A Decent Husband and Father

The planning of the Malfoy/Fowlington wedding was nearly complete and with summer break quickly approaching its end, Artemis and Draco found themselves readying for their final year at Hogwarts. In two weeks they would board the Hogwarts Express, for what would surely be a whirlwind seventh year. Any seventh year student was bound to feel stressed beyond belief, but for Draco and Artemis, things would be even worse, especially since their wedding falls right in the middle of the year. As Draco sat in the breakfast room of Malfoy Manor, enjoying his usual morning meal with his parents, what was undoubtedly a school owl, tapped fervently at the window. Realizing that his list of supplies was to arrive that day, he darted over to the window, opening it so that the bird could enter. After the bird had settled onto the table, Draco removed its parcel and offered the bird a treat before shooing it away. However, the bird refused to leave, so Draco opened the letter, quickly scanning over its contents.

"Yes!" he shouted loudly, startling his mother so badly that she spilled a bit of her tea onto her dressing gown.

"I take it you made Head Boy,' said Lucius smugly, never having doubted that his son would be the one to receive the prestigious position. After all, he was a Malfoy and every Malfoy who ever attended Hogwarts had made Head Boy, Draco would be no different.

"Yes, I did. Dumbledore says that I had the highest grades of any male student since Professor Snape. He want's me to owl back and let him know if I'll accept the position." after reading that part of the letter, Draco knew why the owl had refused to leave. It was waiting on a response. Draco excitedly replied to the Headmaster, accepting the honor of being Head Boy and thanking him for his offer. Once he had given the letter to the owl and it had departed for the castle, Draco began another letter. This time he wrote to Artemis, asking her to meet him in Diagon Alley this afternoon, so that they could purchase their supplies. Draco knew that he still had two weeks to gather his materials for the new school year, but he hadn't seen her for nearly a week and he had been looking for a reason to arrange a meeting but none had presented itself, until now.

"What are you doing, Draco" said Narcissa as she rushed over to her son, wrapping her arms around him, in congratulations of his most recent achievement.

"I'm owling Artemis. I want her to meet me in Diagon Alley so we can get our supplies. Beat the rush, you know?" replied the young man, hoping that his parents didn't jump conclusions about why he wanted to see her again. They had already teased him mercilessly ever since they had reconciled. He didn't deny that they had spent some time together, a great deal of time together in fact. They had yet to spend more than a week apart, both finding silly little reasons to request a meeting. The last time they had met up was due to Artemis' owling him, demanding that they discuss what type of cheese should be used in the crab puffs. They spent an entire weekend at Fowlington Manor, trying to decide. In the end they agreed to just go with what the chefs had recommended.

"Well you always were an efficient boy," mocked Narcissa, knowing full well that Draco just wanted to see, rather snog, his fiancé. Every time the two got together, either Artemis' parents or Draco's parents had managed to interrupt one of their make out sessions. Draco rolled his eyes at his mothers comment, choosing to say nothing since he knew any argument he made would be a lie.

"If you do meet up with Artemis, I will need you to be back here by four o'clock, so that you have time to get ready for dinner," informed Lucius without looking up from the Daily Prophet. Draco huffed loudly at this new bit of information. It was already ten o'clock and if he had to be back home by four, he wouldn't be able to spend as much time as he would have liked with Artemis. Lucius could sense his son's displeasure, so he decided to put him out of his misery . "Severus informed me several weeks ago, that you would be named Head Boy, so I have arranged a little get together at Tersiguel's with Artemis' family tonight, in order to celebrate. So you needn't worry, you'll come home by four and then you'll be back with your beloved, in no time."

"Cool, I'll make sure we're back by four," said Draco happily, giving the letter addressed to Artemis to his owl, but Lucius interrupted him before the bird was able to take off.

"Perhaps it would be quicker if you used the floo, rather than waiting for a response via owl," drawled Lucius.

"Good point," replied Draco as he approached the fireplace, grabbing some floo powder and tossing it inside as he shouted 'Artemis Fowlington's!'. As the familiar pulling sensation took hold, Draco braced himself for an unsteady landing. With a loud thud, Draco tumbled out of Artemis' large stone fireplace. After pulling himself up from the floor, thankful that she had the foresight to put a soft rug over the marble, he dusted the soot off of his clothes. As he looked down at himself, Draco was mortified to find that he was still in his green silk pyjama pants and white t-shirt. Cursing himself for acting before thinking, he contemplated flooing back home and changing, but decided that since he was already here he might as well just get it over with. Besides, they were to be married soon, Artemis was bound to see him in his pyjamas at some point. Being quiet, so as not to wake her, Draco crept over to his fiance's bed, only to find it already made and the rest of the room empty as well. Taking advantage of his being alone, Draco wandered around the room, having never had the chance to see it before. Artemis had never allowed Draco in her room, always telling him that it would be improper since they weren't yet married. As he snooped about her bedchamber, he couldn't help but notice how seemingly anal she was, when it came to things being in their proper place.

