11 Years Later
Everything was quiet as Severus entered Malfoy Manner.
"Where's Lucius?" He asked the butler, Henry.
"In his study, Sir."
"Thank you, Henry." Severus headed upstairs. Today was the 11th Anniversary of the Narcissa's death. It was also Draco's birthday. Lucius never celebrated his son's birthday and Draco usually spent the whole day in his room.
Severus gently knocked on Draco's door.
"Come in," Came a voice from the other side.
"Happy Birthday, Draco," Severus said, walking in the room and shutting the door behind him.
"Uncle Severus!" The eleven-year-old exclaimed. Severus handed Draco his present. It was a tiny model of a broom.
"Er, uh, thanks." Draco said.
Severus laughed. "Here, give it to me." Draco handed him the tiny broomstick. Severus took out his wand and waved it at the broomstick. It immediately grew to a full size broomstick.
"Woah! It's a Nimbus 2000!" Draco cried, taking it from Severus. "You're the best, Uncle Sev!"
"Just be care on it…now I have to go see your father." He said with a laugh, rubbing a hand over the young boy's blonde locks.
"Alright," Draco sighed. Severus gave Draco one last smile before leaving.
He knocked on the study door.
"Enter." A cold voice said. Severus slowly opened the door. He saw Lucius staring out the large window.
"Lucius, how are you doing?" Severus asked gently.
"It's been 11 years, Severus. 11 years since she died."
"I know…"
"I've been thinking," Lucius said after a few moments of silence. "Draco needs a mother."
As if you care. Severus thought. "So are you getting remarried?" He said out loud.
"Yes…have you heard of Oz, Severus?"
"Yes."
"The King of Oz is holding a tournament for his daughter's hand in marriage."
"So you want to marry her so you can become king?"
"No! She has a brother, who will become king. I'm only asking because I would like you to fight in the tournament for me."
Lucius had an old wound from the Wizarding War that had permanently damaged one of his legs. He could walk, but not without the assistance of a cane.
"Of course."
"Excellent. Now, I'll get you a train ticket, you'll leave in the morning."
Severus only nodded.
Glinda was fuming. Her father had just told her about the tournament for her hand in marriage. She hated the idea of spending her life with someone she didn't love. But she also hated disappointing her father. Maybe, just maybe, the man who won wouldn't be so bad.