CHAPTER SEVEN
Again, I do not own the characters or anything related to.
If you hadn't noticed by now, I am writing this under the premise that although much of Deathly Hallows happened, I choose to pick the pieces that did or did not (as the case may be) happen. Fred did not die. George did not lose his ear ( b/c I didn't see the point in that either. It didn't change things one way or another), Harry defeated Voldemort, blah blah blah. You get the point.
This chapter is pretty long. I couldn't stop myself. Many of the chapters will be relatively long, but hopefully that'll just give you more to enjoy. Happy reading.
"Not only does he think George and I have broken up on irrecoverable terms, and that I have no desire to discuss it as it was so devastating, but he also believes that I am ready to have the biggest wedding this world has ever known. He's given me two extra weeks to make arrangements." Mackenzie turned to George. "He's given us two full extra weeks to be sure our marriage is finalized.
"So, you're still going to marry me this coming weekend?" George played with a strand of her hair as she leaned back against him, while they sat together on the couch, surrounded by those who knew their secret.
"That's is actually what I've been planning all of this time." She looked nervous. "I know I'm to be planning the Chase Malfoy wedding, but I'll do that when the time comes. My first priority is you."
But then the question came. "And what did you have to do to get Malfoy to agree to two extra weeks?" Ron asked.
George looked a little wary to hear her answer. Mackenzie took his hands in hers.
"Surprisingly less than he could have requested of me. He only wants me to learn to be happy with him, which is easily simulated. She turned her head up to George's.
"And he intends on rubbing our union in your face specifically, which might have been my doing when he found out that we'd parted ways. He plans on snogging me senseless any time we are in front of you or in a position to have you find out about the sordid public display of affection."
"Oh." George sounded both dejected and slightly jealous.
"George." She said, letting his hands go, turning her body to now face his. "I won't go through with any of this if it hurts you or brings any harm to us in any way."
He saw the apprehension of losing him over this in her eyes once again. He knew she worried about this and could not let her think that this would be the thing to separate them. She would not lose him and he could not lose her. Hebrought her body back to his, wrapping his arms fully around her.
He whispered in her ear as she buried her face into his neck.
"I trust you unconditionally love. We are about to marry each other and I know you would not risk me for him. Everything you do is for our benefit."
"Thank you." She kissed his neck, holding herself to him.
The two stayed in the same close position after their friends left George's apartment, and fell asleep just as they were. Both knew that the next day, they would be put through breaking events with Draco Malfoy contracted into the mix.
"Mr. Malfoy! Ms. Chase! Can you confirm, are the rumors true? Are you engaged? Is the wealthiest most eligible bachelor tying the knot with the Minister's daughter?"
Questions surrounding the recent engagement hit the pair as soon as they set foot and were spotted in town. The two had decided to retreat from their homesteads into Diagon Alley for a day of wedding shopping, planning, and lunch together.
Both smiled as Draco took Mackenzie's hand in his. Rumors had begun to fly straight away after Mackenzie had intentionally placed the announcement in the Daily Prophet.
'All for the benefit of her and George' she played the mantra in her head over and over as she smiled and waved for flashing cameras. She hadn't actually expected this much of a stir in the news. But most who walked by to see the pair looking so lovingly at one another as they strolled down the street hand in hand. But as the Minister's daughter was about to marry so shortly after arriving, and to Draco Malfoy no less, it was a big deal.
Mackenzie groaned in protest as a woman shouted out, asking her if she was pregnant. Draco chuckled.
The two stopped outside of an intimate and quiet looking café to have lunch together. Mackenzie had insisted when Draco flooed to her Manor that she would be stopping into ' Twilfit and Tatting's'. to finalize any fittings to the dress she would wear to be arried, leaving out the detail that it was the dress she would wear to marry George.
Draco had as well insisted while still at the Manor that they be seen publicly after the announcements had begun to spread wildly.
As Mackenzie shielded her eyes from the speeding flashes of cameras, threatening to blind her, Draco helped in shielding her. He opened the café door for her, allowing her access first. He then turned back outside of the still open door.