"She's in for a bit of a shock, once we're living together," muttered Draco under his breath. It wasn't that he was a slob, he just didn't mind things not being in their designated place all of the time, and judging by the state of her room, she certainly did. As he approached her writing desk, Draco picked up a picture frame, looking over the photo inside. He was shocked to note that the photo was the one that Colin Creevey had taken at the Yule Ball, both of them moving about the frame awkwardly. He had to admit that he was quite flattered that she had, not only kept the photo, but had put it on display for anyone who happened to be in the room, to see. As he wandered deeper into her bedchamber, Draco came to a closed door, without thinking he opened it.

As the door opened, a large cloud of steam surrounded him. Once his eyes focused, the very naked form of his fiancé came into view. As Artemis stepped out of the shower, she reached for her towel, wiping the beads of water off of her body, before glancing up into the mirror. It took her several moments to notice the reflection of another person, but as soon as she did, she spun around quickly, bringing her face to face with her grinning fiancé. Both remained silent and unmoving for several moments, before Artemis quickly covered her naked body with a soft light blue towel and shouted for Draco to get out. Startled by her shouting, he rushed out of the lavatory, shutting the door behind him, the silly grin never leaving his face. Several minutes later, Artemis, clad in only a light blue silk dressing robe, exited the lavatory. As Draco looked up at her, he couldn't help but notice how red her normally pale face was. It took several minutes before either was able to speak.

"Tell me you didn't see anything," ordered Artemis weakly, avoiding looking him in the eyes.

"All I'm going to say is... Wow. I mean, I've seen a few in my time, and I've got to admit, they're nice. Really nice. Not too big, not too small. Wow." The entire time Draco spoke, he stared at Artemis' chest, as if he could see through the silky fabric of her dressing gown, a ridiculous smirk firmly in place.

"Oh, god!" Artemis began pacing back and forth, before stopping abruptly. "What were you doing here anyway?"

"I got my list of supplies today and I thought we could go and get our stuff for school, maybe grab a bite to eat, talk a little," even still, Draco had not managed to tear his gaze from her chest, as he spoke.

"Draco!" shouted an irate Artemis, "look up!" Startled by her words, he begrudgingly looked her in the eyes, glancing back down every now and again. After several moments of silence, Draco flopped down onto Artemis' bed waiting for her to accept or decline his invitation. No sooner than he landed on her, incredibly comfortable bed, Draco was yanked forward by his fiancé, who quickly went to work, smoothing out the covers of her bed.

"A bit anal, aren't we," asked Draco as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back down onto the bed with him, intentionally messing up the covers as much as possible. As they rolled about wildly on her bed, Artemis couldn't help but laugh, though her amusement didn't stop her from prying herself from his grasp. Once off the bed Artemis stared down at her future husband, desperately trying to be angry at him. Without warning Draco stood up on her bed, jumping up and down forcefully. Now, Artemis was angry at him. She couldn't believe that he had the audacity to jump on her bed. She was sure that her fine linens would we ruined, however this did not stop Draco from jumping. As he bounced about on her bed, he tried to goad her into joining him.

"I'm not going to stop until you come up her," teased Draco. When she made no move to join him, he continued, " I don't care if I break the bed, I'll just keep jumping until you get that cute little tush of your's, up here!" Finally Artemis broke down and climbed up onto her marvelous four poster, joining Draco's fun. As they bounced about, Artemis couldn't help but enjoy herself. She had always been a well behaved child and she would never have ventured to jump on her bed, as they were now.

"This is kind of fun!" shouted Artemis as she bounced upwards. Draco reached out, taking a hold of her hands, drawing her closer to him, both laughing loudly as they nearly collided. Suddenly the door flew open, Artemis' parents barging into the room. Neither were prepared to see their daughter and future son, jumping on the bed. Artemis was very particular about her bed. Upon realizing that they weren't alone, they both stopped jumping immediately, Draco suddenly feeling horribly out of place.

"So this probably looks... odd," said Draco nervously, as he climbed down from the bed, helping Artemis down as well.

