Chapter 3: Trying to make it work
Jade opened her eyes groggily and looked around. All she saw was white. She sighed and realized that she was in the Hospital Wing. She knew that Madam Pomfrey wasn't far off, and as usual, Jade was right. The nurse came bustling over and proceeded to fuss over Jade. The younger girl sighed and wiggled uncomfortably. She remembered everything that happened before she passed out, and was incredibly nervous. She didn't know her feelings on Derek Malfoy, and she was far too young to be getting married! She hadn't even graduated yet!
"Madam Pomfrey, I'm fine!" Jade protested to the nurse. Madam Pomfrey sighed and shook her head. However, she continued to check upon Jade. After a good half-hour of being made she hadn't hurt herself when she fainted, Jade was finally free.
When she passed through those doors, Jade didn't want to tell her friends immediately. Instead, she went for a walk around the Lake. She sat down on a rock and stared out into the Lake. She felt so lost, and she wasn't sure how her friends would react when she told them that she had to marry Derek Malfoy. She smiled as she immediately heard Amanda's voice in her head.
"Oh my god, Jade, you get to marry the hottest guy in Hogwarts! Lets go dress shopping RIGHT NOW!" Natalie would, at least, be calmer.
"Well, he has been showing signs that he likes you, Jade. But you might want to take time out to get to know another. Love not in marriage isn't good. Plus, you have to get the idea used to your parents."Giovanni might yell. Not at her, but at prophecies.
"WHAT! Jade, that's so unfair! Just tell Dumbledore you refuse to marry that stupid git! I don't care that he's been staring at you, he's probably plotting to kill you the minute you two are married! I'm not gonna accept this! In fact, I'm off to talk to Dumbledore right now!" Jade choked on a sob. She knew nothing about this boy, and what would her dad say? Would he disown her? Would he hate her forever and never talk to her again?
Jade pondered over these thoughts and never noticed the blond-haired boy walk up behind her. She jumped when someone cleared their throat. The one person that Jade didn't want to see was looking down at her. She sighed.
"Sit down, Malfoy." She said flatly, gesturing to the place beside her. Derek sat down, and mimicked her idea of looking at the Lake.
"I'm sorry you have to go through this. It wasn't like I planned on it either." Derek said after a rather long pause. Jade didn't answer.
"Look, can you tell me what your thoughts are on this?" Jade sighed.
"I'm mostly worried about my dad. Our fathers hate each other, how do you think they'll feel when they learn that their kid has to marry the 'enemy'?"
"Our parents know." Derek told her. Jade raised an eyebrow.
"Do they really?" She asked. Derek nodded.
"Not at the same time, but they found out. I know my father was in a bad mood after he learned. However, he does want whats best for me, and he knows better than to attempt to defy a prophecy. Plus, he accepts that you aren't totally your fathers daughter, no matter how much you look like him. You're definatly prettier." At this, Derek grinned at her. Jade blushed and smiled shyly.
"Look, I'm not my father's son either. I don't have any qualms about marrying you." Jade's blush became more pronounced, as did Derek's grin.
"Malfoy, before we do anything, I need to tell my friends about this." Jade said quietly. Derek nodded.
"I understand. My friends need to know about this too." Derek smirked.
"They'll be so jealous." Jade blushed. Derek smiled.
"What, it's true." Jade's blush darkened, and she glared at him.
"Shut up." Derek merely smiled and got up. Jade went to get up, so Derek held out his hand. Jade took it and smiled graciously at him.
"Anyway, just owl me when you just want to talk. You know, to get to know each other better." Much to Jade's happiness, she didn't blush. She smiled and nodded, walking away. Derek walked away as well, but they both had the biggest smiles on their face and their bubble just couldn't be burst.
Just as Jade predicted, her friends took it the exact way she thought they would. Jade, however, had to go talk to Giovanni privately in order to calm him down and not kill Derek on the spot. He promised that he wouldn't, but over the days that followed, Jade noticed Giovanni shooting death glares at Derek, who was blatantly ignoring him. Jade smiled to herself as she circled the pitch. She had been doing a lot of thinking. She had to write a letter to her dad, even though he knew about the Prophecy. But she had to share her feelings to him, and ask him of his. She knew he wasn't happy about her having to marry his enemy (also his enemy's son) but he had to accept it.