"Yes." He returned to the waiting press members. "Yes I am happy to say that I have finally found the woman in my life who has captured my heart enough to join us in marriage." He exchanged a glance with Mackenzie who still waited inside.
"Now, please excuse us while we spend some much needed time to ourselves planning out the celebrated event." He turned and walked into the establishment, meeting up with Mackenzie as the press outside stayed taking notes and chattering.
The two were ushered to a small quiet table off to the side of the restaurant by a waitress who seemed to be very fond of Draco. Mackenzie watched as the woman eyed Draco every step of the way, although Draco seemed to pay her no attention. When they sat Mackenzie knew she had to say something when the woman "accidentally" tripped, falling into Draco's lap, placing a hand to his chest, while her mouth came far too close to his as she stood up. She had to say something for the effect of being jealous. If she didn't, she feared she would risk Draco knowing that she had no intention of keeping ahold of him.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't flirt so abrasively and shamelessly with my fiancé." She warned the woman.
"Well," the woman spoke. "I am shocked to see that someone finally pinned down this one." Her hand ran through Draco's hair. He shook his head, attempting to stop the touch, and watched Mackenzie stand.
"I said back off!"
The woman backed away slightly, not daring to touch Draco again. "I'll be back with your menus." She quickly left the pair sitting across from one another.
"I see you are quite the popular gentleman"
"Sara has been after me since my last long term relationship broke off." Draco mentioned nonchalantly. He really did have no interest in the woman.
"And you have no further interest in her?"
"No."
"So then you didn't…"
"Mackenzie, I don't ask you about what happened between you and Weasley, so…" Draco stopped when he saw the troubling look cross her face. He had unintentionally touched the subject of Weasley. "I'm sorry. Maybe I should go up to the bar and get us a few drinks. What would you like?"
"Iced tea."
Mackenzie lowered her head a bit and couldn't shake her thoughts of George and what this was doing to them. She knew she had to keep up with the charade to keep her relationship with George safe, but she wasn't sure she'd be able to do it for an entire month.
As if on cue, she watched George walk in and sit at a table across from where she and Draco had been seated. When George glanced up, his eyes were met by hers. He half smiled, knowing that Malfoy was likely around somewhere.
"What are you doing here?" Mackenzie mouthed.
"Working at the shop today." George mouthed in return.
Mackenzie nodded with subtlety before tearing her eyes from George as she spotted Draco returning to her.
Draco gave a menacing look to George as he passed by the red head. He smiled at Mackenzie. When he reached the table, he set down her iced tea. He took her hand and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
"Weasley giving you trouble yet?"
She shook her head, hoping the kiss on the cheek would be the end of his display.
"Just a few anticipated dirty looks. Nothing too surprising." She picked up her iced tea and quietly drank between the two men. She was no longer hungry After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, Mackenzie finally spoke to Draco.
"I've got an appointment for a dress fitting down the street. I would like you to go and pick up the prototype rings from the jewelry shop on the opposite side of Gringott's. They are the rings we are taking to the actual jeweler who will design the rings, so do not rush if they're not yet finished. I will meet you at the Leaky Cauldron in one hour."
She stood and was ready to walk away before Draco grasped her hand again.
"I think a goodbye kiss is an appropriate request, considering the company we are sharing."
Mackenzie smiled, knowing that although George was watching, Draco was still suspicious of what had happened between her and George. She leaned down and pressed her lips to his, only meaning to quickly kiss him goodbye and be on her way. She was surprised by Draco's action to move his hand onto the back of her neck, keeping her embraced to him. She could feel him urging her to further their kiss, but she resisted, forcing herself away.
"One hour." She straightened up, repeating her instructions.
As soon as Draco released her hand, she took off, out of his reach. She was nearly to where George sat when he spoke to her. She knew that he cared for her. She knew that he would very likely at this point do most anything for her. But still, the feigned altercation that took place made her heart drop.
"It isn't often you find a girl so willing to drop everything to be a puppet for someone who doesn't care for her."
"Jealous much?" Mackenzie returned, gaining an stealthy and telling look from her true fiancé.
"Of Malfoy? George stood, challenging her, only wanting to hold her. "You must have gone daft after our breakup." He met her eyes with his. "I left you. I have no reason to be jealous of any man you choose to spend play time with."
