Chapter 1


Wednesday December 25th, 1996
Wizarding Versailles, France
Château de Versailles
Galerie des Glaces – Galarie des Glaces
6:00 p.m.

It was the first Christmas Ball to be held during the reign of the new Queen, Louise I, and as such everyone of title was in attendance. The new Queen had been in power only nine months, but thus far was proving to be a kind and just ruler, continuing the traditions of her ancestors in her court rather than conforming entirely to the current trends and styles of the day in the Muggle World like some would if given the chance. The Ball was held in the great Hall of Mirrors, the room sparkling as a string quartet played one of the older songs from the time of King Louis XIV. Guests filled the room; in the tradition of years past they wore the formal dress of the court of Louis XIV, all awaiting the arrival of the Queen and other visiting dignitaries. Amidst the guests stood the Musketeers of the Guard, keeping watch over the guests, their black uniforms with the blood red lining of the tabards and white trim, the white and gold Fleur-de-Lis upon their chests were iconic to all gathered.

At exactly six, the heralds appeared, drawing the attention of those gathered almost immediately as the music stopped. After a moment's pause, the High Herald began to speak. "Her Most Christian Majesty, Louise I, By the Grace of God, Queen of France and Navarre," he announced and a moment later the doors opened revealing the new Queen and a small entourage of Musketeers including the Captain of the Guard and his Lieutenant, the most trusted of the Guard. The guests bowed or sunk to the ground in a curtsy as the young Queen moved into the room, dressed in a white and gold gown, her hair in loose curls on the side, a diamond tiara resting amidst her nearly black locks. With a smile, she made her way towards the throne at the other end of the room, turning to look out at those gathered before raising her hand and giving a small flick one might call it, as the guard moved to stand behind the throne against the wall, keeping their watch. A moment later the trumpets were sounded once more.

"His Imperial Majesty, Nicholas III, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias, King of Poland, and Grand Duke of Finland. His Imperial Highness Tsearvich Nikolay of Russia." The doors opened once more to reveal the Czar and his eldest son and heir to the throne. Nicholas III was tall, pure white hair cut in a distinguished style and blue eyes that he had inherited from his infamous mother. His son Nikolay was the exact opposite, dark and intense, he had dark brown nearly black hair and piercing brown eyes. Unlike the rest of the court and the new Queen, the two were dressed in the formal attire of Russia. Together they made their way to the throne where Louise waited, Nikolay a step behind his father and once there they inclined their heads in respect as Louise did the same, turning they moved aside as the trumpets sounded once more, announcing the arrival of another high royal.

"Her Imperial Majesty Anastasia Nikolaevna, Dowager Empress of Russia; and His Imperial Highness, Tsarevna Aleksander of Russia." The doors opened once more to reveal the Dowager Empress and the youngest of her grandsons. Anastasia's once red hair had long since turned silver, but her blue eyes still shone bright as they had in her younger years, like her son and eldest grandson, she didn't wear the formal clothing of the French court, instead dressed in a peach gown, upon her head rested a tiara, the same she had worn every day of her reign. Besides her, Aleksander wore the traditional Russian attire, he had inherited the same brown locks and eyes as his brother, but where Nikolay was intense, Aleksander was much more open, light to Nikolay's dark. The two made their way to the throne like Nicholas and Nikolay before them, Louise taking Anastasia's hands in her own and they met halfway, kissing each other's cheeks before stepping apart and Louise acknowledged Aleksander.

Once the two had joined where Nicholas and Nikolay waited, and were seated besides the two, the trumpets sounded once again and some of the nobles gathered exchanged glances of surprise, it wasn't exactly normal to have more than one or two visiting royals at the Winter Ball. The Queen's Coronation yes, but not the Winter Ball. "His Imperial Majesty, Maximillian III, Holy Roman Emperor." Maximillian was a distinguished looking man, grey hair falling slightly over his forehead and deep blue eyes with an easy smile that had broken many hearts in his younger years before he married his beloved Empress, Erin, whose memory he stayed true to even after her unexpected death three years ago. Like the other Royals present, he was dressed in his own style, a simple Muggle suit of royal blue that made his eyes show even more. When he reached the throne, he took the Queen's hand in his own and raised it to his lips, kissing the back before smiling as he moved aside to the seat set aside for him.

"His Imperial Majesty, Franz Joseph II, Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia; and His Imperial Highness, Francis Karl, Prince Imperial of Austria, of Hungary and Bohemia," the Herald went on to introduce, amazing the gathered guests even more as the doors opened to reveal the Emperor. The youngest of the Monarchs, save for the new Queen, he was also the tallest of the monarchs with dark brown hair that fell into his eyes before he took his place as Emperor, held in place now though a few locks still managed to escape, and warm brown eyes, said to be the colour of chocolate by some of the Ladies of the Austrian court, though honestly it was an opinion shared by all, and needless to say the young women of all five courts were heartbroken when he chose a bride a decade past. With him was his young son, Francis had inherited his father's brown hair and his mother's blue eyes, at nine year's of age he was a lovely child, adored by all who knew him, but also quite precocious, evident when the two reached Louise and Francis took her hand in his and kissed it before beckoning that she come down to his level, which Louise did with a smile and the Prince promptly kissed both of her cheeks as light laughter moved through the crowds. Once Franz Joseph had exchanged his own greeting with the Queen, he led his son to the left of the throne where their seats waited, the others who had already arrived seated to the right of the throne.

