Author's notes: Thank you to my beta 62442alMan (from the Chamber of Secrets forum).

Thank you to Lilybet Edyvean for your review. I'm pleased you're enjoying my story and hope you like the coming chapter, as chapters five and six were a lot of fun to write. You comments are always appreciated.

Chapter five: Party plans and preparations.

For the following few days Amelia absorbed herself in books again. She had no idea if and when Regulus would return, and she was going insane waiting around the manor in the hope of seeing him.

She avoided her aunt and uncle in case they asked more questions about her interest in Regulus. The truth was, now that Amelia had realised she had feelings for him, she did not want to share them with her guardians.

Narcissa had been very nice about it, and even suggested that she should get to know Regulus better. She feared Lucius' reaction. She knew her uncle would have something to say about her feelings for Regulus. Despite the fact that it would be hypocritical to condemn a relationship, as he had married Regulus' own cousin, Lucius was bound to find a reason to suggest she was letting down the Malfoy name. However, their feelings did not even matter anyway, who was to say Regulus even liked Amelia.

That weekend, Narcissa took Amelia to Hogsmeade. Her aunt wanted a new set of dress robes and suggested Amelia would benefit from a days shopping too. The pair apparated to the wizarding village after breakfast, and spent most of Saturday shopping. They stopped for lunch in the Three Broomsticks, at which point Narcissa took the opportunity to talk to Amelia about Regulus.

"I never did find out why you were so interested in my cousin," Narcissa said during lunch.

"Oh, erm, I was just curious because I recognised him from school, that's all," Amelia lied.

"Oh that is a shame; I think you two would make a really nice couple."

Amelia was taken aback by her aunt's words, after all, she was related to Regulus, so did that mean he was interested in her and had mentioned something? Amelia suddenly had the thought that maybe Narcissa could be useful to help her to get closer to Regulus.

"Why do you say that Aunt Cissy? Regulus and I do not even know each other."

"Yes, but with him helping your uncle there is plenty of time to get to know each other. With your bloodline, you would make an attractive admirer for anyone's attention."

"My blood status really means nothing though, as I said we do not know each other. If we were to get to know each other I am sure Regulus would just see me as a silly child."

"That is not true. You are only a year younger than him, and after my little make over the other night I am sure any man would find a woman with your beauty and intelligence alluring."

Amelia blushed, no one had ever complimented her before, and coming from a powerful and beautiful woman like Narcissa, it meant a lot. Maybe Narcissa did have a point, Amelia thought. She was doing well at school and had promising prospects for after her graduation. Not all men went for looks alone. Maybe Regulus was different. Amelia hoped he was, as she really wanted to get to know him better. She just wished she could guarantee seeing him again, and getting a chance to speak with him.

After a few minutes of musing, an idea hit Amelia. Her aunt seemed to like 'bettering' Amelia's life (as Narcissa put it) and was always looking for a new pet project. Maybe Amelia could use her aunt's interfering nature to her own advantage. Of course, it would mean confessing her feelings for Regulus, but if it meant that something might happen between the two of them, it would be worth it.

"Aunt Cissy, I was hoping you could help me with something actually," Amelia began. "I have not been completely honest with you. The truth is I do like Regulus. I would love it if something was to happen between us, and I was hoping you might be able to help with that."

Narcissa fell for Amelia's honesty, and was immediately drawn into the idea of playing matchmaker. Little did Amelia know that Narcissa had her own agenda. The previous night, Lucius had suggested that he wanted more control over Amelia before she left school. Narcissa thought it would be a good idea to use her romantic feelings as a prefect way of doing so. Armed with this new information, Narcissa was eager to inform her husband and formulate a plan.

Narcissa smiled at her niece. "Oh Millie, myself and your uncle would be thrilled if something were to happen between you and my cousin. You will be leaving Hogwarts in a year and I can see no better prospect for you than you becoming part of the Black family. I will speak with Lucius on our return home and arrange a small gathering so that the two of you can get better acquainted."

Amelia's chest began to tighten; all she wanted was to speak to Regulus again. Now here was her aunt making suggestions about Amelia becoming part of his family and arranging a gathering for the two of them to meet up at.

On top of that was the thought that if this gathering did happen, she had nothing to wear. If she were going to give into her feelings, and go with this idea, she wanted to make a good impression. Amelia wanted Regulus to see her as a powerful, intelligent, beautiful woman. Not some foolish baby. To offer some help, Narcissa suggested that they visited Gladrag's Wizardwear after lunch.

The pair entered the wizarding clothier to be greeted by the flamboyantly dressed sales witch. As always, she was unusually perky and welcomed the two shoppers with a broad smile and cheery 'hello'. The sales witch quickly rushed to Narcissa's side with a tape measure and hand full of pins, and began measuring the woman.

Narcissa frowned, before saying, "That is quite enough thank you."

The sales witch quickly scurried away, leaving the two women to browse at their own leisure.

Narcissa walked over to a row of gorgeous silk dress robes in various shades and pulled out a deep green one that had silver embroidery.