They both knew that. Jade sighed. She didn't want to have to write to her dad, but it just had to be done. Coming off of her broom, Jade headed down to her room. She grabbed a quill and parchment, and went into the Gryffindor Common Room. She sat down at the table, and stared at the parchment, not knowing what to write or say. Jade sighed. She had never really been all that good at letter-writing.
Dear Dad,
How's everything at home? How's mum? Everything's alright at Hogwarts. The teachers, however, are slave drivers! Every things about the N.E.W.T's! Anyway, I didn't just write to you to tell you about Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore just told me a curious prophecy involving Derek Malfoy and myself. I also found out that you knew about this. I'm not really that mad,
I just want to know why you never bothered to tell me. I know you're going to be absolutely furious, but I need to tell you. I don't mind having to marry Derek. He's not at all like his father, and I hope that you give him a chance. But please, tell me how you feel about this. I love you, and please write back as soon as possible.
Love Always,
Jade
Jade smiled in satisfaction. That sounded alright. Jade let Artemis out of his cage, and tied the letter to her foot.
"Dad, alright." She said, making it more of a statement than a question. Her owl blinked, and was out the window a minute later. Jade watched her owl until he was nothing but a small speck in the bright blue sky. Jade sighed. So far, this year hadn't been one of her best. She was falling for the enemy, and was now going to be engaged to him. She was involved in a prophecy that her dad knew about yet failed to mention. And she was going to have another sibling. Joy.
Jade sighed, and let the unusually-warm winds brush her hair from her face as she put her elbows on her stone ledge and put her face in her palm, thinking about what was to come. She knew she felt somewhat attracted to the Malfoy heir, and didn't like it one bit. Malfoy and Potter, Gryffindor and Slytherin. They were supposed to be enemies forever. Well, Fate must be laughing their arse off right now. Jade sighed and pouted. This wasn't fair! She was only 16! She didn't know what to do! Jade rubbed her eyes, and desperately wished she could just go to sleep. However, she knew she had to wait for her dad to reply to her owl. Jade yawned. Well, it would take her dad at least a day to reply... Jade walked over to her bed, and was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
"Ugh..." Jade moaned as she slowly opened her eyes.
Moonlight flooded the room, but her friends weren't there yet, so Jade knew it wasn't time to REALLY go to sleep. Jade glanced at her clock. Dinner had started a half-hour ago. Jade groaned and rolled over.
''UGH!" She cried out as she hit the floor rather hardly. Cursing, she got to her feet, and lit on a candle. "Pressio."She muttered to her clothing, and they became ironed and unwrinkled. She quickly brushed her hair and put it into a messy bun before throwing on her high-heels and walking down to the Great Hall. She opened the doors, and immediately Amanda waved her over. Jade went over and sat next to her friends.
"Jade, what happened?" Giovanni asked her as soon as she sat down. "Jade fell asleep, and she looked so cute while she was sleeping', so we let her be." Amanda answered for her, cutting some steak.
Jade blushed. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled uncomfortably. She looked around, and found herself gazing into the silver-grey eyes of a certain Malfoy. He smirked, but kept her gaze. Jade shuddered (and cursed herself for it being the good shudder) and turned her head away. She ate and talked with her friends, but her mind wouldn't let her let go of that image of those certain silver eyes..
The next morning, Jade looked around eagerly for Artemis. Sure enough, her white owl came swooping down. Jade handed her some bacon, and Artemis hooted gratefully. Artemis was tired, but she stayed on her masters shoulder just in case if she needed her to run another letter. Jade frowned at this, but said nothing. She grabbed her glass of Pumpkin Juice, and Artemis drank from it. Jade opened her letter.
