I've Just Seen A Face

Toni stayed in his bed, staring at the ceiling. It was Monday, and the day he would meet his suitor. He was ready, he prepared everything he would have to do throughout the week, and he accepted the match. Sure, he didn't have a choice, but he needed to trust his father's judgment. Once he gathered the motivation to leave bed, he would shower, get dressed, and meet the suitor in the Entrance Hall. His guards had informed him earlier that his father, and sisters would be arriving in half an hour.

When Toni was ready, he was standing in a corridor just off the entrance hall. He took a few deep breaths to steady himself. He would finally meet him. He read the file, memorized the facts, but that didn't mean he was completely ready to meet him. When he saw his father approach, signaling that it was time, he took another deep breath and called forth all his training.

"I'm ready, Papa."

"He's all settled in the receiving room to meet you. Follow me." Toni followed his father, as the approached the seemingly innocent door of the receiving room. It was originally used to greet dignitaries, and other Headmasters but over time they just held all meetings in the Headmasters office. Now it held purpose again- it held his future. His father opened the door and waited. Toni finally took the final few steps inside, and for the first time set his eyes upon Tristan Malfoy.

"Seigneur Malfoy, Monsieur Malfoy, it is a pleasure to finally meet you both." Toni greeted. As Toni spoke he took the time to study Tristan. He wore a white robe with grey and blue accents. The robe told Toni that he was pure, he was a calm person, and he was a mature dependable person. Toni himself wore a white robe with yellow and orange accents. Yellow represented his creativity, and happy nature, while orange showed his curious and enthusiastic side. This was going to be an interesting partnership for sure.

Draco stiffened in his seat. He had a sixth sense when he was around, and now it was acting up. Tristan was in the building. He just didn't know why, or where he was. He scanned the Great Hall, but didn't see him, but he had to be nearby. Draco slowly rose from his seat and calmly walked to the doors. When he arrived he managed to see Tristan and his Uncle slip into a room. A free more minutes later and Toni and his father also entered the room. Seeing this site, dread seemed to wash over his entire body,

Blaise had seen his friend tense in that certain way, which meant Tristan was around. He followed Draco to the door and saw the same scene he had. When he saw his friend pale from the corner of his eye, he knew he needed to do something quickly. He also noted the colours of the robes, and secretly wished he could watch the entire courtship. If anything, the awkward conversations and clashing personalities would be entertaining.

The four exchanged greetings, and sat down for breakfast. This period was meant for the boys to get comfortable around each other, while they talked about neutral topics like the weather, the food, and their favourite teas. This was also used to voice any objections to the courtship. For example if Toni or Tristan showed up wearing black, than it could end the entire thing. Black meant you were no longer pure, and Tony Cortalioni would never allow his son to marry someone tainted. You could kiss and touch all you like, but the actual act of sex out of marriage labelled someone as tainted. If his father wanted to challenge the status of Tristan's virtue, this would also be the time. One simple spell and they would all know. However, to do that, would insult the Malfoy family. His father would need sufficient grounds to challenge the claim, and by his calm demeanour, Toni doubted he would.

When the meal finally ended, it was time for the first date. It was Tristan duty as the suitor to plan it. There would also be a gift exchange between the two, and time to learn about the other. Tristan told everyone that he planned for the date to start at noon, and Toni would need to change to more comfortable muggle clothes. Toni nodded that he understood and retreated back to his rooms. His bed looked very inviting, but his father was there, and they had several business proposals to go over.

When noon arrived, Toni stood in the Entrance hall wearing black jeans and a light blue t-shirt. When Tristan approached he was dressed similar but with a dark wash jean and black v-neck shirt.

"Hello Toni"

"Hi Tristan. So what are we doing today?"

"We are going to an amusement park." Toni blinked at the unexpected idea.

"What?"

"Well I figured it was a great way to break the ice and have fun." Tristan merely smiled at Toni's bemused face.

