Hey guys, sorry for the long wait but I'm currently writing my dissertation, so the chapter updates are going to be a bit sporadic until Feb.
Its becoming a bit taxing how slow this story is moving; however I read a lot of other fan-fics similar to this and I detest when authors jump time simply to avoid writing about it. Good news is we are getting closer to the wedding!
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, every time I get one it reminds me I need to update, so the more reviews the more updates.
Although someone sent me a review saying I made lots of grammatical errors … thanks for that, it made my day (sarcasm).
The Lion and Serpent
By
TheBigEmeraldPeacock
Chapter 7 – Fierce Negotiation
Draco's POV
Draco had decided it was best that he didn't look at the Weasel. He new if he looked at his soon to be spouse, he would get irritated or he would see something that would irritate him, like that ginger hair or the gormless expression he always wore at school.
He had inclined his head at both Weasley parents; they seemed nice enough, though maybe a little too eager to please others.
He could feel the oaf son staring at him, however he fought the urge to fidget and attempted to follow what Dumbledore was saying.
"Anyway, now that everyone knows each other we can get on with the arrangements.
As it stands the Wizarding Heritage Preservation Act 1501 does not permit divorce; however given the turbulent times we live in", there was an awkward pause, "we will make the terms of the marriage based on the assumption that in the future you will be permitted a divorce if you so wish it". Both Draco and Ron snorted in indignation; it seemed they agreed that this marriage was not one that would stand the test of time.
Dumbledore continued, "Both families have made a list of requests which the opposing family can negotiate or agree on". Both sets of parents nodded.
"I feel it best we start with the Weasleys as they have the shorter list, if that is agreeable?"
He was met with silence from all the Malfoys and so took it as an assent.
"First on the list is that Ron stays in constant contact while residing with Draco (i.e. at least two letters a week or firecalls) which will include attending dinner at the Burrow at least once every week accompanied by Draco when they are not in school".
Draco wasn't exactly keen on having to visit the Weasley's hovel every week, however it was a sensible enough request and it would not be wise to refuse so early on. He therefore nodded.
Dumbledore beamed, "Alright; Second once residing together Draco must behave in a respecting manner towards Ron".
He had been expecting this one and he supposed for the sake of his parents he could keep the insults he longed to throw at Ron in his head. He nodded again.
"Third; there will be no restrictions on Ron's movements while he is residing with you".
It would suit Draco fine if the Weasel buggered off everyday, so he nodded vigorously.
"Forth; when in informal situations Ron would like to still use the surname 'Weasley'".
Both Draco and his parents shook their heads in unison.
His Mother addressed Weasley imperiously, "When this engagement was formed you became a Malfoy, as I told you at our last meeting, and from hence forth you will be nothing but a Malfoy, to everyone. Is that clear?"
Ron seemed on the point of arguing; however his mother rested a hand on his shoulder and shook her head. She at least was aware of how this worked. Ron therefore nodded grudgingly.
Dumbledore seemed satisfied and so continued. "I am afraid I myself will have to object to your last request, 'Ron will sleep in a separate room when residing with Draco'. In the conditions of the Wizarding Heritage Preservation Act 1501 it states that spouses must share a bedchamber once married. This also, I'm afraid, applies to when you are both at school as well. The necessary arrangements have been made for all those students affected, however now is not the time to discuss it".
Both Draco and Ron looked vaguely ill at the prospect of sharing a room.
Ron's POV
It had been over a year since Ron had properly looked at Draco. Since the return of Voldemort his nemesis had become withdrawn and had long since stopped seeking him out for confrontations.
He had changed quite a lot since the Tri-Wizard Tournament; he had grown taller so that he was now only a few inches shorter than himself; he had lost some weight as well, his once curved features had a more elegant sharpness to them now.
He still unfortunately had that horrible arrogance about him and seemed to be determined not to look at him.
'To low for you to even look at?' Ron thought darkly, deciding to glare non-stop at Malfoy until he couldn't take it anymore.
After a while he became aware that Dumbledore had begun to read the Malfoy's requirements, and so he gave up glaring and decided to listen.
"And now to the Malfoy's list". He unfurled a very long roll of parchment. "First on the list, Ronald must address all members of his new family in a civil manner befitting his new status".
He guessed he would have to do this and so grunted in assent; Mrs Malfoy looked appalled.
"Second, Ronald must address all new family members by their first names".
He knew he would it would be excruciatingly awkward at first but he suppose he would eventually have to get used to it. He nodded; both his mother and Mrs Malfoy looked incredibly relieved he hadn't grunted again.
"Third, Ronald must be present for both breakfast and dinner when residing at Malfoy Manor".
He supposed that as long as he could actually leave the house between these events he was okay with this, he nodded.
"Forth, Ronald must go through private education in etiquette, host duties, floristry, floriography, cookery, style, pronunciation, and dance with his mother-in-law until he is a satisfactory representation of the Malfoy family. These lessons will begin ASAP".
Ron was outraged and began to open his mouth to flatly refuse when his mother slapped a hand over his mouth.
"Ron accepts".
He looked at his mother with betrayal written all over his face.
She blushed but still looked determined.
"I'm sorry Ron, but it will do you nothing but good, and that's final!"
Dumbledore chose to plow on, rather than linger on the subject.
"Fifth, Ronald must give some prior warning to a member of his new family before he invites guests to his new home".
'So many fucking rules. Who do you think I'm going to invite? Hagrid? … Not a terrible idea actually' He smirked at the thought and nodded.
"Sixth, Ronald must understand fully that it is his responsibility to bear children".
'I understand but it's never going to happen'
"Seventh, Any children produced during the marriage will remain in the custody of Draco if the marriage ends in divorce".
