Mother's Wish

by Lemons are Fun

For his own reasons Draco wasn't concerned with his mother's desire for him to wed. When the Prophet's front page story indicated her son would soon be married, Narcissa was ready to press the issue. On the other hand, Draco knew the time arrived. He and those closest to him long cultivated a plan to ensure his life would be his.

2. Chapter 2 - The Reaction

A/N: Decided I'll update twice a week (so Saturdays and Tuesdays).

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Some hours later, Draco walked out of his closet in his finest custom suit and robes. This suit was cut to enhance his body and nothing like the atrocity that appeared on the front of the Prophet that morning. His dragon-hide shoes shined almost to a mirror finish showing the perfection required of the Malfoy lord. The ensemble screamed traditions and power. Things he'd not necessarily eschewed over the years, but didn't do on a regular basis. The surprise reminders were saved for certain times. Events when they would be most impactful.

The Malfoy insignia dominated his tie tack, cuff links and family ring. The power seemed to drip from the objects telling anyone and everyone this man was dangerous. The family had a bit of a reputation and by all truth, it was well earned. The historic manner of how the Head of Malfoy House acted was something else Draco rarely used. He found other ways to ensure loyalty of those around him. He discovered treating people with respect really worked.

Draco pulled on his traveling cloak, also black in color and as pristine as the rest of the ensemble. The dark look only made his pale complexion and hair standout more than normal. But today wasn't a normal day and Draco needed all eyes on him. Checking his watch, Draco smiled, "Kitmu, —" the little elf appeared, "— it's time. Hermione has everything she needs for the short term. What remains here is ready to go. You know what I will need from the Manor and Hermione will be happy with the library." The elf nodded knowing his tasks. "I would say you have a couple of hours tops before Mother appears and forces entry here after everything finishes. Once she realizes it's empty, she'll head back to the Manor very quickly."

"No worries, I don't needs that long." With a quick snap of his fingers, all the cabinets and drawers opened, the items floated out and wrapped themselves in packing paper before stacking themselves in the moving boxes that appeared.

"Wonderful, please go ahead and unpack everything when you get to the new house. I don't know exactly how long it will be before one or both of us gets away. After my mother leaves here, lock it up and activate the enchantments we discussed. The same needs to happen with the Manor once Aster moves Mother and her things." Draco walked to the floo and began waving his wand wiping the history on the comings and goings from the floo. No reason to give anyone an easy trail before he disconnected it from the floo network. Harry or Kingsley would take care of the paperwork once Monday rolled around. "Thanks Kitmu, see you soon."

Lifting his wand, Draco spun away with a crack. The elf began whistling as he moved to the library beginning the task of clearing it. As the boxes were packed and sealed, they were shrunk and packed into another box. Eventually everything in the home was packed in a rather small box. When Kitmu snapped his fingers a final time, the box disappeared, but also it reset all the enchantments at the muggle townhouse. It was now impossible to apparate into or out of the home.

Kitmu then moved to the traditional home of the Malfoy family and began the arduous task of packing everything Draco would need during his exile. The library was started first as that would take the longest, followed by the private study. Finally, and with more than a little enjoyment, Kitmu packed up all the jewels saved for the Lady Malfoy.

It wouldn't be too long before the new Mistress took her place and she needed each of pieces. The only items remaining were those gifted to the Dowager Lady Malfoy personally or those items she brought with her into the marriage.

After packing the items related to Lady Malfoy, Kitmu nodded to Aster who was in the process of packing everything Kitmu didn't take. Aster told Master Draco she would wait to make sure nothing was taken that shouldn't. Aster would be sad about being away from Master Draco and the other elves. But Master Draco asked her special to stay loyal to Mistress Narcissa.

Approximately three hours after Draco left his home, Kitmu finished removing everything of value, both sentimental and monetarily, from Malfoy Manor. Before leaving he hugged Aster and told her he would see her again.

With one final look, a smile to his friend, the elf snapped his fingers. He and the single box disappeared.

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Draco's arrival in Diagon Alley was secret for a mere moment. Draco made sure as the crack of his arrival echoed off the walls of the stores. In his best impression of his father at his haughtiest, Draco began to strut down the Alley. He slowly removed the black dragon skin gloves and placed them in the pocket of the cloak. His ring sparkled in the sun, even though it was dull platinum.

