So, I may write another Lucius/Narcissa chapter if I get the requests. I'm torn between whether their marriage would be loving or whether they would simply be married because the choice of purebloods is limited. This one is the latter. If you want to see the "loving" version, let me know.

Lucius adjusted his already immaculate dress robes and called to the house elf.

"Dobby!"

"Master called for Dobby?"

"Is the ring ready?"

"Yes, Master."

"It has been polished?"

"Yes, Master."

"And the box has been polished as well?"

Dobby held up a bundled cloth and offered it to Lucius, who took it. The cloth fell away as he held it in his hand, revealing an ornately carved silver box inlaid with emeralds. He carefully opened the box to reveal an ornate emerald and diamond ring in a silver snake setting. It was a quintessential pureblood, Slytherin ring. Nodding, Lucius pocketed the box and the ring, and set off to Black Mansion for his meeting with Cygnus. Dobby followed with the marriage contract, which had been drawn up when both Lucius and Narcissa were still in school, as well as various other documents.

Lucius knocked on the door to Black Mansion at precisely 1:59 pm. His meeting with Cygnus was at 2. The house elf showed him in and led him to Cynus' office. The house elf announced him to Cygnus, who gestured that he sit.

"Young Mr. Malfoy, how good to see you. I've been anticipating this meeting."

"As have I, Mr. Black. I have been anticipating this day for years." Lucius inwardly rolled his eyes at the required platitudes. This marriage was nothing more than a convenience to him. His father had chosen one of the most beautiful pureblood heiresses to be his bride. He didn't even really know Narcissa, although he had been formally courting her for one year.

"I am certain you have brought the ring and the documents?"

"Of course, Sir. Dobby!" Dobby stepped forward and bowed, handing Mr. Black a bundle of documents. Included were the original marriage contract, a detailed listing of Malfoy holdings, the plans to Malfoy Manor where Lucius and the future Mrs. Malfoy would be living, and a listing of the family servants.

"This all seems to be in order. It is obvious to me that you will most definitely be able to provide for my daughter in the manner she is accustomed."

"Without a doubt, Sir."

"Very good, and the ring?"

Lucius took it from his pocket and carefully handed the box to Cygnus. "Both the box and ring are goblin-made, Sir. The box dates from the 10th century, and the ring dates from the 11th. The emeralds are of the finest, most precise cuts, and, naturally, the diamonds are flawless."

"Naturally. To whom did it originally belong?"

"The Duchess Elysabeta Lysandra Malfoy."

"Very good. I take it you mean to speak to my daughter tonight?"

"Of course, Sir, with your permission."

"You have it. After dinner you may seek an audience with her."

"Thank you, Sir. I will see you for dinner, then." Lucius left to prepare himself for the big night. There was no feeling of nervousness or anticipation. Narcissa would say yes, she had no choice. Neither of them did. This marriage had been arranged for them several years ago. They didn't have much in common, but that was normal in pureblood marriages. She was beautiful, and had quite a fortune. Her beauty would be passed to their children, and ensure the continuance of the Malfoy line.

At precisely 5pm Lucius once again knocked on the door to Black Mansion. This time he was shown to the sitting room. He greeted his future fiancée with a kiss on her hand, then greeted her parents, and finally her sisters. Narcissa was wearing a beautiful beaded gown under her dress robes. He noticed she was wearing the diamond and emerald necklace he had given her for Christmas. It must have been at her parents' urgings. Before Lucius even had a chance to inquire as to her well-being, a house elf announced dinner.

Lucius offered Narcissa his arm, which she took, and led her to dinner behind her parents. Dinner was a quiet affair. Etiquette dictated that dinner be eaten in near silence. However, when dinner was over, Lucius requested an audience with Narcissa. They were immediately shown into a small sitting room. When they were alone, Lucius turned to Narcissa and took her hands.

"Dearest Narcissa…" Narcissa pulled her hands away and flicked her wand at the door.

"There, a privacy charm, no one will listen. I don't think we need to have all of the formalities. It's not exactly like you are truly asking me, I have no choice in this matter. As such, I suppose you can present me the ring." Lucius was slightly derailed by Narcissa's attitude, but did as she asked and pulled out the box.

"Both goblin-made and of the highest quality."

"I would expect nothing less."

"Of course not." Lucius pulled the ring out of the box and Narcissa held out her hand. As Lucius slipped the ring on her fourth finger, she felt it resize. She also felt the tingling of magic meaning the ring would only come off when she died. Lucius looked at her for a moment, and she could tell he was expecting her to say something.

"I suppose we had best tell everyone the good news. Mother will want to start planning the wedding immediately. I'm certain we'll be married in the spring."

"Of course, whatever you desire." Narcissa looked at Lucius for a moment. If he truly meant those words, perhaps this marriage wouldn't be so tiresome after all.