Amelia felt completely lost surrounded by all the beautiful clothes. She had never really been one for fashion and had no idea what would look best on her.

Hoping to get something right -- without the help of her aunt -- Amelia reached for a pale purple velvet dress robe. She put it on, soon realising it swamped her small frame and drained what little colour she had from her face.

Still, undeterred by her first bad attempt at choosing her own dress robes, Amelia pulled out another garment. This one was a silk lime green dress robe, which barely reached past her thighs and was very revealing. If she did not have such a small frame and unshapely body, Amelia would have looked like one of those magazine women she had once spotted some boys in the Slytherin common room goggling at.

Amelia turned to look at her aunt, who by the amount of clothes surrounding her was on her fifth outfit. This one was a deep crimson that made Narcissa look like some sort of beautiful gothic bride. Sighing, Amelia reached for a silk royal blue robe. It floated modestly around her ankles and was just fitted enough to give the illusion that Amelia had a figure. The colour of the material made Amelia's eyes shine brightly and highlighted her ash blonde hair.

Narcissa turned to see her niece's selection and squealed with delight.

"Millie! You look amazing! What a lovely dress you have found. The colour really suites you, and the fit of the dress makes you look positively ravishing," cooed the older woman.

Alerted by the recent noise, the sales witch came running over, a look of complete admiration on her chubby face.

"Why young Miss Malfoy, you look beautiful in that dress," she beamed.

Flattered by the two ladies' comments, Amelia twirled around in the dress robes, her jaw length hair flying freely around her face.

The pair then returned to Malfoy Manor. As was the custom for Saturday evenings, Amelia joined her aunt and uncle for a family meal, however that night they were joined by Narcissa's sister and brother-in-law. Amelia did not like socializing with Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange, as she found the couple cold and hard to talk to.

Lucius, however, seemed engrossed in conversation with Rodolphus, whilst Narcissa and her sister chatted freely. Amelia prayed that her aunt did not mention her infatuation with the former Black sisters' cousin, and her prayers were answered, as Regulus did not crop up in conversation.

"Amelia, how are your studies going? Are you preparing for your N.E.W.Ts well?" questioned Lucius, during dessert.

Amelia pulled her thoughts away from the delicious looking slice of chocolate gateau the house-elf had prepared for her. She knew better than to keep her uncle waiting for an answer, and as they had company, it would be particularly rude to embarrass him.

"Yes sir. I am spending every free second I have reading books for school. I feel confidant this year will be a success," Amelia replied.

Suddenly Rodolphus addressed her and said, "Have you given any thought as to what your future after graduation holds?"

Taken aback by the ease in which a virtual stranger spoke to her, Amelia hesitated for a second. A stern look from Lucius however told her it would be discourteous to keep their guest waiting for an answer.

"A professor at school suggested I would do well as a spell researcher for the Ministry," she replied honestly.

"Yes, but a pretty little girl like yourself should also consider marriage. It would be most unbecoming for a pure-blood woman to remain a spinster," added Bellatrix.

Amelia blushed, her thoughts turning instantly to Regulus. How would everyone react if she suddenly confessed her feelings for him? Not wanting to give anything away, Amelia remained silent.

"I think it is high time we found a suitor for Amelia," Narcissa proclaimed with a knowing look.

"Well there is always my brother Rabastan," commented Rodolphus.

"Or there is Barty Crouch, Jr," suggested Lucius.

"Not forgetting our cousin Regulus," Bellatrix said, adding another name to the list.

Again, Amelia turned the colour of a beetroot at the mention of Regulus' name, especially as it was being used in the context of a possible suitor for her.

After half an hour of discussing the possibilities, it was decided that a party should be held the following Friday. Most of the available pure-blooded males would be invited; of course, there were some exceptions, like the Weasleys.

Lucius felt the party would be a perfect opportunity to show everyone else just how much power he had. If he invited the right people like; Wizarding Celebrities, Ministry officials, even the Minister herself, Millicent Bagnold if she would come, and most of the old pure-blood families, people would be talking about the party for weeks to come.

The night continued, mostly with boring conversation between the adults. Now that her schoolwork and romantic life had been discussed, the others almost forgot about Amelia. Narcissa would try to insert her into conversation as much as possible, but it was difficult when the two men were discussing work and Bellatrix kept shooting her venomous looks.

Finally, around midnight, Amelia tired of the company asked Lucius if she could be dismissed. Returning to her bedroom, as always, Amelia recorded the day's events in her journal. She was delighted with the new dress robes she had bought, and the comments of Narcissa and the sales witch had really boasted her confidence.

The thought of next week's party filled Amelia with a mixture of dread and excitement, and part of her wanted nothing more than for Friday to come, so the whole thing would be over. What if Regulus did not attend and she was stuck with some inept fool? Alternatively, what if Regulus was there, but he wasn't interested in her?

Downstairs the Lestranges had left, and now Narcissa and Lucius discussed the upcoming party.