Walking with a definite purpose, his focus never appeared to stray from the bank standing at the other end of the Alley. However, Draco was very aware of each window he passed, each set of eyes turning toward him, and he slowed slightly as he neared Pansy's store. He knew his mother was there with Astoria, Pansy confirmed a bit earlier. He caught his friend's eye and seeing her nod, he knew they were still there and she'd make sure they remained in the shop until he was ready.

When he entered Gringott's, Draco unclasped the cloak and with flair removed it from his shoulders before dropping it over his arm. The cuff links and tie tack drew the attention of those in the lobby. As he walked toward the front desk, his shoes clicked softly. But loud enough to for those present to sense the intention in the man's each step. When he reached the front, the goblin looked at the man, "I need to speak with the Malfoy elf regarding family business."

The spectators erupted in whispers and wondered if this would be the official announcement related to the story in that morning's paper. When Draco said nothing else, everyone in the lobby seemed to hold their breath and lean forward as if he was whispering. Draco followed the goblin into a private conference room. After the door shut, everyone in the lobby exhaled and rushed to tell someone what they witnessed.

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Having stepped from dressing area and the pair of women, Pansy stalked to the latest catalog of dresses. It felt like she'd been listening to them for days when in reality it was only an hour at the moment. Why Astoria wasn't demanding something completely custom Pansy didn't know, but it was for the best as whatever Astoria believed she will wear won't actually be ordered.

While Pansy was pulling the catalogs, she noticed her friend's arrival in front of her shop. A shop that was on the opposite end of the Alley from the bank. She smirked and gave a nod when he saw her. He didn't respond in a way anyone but Pansy would notice, the blink of his eyes told her what she needed to know.

With a bit more patience since Draco started his retribution for what Narcissa was doing, Pansy returned to the two women, "Sorry for the delay, I needed to pull the most recent from the safe." Pansy smiled and handed over the books, "I'll give you a bit to look. Let me know and I can request samples for you to see how the styles will look. Obviously these will not be to the expected standard for such a wedding, simply a tool to ensure we have the most flattering profile. We can discuss fabrics once we know the style."

Pansy again left and shook her head, this was much more difficult than she expected. All she wanted was to ask the pair what in Merlin's name they were thinking. The answer was obvious and they weren't thinking. "Glitter?" Appearing with a malicious grin, the elf waited, "Ah, good so the visitor arrived and is settled in some sort of accommodation?"

Nodding, "Yes, Miss Hermione provided Glitter with the most perfect idea. The bug was here just afters I get back. Miss Hermione's jar seemed to scare the bug, but couldn't do much before I caughts it." The cruel grin never disappeared as the elf recounted the morning's activities. "Miss Hermione wants to have a few moments before we allow the bug to leave."

Pansy knew she liked Hermione, the woman was vicious to those deserving of it. She fit seamlessly into the small group Pansy considered her friends and family. It would be good for Hermione to have a moment, Pansy would have her discussion with Rita in a day or two. She wanted to see how the story was reported in tomorrow's paper.

"Wonderful, she should be in the Alley soon, if you can catch her before the shouting begins, she might want to have that discussion quickly. We will need our visitor to witness the events in order to report on them as poorly as she reports on everything else. Draco should be getting to the bank about now and I'm not sure how long he'll be there." Glitter blinked away and Pansy assumed it was because the elf knew Hermione was somewhere close.

Popping her head back in the room, "Have you made any decisions? Depending on the style and design house I might be able to get something for you to try on today yet." Astoria's eyes widened in excitement, the showroom held the only pedestal and that was right next to the window.
Astoria began to point to every dress that would look the absolute worst on her.

The hottest trend for the fashionable witch were styles based on the muggle world. Apparently the new trend of muggle wedding wear included dresses that appear to be sheer and require a bust line. "Let me see what's available. Would you like some champagne or snacks while we wait? It's already nearing lunchtime. My how the mornings fly when doing such exciting things." The two witches enjoyed what some would say was their final meal. At least their final meal as part of the polite society Narcissa wished to command.

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Much like Draco, Sirius took his preparations quite seriously. It was rare to find the man actually focused on something other than jokes, but what Draco, by way of Hermione, requested of him would be his finest moment. He planned something without a thought of when to do it. But today would fit the bill very nicely.