"Sorry, I just didn't expect such an idea. No offense or anything, but usually people opt for a picnic or something." Toni stated.

"Yes well, I think I know where the confusion comes from. My colours this morning didn't accurately represent me. Seigneur Malfoy chose them since he thought they would set a better impression. Now how about we get to Alton Towers?"

"Sounds wonderful." Toni was warming up to Tristan. So far, he seemed like a nice guy, and he was right. An amusement park would be a great way to break the ice and have fun. Toni gave Tristan a sincere smile when the other boy took his hand and led them out of the castle. Once clear of the wards, Tristan apparated them to the park, and they spent a great time together.

They were just entering the gardens when Tristan spoke. "So Toni, your father mentioned that you were teaching a theatre class at Hogwarts?" Toni looked at the older boy and took the prompt.

"Well it's not a real class. Four classmates expressed an interest to learn the art, and I couldn't refuse. They meet me on Monday nights and I teach, I guess."

"What have you done?"

"Well first I made them define theatre. Believe it or not, but Draco had the best answer. Then I gave them a scene from Peter Pan and they acted it out. Next, they did dialogue work, and dance. Next week they will present a fairy tale in a dance routine." He explained.

"Draco really? Hmm, well are you teaching tonight?" Tristan said while he led them to a bench to rest.

"No I canceled tonight's class. I didn't know what you would plan, so instead of being late or having to cancel at the last minute I canceled last week."

"I would like to see one of your classes if you don't mind."

"Not at all. You are welcome to watch or join in all you want. " After that they talked a little more about themselves. Toni already knew that Tristan graduated from Beauxbaton early and went to college for business, but he didn't know that he was taking a Minor in philosophy. Toni also learned that Tristan had great sense of humour. They traded stories of various pranks that somehow managed to happen when they were around, and were laughing majority of the time together. They went on a few more rides, before Tristan suggested they get dinner.

After dinner at a nice sushi bar, they returned to Hogwarts for the gift exchange. It was traditional that the first day of courting, that they gift a gift that represented themselves to the other. Once they reached Toni's apartment, Toni excused himself to retrieve what he bought. Toni picked the two small boxes on his bed and rejoined Tristan in the sitting area.

"Well per tradition, I shall go first." Tristan said. He presented a small ring box to Toni. Toni nodded and took the box, pulled the ribbon, and opened the lid to find a diamond ring. It was silver with the Malfoy family crest with several inlaid diamonds. It was beautiful. Toni held the box out to Tristan. Tristan took the ring and raised Toni's left hand while slipping the ring onto his ring finger. The first gift was always a diamond ring to show intent to marry.

Toni held out the ring box he brought and watched Tristan open the box to discover the Cortalioni crest with inlaid diamonds and one small ruby. The previous process repeated but with Toni placing the ring on Tristan. Next was the personal gift. Tristan held out a medium sized white box for Toni.

When Toni opened the box he found several different baked goods. Tristan saw the slightly confused look and quickly explained.

"One of my favourite things to do is bake. When I'm stressed or bored I usually kick the house elves out of the kitchen and take over. It's something most people don't know about me, and well I decided to bake you several things." Tristan than pointed out and named each dessert in the box. Tristan had made raspberry lemon tarts, Brown sugar pound cake, and petit fours. Toni couldn't wait to eat them, but held himself back so they could finish the gift exchange.

Toni watched on nervously as Tristan opened the last box. He didn't know how well it would go over, but it was suppose to represent Toni, and this was the first thing he thought of. Tristan lifted a silver necklace, that held the famous happy and sad drama masks, but with a twist.

"Are these fox masks?" He asked.

"Well yes." Toni knew he had to explain himself just like Tristan did with the baked goods. "I am a fox animagus. Only my family knows, and I just completed a full transformation. I wanted to give you something that showed my love of theatre, but then everyone knows about that. So when I was at the jewellers I asked if they could make the masks into fox masks. I hope you like it."