"Yes, just a bit," replied Perseus suspiciously. "I didn't expect to find a boy in my daughters room."

"He just came by to ask me to go to Diagon Alley with him, to get our supplies. He got his list this morning, also," informed Artemis as she busied herself with making her terribly disheveled bed.

"Than I believe congratulations are in order. Head Boy, is big deal. I hope you won't boss Artemis around too much, even if she is just a prefect. She'll make you pay for it" joked Persephone as she rushed over, hugging Draco tightly.

"You didn't mention anything about being Head Boy," whispered Artemis, slamming a pillow onto the bed, in annoyance. She would have thought he'd have mentioned, something so important.

"Well, you hadn't mentioned that you were made a prefect," defended Draco, "I was going to tell you during lunch."

"So, if you weren't jumping on the bed, because he was named Head Boy, than why were you jumping on the bed?' asked Perseus, laughing at their childish antics.

"I don't know.. He saw me naked, I think it made him giddy," huffed Artemis loudly. It took Perseus several seconds to process what she had said. He was none too happy to hear that anyone had seen his daughter without her clothes on, even if that person was her fiancé.

"It was an accident!" shouted Draco hoping to stall her father's rage. "Besides, it's not like I wouldn't have gotten to see her naked eventually." No sooner than the words had left his mouth, Draco knew he had said the wrong thing. "So, I'm going to go." Draco rushed over to the fireplace, quickly grabbing some floo powder.

'That's probably a good idea," replied Artemis, walking over to the fireplace. She couldn't help but be amused by the awkward look on Draco's face. He knew that the longer he stayed, the deeper the proverbially hole, would get.

"So, will you meet me in Diagon Alley in an hour?" asked Draco, hoping her father would let her go.

"Yes, I'll meet you at Flourish and Blotts," said Artemis as she rose onto her tip toes, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek. Before tossing the powder into the fireplace, Draco grabbed onto his fiance's arm, turning her around to face him.

"Do be sure to wear clothes this time. If you show up naked, I can't promise I'll control myself." Before giving her parents a chance to respond, Draco quickly left Fowlington Manor, landing on the floor of his own breakfast room.

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"What took so long?" asked Lucius as he glanced down at his disheveled, soot covered son.

"Nothing really, I just got to see my fiancé naked, that's all. And might I say Father, you made a splendid choice." beamed Draco as he grabbed a piece of toast and bounded over to the door.

"Draco!' shouted Lucius, stopping his son before he was out of ear shot. "This came for you while you were out." Lucius held out a package which Draco quickly tore into.

"Oh shit!" shouted Draco, again startling his mother, causing her to spill her tea. "This day just can't get any better, can it?" asked Draco holding out the letter that came with the package. Lucius scanned the letter, immediately noticing that it had come from the Quidditch scout, who had watch Draco play.

"Starting Seeker," gasped Lucius, unbelievingly, "they want you to be their seeker after you leave Hogwarts!" Narcissa squealed loudly embracing her son, as he ripped open the box that had come with the letter. Inside was the practice uniform, he would be required to wear during their weekly training sessions. The letter also informed him that they had already spoken with Dumbledore and he had given his permission for Draco to leave the school grounds, every Saturday, for practice with his new team. Draco couldn't believe his luck, Head Boy, boobs and a position on a professional Quidditch team, all in one day. As he read over the rules and regulations he would have to abide by, Draco's mood began to sink. Once he was a full time team mate, he would be required to be on the road for nine months of the year and they weren't allowed to bring their families. He wasn't sure if he liked the way that sounded and he didn't think Artemis would either.

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"There you are!" shouted Artemis as she rushed over to fiancé, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him lightly on the cheek. She couldn't help but notice how comfortable she had become with the act of kissing him. Even though his head was elsewhere, Draco couldn't help but notice how pretty Artemis looked that afternoon. Due to the stifling heat of the summer afternoon, she had chosen to wear an ivory linen, baby doll mini-dress, with spaghetti straps that tied at the shoulder and a pair of high, espadrille wedges.

"You know, I was preoccupied with your lovely breast this morning, so I think I failed to give those legs of your's enough credit," joked Draco as he hugged her back.

"Do try to think with you head, Draco," chastised Artemis.

"I am, I just won't specify which head." Artemis rolled her eyes at his comment, choosing not to respond.

It took them nearly two hours to gather all of their supplies, but once they had, Draco decided to tell her about the letter he had received from the scout. When he told her about the amount of time he would be spending away from home, he noticed how the smile that had been firmly in place, quickly faded. Artemis tried to hide her disappointment, but Draco was able to see right through her false niceties.