Refocusing on his outfit and placing his notes back on the desk, Sirius slowly dressed in the manner his mother would have approved. In other words, uptight and stuffy and not the least bit comfortable. Though he was going to take care of that once they got to the Alley.

Before adding the final touches, Sirius padded the area of his slacks around his knees and practiced falling to them a couple of times to make sure he had the placement right. He then masked the padding and whipped his traveling cloak across his shoulders. The man stepped in front of the full length mirror and ensured everything about the look screamed power and tradition.

"You ready Siri?" The man in question looked in the mirror to see his brother in an almost identical getup. The only difference between the pair was the design on his tie tack and cufflinks. When the brothers inspected the other's choice of clothes, they each smirked knowing their choices would make their mother regret everything she did to the pair of them.

"Oh Reg, this is something I've waited decades to do. I sent James and Lil a note and asked them to meet me for lunch. I think they should arrive just as Draco starts." Clapping like a child, Sirius began to hop from foot to foot, "I'm so excited!" The two brothers walked side by side as they made their way to the floo room and a waiting Remus.

A Remus who was not in the best clothes he owned, because this wasn't his show. His role was to simply make sure Sirius didn't go too far. What too far was, no one ever really knew, everyone trusted Remus to see it coming and stop Sirius before the line was crossed.

The trio each stepped into the floo and called out the Leaky Cauldron before spinning away in green flames.

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Hermione was surprised when Glitter appeared next to her, "Miss Pansy said you might like to talk." When the elf said nothing else but lifted her hand, Hermione looked to her friends with a shrug. The elf smiled at those with Hermione, "She be back befores, no worries." The pair disappeared with a crack of elf magic. When they appeared in the empty office at Pansy's store, Glitter explained, "I haves the bug, but Miss Pansy says she needs to be released before Master Draco begins and hes already with the goblins. If yous want to talk, it has to be nows."

With a knowing look Hermione smiled, "Quite right, thank you Glitter," the beaming elf led the woman into the storeroom and then to the back corner where the garbage was placed before running it out to the dumpster. Hermione picked up a reinforced glass jar, "Hello Rita, it seems you've been caught accessing private property again. One would think a store is public, but alas it isn't and you know how my friends feel about you."

The beetle moved back and forth in the jar, "I don't really care Rita, you should know that now. You also need to know, if you haven't figured it out, there are others who know your secret and can expose it as easily I." The beetle stopped moving.

"So it would be in your best interest to ensure your next story, in fact all stories you write from here on out are truthful. No exaggerations or exploitive wording, do you understand?" When the beetle didn't move, Hermione sighed, "Yes, you can't agree to this in your state."

Hermione pulled her wand and waved it over the jar. Instead of Rita growing to her normal size, she remained the size of her beetle only in her human form and still in the jar negating her magic. "So do you understand the conditions of what I said? Because if not, there is a small army of elves who would happily make you disappear. A small army of elves belonging to some of the most powerful people in our world. Meaning your presence would not be missed and more than likely, covered by a story more believable than anything you normally write."

"Fine, you are a vile woman."

"You would know Rita." Hermione waved her wand again and Rita reverted to her beetle form. "You know the rules Rita, —" Hermione looked to Glitter, "— you know when to let her go?" When the elf nodded, Hermione smiled, "Good." As she began to walk away, Hermione looked over her shoulder at the jar, "As always, it's been a distinct displeasure having to speak with you again."

Once they were back in Pansy's office, Glitter returned Hermione to the Weasley store. "Thank you again Glitter," with a wink from the witch, the elf returned to the shop and waited for the moment to release the bug.

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"Thank you for your loyalty to the Malfoy family. Your actions were for the betterment of the family and correct in refusing her access to the vault. I want to confirm to you none of her threats hold any water. I know you don't need me to acknowledge you doing your job, but I want to express the gratitude and appreciation from both me and the Malfoy House anyway." The goblin noticed the change to the Malfoy head since the boy reached his majority. When he walked into the bank looking every inch like his father, Rangok worried.

"It is fine, and thank you for the acknowledgement. Should I allow anyone other than you in any of the Malfoy vaults?" Draco cocked his head to the side, "The Dowager Lady Malfoy seems to believe she still retains her regency rights and has tried to remove properties outside of her role recently. It has been stopped, but it will soon be noticed by others if she continues."