Again the trumpets sounded as the Herald began his next announcement, "His Catholic and Most-Faithful Majesty, Ferdinand IV, King of Spain and Portugal. His Royal Highness, Ferdinand, Prince of Asturias." Ferdinand IV was a powerful man who seemed larger than he was; grey hair fell in waves to his shoulders with brown eyes passed to his children and on to his granddaughter. Ferdinand was the eldest of the King's children and thus the heir to the throne, taller than his father by a head he was an exceptionally handsome man, and more then one woman had fallen in love with the Prince though he appeared to enjoy single life for the time being. He had black hair once shared by his father, straightened and pulled back in a simple black ribbon; a trimmed goatee graced his chin along with a moustache that seemed to fit the man entirely. When they reached the throne, Ferdinand IV went first and instead of simply taking his granddaughter's hands, he pulled her into a hug, the affection between the two obvious to all and while the hug was a bit, unconventional, none would dare say a word. After the King had stepped back, her uncle took her hands in his own and raised them to his lips before stepping forward to kiss her cheek as Louise kissed his.

For a final time, the trumpets sounded and the doors opened as the Herald completed his task for the time being, introducing those that the court had been expecting since the Queen first arrived. "His Most Christian Majesty, Louis d'Artagnan V, Dowager King of France and Navarre, and Madame la Princesse de Douarière, Isidora." The former King came into the Hall with his Great-Grandson's widow's arm in his, the two being the first since the Queen herself to be dressed in the formal attire of Louis XIV's court. Louis d'Artagnan had pure white hair that brushed his collar and a simple white beard, though his mustache was dark grey; and blue eyes. Isidora was a striking beauty, her Spanish heritage obvious to any who saw her, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Together they approached the throne where Louis kissed his granddaughter's cheeks before stepping back as Isidora stepped forward and like Anastasia earlier, took her hands in her own before kisses to the cheek were exchanged.

Once the former ruler and the Queen's mother were seated, Louise turned her attention to those gathered and smiled. "Rise," she began immediately as they had been kneeling and curtseying for each of the Royals, "Welcome," she continued before spreading her hands, "Please, dance, be merry," she finished and the quartet began to play once more, the gathered nobles moving into pairs as she sat to watch over the ball.

The night passed quickly as the Courtiers partook of the finger-foods that made their way through the hall on gilded trays, and danced the night away, occasionally the Royals in attendance would leave their seats and join in one of the formal dances. The Queen herself took part in two dances, the rest of the time keeping watch or speaking with one of the visiting members of the other Monarchies or her mother and her predecessor. As the nine o'clock hour drew close, the dancing began to wind down, everyone knowing of the ceremony that would begin then. At exactly nine, the music once more was stopped for the time as the Herald appeared beside the throne with a scroll in hand.

"Her Most Catholic Majesty, Louise I, By the Grace of God, Queen of France and Navarre; on this date, the twenty-fifth of December, the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six; shall now hear the petitions of the Court. Draconis Philippe Malfoy…" the Herald called before Draco Malfoy stepped forward. Turning to the Queen the Herald continued, "The Great-Grandson of Monsieur le Duc d'Orléans, heir to the Duchy d'Orléans."

Louise nodded before focusing on Draco, he was a handsome boy, nearly a man, standing at six feet and an inch, placing him taller than many in the court, including his father who while having no claim to the Duchy was allowed to attend court as a Lord. He had piercing blue eyes that turned grey like a thunderstorm when he was angry as Louise knew from the past, pale blonde locks that brushed his collar and fell into his eyes when he was relaxed, though tonight it was combed back and at school he wore it slicked back she knew as well. "I suspect that I know what you're petition is Monsieur," she smiled. "The laws state that to lay claim to the Duchy d'Orléans you must be wed by the eighteenth anniversary of your birth, to a Lady of my approval I believe." It was no secret the majority of the Court expected him to pick Gabrielle Delacour, the younger daughter of the Comté de Chagny as his bride, though Louise wasn't quite sure about the match, the girl not quite right to be a Duchess but if that was who he chose…

"It is my Queen," Draco said as he bowed before Louise.

"Then make your petition Monsieur," she waved her hand to give him leave to speak.

"My Queen, with your permission, I seek to reclaim that which was taken from my family through the actions of my grandfather. Reclaim that which rightfully belongs to the Malfoy family. With your permission Majesty, I wish to be married within the year and I hereby name my intended bride as…" he trailed off momentarily so he could brace himself for the shockwave he knew was about to hit the ballroom with his next words, "…Miss Ginevra Weasley."

Louise blinked once as a gasp echoed through the court, though the rest of the Royals like herself refrained from such obvious displays of surprise. After a moment's pause she nodded slowly, "You have my approval to be married within the year, should you do so the Duchy d'Orléans shall be returned to your family with my blessing. As do I give my blessing to your chosen bride, and expect her to be in attendance of this court by the summer solstice and shall join my ladies-in-waiting."

"Thank you, your Majesty," Draco said, bowing once more before turning and making his way towards the back of the room, where his parents were standing near the refreshment table.


Wednesday December 25th, 1996
Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon
The Burrow – the bathroom
9:10 p.m.

All she had wanted was some peace and quiet and some time to herself. This was the thing she hated the most about coming home for the holidays. When she was at school she was surrounded by other people and when she was at home she was surrounded by other people. She could never seem to find some time to just be on her own. Honestly it was the one thing that had drawn her to the diary in her first year. The solitude it had provided her. It was the one thing that always seemed to be lacking in the life of Ginevra Weasley.