"When do you start?" she asked timidly.

"Until I graduate I'll have practice every Saturday with the team, Dumbledore already approved it. After I graduate, I'll be gone December through August, with Sundays off."

"Wow, that's one hell of a schedule," mutter Artemis softly, raising her tea cup to her mouth, not really wanting anything to drink, just wanting to distract herself.

"I don't know if I'm going to sign the contract," said Draco solemnly as he grasped her free hand in his.

"Why not?' asked Artemis warily. She knew how much Draco loved Quidditch and she was shocked to hear that he was having second thoughts.

"I don't think it would be a good idea to start our lives out, being apart for nine months of the year. Besides, as much as I love Quidditch, there are other's things I want to do with my life. I was really looking forward to taking over the advertising department, remember?" Artemis nodded, recalling their previous conversation about what they wanted to do with their lives. "I don't think I want to play a game for the rest of my life. At some point I'll have to grow up."

"Draco you really should think this through. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's not everyday that the a Championship Quidditch team offers you a two million galleon a year contract. I know your not even thinking about the money but, even you can't deny that it's a big deal."

"I've been thinking about this all day, Artemis. I don't want to be some star Quidditch player. I thought I did, but I don't. I'd be happy to just be a decent Husband and Father," replied Draco softly. Immediately Artemis knew that there had to be more to Draco's decision, than what he was telling her.

"What's this all about? I know it's more than just wether or not, you ought to accept the contract," asked Artemis, hoping he would trust her enough to tell her.

"I don't know... look, my Father made a lot of mistakes. Most of the time, he wasn't there for my mother and me, when we needed him. I spent the first fifteen years of my lift, petrified of my father. It took a stint in Azkaban for him to start treating us like people. I swore I'd never be like that. I don't want to be some big flashy, society symbol. Don't get me wrong, I like being rich and I like going to fancy parties, but at the end of the day I want a family. One that knows I'm there, that they can depend on me, and that can't happen if I'm gone all the time." Artemis had tried very hard not to cry, while she listened intently to what he had to say. In the end her emotions won out. She was completely speechless, she had never really thought of Draco as a family man, but his words had completely changed her opinion of him.

"Shortly after my Father got thrown into Azkaban, I was in Diagon Alley picking up some things for my Mother, when I ran into Mr. Weasley and his daughter in Flourish and Blotts. They looked so happy together, it kind of upset me. I guess it reminded me of what I didn't have. Well anyway, Mr. Weasley noticed and he followed me behind a bookcase and the next thing I know, he's hugging me. Told me that everything would be alright and that I still had options. I tried my hardest to just shrug it off, but I know he noticed how much his words upset me. I think that was the moment I realized that I wanted more. The poorest family I have ever known, was far richer than my family would ever be. I think that's why I hated Weaselby so much. He had everything I ever wanted, but was always denied."

"But your Father has changed, Draco. He's trying" assured Artemis thoughtfully, as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"I know, and I'm grateful, but old wounds run deep. I've forgiven him, but I'll never forget the way he was. If I do, than I'm more likely to become him and I will not let that happen." Draco words were full of disdain, as he spoke of the man his father once was.

"Just think your decision through, Draco. I'd hate for you to resent your family later, because you feel you missed out," said Artemis as she stood, extending her hand for Draco to take. It was nearly time for them to get back home, so they could get ready for dinner.

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"That night, while at Tersiguel's, Draco was prepared to inform his family of his decision to not join the professional Quidditch team. He knew that his father wouldn't like the news, but he didn't care. It was his life, rather his future families life, and it was time he took control of it. Well at least as much as one can, when they are a part of an arranged marriage. Before Draco could inform them of his plans, Lucius stood, drawing the attention of all of the guests at the restaurant. Normally this would be a problem but it was impossible to not recognize Lucius Malfoy, so all parties listened intently.

