19 - ENGAGING
Standard disclaimer - I own nothing in the HP Universe nor am I making any profit from this work of fiction. See Chap 1 for all warnings!
Now to the engagement party. Just a small gathering of acquaintances and business partners. How will each one like their 'family heirloom' gift?
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The next few days were spent touring the grounds and the house, so that Christina could become familiar with her surroundings. The couple swam each morning and made love throughout the day. The responses to invitations came on Friday and the witch was sad to find that her friend Fiona was out of the country on holiday for the next two weeks.
Late Saturday afternoon, the pair made a quick trip to Diagon Alley to pick up dresses from Witte and chocolates from Enchanting Chocolatier - the newest store in the shopping district. That evening, after dinner, they met with the woman who would officiate at their binding. The minute she saw them, she bowed. Never before had anyone from her order met at Invoked pair. Though she usually had many questions for a couple planning to bond, this meeting went rather quickly on that account. The Priestess left within an hour of arriving.
The next morning, Lucius woke to an empty bed. Upon going down to breakfast, he found that Christina had already started the elves on preparations for the party that evening. She had finished making shortbread and lemon bars and was now slicing rounds off a roll of dough she said was cheese biscuits. He left her to it and went to finalize arrangements for their first night stay in the Faroe Islands. His witch ignored him most of the day and he did not catch up with her until just before the party. She was flitting around their room fussing with her cosmetics while wearing only a small pair of knickers and strapless bra - both in the same shade of red as her dress.
Lucius had so thoroughly enjoyed the sight of his mate in her skimpy underthings that he bent her over the side of the bed and pulled the back of the thong aside before roughly fucking her. It only took a few minutes, but they were both satisfied - he made sure of that. His lovely witch did not complain, as her hair and makeup were not mussed - he made sure of that too. She even thanked him for making her feel more relaxed.
The grin on his face when he finally left their bedchamber and went downstairs did not fade. Entering his study, he found his friend already there.
"Wipe that stupid smile off your face, Lucius. You look like a teenager who's just had his first shag," Severus greeted him.
"Not my first, but a damn good one," was the retort. He finally noticed the man's appearance. "What the bloody hell have you done to yourself?"
The black hair was down past his shoulders, thick and braided. The once-pale skin was now tanned. "A few potions, a few glamours. I am to be introduced as a business partner and friend of your affianced. My name is Pear Evessuns."
Lucius frowned and studied his friend for a moment. "Won't people figure that out rather quickly?"
Severus smirked. "Figure what out?"
"That your new name is -" Lucius stopped in confusion. "Tell me the name again?"
"It won't do any good. Your witch is quite brilliant and has woven a ward and a charm into it somehow. No matter how often I tell you, it will be forgotten within a few moments."
"Then how in the name of Hades am I supposed to refer to you this evening?"
"Just call me Christina's Shaman friend and leave it at that."
The blond walked over to the bar to pour them both a finger of scotch. When he turned around, the witch had joined them.
"No hiding in here tonight - either of you," she instructed. "I am not facing that pit of vipers alone." A quick kiss was planted on her friend's cheek. "You did a good job with the potions. Is the spell working?"
"It did on your simple-minded husband, but not on the house elves."
"I did not think it would affect them. Good." She hit his shoulder for the first comment.
Lucius walked over and kissed her. "If it works on everyone this evening, you need to file a patent on the spell. I suspect that the Ministry will have much use for it."
"My license will be granted sparsely. I plan to use the ward as part of my Mastery presentation, along with ways to prevent misuse of such things."
"I may have to concede to Shacklebolt. Ravenclaw indeed," Severus commented.
They finished their drinks and Christina went to the door first. "Did I ever tell you that I tried on the Sorting Hat once?" she asked, glancing back at the men before heading into the foyer.
The two men exchanged a look and nodded. "Slytherin," they both commented before following her.
As was de rigueur in Wizarding society, all the guests arrived on time and were quickly introduced to Lord Malfoy's bride-to-be before adjourning to the ballroom. Draco was the last to arrive - alone.