"The Dowager Lady Malfoy should have no access to the vaults other than the one we set up for her. The remaining vaults are outside of her rights and roles." The goblin nodded and marked some notes on the parchment. "As for the Lady Malfoy, should something untoward happen to me, then yes she has all rights and would assume all roles related to the Malfoy family head." Rangok again nodded and noted the changes.

"One other question, —" the goblin's head lift but continued with his notes, "— if I needed to access my vaults from other places, what paperwork do I need to complete? Also, is it possible to remove physical goods as well as gold?"

"Yes, we have standardized with all the goblin banks." Rangok handed Draco a stack of paperwork, pointing out the places for the man to sign, "For physical goods, a portal will be set up between a vault at the other bank and the vault here. You would come through and take what is needed with you when you return to the other vault. You would sign the property out there and they will provide a copy of the withdrawal for our records. The same is true if you wish to deposit something into the vaults here while you are away." Draco smiled.

"That is wonderful. I believe that finishes my business here today. Please excuse how I act when we leave, we all have roles to play today." The man smiled before stomping out of the conference room. In a very quiet voice, one that seemed to be both amplified and whispered, Draco looked at the goblin, "I don't know what you are speaking of, I've never given that authorization to anyone. Since I've been seventeen I have been the Lord Malfoy and the only person who should have been able to access those vaults. I will deal with it on my end, make sure you follow my instructions."

Draco gave the goblin a wink before spinning on his heel and stalking toward the door. In a movement the opposite of when he entered, his traveling cloak was whipped around his body. As it fluttered around his legs, he fastened it in one smooth movement. Exiting the bank, he knew many would now follow him, including the man with jet black hair standing at the doors. It was time for the second act.

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Regulus waited almost two minutes before leaving the bank. He watched as Draco stalked through the doors and out into the alley. Needing Draco to get a bit further into the Alley before catching him, but also giving the majority of those milling around the bank lobby the chance to race out and find somewhere to watch, Regulus leaned against the wall. Giving his cousin enough time, Regulus took a few steps into the Alley before calling out very loudly, to ensure everyone else nearby heard him as well, "Draco, a moment."

When the blond haired man stopped with apparent frustration, he merely lifted a single eyebrow as if questioning the demand for him to stop from the other man. As two equals meeting, the pair held a non-confrontational posture, "Yes Regulus?" The pompous tone dripping from Draco harkened back to his younger days.

"I read the paper this morning and am surprised at the announcement. As heir to my house why was I not informed of this. The marriage contract may be from House Malfoy, but must also include House Black or it cannot be considered legal." The story, now confirmed by an independent and knowledgable source, spread up and down the alley like fiendfyre.

"That is interesting, as I was unaware House Malfoy to be subordinate to House Black." If this hadn't been staged, Regulus might have taken the comment as a denigration of his house, but as it was, Regulus bit his tongue. "Why would my marriage need the blessing of House Black?"

Hermione was pretty brilliant and loved to read the oldest books owned by the Malfoy and Black families. During her research she found the most obscure items surrounding the traditional rules of the highest echelon of magical society. Rules many in her acquaintance didn't know. Those rules coupled with some of the recent changes to the family specific rules would put some of the more conniving members in a corner of their own making.

"You are my heir and marriages in any house are at the prerogative of the head. While you are your own house head, —" Reg paused to make sure that bit of gossip some heard in the bank was again confirmed by someone who would be aware, "— I must ensure my house is equally represented." As a surprise to the pair of men, Anthony Greengrass rushed to where the other two were talking quite loudly in the middle of the Alley on a busy Saturday nearing the lunch hour.

"Gentlemen, good morning to you both, is there an issue with the agreement?" The heads of the Black and Malfoy houses shot the other a quick look and turned to the man who seemed quite nervous. If this had been a real meeting, Anthony Greengrass should be quite nervous. Draco and Reg both were pretty confident Narcissa played Anthony like a fiddle. They would, of course, make sure their suspicions were accurate before giving the man a break.