"What I have to say will just take a moment, then you will be able to get back to your wonderful meal. I would like to make a toast, to my son , Draco. Who today has officially done his part in carrying on the family tradition of being Head Boy at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I could not be more proud of you. An achievement like this, can not go unrewarded. For ages you have been bugging me about a enchanted car. I do believe that if you venture outside, you may find that you have gotten your wish." Draco's annoyance at his fathers presumptuous behavior, quickly vanished. He grabbed Artemis by the hand, nearly dragging her outside, their families following closely behind. When Draco got outside, he came face to face with the most beautiful piece of machinery he had ever seen. Opening the passenger side door, Draco peered inside, running his hands over the supple leather of the seats. He nearly shoved Artemis into the seat before rushing over to the driver side, seating himself behind the steering wheel. Lucius approached his enraptured son, a genuine smile on his face. It's what the Muggles call, a Bentley Continental GT. If you press this button, the top comes down. It's what they call a convertible. You can drive it like a regular car or you can activate the invisibility shield and fly in it." Draco smiled broadly. This was better than anything he could have imagined. The sleek black exterior coupled with the supple black leather interior was too much for the young man to handle. After listening to his father lecture him about showing up for his driving lessons on time, they returned to their table, everyone congratulating the young man on his new acquisition.

The rest of their supper passed without incident, but Draco's nervousness returned when Lucius began telling Perseus about the offer his son had received.

"Actually, Father, I've decided that I don't want to play Quidditch for a living. I want to take over the advertising department, like we'd planned," interrupted Draco cautiously. Artemis squeezed his hand tightly, in an attempt to offer him some support.

"What made you decide that?" asked Lucius curiously. Draco had always been obsessed with the game, he didn't understand why he was all of a sudden against playing, professionally for that matter.

"Because I want a wife and a family, as well as, a career. I can't do that if I'm gone all the time. I don't want to play games all my life. That's my decision, so you'll just have to accept it," huffed Draco loudly, his voice cracking slightly.

"All right, Draco. It's your decision and I'm fine with it. No need to get you knickers in a twist," joked Lucius as he went back to telling Perseus about the offer that was made. Apparently, whether Draco accepted the deal or not, Lucius felt it was something to be proud about. He couldn't help but feel like a huge weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. His father was fine with his wanting to avoid being in the lime light, he had his car, he was head boy and he had seen Artemis' boobs. Life was perfect.

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After dessert, Draco was sure that their parents would want to talk while enjoying warm tea, as they usually did. At least he was hoping that they would. His plans for the evening depended on it. Like clock work, as soon as, the waiter cleared their dishes, his father ordered their tea. Slowly Draco prepared himself, for what was sure to be, one of the biggest moments of his life

----------flashback--------

Earlier that day, while they were shopping for their supplies, Artemis had walked past her favorite dress shop. She had tried to drag Draco inside, but he refused, telling her that he would meet her back there in half an hour. He said that he had some errands, that she certainly wouldn't enjoy, to tend to. As Artemis disappeared inside of the boutique, Draco rushed down the street stopping at 'Allevella's Rare Gemstones and Antiquities'. As he entered the jewelry store, a small bell chimed overhead, alerting the owner to his arrival.

"Young Master Malfoy, I don't believe we've met," said the old wizard, walking from behind the counter, extending his hand to the young man.

"Than how do you know my name?" asked Draco warily, he didn't know if the old coot was practicing Legellimancy, but if the owner was, he would certainly have to do something about it. Draco shook the old wizards hand, cautiously.

"Your Father has been here many times, since he married your mother. You look just like him, a spitting image," said the wizard happily, ushering Draco over to the counter. "What are you in the market for today, my boy?" he asked jovially.

"I'd like to take a look at your wedding rings," informed Draco, glancing at the contents of the nearby glass cases, examining the various baubles inside.

"I was under the impression that your Father had given you a family heirloom to give to your bride." Draco nodded, continuing his perusal of the cabinets, hoping to find what he was looking for.

"Yes he did, but I don't think she's very fond of it. It's a really big diamond. Some might call it tacky. It's not something that my fiancé would want, she's a bit more understated than that. Besides, it kind of represents a time in our relationship that I'm sure both of us would like to forget," muttered Draco, halting suddenly, as his eyes fell upon a beautiful ring.

"Ah, you have inherited your father's eye for exquisite jewelry," mused the old wizard, removing the wards on the glass case and withdrawing the ring, handing it to the young man. Draco lifted the ring up, eyeing it closing, checking for any noticeable imperfections. The platinum band was encrusted in pave diamonds, leading up to a large, five carat, center stone. It was a far cry from the twelve carat boulder that currently weighed her hand down. Nevertheless, he was sure that she would prefer this, more modest, trinket.

"It's perfect," whispered Draco, handing the ring back to the owner, signaling that he would take it. "Do you have any wedding bands that would compliment this?"

"Of course, we just got in a new shipment of wedding bands. I have a lovely pave diamond encrusted band that will look stunning with this ring," the jeweler said as he led Draco over to a different glass case. After removing the wards, he handed Draco, what looked like a perfect match to the engagement ring. Draco knew right away, that this was the one. After marking up his purchases, of which Draco was sure his father would be shocked to hear about, though he couldn't bring himself to care, he headed back to the dress shop.