He faced the couple and placed a hand on his father's shoulder. "I have no explanation for my wife's behavior. We argued all day about attending tonight, and it ended an hour ago when she retreated to Dover Court claiming to be too ill to accompany me," he told them quietly.
Lucius nodded in understanding. "We sent a clear message by excluding her parents from the guest list. She has responded in kind."
Christina nodded. "At least we were prepared for this to happen. Now I have two handsome escorts for the evening." Her lovely smile was returned by both men as they each offered her an arm and entered the ballroom.
A string quartet was on the dais and a small buffet table of finger foods and bite-sized sweets sat against the back wall. On one side of the room, six tables were set with four chairs each. A lead crystal vase in the center of each table contained red and white roses, signifying the unity of the couple. One round table was set in front of the dais. Upon it was a carved jade vase containing eleven coral roses, indicating desire with the color and true love with the number. All place settings had glasses for red and white wine, as well as champagne flutes. Each guest had only to touch the glass for their preferred drink and it would fill.
Those invited by Lucius were surprised to see the elusive Lady Augusta Longbottom in attendance and on a first name basis with the American witch. They took note of how solicitous the younger woman was, assisting the elderly witch to the head table and seeing that she was served by an elf before rejoining her fiancé to visit with the other guests as they lined up at the buffet. The fact that the Minister was friendly with the couple did not escape their notice either.
No one had expected to see George Weasley in attendance - most of all Lucius. Apparently the witch won him over by pleading for reinforcements to help her from being overrun by Slytherins, along with promises of opportunities for expanding his business onto the Continent. After being introduced to Mary, the Unspeakable, and prompted to talk about a few of his inventions like Extendable Ears, the two were often seen talking about possible uses for the products.
All the guests followed the lead of their hosts and served themselves at the buffet before choosing their seats. The couple had discussed using place cards, as was customary, but decided that keeping everyone off kilter was advantageous. As was expected, the men enjoyed the casual atmosphere and the pureblood witches were quite uncomfortable while trying to figure out what message was being sent about their standing - in society and with the Malfoy family.
"Very well played, young lady," Augusta commented after everyone was seated and beginning to eat. Christina smiled in response as Draco struggled not to laugh out loud.
"I have been to countless gatherings and never seen such a thing. Will you have such haphazard seating in the future?" Kingsley asked. George and Severus could be heard snickering at the nearest table.
"We thought to have unconventional seating with designated seats," Lucius replied, "possibly all the men at one end of the table with Christina and all the women at the other with me. Or even more scandalous, my lovely bride at my side and no one in the traditional hostess chair."
Draco finally joined the conversation. "Please invite your Shaman friend and me when you do the former," he told his father. "We will scandalize society by telling your wife bawdy jokes and lewd limericks."
The guests all exchanged shocked looks at the sound of Lady Longbottom and the Minister sharing a hardy laugh while the host held his witch's hand up to kiss it. The couple stood and started to visit each table in turn, holding hands the entire time. On cue, the patio doors to the balcony opened when they were done. Lucius invited the men outside for cigars and brandy. A dark awning had been erected to protect guests from the rainstorm and charms were cast to keep them dry.
The witches were all atwitter when Christina joined the men outside - none of them smoked in public, or even in front of their husbands, if at all. Several caught a glimpse of her with a small cigar while going from one small group of wizards to the next.
Having made nice with all her husband's guests, the witch worked her way over to the odd pair of Severus and George. Each received a kiss on the cheek and nodded in response to her query about their enjoying the evening. Several minutes later Nanny appeared and explained that Augusta was asking for a pain potion. Severus went to the head table and discretely passed a small bottle under the tablecloth.
Lucius saw his witch approaching and leaned down to kiss her when she put a hand on his shoulder. "We should exchange gifts so that she can leave soon," he quietly said. She nodded in response.
The guests stood around the head table and faced the couple on the dais. Only Lady Longbottom remained seated, her chair turned to face them. Lucius turned to his mate and knelt down on one knee while pulling a small ring box from this pocket.
