TCOTP

CHAPTER 8

"I Now Pronounce You..."

"First of all, Ginevra-"

"Don't call me that!"

"Well I'm sorry to say, but Ginny in not a respectable name."

"When did you ever care about being respectable? I believe most people in our world don't believe that being a Death Eater is respectable," she accused.

He ignored her comment and continued, "The Malfoy name has always stood for something better than the rest. I will not have you bringing it down with a ridiculous nickname. Also, Malfoy wives don't work; that's just the way my world works. As for school, once we're married there's no point to finishing Hogwarts."

"What, are you scared I might learn something that I could use against you? I hate to tell you this, but there are things that Tom Riddle taught me that I'm sure he has never even shared with you. I'm sorry, but because of you and your... associates, I have never had a normal year at school. The war is over now and despite everything, like us having to marry, I would like a somewhat normal year at school. If you don't want me to work, I will at least write; perhaps a book. As for a child, I would rather do that sooner than later."

"That's unexpected," Lucius mused. "I would have thought that someone your age would want to put that off for quite some time."

"Yes, well, I'm thinking of my brothers' lives. I'm sure you realize that until it's proven that this curse is lifted, Draco's choices for a wife would be limited."

"You are correct."

"I would like to finish the school year before I start to show. So, are we doing this?"

"Don't you want a large wedding? Most young girls do."

"Yes, and most young girls are in love with the man they're marrying."

"I would be willing to spare no expense on a wedding." Lucius wanted to watch Arthur go crazy at the idea of his little girl marrying his nemesis.

"It would not be for the wedding; it would be about upsetting my family. Look, if you don't want to marry me today, I'll just walk out that door and you'll never see me again. Fact of the matter is; I don't want to be married to you, but I'm here today for my family. If they knew I was here, they would all be trying to talk me out of this. And honestly, right now it wouldn't take much. So it's now or never," she threatened. Lucius looked at the girl in front of him. She surprised him, and it took a lot to surprise him. When he didn't reply, she rose to leave. "I wish you the best in life," she said.

"Wait! We will do this, today." He rose and tried to take hold of her arm to lead her to the Apparition point in the courtyard.

But she shrugged him off. "I'm capable of walking myself."

Once in the courtyard, he explained, "We will go to my Manor in Wilshire. I will have a minister come to the house and perform the marriage there."

"Fine." She was clearly guarded.

"Because of the wards on my home, we will have to use side-along Apparition. Otherwise you would be killed."

"No I wouldn't, thanks to Harry," she pointed out defiantly.

"Do you really want to find out what the wards would do to you, then?" She realized that any number of things other than death could happen. "You will have to allow me to touch you in order to consummate our vows."

"I know that, I was just trying to delay it as long as possible," she spat.

He paid no mind to her comment, but took hold of her upper arm and then Apparated them to the foyer.

When they landed, Ginny was shocked to see the richness of the Manor. Never in all her life had she seen anything as beautiful as this. Lucius' grip on her arm was released and he looked down at her. "I expect if you insist on finishing school that you would return to the Manor on weekends, as I have many functions I must attend where having my wife present would be beneficial."

"But I could stay for some weekends?" she asked.

"Yes." He paused. "Winny!" he ordered and a house elf appeared.

"Y-Yes Master, you called?" the house elf asked the second she popped into the room.

"This is Ginevra. In a matter of hours she will be the new Mrs. Malfoy. Take her to the rose room so she can freshen up for our wedding." He then looked at the girl who would be his wife and breathed in deeply before speaking, "Are you sure about this? I expect you to be willing to give yourself to me tonight."

She looked scared at what was to come."I know. Am I sure? No, but I don't have a say, really. I will remind you that I expect to be treated with respect. In turn, I will treat you the same."

"See that you do. I will send for you once the minister is here. If you require anything, ask Winny." He then turned on his heel and headed for his office.

After contacting the minister, he took some time to muse over his and Ginevra's interaction. At the very least, she would be fun to spar with. And he would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't looking forward to having her in his bed. It had been far too long since he had a seventeen year old and he only had one virgin before. Yes, he sleep with women before he married, but they were either older women who were married or Mudbloods who had lost their virginity to a Muggle. Yes, Mudbloods had their uses; however it took most Slytherins too long to realize that. After he finished with them he would simply erase their memory. But Ginevra was a number of things he found desirable; she was young, she was beautiful, she was a natural redhead, she had spirit. And the fact that he would have her would drive her father crazy. Yes, tonight, as he took her, he would put care into making sure she enjoyed herself, because what sweeter revenge could he have than Arthur Weasley's daughter wanting to have sex with him on a regular basis?

