remained were Harry's fingers in Draco's. The fire raged suddenly, sweeping from Harry into Draco, filling them and pulling them closer. As Dumbledore began his ceremony Harry felt his blood pound through his veins and his heart thunder in his chest in time with that second heart. Gazing into Draco's eyes, Harry suddenly understood that the ceremony was only a legal necessity. In that moment, as the flames consumed them, he felt their hearts beat in time and their souls cry out. The flames had bound them to each other in a way that no ceremony could.

Surrounded by the invisible glow and the frantic beating of their hearts, Harry and Draco fell into each other's eyes. Nothing else mattered now. Their lips moved in silence as the answered the questions they did not hear but knew to respond to. Harry smiled to feel that cool band of precious gold slid easily onto his finger. A moment later he sought Draco's slender finger, his grandfather's wedding ring searching for its new owner. Faintly Harry heard Draco's whispered "I do" and heard his own "I do" blend into the pounding silence. He saw Draco's eyes turn to molten silver as the words escaped him.

Distantly he became aware of Dumbledore's quiet voice informing them that they may kiss and the gentle sound of his parents clapping. Harry did not know what his vows had been, or what Draco's had been, he knew only that calmed and Draco claimed his lips, that he could faintly hear Draco's heart beat matching his own.

AN: I am terribly sorry about the long delay. I have been so caught up in preparing for college and scholarships that it has been hectic and horribly confusing. Then I have UIL to study for, not to mention actual classes. In case you guys have not noticed, I have recently adopted Shades of Gray. I simply could not allow it to not be finished. Do not worry though, I shall not forget about The Anointed Prince. In fact, I may simply work on Shades of Gray in my spare time and post it after I finish The Anointed Prince that way I am not always rushing. What do you guys think of that?

I am sorry if no questions were answered in this chapter, please bear with me. I am working on the next chapter and working on producing the answers for you guys, however the wedding was my main concern with this chapter. Please have patience…I am only human.

Anyway, there you go: the wedding ceremony. I am not sure how wedding ceremonies were conducted back then…so I simply wrote what came to mind. If you guys want the actual vows or whatever, then I can repost this chapter at a later date with the actual ceremony that happens in present day weddings. I hope you guys liked it, cause its about to pick up pace. We have the courts reaction to the wedding in the next chapter, another visit to old Voldemort, and a spy within the palace. As well as some Dean and Seamus interaction. So here's another question for you guys, who do you want Seamus to get together with? I cannot decide, so I'll let you guys decide.

I know it's not Monday, but I feel you guys have been patient for so long...so...I updated today. I hope you guys like it.

Review Responses: Chapter Nine and Chapter Ten

The Shadow Bandit: The village was close to Harry's home. If you recall, Lucius believes them to have at least half a year before Voldemort nears the borders of the kingdom…how wrong he is. I am sorry for not updating on time. It seems that every time I set a deadline I end up missing it for some reason or another. I shall try to keep that from happening. Anyway, as always, all your comments are much appreciated. Thank you for reading my story.

critic unknown: Well…I sort of assumed that with magic anything is possible…sorry if its confusing, but I really do not know much about the Renaissance era, so I apologize if my information is off. I simply write the way I picture it in my mind. However, thank you for the information, and thank you for paying that close attention to what I am writing.

Xanthofile: Wow, thanks for the compliment. It really is my first fanfic, and to be honest I was unsure if I even wanted to post it. I really do not view my writing as anything special, but my Beta Reader nagged me until I agreed to post it.

Goldensong: I cannot tell you how happy your short and simple review has made me. I swear I read it at least four times before calling my friends and having them read it. Thank you very, very much, you made my day.

Feli Lupan Draco: I am so glad you enjoyed the moon and sun thing…I was uncertain of that at first. It came to me while I was watching the Simpsons and it just never left my mind. I cannot tell you how much such reviews as yours mean to me. Anyway, as always, a wonderful review that makes me smile. Thank you.

HazelWolf: I wrote it, you loved it, I got pulled away for a while, I wrote it, and now I hope you still love it.

Elation: I will not quite writing this story even if everyone claimed they hated it and flamed me a thousand times over, as long as one person still enjoys my writing, I shall continue. You always have nice things to say, even if it is simply rambling, I appreciate it. Thank you.

Lady Prongster: Thank you very much for such wonderful compliments appreciate them. Thanks.

MagicalPen2: I am so happy that you enjoy my story. I aim to please…well…most of the time. Anyway, thank you for such a delightful review.

E: I am sorry about the plot gaps. I seriously never notice such things, I just get caught up in what I am writing and comply overlook the gaps between. Sorry, when I finish this story I'll go back and fill in the gaps and everything. Anyway, thanks for reading and everything, I appreciate it.

Arigazi: No one has ever called me an ingenious writer before, so that's quite the compliment. I am glad you enjoy my story, and that you like me sense of humor, many people don't, so thank you. I am sorry for taking so long to update, I hope its worth it, though I know its not.

AmethystAquamarine: Thank you for the beautiful compliment on my writing style. In all honesty, I am a very detail oriented person. When I do art its very realistic and it takes forever to finish because of it. My art teacher despairs over it because it takes so long. Anyway, thank you and thousand times over for such lovely reviews. You guys wait for the chapter updates, and I wait for the reviews! Thanks.

driven to insanity: A smile will work just fine. If all anyone did when they read my story was smile, it would be more than enough for me. So, thank you.

silentchild: Don't say that, Magnetic Attraction is by far the better fanfic. I cannot compete against the likes of such brilliance, but thank you for the generous compliment.

Humanwings: Ah, my writing style is nothing special; simply write what comes to your mind. That's what I do. I love your review, its perfect. Thank you.

The Heir of Paranoia: Did I say king of England…oops…sorry, I'll correct that eventually.

Starrarose: Are you talking about LenJade and Shades of Gray? If you are, thank you for your words. I was unsure about adopting that story, I mean, I love it and do not want to see it end, but I worry that I won't be able to write it properly. Anyway, thanks for your kind words.

Riviere Malfoy: Did it seem more poetic? I don't know why my writing turns out that way…I am a sap when it comes to romance…perhaps that its? I don't know, but I am glad you like it.

Xlayer: Thank you, thank you, thank you! I worried at first that my long descriptions would annoy people, but I am so happy to find that so many people like them.

Shinchansgirl: Seriously, your reviews are wonderful to read. I appreciate your words very much.