"I am glad you suggested finding Amelia a suitor Narcissa. I was beginning to worry she would remain unmarried and bring shame to the Malfoy name. After the disgrace her mother caused, I do not want the child's up bringing to reflect badly on me," said Lucius.

"I do not think there is any likelihood of that happening, it seems young Amelia is quite taken with my cousin Regulus," Narcissa confessed.

Lucius sat pondering this information for a few minutes, before a self-satisfied sneer spread across his face.

"Regulus you say? Interesting. There could be advantages to her marrying into your family Narcissa. Maybe I should have a little chat with your cousin and point him in the right direction. I know he is very eager to please me since getting into a new line of work," Lucius smirked

Narcissa knew exactly what her husband was insinuating, and for a moment wanted to protest, but marital obligation got the better of her. She had never been one to defy Lucius, the mere thought of the consequences and dishonour it would cause sent shivers down her spine.

The following week was filled with preparations for the upcoming party. Dobby the house-elf worked harder than he ever had before in his life, although he did not seem to mind the labour and relished his new duties.

By Wednesday, Malfoy Manor was sparkling and a person could see their own reflection in many of the surfaces. Narcissa had ordered an abundance of refreshments from Hogsmeade village, aswell as a huge desert order from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley, which was all due to arrive on Friday morning.

Even the best silver and china had been taken out of storage, in honour of all the guests. Lucius had visited Deverill's Decadent Decorations on many occasions, getting increasingly annoyed with the shop's proprietor -- the frail wife of Puddlemere United Quidditch team's manager -- when she had informed him the non-melting ice sculptor he had ordered would not be ready until Saturday. Amelia overheard her uncle sending the poor woman a howler, in which the phrases "filthy mud-blood" and "Dumbledore's old fool" had featured more than once. She had no idea what her school headmaster had to do with decorations, and did not dare to ask. However, the threats seemed to work and Lucius received an owl informing him his sculptor would be delivered late Friday afternoon.

Amelia wondered what she was going to, and was meant to, wear to the party she had sneaked a look at one of the invitations, that stated formal dress robes. The new dress robes she had purchased last weekend were nice, but Amelia was unsure if they were formal enough, and she did not want to anger her uncle by wearing the wrong thing. As the week had progressed and the plans became increasingly more lavish, the party became less about her and more about Lucius showing that he was better than everyone else.

During dinner on Wednesday night, Amelia's questions were answered when Lucius had ordered his wife and niece to visit Twillfit and Tatting's promptly the following day, and buy suitable attire for the event on Friday evening.

Twillfit and Tatting's was on the higher end of wizarding clothiers, and the prices reflected this. The shop also looked quite different from others of its kind, with magically moving mannequins in the front window and rails of robes that moved by themselves to display the pricier garments.

However, money was no object on this occasion as Lucius had stated that the Malfoys could buy anything they wanted. At the sight of the two Malfoy women the sales witch hurried over, the woman was in stark contrast to other shop's sales assistants, dressed in deep purple dress robes and sporting glimmering jewellery around her neck and wrists. She appeared more like a magazine model then a clothing shop employee, with her blue-black hair twisted up extravagantly and make-up like a beauty pageant winner. The sales witch, whose name was Iolanthe and spoke with a husky French accent, enthusiastically helped Narcissa with her purchases. The older Malfoy woman picked out breath taking dress robes, jewellery, corsages, and anything else that caught her attention. Amelia's jaw dropped when Iolanthe announced that the shopping came to fifty-seven Galleons, six Sickles and twenty-three Knuts. Narcissa however seemed unfazed by this information, and promptly handed over the coins.

They returned home to find Dobby scrubbing the main staircase for the tenth time in as many days, his hands red raw from all the hard work.
Lucius greeted them by informing his wife that someone named Peter Pettigrew had wanted an invitation to the party.

"Well considering whom he associates with, and his current line of work, I had no choice but to refuse him."

Amelia remembered Pettigrew as a weedy Gryffindor boy, who about two years older than herself and spent most of his time with a group of arrogant Slytherin bullying friends. She was glad we was not attending, but had little time for relief as she caught the rest of her uncle's comment.

"He was not the only one either, Horace Slughorn wanted to come too, I tried telling him that he was a little too old to be considered as a candidate for Amelia, but he thought it would make a good opportunity to forge some useful connections."

Amelia felt revolted by the thought of her Hogwarts potions master attending; she had enough of his little 'Slug Club' whilst at school. Silently she prayed that he would not come, so she did not have to endure the evening making small talk with him, when she could be making small talk with Regulus. As if reading her thoughts, Lucius announced some news she had desperately wanted to hear.

"Barty Crouch, Jr, Bertram Aubrey, Stefan Bulstrode, Severus Snape, Bellatrix's brother-in-law Rabastan and your cousin Regulus Black have all confirmed that they are attending," Lucius finished off saying.

Amelia's heart leapt into her throat at the conformation that Regulus would be attending the party, she was both excited and terrified by the thought that next day she would be seeing him again. Realising what tomorrow would hold, Amelia bid her guardians goodnight, so that she could get some much-needed sleep and be fully refreshed fro the following day.