The sound of his Father's laughter jolted Draco back to reality. Realizing he was running out of time, he took Artemis' hand, leading her outside of the restaurant. Silently the pair followed the familiar wooded path that lead to the small gazebo they had discovered, earlier that summer. Draco couldn't help but notice how her eyes lit up at the sight of the small structure.

"I think this is my favorite place in the world," sighed Artemis as she walked up the steps leading to the deck. She leaned down, resting her elbows on the railing, looking down into the pond below, the ducks having returned as well. Draco walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her, drawing her close to his chest. At that moment, his nerve nearly failed him, but after taking a few deep, calming breaths, he pushed onward. Slowly he turned her around to face him.

"I got you something today," he said, withdrawing a small jewelry box from his jacket pocket. Artemis could tell that his hands were shaking, though he tried desperately to hide it.

"I know that, when all of this began, I was a complete prat," Draco's voice trembled slightly. Even though he knew that she couldn't really refuse to marry him, he was still nervous as hell. "I didn't like the idea of my father making my decision's, for me. But now, after I've gotten to know you, I realize that he made a wonderful choice. One I couldn't have made on my own. I asked you to marry me the night we found out about the contract, because my father forced me to. But now I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to wake up next to you every morning, fall asleep with you in my arms every night. I want you to be the mother of my children. I know we're young, but you and me, we're right for each other. We... we just make sense. You make me a better person and without you, I don't think I'll ever be the man I truly want to be," Draco looked down at Artemis, trying to gauge her reaction to his words. As he expected, her eyes were tearing up as she struggled to maintain control over her emotions. Slowly he dropped down onto one knee, opening the small black box once he had steadied himself. "Artemis Fowlington, will you do me the honor of being my wife. Not because you have to, but because you want to?'

"What are you two... oh, that's so sweet," cooed Narcissa, as she grabbed onto her husbands arm tightly, giddy at the prospect of her son proposing to his fiancé... again. Lucius quickly quieted his giggling wife, Perseus doing the same to Persephone. When they had finished their tea, Lucius had inquired as to the wear about's of his son, and had been informed by one of the waiters that the children had headed off in this direction. He hadn't meant for them to interrupt so private a moment, but it was getting late. Lucius watched intently as Artemis looked back down at the kneeling young man, who nervously awaited his answer.

"I love you, Draco Malfoy" she whispered softly, causing Narcissa to squeak, elated that her soon to be daughter, had finally admitted that she was in love. "And I would love nothing more than to be your wife." Draco slid the old engagement ring from her left hand before gently slipping the ring he had chosen onto her finger, placing a kiss on her hand before standing and wrapping her tightly within his arms. Their parents clapped loudly, congratulating the, officially, happy couple. As they walked back to the restaurant, Draco handed the old engagement ring to his father, smiling at him broadly.

"What was wrong with this one?" asked Lucius, curious as to why anyone would want to give back, such an extravagant ring.

"It was beautiful, but it just wasn't right for her," said Draco simply, not regretting his decision to find a different ring. He felt that Artemis' ring should say something about her. All the other ring said was 'look at me, I'm big, tacky and expensive,' while he felt that her new ring said, 'I'm well loved'.

"I see. Well I'm sure your mother will enjoy it," muttered Lucius as he slipped it into his pocket. He was sure that Narcissa would ask him for the ring, before they had even returned home. She had fancied it ever since he had first shown it to her. As he watched his son and his future daughter, happily walking hand in hand, Lucius couldn't help but feel relieved that things were finally working out. For a while, he had thought that Draco would keep messing things up, but as always, his young son had managed to completely surprise him. 'He's a good kid,' thought Lucius, as they finally made it back to the restaurant.

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WOW, FIFTY THREE REVIEWS! WHEN I FIRST STARTED WRITING THIS STORY, I HADN'T REALLY EXPECTED IT TO GENERATE ANY, BUT SEEING AS HOW IT HAS, MY NEW GOAL IS TO HAVE ONE HUNDRED REVIEWS BY THE TIME I FINISH WRITING IT : ) hint, hint

SORRY THIS ONE WAS SO LONG, BUT I REALLY NEEDED TO WRAP UP THEIR SUMMER. I'M ABOUT HALF WAY DONE WITH THE NEXT CHAPTER, SO I SHOULD HAVE CHAPTER NINETEEN UP SOON.

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