She had managed to commandeer the bathroom half an hour ago for herself and had proceeded to lock the door, locking the outside and the rest of her family out so that she could spend as much time soaking in the tub as she wanted. What she wasn't expecting was to have a roll of parchment suddenly appear in the air before her before falling into the tub with her, causing her to cry out in surprise.

"Ginny!" Ron's voice yelled through the door barely a minute later, before the door was suddenly thrown open and Ron, Fred and George barged into the room, the second of which was holding his wand and obviously the one to cast the alohomora necessary to get the door open. Right behind them were Percy and Charlie, all five looking around frantically.

"GET OUT!" Ginny shrieked as she frantically reached for her towel, hopping she still had enough bubbles left to hide her body from her brothers, especially since Harry just came stumbling into the bathroom behind Percy and Charlie.

"Oh!" Fred, George, Percy and Charlie yelled as they quickly turned around before Fred and George reached back and yanked at Ron to make him turn around, Harry doing the same.

"Sorry Gin," Charlie apologized, "We heard you scream and thought something was wrong... Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she groaned. "I…I thought I saw a bug is all. Now would you all just leave and lock the door behind you."

"Oh, sure," Charlie answered for the group before Fred and George reached back to grab Ron who was likely not to believe her story and they quickly rushed for the door, nearly running Harry over. A moment later the door was closed and Ginny heard Percy cast a locking charm.

"Now if that wasn't all manner of embarrassing," Ginny groaned as she slid down as far into the tub as she could go, which actually meant submerging her entire body for a few moments until her lungs screamed for air. Resurfacing she wiped the water and bubbles from her eyes and face and pulled the scroll that had appeared moments before from the water. Looking carefully at the rolled up parchment she noticed that it was sealed with royal blue wax with what looked like the marking of a fleur-de-lis on it. What was stranger still was the fact that the parchment was inside a band of some sort. Pulling it off so she could get a better look at it, Ginny realized that the band was in fact a ring…a bloody expensive ring by the looks of it. If the stones were in fact what her brain was telling her they were then the ring was probably worth more than her entire house. Putting the ring on her finger so as not to lose it, she broke the seal on the parchment and began to read.

Miss Ginevra Molly Weasley,

This letter is to inform you that this evening at eight minutes past the hour of nine at the Winter Ball, the heir to the Duchy d'Orléans has chosen you as his intended bride to be married within a year's time. At ten minutes past the hour of nine, the match was approved by the Royal Court, and you are expected to attend court no later than the Summer Solstice of the year of our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety Seven, where you will take your place as one of the Royal Ladies-in-Waiting, should you agree to the marriage. If you do agree, place the ring upon your left hand.

Her Most Christian Majesty, By the Grace of God, Isidora Louise Mignonette Geneviève, Queen Louise of France and Navarre

"Sweet mother of Merlin help me," Ginny groaned, realization hitting her like a bludger to the stomach as she caught sight of the ring nestled securely on the ring finger of her left hand. "Shit," she cursed as she leapt out of the tub, quickly wrapping her towel around herself as she grabbed her clothes and her wand and made a beeline for her bedroom, quickly locking the door behind her, praying that Hermione would stay downstairs for a while longer so she could get a message off to Bill without any questions and she could figure out a way to hide the ring that now resided on her left hand.


Wednesday December 25th, 1996
Wizarding Versailles, France
Château de Versailles
Galarie des Glaces
9:40 p.m.

Half an hour of other petitions had passed since Draco's rather surprising announcement and Louise's agreement to his petition. Finally the last petition was heard and the music once more began as the Ball continued. Rising from the throne, Louise made her way towards where Draco stood with his parents, "Dance with me Monsieur," she instructed as she held out her hand to Draco. Draco took her hand and together they moved onto the dance floor, joining in with the other dancers. "You have caused a great deal of surprise this night," she commented quietly after a minute or so.

"That was not my intention, I assure you, my Lady," he replied just as quietly.

"Of that I have no doubt," she smiled. "After I retire for the night, wait half an hour then come to my apartments. I wish to speak with you in private."

"Of course, Majesty," he agreed.

"Until then Monsieur, mon cousin," she inclined her head slightly as the dance finished.

"Your Majesty," he bowed.

A few minutes passed after Draco had returned to Lucius and Narcissa and Louise returned to the throne once more, when Blaise Zabini made his way over to the Malfoy family. "Good evening Monsieur Malfoy, Madame Malfoy, Monsieur Malfoy," he greeted.

"Monseiur le Duc," Lucius bowed slightly.

"Might I steal Draco for a bit?" he asked with a smile.

"Of course," Lucius agreed with a nod.

"Thank you," he nodded before turning and moving towards one of the far balconies that overlooked the Marble Courtyard as Draco fell into step beside him. Both remained silent as they made their way to the balcony, and only once free of other guests who might listen, after closing the glass doors, did Blaise speak. "Well, that was interesting..."

"I'm glad you think so," replied Draco.

Blaise rolled his eyes, "You can't possibly be this calm about it. I mean sure the benefits of the match are many, first and foremost being you get Gabrielle to stop chasing you like a bitch in heat if you pardon the expression... And Ginevra is quite the beauty... Quiet but every now and again she does seem to come out of her shell and personally I think she would be a good choice for a Duchess, if I had thought of it, I might have sought her as my own..." he smirked at his friend.

"I'm surprised I haven't received a famous Weasley Howler yet," Draco admitted.

"From Ginevra? Or her family?"

"Either…both…although I fear Ginevra's may come with a bat bogey hex charmed into hers…" Draco trailed off with a shudder.