The minister he had called was an old man who was perhaps a little senile. While he was a wizard, he never even batted an eye at the fact that a Malfoy was marrying a Weasley. Lucius had expected Ginevra to cry as the wedding took place; to cry for what she was losing, but instead she held her head high. When the minister said, "You may kiss the bride," Lucius and Ginevra turned towards each other. As he leaned down over her petite frame, he decided against allowing this to be a chaste kiss. He took her in his arms and pulled her body close to him, then brought his lips down on hers. At first she fought back, trying to only give him a small peck. Lucius would not allow that. His lips moved with skill over hers until, slowly, she relaxed and enjoyed the kiss. When he pulled back, she was red and for a second he was unsure if it was anger. As she turned away from him, he realized that it was embarrassment.

By six o'clock they were married. After the minister left Lucius had looked once more at his new wife and asked, "When do you want to tell your family?"

"Tomorrow. Now that it's done, there's nothing they can do about it. I do want a little time first, though. Um..." she paused.

He noted that she looked unsure of herself. "Yes?"

"Would you mind if we don't say anything to Draco until tomorrow as well?"

"Why?" he questioned.

"Because he and Ron and Harry never got along and I wouldn't want him to alert my family out of spite."

Lucius looked at the girl in front of him and wondered what their future would hold. "Fine. Perhaps we should have dinner. I'm sure you must be hungry."

"I guess, but... can I use the Floo?" she asked after realizing her family would worry about her whereabouts. "And I will need to send an owl, but not yours... or Draco's; my family might recognize them."

"I will check with Paul, my butler, if his is available. And you may use the Floo right there." He pointed to the fireplace.

"Thank you." She walked over to the fireplace and placed a call to Luna. "Luna, I need a big favor! I'm going to tell my family that I'm staying at your place tonight. If for some reason they should call, can you cover for me?"

"Why, Ginny? What are you doing?"

"What I have to, for my family. Please Luna, will you cover for me?"

"Ginny! You didn't, did you?" Luna exclaimed.

"I'm fine. Everything will be fine tomorrow. Can I count-"

"Of course you can, Ginny! I'm sure you know what you're doing. And know I will be there for you."

"Thanks, Luna." Ginny then closed the connection.

She noticed Lucius was gone from the room now, but she spotted a quill and parchment on the desk. She moved to the desk, sat down, and began to write:

Mum and Dad,

I won't be home tonight. I'm staying at Luna's. Please just let me have this time.

She stopped to think about how to continue. She really hated to lie to them.

Lucius had re-entered the room and studied her. He could tell something was wrong. "What's the matter?" he inquired.

"I'm just trying to word this right. I don't like lying to Mum and Dad."

Lucius laughed out loud. "You went and married me behind their backs, but you have issues about lying to them concerning where you are tonight."

"Well, unlike some people, I haven't made it part of my way of life to lie to people. Do you think this is easy for me? I know what I did today is better for them in the long run, but I also know that this will hurt them. I just don't want to make it worse."

"Then don't really lie. Try using half truths." He walked over to the desk, picked up her paper, and read it. "Try this: Mum and Dad, there's a lot going on right now, and I need some time to figure out what life has in store for me. Don't worry, I'm safe and will see you tomorrow."

"Thanks. I think." She started over and wrote what Lucius suggested.

Over dinner Ginny was very quiet, for her mind was on the next few hours. She was scared to death of what was to come and she hoped Lucius would be gentle. She kept stealing glances at him and she hated to admit it, but he was attractive. She had been disappointed to find out that they would not be allowed to have lovers on the side, and she was disappointed by the fact that she might never know what it would be like to make love to someone she did love.

But she just kept reminding herself of the fact that her brothers would be able to marry whomever they wished, and that her mother would get grandchildren.

Lucius' voice broke her train of thought. "Do you always put other people's happiness before your own?"

She looked at him for a long moment, trying to decide if he was asking in an effort to make conversation, or to make fun of her.