Chapter 7: Facing an Uncertain Future

Draco Malfoy was a man on a mission. He had quickly gotten the proper paper work at

Gringotts Bank and was now in a carriage on his way to Hogwarts. It would have been more time

efficient to apparate near the school or simply floo in but Draco needed some time to think. Was

this what he really wanted to do? Could Ian really handle it? Was he ready? Well, ready or not,

the time had to be now. There was less than two days left if he was to sign the marriage contract

betrothing Ian to Madeline Bagnold, or face the dire consequences. Well, Draco Malfoy was a

new man on this day. He was sick of hiding. He was sick of being afraid. Once he had played his

part today he could face the mistakes of his past and the chips would fall as they may. There were

no guarantees for him.

As it always seems, when one does not want to do something times passes quite swiftly. So it

seemed to Draco as he reached the gates of Hogwarts in what felt like record time. As he

elegantly descended from the carriage a small smile flitted across his face as a man with coal black

hair and glittering black eyes stood waiting for him.

"Lord Malfoy, to what do I owe this esteemed visit?" Headmaster Severus Snape greeted Dr

aco with a smart bow. Draco rolled his eyes and let out a short laugh. Severus' eyes lit up as he

pulled Draco into a tight hug. Severus had always had a bit of a soft spot towards Draco, as he

was one of the few spies in the Last Great War who had been punished more than he had been

rewarded. Speaking of punishments, a serious expression settled on Severus's face as he

addressed Draco once more.

"You are aware of course that Lord Potter is the newest DADA professor? I expect you to

behave with the utmost decorum and restraint do you understand?" Draco's eyes flitted down

ward as a wry smile settled on his face.

"Yes, I quite understand Severus. There will be no dissension between Mr. Pott- Wait, did you

say Lord Potter Severus?" Draco asked incredulously. Severus smirked coolly and replied,

"I was wondering when you would pick up on that. Yes, Lord Potter has recently claimed his

Lordship and will be now presiding over the House of Potter as its Head. It is not well known at

all and I imagine the majority of the wizarding world will find out at the next convention the House

of Lords. However, I thought to give you a small heads up. Wouldn't want the Head of House

Malfoy keeling over in an undignified heap on the floor, now would we?" Severus could barely

contain his amusement of the image of Draco in a heap on the floor during a meeting of Lords. This

act did not even penetrate the fog occupying Draco's head as he was still absorbed in the fact that

Harry Potter was now a Lord and Draco would be seeing him on a semi regular basis. Eventually

Draco got over the shock and followed Severus back into Hogwarts.

Once they were ensconced inside Severus' office, the Headmaster had a houseelf collect Ian

Malfoy. When Ian arrived Draco and Severus had just finished a cup of tea.

"Father! What are you doing here?" It was plain to see that his father had been the last person

he ever expected to have him summoned immediately after the start of school. Ian gracefully took

the plush chair offered to him and gazed expectantly at his father. Draco gazed uneasily at Severus

and the Headmaster benevolently excused himself from the room and the conversation. Draco

engaged in an uncharacteristic act of fidgeting for a moment before he spoke.

"Son, I am afraid I have some bad news. It has come to my attention that a marriage contract

has been proposed by the father of Miss Madeline Bagnold. Of course, her pedigree is far

beneath ours and I do not consider the match advantageous in view of that fact among several

others of course. Also, as I am sure you are aware her demeanor is far from desirable." At this Ian

nearly coughed aloud. Madeline's demeanor indeed. What about his mother's demeanor? Now

there was a personality hardly worthy of the Malfoy name.

"Father why is this a problem? If you cannot condone the match then is there really a problem?"

Ian asked confused as to why this information had caused him to be called out of class. Ian's

sharp eyes did not miss the way his father's mouth tightened and his posture stiffened momentarily

before he again relaxed.

"I'm afraid that despite my vehement opposition the contract is sure to be soon validated. There

are events beyond my control…" Draco trailed off knowing there was nothing that he could say to

ease the hurt this news would bring. At this last statement Ian's back seemed to almost crack in

half as it straightened swiftly. His eyes darkened as his normally full lips thinned drastically.

"Am I to believe, Father that you are telling me I am going to have to marry that vapid little

Bagnold bitch? No! I absolutely refuse! That disgusting excuse for a woman has been trying to

ensnare me for years, and I refuse to allow her to win. So I suggest that you reread the contract

Father, because I absolutely am not going invite such a cow into my life or my bed." Ian said all of

this calmly and without raising his voice. Draco smiled slightly at his son proud of his self control.

He had done well with his son.