"Well, I've never heard of a Howler being charmed in that particular way before," Blaise smirked, "Though it would be most interesting..." he chuckled as he turned to face Draco. "So... honestly now Drac, how are you feeling? Cause that in there," he waved a hand towards Galarie des Glaces, "Would leave me scared out of my wits. And I'm not the one trying to reclaim a family title that a marriage approved by Isadora requires."

"Would you prefer that I had chosen someone much more suitable and acceptable like Pansy Parkinson or heaven forbid Gabrielle Delacour?" countered Draco, avoiding the question entirely.

"I would prefer that you follow your heart my friend," Blaise countered. "That doesn't mean I can't worry about how you are doing after such an announcement, and placing your future in the hands of a girl whose family has hated yours as long as anyone can remember, whose brother you used to take much pleasure in torturing, all with good reason of course."

"Well, it's not my fault if Ron Weasley is prone to sticking his foot in his mouth every time he opens it."

"That is quite true," he nodded. "So, I take it from your avoidance, you have no intention of answering my question."

"What exactly would you like to know Blaise?" questioned Draco, rubbing his face tiredly. "That naming the youngest and only daughter of a family that has been the enemy of my own for God knows how long was harder than facing the Dark Lord himself and telling him to take his Dark Mark and stuff it up his arse?"

"Well, that works, and that is quite the mental image," Blaise snickered before catching himself and turning serious. "I merely want to know what you are thinking and feeling, I can't possibly be there for you as a friend if you don't talk. And God knows in the weeks to come, things are going to be far from easy."

"I want her more than words can express Blaise, you know that. I've wanted her for as long as I can remember. I don't know when I first realized that she was the one that I wanted; I just know that it's her. I don't care about this stupid feud that's been going on for centuries between our families and I sure as hell don't care about Potter or the blasted war that's going on back in England."

"The war may not always be only in England Drac," Blaise pointed out with a sigh.

"But by the time it reaches France, Ginevra and I should hopefully be married and my family's lands and titles back where they rightfully belong and we can stay out of the war with the exception of aiding the effort through helping to finance the efforts needed to defeat the madman known as Voldemort and hopefully free my father from his servitude in the process."

"To be honest, you'd probably be safer here at court. It is the safest court since that day," Blaise sighed. "Even the Russian Court hasn't taken as many precautions as here."

"And given the fact that he's already tried to kill Ginevra once, she'd be safer here at court as well. I'd be more comfortable with her here permanently but I don't think that's likely to happen until after she's graduated, that is if she's even going to consent to the marriage in the first place."

"Well Drac, it seems you're going to have to just wait and see what Ginevra does," he nodded. "We should probably head back inside," he looked through the doors to the Hall.

"We should," Draco agreed. "In fact I need to go and find Dora."

"Oh?" Blaise asked, "Asked to see you did she?"

"She did. My guess is it's about my rather unexpected choice in intended future bride," Draco said.

"Well, she wouldn't have given her blessing if she didn't approve. Ginevra won't just be the Duchess; she'll be le Dauphine until Isidora has a child of her own..."

"And yet she has never even met Ginevra, never mind laid eyes on her, so God only knows why she approved of her. I only pray Ginevra stayed at Hogwarts for the holidays because if she didn't and the announcement scroll arrived when she wasn't alone…"

"One would expect if that were the case, you would have already received a Howler from Molly Weasley, as would your father I imagine, perhaps even the Queen herself," he spoke quietly as they entered the Hall.

"I should go," Draco whispered.

"I'll see you when we're back at school," Blaise nodded, "Good luck with our missing Queen," he glanced pointedly towards the empty throne.

"Thanks, I'll see you at school," Draco replied as he headed off out of the ballroom towards the Queen's private rooms.

"Monsieur Malfoy, Majesty," announced the guard positioned at the door.

A moment later the door opened to reveal André, the Captain of the Guard, who nodded at the guard at the door before smiling at Draco, "She'll see you," he moved aside so Draco could enter and André could shut the door behind him, "She's in Salon des Nobles," he continued before looking up at the other guard with him in the Salle des Gardes de la Reine, the Queen's Guardroom.

"Thank you," Draco replied as he made his way through the room.

"Monsieur Malfoy," the Lieutenant spoke quietly before Draco could get through the door to the Queen's Antechamber, "Might I have a word?"

"Of course Lieutenant," Draco agreed as he stepped towards the red haired man.

"I'll admit, none were more surprised by your choice than me," he spoke quietly as André purposely turned away to give the impression of privacy. "I know you will take care of her, but I must warn you, if she agrees and you hurt her in any way, while my loyalty remains to the Queen, I will find a way to hurt you just as much as you have hurt her."

"I have absolutely no intention of hurting your sister I assure you," Draco said quietly.

"Good," Bill Weasley answered evenly before stepping away, "Monsieur," he nodded to Draco before crossing back to the other side of room as Draco turned and made his way through the Ante-Chambre de la Reine to the salon.

"Good evening cousin," Louise smiled as she rose from the couch she was sitting upon, the room otherwise empty. Unlike at the party, she was dressed in a simple dark purple gown in the style of that worn at the very beginning of the eighteenth century, her dark locks pulled back in a braid to the middle of her back.

"Good evening cousin," Draco greeted as he made his way over to where the queen was standing, kissing her hand in greeting.

"A drink?" she asked as she sat down once more, pulling her feet up on the other side of the couch.

"Please," he replied as he took a seat opposite her.

"Tea? Or something a bit stronger?" she smiled, well smirked almost.