"Christina Thompson, I formally request in front of these witnesses that you marry me. Our binding will be in one week if you agree. This ring," he said, opening the box, "belonged to my grandmother and I would count it an honor if you accept it as a sign of our betrothal."
"Lucius Malfoy, I formally accept in front of these witnesses your proposal of marriage. I agree to a binding ceremony in one week and accept your grandmother's ring," the witch answered. The ring was placed on her finger. Lucius stood up and the assembled wizards and witches watched as he kissed her for far longer than was appropriate.
The pair ended the kiss when the elves appeared with the gifts to be exchanged. Christina went first and opened a large box only to find a square, flat jewelry box inside. It opened to reveal a necklace made of rubies, diamonds and white gold. Lucius removed it and placed it around her neck.
"This was made in 1858 for one of my ancestors. It has spent too much time in the family vault. Since your birthstone is ruby, this seemed the perfect gift for you," he told her.
"Thank you. It is lovely and I will wear it with pride," she told him.
Lucius moved to the other box and detected protection spells inside. One pull of the bow removed the ribbon and allowed the sides to fall away. He stared, not believing what he was seeing.
"This pitcher was in the French Legation - the ambassador's residence - when the state of Texas was an independent republic. My adoptive family's ancestors owned the land it was housed on. When the capital was moved, the home was sold and my family bought the estate. This item is the one thing we have left from the house, which is now a museum. It is the only heirloom I have to offer you," Christina said.
An elf was called and quietly told to retrieve the vase he had banished to the third floor parlor decades ago. His arms wrapped around the witch and he spun her around. "It is perfect - more than you realize, love."
The vase appeared on the table next to the pitcher. Everyone looked from the couple to the matching ceramics and back. "I searched for the rumored matching pitcher for years before giving up. This vase belonged to my ancestor, Alphonse Dubois - that very same ambassador," he explained.
The crowd applauded as the couple embraced. Minister Shacklebolt stood and waved his wand, sending a filled champagne flute to each person.
"A toast to the happy couple," his deep voice announced. "May their binding be strong and their marital life happy." He raised a glass and the others joined him.
Severus took a photograph of the couple with a Muggle camera, George with a magical one. The couple encouraged the guests to visit the buffet table again before seeing Augusta and Kingsley to the Floo in the library and bidding them goodnight. Not long after, they saw all their guests to the door and retired to the study with their friend and Draco.
Christina was the last to enter and promptly walked over to Severus and began smacking his shoulder with an open hand. "You knew!" Smack. "You knew I was worried about my gift!" Smack. "You knew he had that vase!" Smack. "And you let me suffer." Lucius walked over and pulled her away before she could strike him again.
Draco laughed and summoned an elf to bring more champagne. Severus chuckled and sat on the couch. Lucius pulled his witch to the far corner of the study, out of sight.
"Calm down," he told her while pulling up the hem of her dress. His left hand reached between her legs to rub her mark. "Each of the gifts was a wonderful surprise and a true heirloom - cherished items." She responded with a nod. "And if you promise not to assault Severus again tonight, I promise to give you special attention when we retire to our chambers." His hand moved to the crotch of her knickers and one finger worked under them to tease her opening and quickly withdrew. He took a step back and smiled at her while sucking his finger.
"You best not be doing anything unseemly over there," Severus called to them. "It is rather rude to leave your guests alone out here."
Lucius winked at his mate and took her hand. They walked over to join the men. He pulled the witch into his lap before she could let go of his hand. "Do you think us so crass as to engage in such things before the wedding, old friend?"
Severus snorted. "Not in front of witnesses," he teased the couple, winking at the witch.
"It was a surprise seeing Weasley here," Draco told them. "He is a bit more refined that his younger brother."
"He is a business partner of mine and seemed to get on well," she looked at Severus for confirmation.
"There were several men interested in the new products he hinted at. With well-placed distributors, several items will be available to students from Paris to Peking," he said. "I do not envy their professors." Suddenly his hair shortened and his skin turned pale. "And this seems the perfect time to take my leave." He stood.