"I am happy to hear it, my son. There is in fact a way for you to avoid being married off to

Miss. Bagnold." Ian stared at his father incredulously. If he did not have to marry Madeline then

why was his father here delivering this news? He could have just vetoed the idea and forgotten all

about it. Draco hesitated to continue with what he had to say next. It really was quite

unprecedented, what he was about to propose.

"I really am quite sorry Ian. The only way I can see any possibility of you not having to marry

the Bagnold heir is to become the heir of the House of Malfoy, immediately."

Mars woke early the morning after the ball, which in itself was quite unusual. After all, these

balls could more accurately be described as ordeals in his mind. The Elven community had such

high hopes and expectations for him and especially his sister that at times it could be more than

daunting. Mars sighed and absently headed over to his favorite dining room and piled generous

portions of the food spread which was made available to him for breakfast. As he ate, Mars

mused over his duties and expectations over the next few years and slowly felt the beginnings of a

migraine. However, he thought with a small smile, it could always be worse. At least he wasn't

expected to rule the Elven plane. He was a high ranking member of court though and was duty

bound to present himself as such at all times in the Elven world and most times in the mortal realm

as well.

A small frown crossed Mars' face as he contemplated the many differences between the Elven

world and the mortal realm. The mortal realm was terribly simplistic is comparison to the Elven

world. While in the mortal realm there were different groups and classes, the separation of classes

was mainly founded on the amount of money one had. If one was rich then one was respected,

graced with power, and of a higher social class than those who did not have money. In the mortal

plane some people were simply born into money, like he was, and were thus in a higher social

circle. However, there was the possibility that a poorer person could at build up assets and

money, and move upwards socially.

In the Elven plane that was a sever rarity. Elves were judged on the basis of birth only. Blood

and pedigree had an even higher meaning for the Elves than those who at one time had fought for

Voldemort's ideals. You were who you were in the Elven world and the only possible way to

improve one's self was to advance to a higher level of your own social circle. This is why it was

such a huge deal when Mars and Lark were not only Named Royalty of the Elven court but

Hurian Elves as well. The twins were Royalty by blood from their mother who was the second

born Princess of the Elven court. However, she had married a mortal which made Lark and Mars

half human, and this did not sit well with some Elves. Thankfully, most Elves recognized their right

to rule as Royalty. This in part though may have had something to do with the twins' unusual

powers. They were clearly an asset to the Elven community and the Elves were too prideful to

allow the mortals control over ones so powerful.

Mars shook his head slightly and the thoughts of duty and obligation were pushed to the back of

his mind while grey eyes invaded his mind instead. Ian Malfoy. What a mystery. He seemed the

cold, aloof type who rarely spoke out of turn or acknowledged any feelings. But Mars had seen

him cry. Those large grey eyes were made liquid mercury as the layer of tears enhanced their

beauty rather than taking away from it. And Mars had found him to be one of the most beautiful

sights he'd ever seen. He was a little weirded out by the fact that he had noticed Ian's eyes. Most

of his discomfort came from the fact that he didn't consider himself gay. He wasn't against the

thought but he also had never stated that part of his identity included being gay. Oh well, Mars

mentally shrugged, he could just be open minded. In the mean time he could fantasize about all of

the lovely and naughty things he would like to do to Ian. As he abandoned thoughts which made

his face turn red Mars glanced down at the elegant watch resting on his left arm. It was long after

the time of which Lark would usually wake up. Although, they did switch off which twin was the

mean, grumpy, morning twin ever so often. Going back to his breakfast Mars decided to just wait

for Lark to wake up.

When Lark woke the next morning she felt unusually tired and drained. This was not too much

of a surprise to her as it often took her body a while to adjust to the Elvin plane. In the Elvin plane

time was slower and thus her vital signs and metabolism needed to adjust. She knew she'd be hale

and hearty in no time and thus did not comment or complain to anyone of her fatigue. She slowly

got dressed cursing her weak body and went to her and Mars' private dining area for breakfast.

As she entered the room she saw that Mars was already there ravenously mowing through plates

of melon, eggs, toast and bacon. Lark attempted a weak smirk as she watched her brother put

away enough food to feed perhaps the entire castle Titheyl. Clearing her throat she sauntered over

to a chair across from Mars and sat cross legged. Eyeing the plate of bacon Lark watched as a

clear mass of fat congealed in the center of the plate.

Standing abruptly Lark awkwardly bent over, her hand covering her mouth. Her vision swam in

and out of focus and she could vaguely hear someone calling out her name in a concerned voice.

Sound and color were fading faster from her senses and soon all that was left was an oppressive

darkness, and then Lark knew no more.