"Stronger please Dora. If I'm to face what I'm sure is to be the third degree from my parents later tonight than I'll need something far stronger than tea I'm afraid," Draco admitted.

"I figured as much, your usual?"

"Please."

Nodding she picked her wand up and gave a quick flick, almost immediately a side door opened and a woman was there, "Yes, your Majesty?" she asked as she did a quick curtsy.

"Please have a tray of tea brought for me, and a butterbeer with a shot of firewhiskey for Monsieur Malfoy."

"Certainly, my Queen," she curtsied again before disappearing, the door blending into the wall behind her. The true magic about the Wizarding version of the Château as compared to the one originally built, there were the same secret passages as originally built, but now there were other passages only accessible by magic, doors that could be created with a spell giving access to rooms that you would often have to travel through many different rooms to get between.

"You know, there are times when that is entirely annoying," Louise rolled her eyes over the constant curtsying, before focusing on him once more.

"Unfortunately, it comes with the title Dora," Draco pointed out.

"Trust me, I know. A title that could be yours if your plan succeeds and anything were to happen to me..." she chuckled humourlessly. "But enough of my complaints," she waved her hand as if to wave them away like fireflies, "You made the most interesting choice tonight Drac. It will be far from easy in the year to come."

"A title that I have no intention of taking from you, I assure you," Draco said. "I'm well aware of the difficulties that lie ahead of me Dora, the least of which being her family."

"Well, I know that you have William's support," she nodded towards the direction of her Guard Room. "And since it is merely a matter of time now until the summer solstice when she should be here, I think that her family will only be an issue between then and now. If Ginevra wishes, she will not have to return to Hogwarts after her summer here, I will see to it that she has the same tutors as the rest of my ladies-in-waiting who choose not to attend a Wizarding school."

"Thank you. I plan to leave that decision up to Ginevra. I've learned the hard way over the years that she is not one that likes to have her decisions made for her."

"Of course," she nodded. "Which I should probably tell you officially, your pledge has been accepted, I received word shortly before our dance."

"The Delacours won't be happy about that I'm sure," Draco replied, keeping the surprise he felt out of his voice. He'd been sure that Ginny would have turned down his offer.

"No, no they won't," she nodded as the side door opened once more to admit the woman from earlier and another woman behind her carrying trays, the tea set and a plate of small cakes were set on the table between Louise and Draco, and once the plate of cakes had been moved from the tray, the second woman held the tray to Draco so he could take his drink. Immediately after both disappeared once more and Louise sat up to make her tea. "As I was saying, they won't be, and in truth I have already received a petition to speak with me at the earliest opportunity, I believe the Comté de Chagny will try to challenge the validity of your choice."

"As is his right, just as it is my right to select a bride of my choosing. Ginevra may not be of the nobility but she is a pureblooded witch, a powerful one at that. And despite what she may have suffered through at the hands of my father, there is still an innocence about her that is lacking in many of those girls that have been raised here at court; I mean no offence of course."

None taken," she smiled, "I understand what you mean, I think that Ginevra, for all that she has grown up with this war that plagues England once more, has been able to retain her innocence some because she did not live in fear for the years Voldemort was gone. But you know as well as I, here and the other Courts, we never rested easy after Voldemort was believed to have died; it was too simple for a baby to be the downfall of a Wizard as powerful as Voldemort. The loss of my father, grandfather, and the rest of our family hit too close to home for not just those of France and Navarre, but for the other Kingdoms as well, it is something I think we shall never truly recover from, just as the Dowager Empress has never fully recovered from the loss of her family so long ago in her dear Russia."

Before Draco had a chance to respond, the door rather suddenly burst open, causing Louise to nearly drop her cup of tea in surprise. "Forgive me, my Queen," Bill spoke quickly as he bowed. "Forgive my intrusion but I must speak with you, and Monsieur Malfoy," he continued as he glanced towards Draco.

"My Lady?" André asked as he stepped up behind Bill.

"It's alright," she nodded as she set her cup down before focusing on Bill as André stepped back from the room and shut the door. "You were saying William?"

"My Lady it appears there's a slight problem in regards to my sister," Bill said stepping forward.

"Is she in danger?" she sat forward. "I know she has accepted the proposal, and I know how strongly your parents feel about any Nobility..." she trailed off concerned.

"She's not in any danger…yet," Bill replied, looking at Draco for a moment before turning his gaze back to the woman he was sworn to protect at all costs. "My Lady, I think you should read this," he said holding out a rolled up parchment. "It arrived a few moments ago. It's from my sister."

Taking the letter, Louise glanced at Draco before beginning to read.

Bill

Oh God Bill, I need your help. You're the only one I can turn to. I think I'm in trouble Bill. No wait…I know I'm in trouble. I did something stupid Bill. I did something really really really stupid. You would think after my first year and after everything you've taught me that I would know better. Bill, if Mum and Dad find out what I've done, Dad will kill me before Mum gets the chance to disown me. You know how they reacted to everything in my first year and this, what I've done now, is so beyond worse than writing in some diary, even a diary charmed by You-Know-Who himself.

Bill…I'm engaged. Only problem is I don't know who it is I'm engaged to and I'm expected to marry him within the year. All I know for sure about him is what the note says about him, that he is the heir to the Duchy d'Orléans.

Bill I'm scared, terrified actually. I don't know what's going on and it's scaring me. All I wanted was some peace and quiet and some girl time by myself and the next thing I know this scroll is appearing out of nowhere and it's held together with a ring and a wax seal and given the fact that I was soaking in a bubble bath at home at the Burrow when the scroll appeared, I didn't exactly want to risk losing the ring so silly me went and put the ring on my finger before reading the scroll so of course I found out after the fact that putting the ring on meant that I accepted the marriage proposal.