Regulus then caught sight of Narcissa rushing out of Pansy's shop at the other end of the alley. He lifted his voice to ensure she heard. "In fact there is Anthony. During the negotiations between House Malfoy and Greengrass, House Black was not represented and therefore I plan to lodge an immediate compliant. At minimum, my request postpones whatever has been negotiated until I feel the agreement sufficiently addresses the concerns of House Black. At the worst, the agreement will be binned. I will not have my heir married off before I decide if the woman represents the traits necessary to hold the title of Lady Black."

Anthony looked at the blonde woman quickly making her way but was still too far away to be included, "I can assure you House Black was represented. I worked directly with the Dowager Lady Malfoy, who as you know was born to the Black family." Holding his angry face, Regulus wasn't given a chance to respond as Sirius streaked into the fray. The manic expression on his face should have worried Draco, but it didn't. He really didn't understand Hermione's comments earlier.

"How dare you do to Draco what was done to me!" Falling to his knees and pulling at his hair, Sirius loudly began to wail, "'Tis a vile thing to force marriage, my gracious brother, when young men are unprepared and look not for it."(1) Draco almost choked as the wailing noises started again, along with the added gnashing teeth.

In an attempt to not laugh, Draco bit his cheek and tried to place the quote, it seemed both familiar and not. Running through all the historical references, books and plays, Draco knocked each one off. A few moments later it clicked, he found it quite impressive really. He figured few observing would realize his cousin started his scene by quoting a famous muggle play.

Though Richard III might be a bit of a stretch, it was a good quote. Luckily for them all, few magicals actually paid attention to the muggle world even if Shakespeare was a squib. Draco's eyes flickered to Reg who didn't seem the least bit moved. In fact Reg didn't react to Sirius interrupting the spectacle. Apparently this wasn't the first time Sirius tried to run away with the show.

Anthony Greengrass was thrown off and watched the elder Black brother in absolute shock as Sirius loudly moved to Julius Caesar in his cries, "When heirs loose their freedoms there are no comets seen. The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of the prince's future."(2) When Sirius tore his shirt open and began to beat on his chest, Draco started struggling to not react. The red palm prints began to appear almost immediately making Draco wonder what Weasley product was to thank.

Hermione may be more right about drama queens than Draco realized. His eyes flickered to the storefront of the Weasley store, standing in a mass of tears was Hermione and most of their friends. But not only their friends, Draco picked out more than a few individuals who were known to be friends of the Black brothers. The only person not in uproarious laughter was Remus Lupin, he remained focused on Sirius and started to slowly separate himself from the rest of the group.

It was then Draco noticed Harry exiting the store. Wondering why Hermione's best friend didn't arrive at one of the public apparition spots, Draco's curiosity kept him focused on Harry instead of Sirius and whatever he was doing at the current moment. Harry waved at his parents, who were in tears, and placed a piece of parchment in Hermione's hand.

Looking at it, she sobered immediately and caught Draco's gaze, a single bob of her head instantly told him what Potter found. It didn't surprise him, not really, but for Merlin's sake, how she thought this would fly he didn't know.

The sounds of Sirius's hands beating on his chest drowned out the noise of those laughing, which was probably a good thing. Looking to Regulus, Draco knew the other man also noticed Harry's arrival and Hermione's nod. In that movement, the head of the Black family received the confirmation he hoped would be true when Hermione explained everything earlier.

Now the plans shifted, a bit farther than Draco initially intended. However, Regulus was ready for a bit of showmanship himself. Not that anyone would expect it from him, making the results all the sweeter. Narcissa went too far this time.

While this occurred, Anthony attempted again to speak over the loud wails coming from the black haired man kneeling next to him. His attempts failed as the other man started quoting Merlin and his thoughts on marriage as an institution. Apparently the great wizard didn't quite feel the same need for structure and permanent relationships as some of the more staunch matrons. In fact, Astoria might have been the most devoted follower of the man, if his cult was still trendy.

Anthony finally had a chance as Sirius gasped for air, "As I said, Narcissa and I worked together on this." Anthony waved to Narcissa who now reached the trio of men realizing something very dangerous was happening. Regulus turned to face his cousin keeping his expression as much like Arcturus when discussing Walburga as possible.

"Narcissa, you dare to play representative for your former House?" Narcissa blinked at the formality in both his tone and wording. She never saw her younger cousin carry himself as the head of the family should, but more importantly, what did he mean former house.