"No!"
All three Weasleys had exclaimed at once and his mother was suddenly on her feet.
"Ron has equal rights as a parent even in the case of a divorce" Molly stated.
Arthur nodded in agreement.
"There aren't going to be any children to have custody over!" Ron yelled.
Lucius sighed, "This is simply a precaution to cover every possible eventuality; and seeing as our son seems to prefer the company of" he pulled a face as though searching for the right words "gentlemen, it seems only appropriate we keep any heirs we can get our hands on, I mean male pregnancy is possible but it's hit and miss".
Ron glanced at Draco and was surprised to see what looked like a blush spreading over his stoic expression.
'So … Malfoy is Gay? And he can blush. Not so up yourself now eh?' he thought, inwardly doing a victory dance.
"Regardless Lucius, you have our answer" Arthur replied.
Lucius glanced at Narcissa; she shrugged in a 'win some loose some' sort of way and he nodded in defeat.
Both his parents sat back down looking calm again.
Dumbledore, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, started up again as if nothing had happened.
"Eighth, Ronald must attend functions as a member of the Malfoy family and Draco's spouse as the need requires".
'As long as it's not a death eater meeting I suppose I'll live'
"Ninth, Ronald must be civil to all Slytherins, especially towards Draco's friends".
'Fuck' Ron let his head droop, smacking his forehead on the table with a resounding thud.
Narcissa's POV
2 hours later
"I don't see why Ron isn't allowed to choose what clothes he is allowed to wear?"
Narcissa sighed and turned to Arthur, "Look, as soon as we have burned whatever garments he brings with him and replaced them with a more fitting wardrobe, that rule will be forgotten".
"What's wrong with my clothes?" Ronald exclaimed.
All three Malfoys looked at Ronald's clothes with unreadable expressions.
"I think we've reached the end of the list", Dumbledore said, standing and rubbing the bridge of his nose, "How about we leave the discussions and just tackle the remaining problems when they arise? I personally am in great need of tea and maybe a biscuit".
There was unanimous approval and everybody stood and stretched.
Ever since the meeting had become boring, which admittedly was almost immediately after it had begun, Narcissa had been dying to look around her Aunt's old house. It had been almost 15 years since she had last visited and she was curious to see what effects her aunts' madness, and her cousins rebelliousness, had had.
She strolled out of the door and headed upstairs, politely excusing herself to 'go and use the powder room'.
She only stopped climbing at the very top landing, and looked around, examining the doors. The first which caught her eye was her Uncle Orion's.
Throughout most of their marriage, her aunt and uncle had chosen not engage with one another. They had always both seemed very satisfied with this arrangement and kept themselves to themselves. How they had managed to produce one heir let alone two, when they went days without even looking at each other was a bit of a mystery.
She pushed the door open and surveyed the room.
It was about the same as she remembered and reflected his personality perfectly; simple but imposing.
The furnishings were all made from smooth dark wood, inlaid with silver serpents, which still gleamed in the dim light despite the heavy layer of dust which coated every surface.
On the far side of the room was a large writing desk, its surface covered in rolls of parchment and official looking letters.
She didn't bother going over and examining the documents; Orion Black had been a notoriously secretive man and she doubted she would find anything of interest or value simply lying around.
She turned on her heel and headed across the landing to the door opposite, labeled 'Study'.
The room, once again, was covered in dust. Almost all the walls were covered with cabinets and draws. She tried to open a few of them, but all appeared to be locked.
Having no great knowledge of unlocking spells, she spun on her heel and headed out of the room and down to the next landing.
Her Aunt's rooms were much the same, excluding what looked like a giant nest on the bed and rodent skeletons everywhere. She decided to continue downwards until she reached a rather unusual door.
It was undeniably Sirius's room. The ornate door was plastered with pictures of topless muggles (the pictures were motionless) many of which were women, but there were a couple of males scattered around. The door seemed to buzz slightly with magic, which indicated that her cousin had cast multiple sticking charms to prevent her aunt from removing the magazine pages.
She pushed the door open and stepped inside. It would appear that her Aunt hadn't even bothered entering his room after Sirius had run away. For all intents and purposes she was standing in the room of a teenage boy. Quidditch posters littered the walls and there was that musty 'Boy smell' that just hung around.
'Draco's room doesn't smell like that, should I be worried or relieved?'
She spotted a framed photo on the window sill, it contained four boys all smiling and waving at the camera. It must have been taken around fifth year, James Potter had his glasses askew and was grinning like an idiot; it was true how similar he and his son looked. Next to him was Remus, clutching a book to his chest 'he was always bookish'. Sirius was in the centre of the group, waving his arms like mad and foaming at the mouth (obviously a trick). The figure on the far right had been scribbled out but there was only one person it could be, Pettigrew.
Narcissa had never particularly liked Gryffindors however she had admired their loyalty, it was a very Black value, and you protected your own. Pettigrew was … worthless. He wasn't even worth hating, he was just pathetic, and she had made sure he new it. She smiled as she remembered the tricks she had played; telling him Voldemort wanted to speak to him and watching the rat run off and humiliate himself; buying a litter of cats and setting them loose whenever he was in animal form; only serving him cheese at meals; talking down to him; looking down on him; and that time she 'accidently' pushed him down the stairs.
'Good times'.
However what was done, was done, Sirius was dead, Potter was dead, and Remus was left with Harry and his grief. She felt a rush of pity for the werewolf, it couldn't be easy.
'Resolution! Be nice to the werewolf'.
Well that's it so far. I'm only half a chapter ahead at present so it will be a while before the next update.
I also didn't really spell check or edit this chapter as much, so if you spot any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors ….. keep them to yourself … please.