Bill I've tried to take the ring off but it won't budge and I've tried every spell I can think of to try to hide it but nothing seems to work. God help me if Mum and Dad see it or anyone else, I don't know what will happen to me. I need your help. How am I going to explain that I'm engaged to a man that not only have I never met but that I don't even know his name? As for reporting to the French Royal Court by the summer solstice to take my place as Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen? Bill there is no way that is ever going to happen. You understand better than anyone just how unlikely it is that Mum and Dad will ever let me go to the French Royal Court. You know their feelings about the nobility and purebloods in general. I would stand a better chance of marrying Draco Malfoy of all people than I ever stand of setting foot inside the French Royal Court. Please help me!

Ginny.

Louise blinked a few times after reading the letter, "Well," she began finally, "I think I need to create a second set of scrolls that are sent out which will explain who the titled noble is from now on..." she blinked again before looking up at the two men. "I lied earlier I'm afraid Draco, your proposal was accepted accidentally without her knowledge of who you are, your intended is quite panic-stricken. Which I believe leads to me having to send another letter to Ginevra to fill in the blanks - or else if you would like you can bring her here William," she focused on him before looking back down at the letter. "Heaven's name she must be a complete basket case..." she shook her head as she slipped back out of the 'royal' mode she had slipped into initially after reading. "Poor thing, she's going to have a heart attack when she realizes she predicted her own betrothed..."

"What do you mean accidentally accepted?" questioned Draco in confusion.

"She put the ring on her finger so she wouldn't risk loosing it when she opened the scroll, unknowingly accepting the betrothal before even reading about the betrothal and that if she accepted your pledge she needed to put the ring on her hand," she explained quietly as she set the letter aside.

"Does my sister even know of your feelings for her?" demanded Bill.

"Exactly how am I supposed to get near enough to your sister to tell her I have even the slightest hint of a feeling for her when your brother won't let even his own housemates close enough to her to hold her hand unless their name is Saint Potter," snarled Draco angrily in return.

"Yes well, Ron was always quite stubborn and annoying when he wanted to be," Bill rolled his eyes. "You know, you could try getting Gin away from him with spiders," he continued rather suddenly.

"Spiders," Louise raised an eyebrow. "Well that's certainly an original way to spend time with your intended..."

"Only to have Potter whisk her away to safety? I think not. Have you considered the fact that your very own mother is doing your sister a disservice by constantly pushing her and Potter together? The more she pushes her in Potter's direction, the more she makes her own daughter a target of the very same madman who very nearly killed her in her first year," countered Draco.

"Believe me, I know," Bill said wearily as he sunk down onto one of the chairs with a heavy sigh. "My mother is... insanely unique?" he shrugged. "Why else is it I had to secretly join the musketeers so Fleur and I can be together, not that I don't love being a musketeer," he continued quickly as he looked towards Louise who rolled her eyes.

"Good heavens William," she rolled her eyes once more, "It's perfectly alright to make comments in my presence without fear that I'll take them personally, as long as it doesn't include comments about my family," she muttered something at the end that neither man caught, though it was obvious it wasn't exactly the nicest of phrases which were rarely actually clearly heard from her to begin with.

"Is there anyway of removing Ginevra from your parents influence prior to next summer?" questioned Draco.

"Well, when she's at school she is away from them. And I can try and see if she'll come spend either Easter with me, or else the beginning of the summer. Our parents might argue a bit but, they're only complaint with me right now is not making as many Order meetings which Dumbledore has been keeping them from asking too many questions about, it's quite lucky that he recognizes the Nobility," he glanced towards Louise before focusing back on Draco. "So they should agree to Gin visiting me, they'll think it's in Egypt but what they don't know," he shrugged. "Unfortunately there's no way that I or even Charlie or Percy or the twins if any of us wanted, could get her away from them legally, there's no signs of abuse or anything like that, so..." he trailed off with a small sigh.

"And yet they feel it's perfectly alright to put her in the line of fire of possibly the most insane madman of the last century by constantly pushing her at Potter?"

"Never said my parents were geniuses. Why do you think each and every one of us boys who have finished Hogwarts was out of the house as soon as possible, or that Charlie ended up in Romania and I was in Egypt? Perc was in London the night he left Hogwarts and the twins, well they were smart and didn't even come home after their rather spectacular display at Hogwarts..." Bill smiled in memory. "I think Ron is the only one in the family that seems to want to stick around Mum and Dad. Don't get me wrong we all love them, but they're a bit insane, the most obvious sign being the whole thing with Harry..."

"How does your sister feel about the saviour of the wizarding world?"

"I remember she got so annoyed with him mooning over the girl who was with Diggory... Cho or something like that..." Bill began with a frown, "Does she still have that crush she had first year? Nah, that's been gone for a while. But I think she has resigned herself to ending up with Harry simply because it's what Mum is determined to see happen... though obviously that won't be happening now which if it weren't for the circumstances and the fact she's confused as hell, she'd probably be stopping and going 'oh my God, I'm free' or some such thing if I know my sister."

"So she's panic stricken even though being engaged to me means she's free of her impending forced marriage to Potter?"