Dear Jade,
Your mum is doing fine. While she's definatly irritable, but she tries to hide it. As far as that prophecy is concerned...well, I can't pretend that I'm upset that not only do you have to marry a Malfoy, but you don't even get to CHOOSE who you marry. However, I will stand beside you if you do choose to marry Malfoy. I don't know the boy, and I know you, being the brilliant woman you are, are going to choose a place to get to know him. If you decide that you still want to marry him, I'm not going to interfere, even if I don't like him. However, I have a feeling that I will. If you like him, then I probably will to. I love you, and I always will, even if you decide to marry a Malfoy.
Love you,
Dad
Jade smiled. She knew how hard it must be for her dad to have to give away his first-born to a Slytherin, a Malfoy no less. Jade made a mental note to give her dad an EXCELLENT Christmas present. Jade looked over to Derek, and stared at him to catch his eye. She had only been looking at him a few minutes before he turned his head to look at her. He smirked, and Jade rolled her eyes. However, she jerked her head to the left. Derek gave a tiny nod, and turned back to his friends.
"You guys, I'm gonna head to Transfiguration." Her friends nodded. None of them had Transfiguration first period, so Jade knew she was safe.
Taking another sip of her Pumpkin Juice, Jade grabbed her bag, and walked out of the Great Hall nonchalantly. She leaned up against the wall, waiting for Derek. Sure enough, her soon-to-be fiancee walked out of the Great Hall. He walked over to her, and Jade felt a little shiver overcome her as his silver eyes bore into her bright green ones.
"Hello Jade." He greeted when he was right in front of her. Jade smiled, but winced as she felt talons. She opened the Great Hall doors.
"Artemis, don't worry. You can go for a sleep." She said. Artemis hooted gratefully, and flew away.
Jade shut the door, and she and Derek walked to their Transfiguration class.
"My dad answered the letter I wrote him yesterday." Jade told him. Derek raised an eyebrow.
"And what did your father say?" He inquired. Jade smiled.
"He said that he would support me, support us, when we get married." She replied quietly. Her face burned, so she turned it toward the floor. Jade totally missed the genuine smile that flashed across Derek's face, then disappeared quickly.
"Alright then." Was his answer.
"So, I suppose that we should get to know one another better."Jade said softly, as she picked up her head once she was sure that she was no longer blushing like a cherry.
"Well, the Hogsmeade weekend is coming up. I was wondering if you would like to accompany me." Derek said nonchalantly. Jade began to blush again.
"Sure." She said, managing to keep the quiver and nervousness out of her voice. She silently congratulated herself. Derek flashed her a quick smile, and Jade smiled back. People began to walk over, so Jade and Derek didn't get a chance to talk anymore. However, Jade couldn't wait for Saturday. It was 2 days away, and yet, she was so eager. Jade frowned as she ate dinner that night. She didn't know why she was looking forward to seeing Malfoy, but she just was. It slightly scared her how she was looking foward to seeing someone she barely even knew.
"Amanda, you're not helping!" Jade exclaimed irritably. It was Saturday, and 9 am. She didn't have anything to wear for her date with Malfoy, and it bothered her. Amanda and Natalie were helping her, but Amanda was clearly having the most fun. She pointed a disgusting outfit to Jade. A black wife beater and a miniskirt that looked like it would end at her thighs. Natalie rolled her eyes while Jades bugged out. Natalie quietly walked over and searched through Jade's closet this time, instead of Amanda's. She threw a tight black t-shirt at Jade, and hip-hugging jeans, along with sneakers.
"Oh my god, thanks a bunches Nat.''Jade said gratefully. She put on the clothing.
"No prob. Now, sit down." Her other girl friend said. Jade did so obligingly, and only winced a couple of times.
"Done." Said Natalie about 15 minutes later. Jade got up, looked at the mirror and smiled, and hugged Natalie. The brunette smiled and hugged Jade back. "It was nothing." Natalie said airily, although the sparkle in her hazel eyes gave away how proud she was of her work. Jade's hair was in a braid, although there was a single piece of green ribbon woven through her hair.