"I think it's wonderful." Tristan gave Toni a kiss on the cheek before putting on the necklace. Toni gave a bright smile at the gesture, and decided maybe this whole thing wouldn't be too bad. Shortly after they bid goodnight, but not before Toni warned Tristan to wear durable clothes, and to meet him here for breakfast.

The next morning Tristan arrived early for breakfast curious about Toni's plans. They ate quickly before Toni practically dragged Tristan out of the castle and transported them both away. They landed in an alley and before Tristan could catch a breath, Toni was pulling him along once more. They entered a shop full of camping equipment and other items.

"Are we going camping?" Tristan asked hesitantly.

"Huh? Nope were going rock climbing, so you need different foot wear and some equipment." Toni answered while looking for a sales person. Spotting one he dragged Tristan towards the woman. "Excuse me Miss, but my friend here needs stuff to go rock climbing, could you assist us?" he asked politely.

The saleswoman beamed at the pair and dove into the task with such a vigour, that Tristan was sure she only consumed sugar. He was soon caught up in a whirlwind of equipment that he could barely register anything, when Toni was dragging him out of the store again. He was then taken away again, and they landed in front of a steep rock cliff.

"Toni slow down, what is going on?" he asked.

"Well I figure if I'm going to marry someone they should be open to new things and not afraid to take risks. Therefore, I asked my security team to set up today's event. We're going to have to climb this cliff and lunch will be waiting for us on top." Toni gave him another bright smile before turning and walking towards his waiting equipment.

Once both boys were ready, and the security double checked everything for safety, they stood at the bottom of the cliff. Tristan was nervous, but Toni had a smile. "Come on Malfoy, Don't tell me the French don't have a sense of adventure!" With that exclamation, Toni jumped and grabbed a piece of rock and lifted himself up. Tristan could only sigh and follow the younger boy. The climb was pretty quiet, except for the few comments Toni shouted down to "motivate" Tristan, or tell him how far they still needed to go.

Once they reached a wide ledge, Toni allowed them to rest. Toni called one of his family house elves to them, and ordered a plate of sandwiches for lunch. Once the elf had brought the food and drinks, it popped out again, leaving the boys alone.

"So how close are you to your cousin?" Toni asked as he snagged a ham sandwich.

"Are you referring to Draco?" Tristan also took a ham sandwich, but seemed to be more interested in studying Toni's face than the food.

"Yes. Are you two close?"

"Draco isn't my cousin." Tristan stated simply.

"I don't understand. Francis and Lucius are brothers." Toni was confused. According to his file, Francis was the elder brother and held lordship in France, while Lucius inherited the smaller fortune and resided in the U.K. Tristan was listed as Francis' heir, while Draco was Lucius'.

"Draco is my younger brother. Half brother really."

"What?"

"It's one of the family's best kept secrets. I don't mind telling you since we are to be married and you should know the history of the Malfoy family. Plus part of the courting contract Francis and Antonio signed, any information about the others family cannot be shared." Toni nodded his head to the older boy to show his understanding.

"Lucius married a woman named Jacqueleen. She got pregnant on the honeymoon, and 9 months later I was born. Due to complications, Jacqueleen died after giving birth. Lucius hired people to watch me, and not even five months later, he married again, but to Narcissa Black. Apparently he only married my mother because it was arranged, but once she passed he went and married some trollop he met in school." Tristan paused to take a drink, and Toni remained silent so the older boy could gather his thoughts and continue however he wished.

"Narcissa eventually got pregnant and gave birth to Draco. She ranted and raved endlessy about her precious son, how her son deserved to be the heir, and other related topics. When I was four, Francis came for a visit. Draco was only two at the time and probably wouldn't remember the visit, but it is still perfectly clear in my mind. He came for the weekend, and on the first night they three adults gathered in father's study to talk. I got out of bed, to ask my father if he could read me a story, but instead I witnessed something memorable." Tristan paused, but once again Toni didn't mind.