Before Bill had a chance to respond, Louise set the teacup she had picked back up on the saucer and cleared her throat. "Drac, she's panic stricken because while she is free of a boy that she doesn't care for in that way, she has absolutely no idea who she is engaged to. Any girl, any woman, would be panic stricken at that thought. For all she knows she could be promised to Voldemort himself, unlikely of course, but possible. To her knowledge the heir of the Duc d'Orléans could be a woman beater, an alcoholic, three or four times her age, any number of things. It simply comes down to the fact - she knows what to expect with Harry, she knows nothing about the heir of the Duc d'Orléans."

"Well I could change that if I could get two minutes alone with her but that's almost impossible to do as I've already stated. Her brother won't allow even his own housemates anywhere near her unless it's Potter and there is no way he is going to allow me, his worst enemy and a Slytherin near his precious sister," argued Draco.

"Well, there are options," Louise mused as she set her tea aside completely. "Yours isn't the first engagement of a couple at Hogwarts with your particular circumstances dear cousin."

"When was the last time not only two enemy families but two enemy school houses had children that were engaged to be married and yet one of those involved didn't know who the other one was?" Draco asked curiously.

"My Great-Great-Grandfather's sister attended Hogwarts, she was the youngest so it wasn't a big deal for her to actually attend a Wizarding School. She was in Slytherin I believe," she paused as she thought back, "A betrothal was made for her to an Austrian Duke who was attending Hogwarts in Gryffindor, the royal ancestry of both was kept secret of course..."

"House enemies yes but not familial ones as well cousin. That makes things twice as difficult."

"That is true, but it does mean there are means set up at Hogwarts to allow betrothed couples, or even in case of age timing, married couples; to be allowed to see each other in private without the knowledge of the rest of the school. I believe there is a room at the school known as the Secret Room or something."

"The Room of Requirement," Bill offered.

"That's it," she nodded. "Well there is another room that is similar, which is only unlocked by the Headmaster or Headmistress when the need arises. Until then, it remains sealed and unfindable by anyone who goes looking for it."

"And Dumbledore is just going to unlock it and tell me where it is so that I can secretly meet with the sister of one his precious Golden Trio? I think not."

Louise chuckled, "Dearest, Dumbledore for all his obvious adoration for Harry Potter and his two comrades, does know when to, at the least, acknowledge a higher power. The fact Ginevra has already accepted the betrothal, be it knowingly or not, means the betrothal will be in effect until you take the ring off her finger if you decide to break the betrothal, either at her wish or yours. Every Wizarding school, even those in America which has had no monarchy since the country on a whole broke relationships with the English monarchy, follows laws agreed upon after Spain and Portugal followed France, Navarre, and the Holy Roman Empire before it. Everyone knew by then it was likely that one day each of the kingdoms would be separated, and so the treaty was agreed to, that should a noble child attend a Wizarding School, no leader of that school could separate a couple betrothed, be that a couple where one attended the school and the other did not, or a couple who both attended the school. Places were created in every Wizarding School that existed then and have been created in every School created since, where a betrothed couple could meet and spend time together, get to know one another. It is something Dumbledore can not fight. And if he tried to, he would very quickly find his beloved school with a new leader, and it most certainly would not be one of his choosing."

"How would you suggest I go about getting word to Ginevra to meet me in this unfindable secret room of yours since the minute I even speak a single word or set foot near her I'll find myself on the receiving end of a rather unpleasant hex, either at her own hand or the hand of her brother or Potter."

"Oh, I believe we can manage that," Louise smirked as she looked at Bill.

"Scroll powder," he smiled, "She already knows about it, I gave her some to get a hold of me in a hurry..."

"I had already made that assumption considering how fast you got a letter from Ginevra this evening."

"And what do you plan to tell her that won't have her running for the hills even more than she already is?"

"That, is my problem to figure out Drac," she countered with a sigh. "Though it might perhaps be wise to write your sister William, try to calm her some. Does she know that you are a musketeer? Or is it simply your four brothers?"

"Just my brothers, Ginny believes I am still in Egypt like Ron and my parents. That is part of why I gave her the Scroll Powder to use to contact me, that way she wouldn't be sending letters to me in Egypt when I'm actually here in France."

"You know your sister better than either of us. Will she have any issues with life at court?" asked Draco curiously.

"Not that I know of. She's always dreamed of a different life than the one she leads. She used to sit for hours and listen to my stories of life in ancient Egypt, of what it was like for the Pharaohs and the Queens... I think given time if she initially has difficulties, that she would find her place and love the life of a noble. She was always meant for more than the life of a Weasley, all of us older boys saw it from the day she was born. She's the best of all of us."

"Then despite any initial issues my announcement may have caused, I think I made the right choice in future bride, despite what many in the court may believe, your own future in-laws included I'm afraid."

"To be honest, I believe you did as well. But I should warn you, you shall be in for anything but an easy life, let alone courtship, should you continue down this path," Bill smirked really as he watched Draco.

"Trust me I know. I've already been on the receiving end of a number of her hexes."

"Ahh, that's right, her infamous threat of a bat-bogey hex. You know, you were the first person she ever actually did that to," he chuckled. "We all didn't even know what in heaven's name it was or if it really was a hex until we heard about her doing it to you... needless to say we took the threat quite seriously from then on."

"Yes well, I never would have goaded her as much as I did if it wasn't for your brother and Potter."

"That is completely understandable."

Before the conversation could continue anymore, there was an urgent knock on the door to the Antechamber before the door was opened and André was there with a number of Musketeers behind him, "My Queen, you must come immediately," he explained without preamble as the three quickly rose.

"What is it?" she asked as she looked around at the determined looks on the faces of those gathered.

"Death Eaters have been sighted within the city, headed this way. We must get you to safety," André explained as he made his way to her side.

