Chapter 7: Sneaky Advances

I was welcomed in the train station by my mother. She hurriedly took me to Madam Malkin's to have dress robes fitted. I didn't really care because of my excitement of meeting Viktor again at the World Cup. What I didn't know was what would happen at dinner.

"Mum, why are you fussing about my coming home?" Ianthé asked as they arrived to the mansion.

"It's not really about your coming home, dear. Your father invited Lucius, Narcissa (she said the name with particular disdain) and their son over for dinner. The thing is, I don't know what Alex has planned for you. It might be…."

"Mum? Are you okay?"

Margeaux paled but hurriedly dragged Ianthé to her dressing room.

"Mum…"

"You better rest for a couple of hours. Nanny will wake you to prepare you for dinner."

Margeaux pulled Ianthé towards her and whispered, "I fear that your father is trying to match you with that boy Draco. I know I shouldn't be saying this, but I don't want him for you. Apparently, I cannot share any opinions I have regarding the matter. That's why Alex never mentioned anything to me. I'm sorry I cannot stop your father from doing such things."

Ianthé hugged her mother, "Thanks, Mum, for warning me regarding this. I think I take the matters into my own hands…"

"Not another gravy incident again. Your father was trying to match you up with the Krum boy."

I was pretty shocked at all this. In these modern times, my father wants me to have an arranged relationship just for his own benefit! That's way too low, even for my father.

"I'll do nothing of that sort, I promise. And besides, Draco is toying with another girl, Pansy Parkinson. I reckon he also won't be too happy when he finds out about this."

Ianthé's mother got up and patted her back, "I never really had the guts, unlike you. I do hope I raised you well, despite of what your father is trying to instill in you."

Ianthé smiled, "No worries, Mum. I've got it under control. I better go to my room and rest."

Dusk came and I was well-prepared for anything that might happen at the dinner table. Of course, I would be there in a presenting manner, I wore my best dress robes and jewelry and the smile I only reserve for people like the Malfoys. I know I will have Draco by the neck after the night is over.

"Welcome, Uncle Lucius, Aunt Narcissa." Ianthé kissed them in both cheeks, "Draco." She particularly made the greeting the last.

Draco smiled at her as he kissed her cheek, "It's nice to see you again, Ianthé." He whispered, "I know what Father is trying to do, so let's best play along with them. I know you hate this match much more than I do."

Ianthé smiled as he offered his arm, which she took, "That's because you know you cannot bend me to your will, unlike your pet Pansy."

Dinner was rather a somber affair for me as both of our fathers talked about business while our mothers talked about the different social events they will attend. Draco and I had this silent battle of wills as we waited who would get out of the table first.

"Dear, why don't you give Draco a tour of our newly-renovated drawing room," Alexander Herze, Ianthé's father, implied.

Draco got out of his seat and offered his hand to Ianthé. They both walked out of the dining hall.

"I'm glad Papa suggested it. I would die if locked in a room with you."

Draco smirked at her I hate that smile on his face!, " Really now. I guess you would grow up to be a blood traitor after all. Especially when I saw you talking to the weasels."

"What gave you such a horrid idea? I do no fraternizing of any sort!" Ianthé slapped Draco's arm. She lead him to the drawing room.

"Here, this is the drawing room."

The room was in forest green with silver trimmings. There was a bookcase in one side. The fireplace was made of finest granite marble.

"Nice…"

"Well, Papa missed the Slytherin common room in Hogwarts. I reckon he thought you would like this room."

"That's why it's so familiar."

Ianthé walked towards the velvety green couch. Draco walked towards where she was sitting. The git! Why does he follow me all the time?

"Are you going to the World Cup?" Draco asked.

"I convinced Papa to let me come with him. Besides, I'm looking forward to the match between Ireland and Bulgaria."

"I didn't know you're interested in Quidditch."

"I got the hang of it in school."

"So how's Edmond coping in Durmstrang?"

Edmond, the son of my Uncle Alfonse, is the closest thing I had to a brother. He was sent there by my Uncle to "toughen him up", instead of Hogwarts. He's also good friends with Viktor who happened to be his dorm mate.

"He's fine. He's graduating next school year. He told me I would be seeing him again. Maybe because of the World Cup."

Draco nodded, but he suddenly moved nearer where Ianthé sat.

Aaargh! There is no way he's going to make advances on me!

"You know, an arranged match with me isn't that bad…" Draco said slowly.

"Not in your wildest dreams." Ianthé moved away as she raised her eyebrows and folded her arms.

Draco laughed at her, "You are resilient one, aren't you?"

The door opened and their parents came in. Thank Merlin!

"Ah, Draco, you and my daughter are getting along quite well." Alex said.

"Yes, we are, Sir." Draco smiled.

Ianthé's mother forced a smile, "Well, dear, it's getting late. Ianthé, let's go to your room and rest. We will have a full day tomorrow."

She lead Ianthé to her room, "What was that all about?"

"Mum, that git is making advances on me. I'm afraid he might still do it during the Quidditch World Cup."

"I'll convince your father tat instead of staying there, you'll return here for dinner. I think he will invite the Krums to stay here after the match."

Ianthé's eyes brightened, "Really? Thanks, Mum!" she hugged Margeaux.