"Alright, now for her makeup!" Amanda said cheerfully. Jade smiled, and sat down on the bed. Once her makeup was done, Jade stood up and went to the mirror to admire Amanda's professional work. The eyeliner made Jade's already-beautiful eyes stand out more. She put on mascara, so Jade's eyelashes were long, and semi-dark. The blush was somewhat rosy, but still good-looking. Amanda put a natural color eyeshadow on Jade. The eldest Potter smiled and hugged her friends gratefully. She was supposed to meet Derek by the Great Hall doors. Amanda smiled at him.
"Knock 'em dead, Jay." She told her. Jade grinned at her, and began her walk to the Great Hall. Of all the things Jade had ever seen, on her list was the look on Malfoy's face when he saw her. Jade's black coat complimented her figure, and was bubble-like, so it kept her warm. Jade herself had to keep her mouth from drooling. Derek was wearing a white t-shirt that showed his abs QUITE nicely. He wore some-what baggy jeans, and sneakers. His hair was, of course, in his eyes, but in a sexy way. He threw on a white sweat-jacket, and offered his arm to Jade. She slipped her arm through his, and grinned to herself. Derek held open the door to the carriage, and Jade climbed in. They began to chat, and both were surprised to find that they pretty much liked the same things.
"Derek, the carriage has stopped." Jade pointed out quietly. Derek blushed slightly, but smiled at her nevertheless.
He hopped out of the carriage, and offered her his hand. She took it gratefully, and they began to walk around Hogsmeade.
"Lets go to Gringotts." Jade suggested. They went to the Wizard Bank, and both extracted money. When Jade spotted Honeydukes, she squealed, grabbed Derek's hand, and rushed over. Derek laughed, and allowed her to drag him. Jade pressed her nose against a section with her all-time favorite thing, chocolate covered pretzels. She gave a little sigh as she smelled a little whiff of her favorite sweet.
"We'll take a pound of that, please." Derek told the lady behind the counter. Jade turned to him, surprised.
"You don't have to do that for me!" She protested. Derek merely shook his head.
"You're soon to be a Malfoy wife. Get used to it, Jade." He told her, amusement shining in his silver eyes. Jade blushed, and felt butterflies in her stomach at his off-hand comment.
"Anyway, wanna go to the Three Broomsticks?" Derek offered. Jade nodded, and they walked to the Three Broomsticks, laughing. They had been talking while they walked, and were somewhat surprised at how well today was going. They pushed open the doors, and took a booth away from the door, and near where the warmth was.
"Two butterbeers, please." Derek stated. The waitress nodded, and walked away. The two began to talk again, and barely noticed when the butterbeer arrived. While they drank, there was a comfortable silence between them. Jade blushed as she felt Derek's eyes on her. She didn't particularly like people staring at her, but for some reason, this time she didn't mind. When she felt him staring at her, she blushed because of the intensity of it that made Jade repress a good shiver.
"Are you hungry?" Derek inquired. Jade smiled.
"Somewhat." Derek nodded, then motioned to the waitress.
"Can we have some menus, please?" He asked. The waitress nodded, left, then reappeared a couple of minutes later with two menus. Jade looked down, and thought for a moment.
"Shrimp with spaghetti." He said clearly to the plate that appeared before him. The food magicked there. Jade smiled when she found what she wanted.
"Chicken Parmesan with Linguini." She told the plate. Pushing the menu aside, the two began to eat.
"Do you like your classes?" Derek asked. Jade nodded.
"It's difficult, but I must admit, sometimes it's a lot of fun. Especially D.A.D.A."She said. Derek nodded thoughtfully.
"I like Potions." He said. Jade thought for a moment.
"I wouldn't know. I dropped Potions." Derek laughed.
"You are DEFINATLY a Potter." Jade laughed.
"Why, you couldn't tell by my appearance!" She joked. Derek laughed harder. He quickly wiped at his tears, and clutched his side.
"Are you enjoying your food?" He asked her when he could speak straight. Jade nodded. "Very much." Derek smiled slightly just as the waitress came over.
"Just charge it from the Malfoy Vault." He told her dismissivly. The waitress' eyes went wide, but she nodded and hurried off. Jade smirked a little. Maybe, just maybe, she could get used to this.