"The other royalty and nobles?" she asked quickly as she looked towards Draco.

"The other Royalty have already returned to their Kingdoms earlier this evening save for your Grandfather, and a detail has been sent to see him and your Uncle safely back to Spain, your mother has gone with them to safety. The other nobles are leaving the Palace as we speak, we must go My Queen," he insisted.

"William, lead a detail to get Monsieur Malfoy and his parents back to England," she focused on Bill who glanced at André before nodding.

"Of course, My Queen," he bowed before turning and grabbing Draco's arm, pulling him towards the Antechamber as the musketeers gathered parted.

"My Queen," André began once more before Louise nodded and turned, heading into her bedchamber as the musketeers surrounded her, to take the hidden passage out to safety.


Saturday January 4th, 1997
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Nobles' Suite
3:27 p.m.

There were times he really hated being a prefect and right now was one of those times. He'd been stepping out of the Common Room, intent on making his way up to where the nobles' suite was hidden, where he knew from the letter he had received earlier that Ginny would be waiting for him, only to have Pansy Parkinson grab his arm and drag him rather unceremoniously back into the Common Room and insist that he was the only one who could resolve the rather trivial and idiotic, at least in his opinion, dispute between her and a seventh year. It wasn't until Blaise showed up almost an hour later that he was finally able to get away from Pansy. Praying to any and all Gods that might be listening, he made his way through the castle as fast as possible towards the suite of rooms that he hoped still contained his future bride.


Bill's letter had been a little cryptic when it had arrived. It had said nothing as to the identity of who her betrothed might be, not that she had really expected her brother to know his identity or anything of course. The strange part was his instructions to keep the ring hidden as best as possible and to seek out Dumbledore as soon as she returned to school on January first and to tell him everything that had happened on Christmas day. She had done as Bill had told her to do, asking to speak with Dumbledore privately after dinner the first night back, where she proceeded to tell him everything about how she now found herself engaged to the heir to the Duchy d'Orléans, a man she didn't know.

That meeting was three days ago. That's when Dumbledore had told her of the rooms she now found herself in. She'd been waiting for him; Dumbledore had said he'd be able to arrange a first meeting between them, for almost an hour now so it had given her a chance to look around the elegantly appointed rooms. Granted she hadn't gone further then the sitting room she was currently in, not after she'd opened one of the doors and discovered a rather large and lavishly appointed bedroom on the other side.

"It's about bloody time you showed up," she snarled angrily when she heard the door open, spinning around to face the person who had just entered the room only to stop in shock when her brain registered just who it was that was standing in the room with her. "Malfoy?"

/-/Thank God she's still here/-/ he thought quietly when he opened the door and found Ginny still in the room, ignoring her irate comment about his being late. Stepping into the room, he closed the door behind him. "You're not going to hex me are you?" he asked curiously as he slowly approached the still stunned redhead.

"Huh?"

"Good," he smirked. "Means I can do this," he said as he quickly closed the distance between them, taking a gentle hold of Ginny's head before lightly touching his lips to hers in a delicate kiss. Breaking the kiss after a few minutes, he pulled back slightly. "I've wanted to do that for the longest time," he admitted before releasing his hold on Ginny's head and taking a hold of left hand. "Say the word and I'll remove it."

"Excuse me?" asked Ginny in confusion, her mind still muddled after the whirlwind of the last few minutes.

"Say the word and I'll remove it and I'll never bother you again," Draco said as he lifted her left hand to his mouth, kissing her hand just below the ring that rested on her finger.

"You're the heir?" she asked in disbelief. "You're the one I'm betrothed to?

"I am," he admitted. "Does that bother you? Like I said Ginny, just say the word and I'll remove the ring and I'll never bother you again. It's the only way to take it off. But if up accept my proposal, I'll show you a world you've only ever dreamed of. You'll be a Duchess once we're married; the next best thing to Royalty and you'll be able to call a queen amongst your closest friends. You'll be able to step out of the shadow of your family…"

"Yes," Ginny said interrupting him.

"Yes? Yes what? Yes, you consent to the marriage or yes, you want me to remove the ring?" asked Draco in uncertainty.

"The engagement stands Malfoy. I'll marry you," Ginny said.

"You will?" he asked in bewilderment. He couldn't believe he was actually hearing her right. He never really thought in his wildest dreams that the girl standing before him would have ever agreed to marry him, at least not without some sort of threat or coercion involved.

"Yes Malfoy, I will," Ginny reassured only to suddenly find herself back in Draco's arms and being swung around as they laughed.

"And it's Draco," he said as he put her back on her feet.

"Ginny," she smiled in return. "Why me? You could have any girl in the school. Why pick me?"

"Because you're not like any other girl in the school," he admitted. "You've been through shit and yet there's still this innocence about you. I can't really explain it."

"My family is not going to like this," Ginny admitted quietly, her head dropping onto Draco's chest.

"Once we get you to France and you've been named as one of the Queen's Ladies then there's nothing your family can do or say about it. At that point it's the Queen's opinion that matters. It's up to her to approve or disapprove of the marriage and she's already approved of it."

"My parents are never going to allow me to go to France Draco," Ginny sighed as she stepped away from him and collapsed down on to the couch.

"Listen, I know this is going to sound strange, especially coming from me, but trust your brother Bill. Do whatever he tells you, no matter how strange or silly it sounds," he told her as he sat down next to her, putting his arm around her shoulders and pulling her towards him. "Trust me in this okay?"

"Okay," she said as she snuggled down into his side, somehow comforted by the feel of him next to her.