"I quietly crept towards the study door and overheard their conversation. Lucius was commenting on how Francis had yet to produce an heir, while Narcissa was bragging about Draco. Francis married someone because of his heart, but she ended up being infertile. Francis is five years older than Lucius, so it was seen as shame on the family name that he had yet to have an heir. He refused to leave his wife or take a mistress, so he remained heir-less until that night. Narcissa was actually the one who suggested Francis make me his heir after Lucius slipped into the conjoined library to find a book. They were talking and she told my Uncle 'If you are too stubborn to take a mistress than take Tristan. That brat is an eyesore around here, but at least he has Malfoy blood that should be enough to make him your heir. If you don't take him, than I may have to arrange for an accident. Heavens knows Neither Lucius or I want that thing around here. Draco is all we need.' Francis was so upset with her comments, that he stood up and threw his brandy glass at her. When Lucius came back because of the noise, Francis declared that he was taking me with him, and Lucius and Narcissa were banned from the main house in France. After that he found me listening outside the door, grabbed my hand and led me to my room, packed my things and we left that night. It worked out for the best in the end. Francis got an heir, and I got a wonderful childhood and education. Now tell me how does one go from being the saviour Harry Potter, to Antonio Cortalioni the sixth?"

Toni took a moment to process the story. He would need to discuss this later with his father. It was quite the tale, and he didn't doubt Tristan, but it required further investigation into Lucius and Narcissa. Plus it only seemed fair that he share his story with Tristan, but he had a questions first. "I will tell you my past, but first a question. Does Draco know the story you just told?"

"No. Draco was told that Francis decided that I would be the perfect heir and took me as his own. When I was old enough to fully understand what I saw that night, I was worried that it was too late and that Draco would already be so entrenched in his parents ideals, that I could never show him the real Narcissa." Accepting the answer Toni began his tale.

"After that historic night, I was placed at my mother's sisters house. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon were suppose to take care of me. Instead I lived in a cupboard under the stairs, was beaten, and neglected. Finally when I was five, my Papa was in the neighborhood doing business and saw me in the garden. He asked my Aunt and Uncle about me, and they said many things he didn't like. Before the day was out, I was on a plane to Italy and Papa was on the phone with his lawyers getting adoption papers ready. After that I lived in Italy and went to Lombardi's and all major events were probably recorded and in the file you received on me." Toni finished.

"Hmm, well we both had wonderful starts to our childhoods." Toni couldn't help but laugh at his statement. It was true however. Both suffered from neglect and various forms of abuse, but they were taken away and given a better life.

"Why did you want to court me?" The question had been nagging at him, and now seemed like a good moment to ask. They were already sharing personal memories, so why not add this to it.

"I didn't. Not at first. Francis was making a deal with you father, but suddenly they realised how deep they were both in. Francis didn't know how must trust to place in your father so he decided he would demand something extreme. He decided that he would ask for one of the most precious things to your father. Annalisa was married and Emilia engaged, so he asked that his heir be married to me. It was to symbolize their strong and friendly relationship. I was sitting in on the meeting and when asked if I approved, I agreed since it would benefit the company. Your father refused to agree to such a thing until he interviewed me in private. That talk lasted three hours, and once he agreed, I set out to find out as much about you as possible. "

"So you didn't even know anything about me when you agreed to court me?" That was completely surprising to Toni.

"I knew about you. I knew you were some prodigy and took music and theatre. I knew you were adopted, and I saw you at a few formal events even though we were never introduced."

"I knew of the deal between Francis and my father. Well most of it. I was the one who initially read over the proposal and did research. I made a few suggestions and pointed out some things to keep watch of. Once my apart was done, Papa took over but I didn't request to see the deal to the end. Lucius has been trying for year to get partnership with Papa, and I wasn't interested in seeing where this deal went until its final stages. Now I wish I was there for the whole process. This courting wouldn't have been such a shock if I had known it was part of a business deal."