"I do not, —" Narcissa groaned as Sirius broke from his wordless wails to his next quote.

"So wise so young, they say do never remain single long."(3) Draco barely stopped himself from scratching his head on that one. Luckily he caught himself before it become too obvious his attention wasn't on the discussion as much as one would think it should be. When it clicked, Draco wondered if Sirius was already running out of material and had to return to Richard III.

He certainly hoped not, Draco wasn't sure how much longer they needed to continue the public discourse and Sirius was ensuring everyone in the alley took notice of the discussion. With a hidden smile, Draco glanced at Sirius, the man certainly had a flair since the entirety of the street was now totally focused on them.

"Sirius do shut up!" Narcissa cried at her cousin before turning back to Regulus, "I am a Black, I have Black blood in my veins and I was working on behalf of my son, a role given to the parents in either of the houses." Seeming to believe she made her point, Narcissa glared at Regulus not realizing her son was the person she needed to outsmart.

Narcissa looked to her son and immediately noticed his attire. Pleased to see Draco finally dressing in a manner befitting the role of head of the house, she didn't notice Draco's attention shifting from the discussion to the crowd of people watching. Her eyes softened when she saw the tie tack Draco inherited after Lucius's death but refused to wear.

Sirius paused to allow Narcissa time to wrap the rope a bit more around her neck. Plus, he wanted those listening to hear this part, it was one of his favorites. When a few uncomfortable beats of silence passed, "O reverend tribunes! O gentle, aged men! Unbind my sons, reverse the doom of marriage."(4) After quoting Titus, Sirius stood and began to pace loudly wailing his misery for yet another man being forced to do the bidding of the former generation.

As he prepared to tear at his pants. Remus appeared and escorted the bereft man into the Weasley's shop. Draco watched as James Potter was pulled toward the shop's doors by his wife. After pushing him into the store, Lily grabbed her son and repeated the motion. Both of the men had very distinctive laughs and with Sirius gone, they would be heard.

Those remaining took a moment to listen to the silence descending on the street as the final echoes of Sirius's lamentations faded to nothing. "Now that he is gone, we can discuss this in private." Narcissa suddenly became aware of everyone watching and while most days this would be the desired outcome, she hadn't figured out exactly what was occurring.

"While that is all well and good mother, I did not give you leave to negotiate anything on my behalf. In fact, I discovered not only have you attempted to remove items from the vault without my authorization, you also submitted the marriage license with my signature. A form I certainly did not sign." Eyes turned to Narcissa and many began to whisper about other visits to the bank and how Narcissa would leave frustrated and glaring at the goblin responsible for the Malfoy family vaults. Draco remained silent and watched his mother as she began to realize what was happening.

Turning to Reg, Draco prepared for the final blow, "Reg, I was neither involved nor approved any negotiations related to my marital status. Any agreements were not done at the behest of the Malfoy House and will not be honored." While the other men raised their voices during the discussion, Draco's maintained very calm and quiet.

The reports later would call his voice cool, almost cold. The fact he wasn't yelling made his statements all the more cutting. While not initially part of the plan, the final piece came racing out of Pansy's shop dressed in one of the most ridiculous gowns Draco ever saw. Both men wore a shocked expression, not that anyone other than Narcissa might have been able to catch it. Luckily, she too turned to see the young woman running toward them in a most unladylike manner.

Those watching the display saw more of Astoria than expected. The lace on the bodice would be called minimal at best and the rest was covered in a sheer netting similar to silken stockings giving the witch no coverage. Pansy leaned against the door frame and watched without attempting to stop anything. "You are so marrying me. Daddy told me and your Mummy agrees I'm the best witch for you. The contract is done now. I'm getting my dress today so we can marry this spring."

As none of the men planned for Astoria to appear in a sample wedding gown, especially a wedding gown hiding absolutely nothing and she might as well have been topless, Draco assumed only one person could be responsible for the occurrence. When his eyes flickered to Pansy, she gave a little bow and mouthed "you're welcome".

Taking advantage of situations was something Draco learned early on and wasn't going to miss the opportunity placed in front of him by his dear friend. Plus it seemed Rita took note of the store where Narcissa and Astoria both exited. "Mother has not been in charge of the Malfoy family for almost ten years now. She has been the Dowager Lady Malfoy since the day Lucius died and while there were some roles and responsibilities she handled; those are now reallocated to the current Lady Malfoy."