"You're breaking my heart." She facetiously replied.
George leaned in closer to her, still speaking loud enough for Malfoy to hear.
"All I know is, that anyone who would so easily and willingly choose to marry someone as smarmy and evil as Malfoy is not worth my time or my heart." George made sure his eyes were still met with Mackenzie's. Draco could not see the smirk she gave, knowing that every piece of his heart had been given to her the day that they met. It belonged to her more and more every minute of every day as he thought of her.
George turned to walk away from her and his table, but not before giving her a wink.
Ever the actress in the sham of this three way face-off, Mackenzie filled her eyes with fake tears.
"Why you?"
George turned back to her inquiry. It tore him apart to see actual tears falling from her eyes. He wondered if they were real. He knew she played the part for Malfoy, but he'd never seen fake tears look so real, and it killed him. He did everything possible not to sweep her up into his arms.
"Why did I have to meet you first?" She went on.
"I've been asking myself the same thing over and over." He said coldly.
"Maybe I'd have been better off if…" She was stopped when Draco's hand touched to her shoulder, bringing her body back to his.
George saw the cringe on her face when she was touched by the other man. He couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath, suppressing the protective rage of someone else, anyone, holding Mackenzie. His wife. His soon to be wife.
"I think you've done enough damage Weasley. Please stop upsetting my fiancée." Draco tilted his head down to hers, moving his hand to her waist.
"Are you alright? Would you like me to accompany you to your dress fitting?"
Mackenzie looked from Draco to George. "I think… I'm good to go on my own. I'll be just fine. You go and deal with the jeweler." She instructed.
"Of course." Draco agreed. "We'll go now." He wrapped an arm around Mackenzie's shoulders as George rushed off in a seething hostility.
Draco led Mackenzie towards the door, giving George a look of provocation while exiting the building. The two parted ways once outside as Mackenzie made her way to have her dress sent by package to Chase Manor.
She spent a total of thirty minutes in the shop, admiring her dress, happy to be marrying George. She then changed her clothing, sending the dress off. Once finished with her final fitting, she walked back outside. She immediately pulled out her wand, reciting the tempus charm. She had thirty minutes before having to meet back with Draco. Without a second thought, she headed back down the street from the way she'd originally come from. She needed to see George, hoping their confrontation for the benefit of their relationship had not done too much damage. When she reached the bright orange door, she took in a deep breath before opening the door and stepping inside. She let go of her held breath when she saw George smiling as he sat behind a large desk, helping the last in a line of customers that disappeared out the door as Mackenzie walked further inside.
George spotted Mackenzie walking in, and his smile widened. He jumped up and moved to her, reaching her within seconds, he took her into his arms.
"I'm so sorry I put you through that love." George told her. "I didn't mean to make you cry. I'd never intentionally do that to you. I only figured that starting a fight ion front of Malfoy would make our breakup more believable to him."
He was so shaken by her tears and Mackenzie couldn't help but feel guilty now. She hadn't meant to make him feel even worse than he already did for instigating the fake fight. She pulled away from him.
"Was I really that convincing?" Her eyes smiled up at him.
George looked at her, coming to the realization that she was a better actress than he had originally thought. Even without their argument, Malfoy probably believed the two were split for good.
"Holy Hell woman. Those tears were fake?"
"Of course sweetheart. I was under the impression that that you knew that. I need Malfoy to believe that I was nearly destroyed by you. We don't need him knowing that I am sneaking off to meet you." Her fingers played at the back of his neck, moving up into his hair, tempting him to push her against the nearest wall.
George let out a low growl, causing her to continue.
"But since I have now covertly snuck off to meet you here, I don't see why you shouldn't still beg my forgiveness for causing my fake tears."
"Oh really.' George teased her back, running his own fingers down her jawline, her neck, and then her arms. "Do you have any preferred suggestions?"
Mackenzie smiled. "I have seen the lengths of your creativity George Weasley. Let's work with that path.
Immediately George's mouth was locked to hers, his arms were pushing her backwards. Moving to the desk he'd been sitting at earlier.
It wasn't until Mackenzie had every button of his shirt undone, her hands running over each inch of his skin, and George had started to pull at the straps of her dress, that the two were interrupted.
Fred stood leaning against a shelf, looking at his feet, shelved products, and anything but his brother and soon to be sister-in-law. He cleared his throat.
"I can appreciate the happy somewhat healthy relationship you two have going, but such extreme public displays could be construed as cheating on Malfoy and if Kenny is caught, you two could…"
Fred stopped lecturing when Mackenzie responded in agreement.
"You're right Fred. We're sorry." She pushed herself free from George as he rebuttoned his shirt.
"I should be going anyway. I told Malfoy an hour. I don't want him to see me coming from your store. That'll be more trouble than we want."
George agreed. "We'll see each other tonight. Would you meet me here for dinner?"
"Why don't you meet me at the Manor. We wouldn't want our dinner plans interrupted by anyone still hanging around the Daily Prophet offices."
"I'll see you tonight Ken. Seven?"
"Perfect." Mackenzie quickly kissed his cheek before leaving the shop.
She walked out the door, running smack into a woman standing outside the door. She looked like she wanted to go in, but couldn't seem to quite do it. Mackenzie caught the contemplation in her eyes.
"Excuse me." Mackenzie apologized.
The other woman said nothing. She looked at Mackenzie and walked away in the opposite direction.
Mackenzie shrugged off the collision and walked back down the street to the Leaky Cauldron where she met Draco. He was standing in front of the building quietly talking with a woman. Coincidentally, it was the same woman Mackenzie had run into outside of George's shop moments ago. As she approached the two, Draco's eyes werefilled with something different. She considered what it could be. Fear? Of her? Not likely. Desire? That was probable, but no. That wasn't what she saw. Deceit. Yes. That is what it was. Absolutely. Guilt.
"Hey honey." Mackenzie kissed him. She looked over at the woman, giving her an arrogant sort of look.
"Hello again." Mackenzie greeted.
"Mackenzie, this is Angelina Johnson. I'm helping her to gain a position at the Ministry now that she is back in town." Draco told his fiancé, unwilling to give her anymore information behind the meeting between the two. He introduced the two women.
Mackenzie hesitated before accepting the other girls' hand.
"Mackenzie Chase." Angelina acknowledged her. "Soon to be Mackenzie Malfoy."
"Mackenzie Chase-Malfoy." She corrected, turning to Draco. "Did you get them?"
He nodded, pulling out a small dark blue velvet box, opening it to show her the rings.
"Perfect." She kissed his cheek, looking at Angelina once more. "Why don't we stop in here and breathe before we return to our respective homes." She asked Draco.
"Sounds great." He turned to Angelina and gave a terse nod.
Mackenzie didn't look back at the other woman. She entered the building with Draco and found herself contemplating what it was about the woman that gave her chills up her spine. Something was off. Something was not right. She had no more chance to think about it before feeling an arm wrapping itself around her waist. A voice whispered in her ear. A voice that was not Draco's.
"Hello beautiful."
She spun around and came face to face with Blaise. "Hello Blaise." She greeted, hugging him.
The two men nodded a greeting before the three sat together in a booth. The men both ordered firewhiskey while Mackenzie stuck to iced tea. She would not let alcohol be a cause to let slip her plans around Draco or anyone else for that matter.
As the three sat with their drinks in hand, Mackenzie's mind began to drift back to Angelina, wondering what the problem could be. Draco knew her and was obviously friends with her. Had they ever been more than friends? Was that why he looked so guilty when she'd appeared? Her vision moved over to Blaise. Would he know anything about the woman? Could she interrogate him? Would he even tell her anything if she asked?
Blaise felt her eyes on him and quickly looked over at her while Draco went on speaking to him. There was something in her eyes. Question. He recognized it. He didn't have time to worry about what her question was yet until Draco stood, excusing himself to go and greet another business associate across the room. The two were momentarily happy to see him go. They sat in silence for the first thirty seconds.
Blaise leaned onto his elbows. "So what do you want to ask me?"
Mackenzie widened her eyes a bit. "What makes you think I want to ask you something?"