"At least we are past one hurdle," Christina said. "Draco, you are welcome to sleep here, of course."
"Thank you. I think I will go with Godfather and then return home."
Lucius shook hands with the men and the witch hugged them both, thanking them for their support. Then the couple found themselves alone. "Can we put off the analysis of the evening until tomorrow?" she asked.
"If there is something else you would rather devote the rest of the evening to, of course it can be delayed," he answered. "Are you eager to have a few orgasms?"
"Do you mind if we have a bit more champagne first? It is quite good and seems a shame to leave part of a bottle to go flat."
He took her hand and led her back to the ballroom. The quartet had just finished packing up their instruments and was preparing to leave. The witch stretched on her toes and whispered to him. "Let's invite them to play at the party after the wedding." Lucius nodded in response.
To Christina's surprise, he walked over and spoke to all four for several minutes, then invited them to partake of the buffet before leaving. The six ended up seated around one table humming or whistling favorite stanzas of several classical pieces. The musicians were amused by the witch's story of being introduced to Wagner's operas by watching Muggle cartoons. They toasted the happy couple and confirmed the date for the next event before leaving.
Lucius returned from the foyer to find his mate had begun pulling her hair out of the elaborate French braid Nanny had done. The box for the necklace was on the table in front of her.
"Would you help me with the necklace, love?" she asked.
"I fancy seeing you wearing it a bit longer." His chin rested on her shoulder. "Maybe with those lovely shoes and nothing else?" he suggested.
"And where would you like this assignation to take place, my lord?"
"Seeing as you are dressed formally, I believe the dining room is the perfect place." He began helping her free her hair.
When they were done, Lucius led her to the large dining room and prompted her to stand at the head of the table after pulling out his chair. First, he leaned down and began kissing her cheek. Then his lips kissed across it, to her nose and the other cheek. "You look absolutely lovely this evening, my dear. Several of our guests could not keep their eyes off of you when they were not being dazzled by your brilliant conversation. I dare say we have done well in presenting unity as a couple that will not be questioned."
Her hands rubbed his shoulders. "Things did go rather smoothly. I thank you for giving me pointers on dealing with our guests." She stretched up and gave him a quick kiss.
"Then it is my turn to show my appreciation for such a flawless soiree." Lucius pulled down the side zipper and gently tugged her dress down her hips. He knelt down and pulled the small red knickers down as well. The garments were thrown aside as Christina stepped out of them.
He prompted her to sit on the edge of the table while pulling his chair in front of her. "Place your feet on the arms here," his hands gently moved her ankles as the chair was pulled up. "Perfect."
Fingertips teased up and down her inner thighs, encouraging her legs to spread wider. Lips planted soft kisses down one leg and up the other. Unbeknownst to her, Lucius had read through some of the papers Mary had brought them this afternoon. There was a most intriguing section he'd memorized. Recalling his elation at each turn when she was receptive to his advances and his lust for her, his tongue outlined her tattoo as his fingers began teasing the erect little pearl.
"What the hell is that?" she gasped, feeling the arousal build so quickly that orgasm was upon her in just a few short minutes.
His fingers continued to tease. "That is what I struggle against every time we engage, my dear. You have no idea the difficulty in fighting against thousands of years of instinct to mate and implant a seed."
"Dear God, how do you not just bend me over and fuck me whenever you see me?" Christina chuckled.
"There are times the drive is so strong that I do indulge. You do not realize it because I hold back long enough to prepare you and take enjoyment in the process as well." He stood up and opened his pants, pulled out his cock and set it at her opening. "Like now." One finger tested that she was lubricated. "See," he told her, holding up the now-wet digit. "May I?"
Their eyes locked and she nodded. Lucius moved his hips forward, slow but steady until she was filled completely.
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Pear Evessuns - anagram of Severus Snape.
Dover Court is the Parkinson ancestral home.
The antique necklace Lucius gave Christina: