AN: In response to secretshipper - I think Narcissa loves Draco with everything that she is, but I'm not convinced at all about Lucius. I don't think he's capable of love - he just wants control.
Pureblood marriages are different from any other ceremonies I've ever heard about. The bride doesn't speak, apart from when she promises to honour and obey her husband, and it involves the ritual spilling of blood. Mine, of course. All of the most binding wizard oaths involve blood, and this one is no different. When I'm handed the knife, I know precisely what I'm supposed to do, but my hand is shaking so much that I can't. I take a deep breath and try to steady myself, but I know this is going to hurt.
I'm also forbidden to make a sound while I make the cut in the palm of my hand. Before I can gather my resolve, Lucius Malfoy's right hand closes over mine on the handle of the knife, while his left hand forces mine open. A sharp pain, worse than I'd imagined, shot through me, while I bit my lip in a desperate attempt to keep quiet. A metallic tang in my mouth tells me that my teeth have drawn blood, but much more is flowing from the gash in my hand.
I want to claim that Lucius's actions make the marriage invalid, but unfortunately they don't. As long as my hand was on the blade, he can claim that I made the cut, and therefore I am bound to him forever. I don't understand why it has to be like this, but the reasons are irrelevant. I am now Narcissa Malfoy until the day I die. May that day not be long in coming.
AN: I must have a disturbed mind or something. I have no idea where this came from.