"I'm good at reading people too Kenny. You have had questions burning in your eyes since you sat down here."
"Okay." She conceded, leaning in on her own elbows. "What can you tell me about a woman named Angelina?
Blaise looked incredulous, but held the same guilty look that Draco had shown earlier. "Nothing. Why?"
Mackenzie could see he was lying. He was keeping something from her. "Because she was talking quietly with Draco outside a few minutes ago. When he introduced us, there was something strange in the way she looked at me."
"You're the Minister's daughter Kenny. Everyone either looks at you funny or in awe."
"It wasn't just that Blaise. This was different. I can't explain it. It's as if she is angry with me and I don't know why she'd have reason. Did she date Draco? Is it our engagement that…"
"No. It wasn't Draco she was with."
"Then who was it?"
"George." Blaise admitted to her.
George had something to do with this woman and whatever reason she looked angry enough to spit nails at Mackenzie.
"Well what happened?"
Blaise sighed. "Kenny, this is not something you should be talking to me about. It's a shame you and George ended things so terribly. This is something you should have asked him about."
"Well I can very well do that now, can I."
"I suppose not."
"So I'm asking you to tell me."
The two were cut short in their conversation when Draco returned, sitting beside Mackenzie, placing an arm around her waist. . She stayed quiet, drinking her tea, holding Draco's hand under the table. She was caught a bit off guard when he intertwined their fingers together. He hadn't held her hand like that yet. It was a much more intimate hold, and they were not a real couple. She was forced into this and he kept sure she played along. She grew bored of listening to the two men go on about their companies.
"I've grown tired of this." She slid towards Draco, getting him to exit the booth, giving her access to stand. "I think I'll return to the Manor. I'd like to go over seating charts for the reception or maybe the place settings."
Blaise winked a goodbye to her as Draco kissed her cheek, his hand still at her waist.
"Dinner tonight?"
Mackenzie had to think quick to get out of saying yes as she had already made plans with George.
"I can't honey. I've got plans with daddy. He and I are building the turbulent relationship we have. I hate that we are so distant since I arrived."
Draco nodded as Mackenzie turned and left. She had finally acquired the hang of the Floo, so that is what she did. Aparrating gave her such headaches and dizzy spells. Flooing back and forth to places was easy. She arrived back at the Manor within seconds, stepping out into the sitting room. She didn't have dinner plans with George for another four hours, so she made her way out and into the library, pulling out a book. She'd been reading for ages when she heard the door open. Her father stood in the center of the doorway.
"I…" He fumbled with his hands, walking into the room.
Mackenzie had only ever seen him show control and an intelligent manner of restraint over his personal feelings for issues. He sat on the couch she had occupied, showing her his true side. Or at least a piece of it.
"I want you to know that I had nothing to do with… I had no idea until…"
"I know daddy." She replied, knowing he was referring to her arranged marriage.
"You shouldn't be forced into a marriage by contractual obligation. Love." He said. "Love has to be the most important part of why you would marry."
"Did you love her? Mum I mean." She dared to finally ask after all of her time living with her father. She hadn't believed herself strong enough to hear the answers from him until now. She braced herself for his response.
"I loved her." Samuel Chase told his daughter. "I loved her very much Mackenzie."
"Then why did you leave?"
"I must explain to you my dear that we did what we thought best for you and ourselves at the time. The best thing for your mother was keeping you safe. She did everything she could to raise you to be as good, independent, and intelligent as you've become."
Mackenzie smiled at her father.
"The best thing for me was to follow my path of politics so that I could set up a proper life and lifestyle for the both of you. Unfortunately, when the time came, your mother had no desire to return or live a life through politics or anymore magic. She was muggle and through much of our marriage she hid my magic from others and could seem frightened by the thought of it. But despite all of that, I loved her. I loved her up until she died. It broke my heart."
Mackenzie had tears in her eyes. Her father hadn't abandoned her and her mother as she had thought. He had loved them both.
"I'm in love daddy." She confessed.
"With Mr. Malfoy?"