"Did you always know you would be in an arranged marriage, or did you hope to marry for love?" Tristan asked. Toni took a moment to study the other boy. He had the famous Malfoy blond hair and grey eyes, and sharp features. Compared to Draco though, Tristan's features were sharper, where as Draco's were softer. Tristan was laying down with his arms under his head, staring at the sky, but even in that position Toni could see the muscular body underneath. Tristan was slightly taller than Draco and had more muscle tone. He also had broader shoulders, and didn't wear a blank mask all the time like Draco. Since Tristan wasn't wearing a mask, Toni could see the slightly wistful look in the other boys eye as he asked the last question.

"Love. I always wanted to marry for love. I never deluded myself into thinking this could never happen though. Papa informed me about the possibility of an arranged marriage, and made sure I understood the why behind it all." They spent a few minutes in silence with Tristan watching the clouds, and Toni watching Tristan.

"How about we get off this rock?" Tristan asked while he sat up.

"Sounds good. We can go back to my apartment. You see I have this box of baked goods, from this excellent baker, and I was hoping to share them with you." Toni responded with a smile.

"Well I don't know. I'm a pretty good baker myself, I might have to bake for you so you can taste true greatness." Tristan teased.

"Hmm, yes you must bake for me and I will judge if you are better than my personal baker." Toni winked at the older boy. They gathered their things and prepared to leave. Toni suggested they just apparate back to Hogwarts gates instead of climbing back down, and Tristan agreed. Once they returned to the school the pair retired to Toni's apartment and descended on the baked goods. Once they were finished it was time for a gift exchange once more.

The second day was always reserved for a gift from their past. Something that influenced you when you were younger. Toni had to think hard about this one. There were many important things that influenced him but he didn't think giving Tristan a portrait of his Papa would have been appropriate. While shopping in Florence, he found a advertisement floating down the street, and immediately knew what to get after reading it.

Tristan resized a package from his pocket, but waited for Toni to retrieve his gift. Toni opened a desk drawer and brought out an envelope and presented it to the older boy. "This is something that influenced me greatly. Once you open it, it is pretty self explanatory.

Tristan took the envelope and slit it open swiftly, he reached inside and withdrew two tickets. "Two tickets for 'Don Pasquale'?"

Toni answered the unasked question. "That opera was actually the reason I chose to switch to theatre. It had quite the impact on my life, and when I saw a flyer saying there was a production being held in Florence, I couldn't stop myself from getting tickets. I would like you to go with me to see it."

"I would be honoured to go with you. Thank you." Tristan responded. He placed another kiss on Toni's cheek before presenting his gift. Toni slowly opened the box and pulled out a silver charm bracelet, with a miniature Eiffel tower attached.

"My move to France had the biggest impact on my life. " Tristan spoke before Toni could even open his mouth.

"Thank you, it is very beautiful." Toni stood on his toes to place a chaste kiss on Tristan's cheek, before he held up the bracelet and asked Tristan to put in on him. "So it's your turn again tomorrow to plan something."

"Yes, and tomorrow I will pick you up for lunch. You will get your gift during the date instead of after like we have been doing, and I suggest you wear something comfortable and in blue and white. "

"Oh?"

"Yes you must wear blue and white clothing tomorrow, it is part of the whole experience."

"Well I'll take your word for it." Toni laughed. "I'll see you at lunch tomorrow than." Toni lead the older boy to the door and opened it for him.

"Remember blue and white, and you better not forget Cortalioni!" Tristan stated before he walked away.

Toni shook his head and closed the door. Tristan was interesting, and they could be good friends, but Toni didn't know if the love he wanted would ever develop. They could grow fond of each other and have some love between them, but it wouldn't be the kind that Toni always hoped for. They would be happy, and have good lives, and that would be enough in the end.

Thank you to all the Readers and Reviewers.

I apologize this chapter is unbeta'd again...

Til next time!