The quiet alley suddenly erupted in conversations, most confirming if what they heard was accurate and suddenly noticed the wedding band that appeared on the man's finger. The unneeded whispers asked if Draco Malfoy said he was married. "Lord Greengrass, please be aware whatever arrangements you made with my mother will not be held against you or your house."

Anthony blinked, in some ways he was thankful since he wouldn't lose his family's heritage. But then, he still had to figure a way to marry off his near naked daughter. Anthony removed his cloak and placed it around his daughter's shoulders before fastening it closed. Regardless of the Astoria situation, Anthony nodded to the other man to thank him. Draco's attention didn't remain on Lord Greengrass any longer than necessary, before it flickered to the two woman.

He caught Astoria's eyes first, making sure to keep only her face in his line of sight, "Whatever you have been told is likely wrong. I have ensured you will never be able to access anything in my family vaults as you are not my intended and as for my mother, —" Draco turned and looked the woman directly in her eyes, "— I have set up a vault for you and given a couple of options for homes. As of now, you no longer have any role in the Malfoy family."

Like that Draco spun away with a loud crack.

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Glitter waited until she saw Master Black leaving the bank before she dumped the beetle onto the ground outside of the shop. When Rita returned her human form, she almost went after the elf until she heard the beginnings of a very public discussion between Lord Black and Draco Malfoy. A discussion that seemed to be about her story. This was exactly what her editors wanted. Racing closer to the men, Rita set up two quick quills and three cameras to ensure she got every angle covered.

When Anthony Greengrass appeared sweating nervously, Rita wondered why. Obviously that would be something else she needed to investigate and one of the quick quills made that note. The ridiculous display by the former Black heir would make for good filler, if anything the quotes were gold and would make great captions, everyone knew his thoughts on marriage.

It only took a few moments for Rita to catch on to the reason the Lord Greengrass was nervous, he didn't involve the heads of Draco Malfoy's two houses. Narcissa's arrival from the bridal shop had Rita setting up another camera and quick quill. The woman made a valid point and the quick quill underlined her comment and something about looking into the rules related to this sort of thing. Rita never heard about the head of house having to approve the opening of negotiations, another note to herself to do some research on the old pureblood laws.

It seemed all three of the men present acknowledged the involvement of the head of house as a fact. When the focus of the fighting began to speak, Rita started to salivate. Nothing in her lifetime or dreams ever had this kind of actual drama.

The finale of Astoria Greengrass arriving in a sample wedding gown garnered the final camera from Rita's stash. The photos would need to be heavily altered in order for any images to be printed. Rita watched as Pansy Parkinson walked out and said, "Wait, you can't go out in the gown," and then leaned against the wall. Apparently there was no love lost between those two.

Rita started to make that comment when Draco dropped the bomb regarding his marital status and the removal of Narcissa as an official member of the Malfoy family. Or at least he removed any rights and roles she still commanded.

Rita hung around for another ten minutes to document the aftermath. She picked up on some of the whispers of those who were apparently in the bank where Draco Malfoy was before the conversation with Regulus Black started. It seemed something in the discussion with goblin upset Lord Malfoy and Rita suspected it was his mother attempting accessing the vaults. Possibly Astoria made an attempt since Draco called her out.

When the principals started to disperse Rita saw Hermione Granger watching her. Suddenly the reporter realized she was bound to telling the truth as she heard it. While that might hurt her in the future, for the moment it was fine. With a nod to the brunette devil, Rita left and rushed to her editor to explain what happened. She needed to make sure they knew she had this story covered.

*MW*MW*MW*

A/N2 - Footnotes don't work so here are the references to the original quotes before Sirius changed them. Yes they all referred to death and Sirius modified a word or two to make them about marriage. Same end result in his mind.

(1) Based on Shakespeare, Catesby, 'Richard III', Act III, scene II

(2) Based on Shakespeare, Calphurnia, 'Julius Caesar', Act II, Scene II

(3) Based on Shakespeare, Richard, 'Richard III', Act III, Scene I

(4) Based on Shakespeare, Titus, 'Titus Andronicus', Act III, Scene I