"No." Mackenzie make a face. "I love this man, and…" She couldn't tell him everything. There was no telling what he would say or do. No. No matter what, even if he didn't want to see her given off to Malfoy, he still followed protocal and the rules of the Ministry. He had to. There was no other choice.
"I have no doubt that he is the one I will spend the rest of my life with."
She was planning something. Samuel could hear it in her. He couldn't however see it. He looked into his daughter's eyes, wondering what her statement had meant. He hadn't yet quite learned to figure out his daughter.
"Just be careful." Was his answer to her. "You play with fire too long, and you'll get burned."
"Daddy, I am the fire. Others get burned."
George arrived promptly at seven, unwilling to leave Mackenzie waiting for him again. He walked up the steps to the Manor and knocked. A small, rather curt house elf answered the door.
"Mistress Mackenzie is awaiting you sir." He said. "She be in the sitting room."
"Thank you." George replied, moving inside as the elf moved aside, pointing to the door to his left.
George knocked on the door again this time before opening it slowly. "Ken?"
"Come in." She said as he entered. Immediately he was rushed by his bride to be, who jumped into his arms.
"You look great." She commented, not bothering to look at anything but his eyes.
"As do you." He braced himself against the near wall as she kissed him.
"Dinner will be ready soon." She said, pulling away from George. "Those bloody scary elves wouldn't let me do anything. They wouldn't even let me near the kitchen. I'm not allowed in my own bloody god damn kitchen."
George laughed at her frustration. He took her back into his arms, kissing her again with the firey passion they'd both craved earlier that afternoon.
"Let's forget dinner." George mumbled over her neck. "I want to go straight to dessert."
As fun and grand as his idea sounded, Mackenzie reluctantly resisted him. "We can't. Daddy is gone for only a short while. He'll return to find us together and then what?"
George groaned in agreement.
The two were separated when the loud pop sounded to their right.
"Mistress Mackenzie, dinner is ready. Will you like your dinner in the dining room?"
"Yes Carrie. The dining room is great. Thank you." She led George out of the sitting and down the hall into the dining room.
The two sat and ate together, catching each other's eyes every so often until Mackenzie had her burning desire to question him, burst from her.
"What happened between you and Angelina?"
George swallowed hard, placing his fork to the side. "Angelina Johnson?"
"I suppose that's the one. I know that she is your ex and that something bad obviously happened between you two, but…"
"How much exactly do you know?"
"Only that." Mackenzie replied. "Blaise wouldn't elaborate to anything more. He wasn't very cooperative about letting on to what happened."
George chuckled a bit. He knew that his friends still figured him to be sensitive about the subject. He knew that was why no one talked about it and no one said anything to remotely make him think about it.
"She is indeed my ex. But how did you…"
"Met her outside the Leaky Cauldron." She nonchalantly stated. "She was talking to Draco."
"Malfoy? What could they need to talk about?"
Mackenzie shrugged. "I don't know, but she didn't seem all too pleased to meet me. I thought she was upset about my engagement to Malfoy, but Blaise says it it is something to do with you and her."
"She is my ex-fiance." George told her. "She left me the day of our wedding. I had planned on telling you this tonight anyway, but I think it best you know it all before we get married.
"She broke my heart. I held a bit tight to her during our relationship. She slipped and decided that being apart was better for us. I gave the best parts of me to her and it wasn't enough to make her stay. She walked away in the end. For so long, I thought it was me. I thought that those pieces of me were lost for good…until you." He grabbed her hand, holding it in his.
"I don't want to control you. I can't ever dictate what you do. I only know that I will be at the end of that aisle waiting for you, hoping you will say 'I do'. If you decide that it is too much of a burden to take on, I'll know that I shouldn't ask so much of you."
Mackenzie was floored by his confession and explanation into his heartbreaking story. So, now she knew the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth. Although, she couldn't help but compare herself to Angelina in one major way. She was going to be made to do the same thing to Draco. It was the same thing Angelina had done to George. She was marrying George in three days time and it would be wonderful. A completion of sorts. She'd come to the point, more so after hearing him speak, where she wanted nothing more than to marry George Weasley. But she would now face a long process of not only her deceit towards Draco, but hurt, heartache, and a tearing need to condescend morality. She would need George's support to get through this.