Dearest readers, an update for you! I've been gone awhile, but I'm back with a fresh new take on this story. Many thanks to you if you have stuck around, it means so much. I have no plans of ditching this story so please, be patient for me. Remember, reviews make me happy and motivate me, and I would love to know if this chapter seems…rushed? I'm so stoked to start on the part where they fall in love! :D So, here's a longer chapter for you all, as an apology for such a late update. My last chapter's A/N vanished…

I've also come up with an idea :D For every chapter, I will list a song that can be listened to while reading, because I listen to music when I write and it establishes an atmosphere. For this chapter, the song will be:

Let's Start With Forever by Carter Burwell (This song made me imagine a romantic but also melancholy scene between Draco and Astoria when they're in the garden. SPOILER! xD)

Disclaimer: I own nothing! –sadpandas- All rights to the amazing J.K Rowling

Chapter 7

Astoria sighed quietly as she sat, sandwiched between Narcissa and Draco. The talk was boring, and she knew that the terms of the marriage would not be discussed in-depth with Draco and herself, but it would be relayed quite simply. It wasn't as if she didn't know already: provide heirs, be the cookie-cutter submissive Pureblood wife that tended the household and not interfere with her husband. Oh joy, she thought dryly.

"Astoria will be such an asset to our family, and I am positively thrilled!" exclaimed Narcissa, with her hands delicately folded around her teacup. She saw much in Astoria, and sincerely did like her, whereas her husband could care less. Lucius, suave and mannered, nodded in agreement with his wife. Mrs. Greengrass smiled graciously and straightened the napkin in her lap before replying.

"I thank you for seeing qualities in my daughter, I tried my best to raise her well and groom her for a role." Astoria gave a weak smile, knowing she would have to live with Draco and endure his taunts every day. She would have to brave through his scoldings and blows, if he were to be driven to that point. She would be like a piece of valuable property to him. Astoria cringed and focused her wandering attention to the conversation at hand, jobs.

"Draco is in the Department of International Magical Cooperation, in fact, they have already promoted him to a higher-ranking role for his success," Mr. Malfoy bragged, to the delight of the two older women. Perhaps the handsome blonde was an arse, but he was amazing at his job and had a long successful career awaiting him. Mrs. Malfoy turned to her son's betrothed, noticing her aloof quiet keenly.

"Astoria, dear, what did you plan to do after you leave Hogwarts?" she asked with genuine interest in her eyes. Astoria looked up to the blue-eyed woman with a small smile.

"I am stuck in between the Department of International Magical Cooperation and a post in the Minister's department as an affairs secretary," she replied lightly with a forced smile. Hell, it was hard to keep such a blank face when all she wanted to do was upturn the table and scream. Narcissa smiled in approval and turned to her husband and friend after patting Astoria's hand kindly.

Astoria vaguely turned her eyes to Draco, seeing his boredom and knowing how it felt, before she caught herself looking at his grey irises. They seemed…off-guard. As if he was lost in thought and not thinking up names to call her. Exhaling, she lifted her delicate teacup to her full lips, just to have something to do. The warm, sweet amber liquid warmed her, but not enough to melt her heart to the blonde man in front of her. Setting the cup down carefully, Astoria studied it with her melancholy green eyes. It was a pretty, thin thing, ivory Sevres china with an intricate pattern hand-painted onto it. It was lined in fine, ornate gilt at the edge and was extremely fragile. Pretty and used for display. Like her. Astoria knew she was a tool, with everything to lose and everything to gain with her life hanging on a string. If she didn't play her cards right, her life could be a Hell on earth, perhaps even more drastic.

Draco couldn't be that bad, could he? She knew he had a reputation as a jerk and a player, but her father always told her there were many sides to just one person, and you would only see it if they bared their soul to you. It was true that Astoria had seen brief moments of a different Draco; when his grandfather died, and when a small child had fallen. It had been when their families convened at Diagon Alley, and Draco had carried the young boy to St. Mungos' when the child's parents were nowhere to be found. Suddenly, chairs were being pushed back and a hand was placed on her shoulder. Twisting her head over, she saw Draco standing over her with unreadable eyes. Surprisingly, she didn't react to his touch.

"Astoria, show Mr. Malfoy the gardens while the adults talk," her mother imperiously urged, leading Lucius and Narcissa to a grouping of chaises by the fireplace. Astoria nodded woodenly and stood, taking the silent boy's arm and walking from the terrace out to the bright, lush gardens. Neatly trimmed hedges concealed sparkling fountains and birds perched in the cherry blossom trees, singing sweet tunes. The gardens were her father's pride, and Astoria spent much of her time here as a child, hiding from her mother in between the large willow trees or skipping rocks at the cascade. Her mood was juxtaposed to the beautiful scenery and she led Draco to a bench under a large willow tree. She adored the gardens, as it was her favorite place on their estate, but today, she felt so…hollow. Even the peaceful aura couldn't dent her miserable mood. Draco sat down next to her warily, and they perched in silence, watching pure water cascade down the tiers of the elegant fountain in front of them.

Both were lost in their thoughts, each aware of the person next to them. The both of them knew they would have to put in effort to not turn this marriage into a ravaging battle and Draco knew he had to be mutual to this girl. Astoria always harbored an unexplainable attraction to her childhood acquaintance and was the sort to make peace, although it was difficult with Draco. She would try, and he would try. It was like an unspoken agreement as of the moment. The pair had enough time to themselves since the announcement to sort their thoughts together at least that much.

Turning to the quiet, beautiful creature beside him, Draco murmured, "I don't think your mother told you about our Bonding ceremony yet.."

Astoria shook her head, but knew the ceremony inevitable anyways. All betrothed Pureblood couples would be tied to one another, like a vow in a ceremony. It would seal the deal, and close any exits that Astoria could have. Any escape would be demolished.

"It's next month, August 15th. And uh...I want to apologize. For just barging into your life like this, since I know how it feels," Draco hesitantly murmured, as the fact that this girl would be his wife finally seeped into his core. He would need to learn to accept it. Astoria cast her clouded orbs up in surprise, the shock showing in her face. He had apologized, and seemed human for a moment. It was as if he were opening up a little about their predicament, which she did not expect in the least. Turning her body to face him, she flicks her gaze up to his features, which looked quite pensive, a look she never saw on his face over the years of knowing him. At that moment, she knew that he was thinking amongst the same lines as her: to face it and bear it. Astoria was intelligent, she knew that Draco was in the same situation as her. They were both controlled by their families and were groomed for a certain position. Perhaps he was a cold-hearted prick, but nothing could change the fact that he was like her. She cleared her throat before speaking in a quiet voice that wasn't laced with the usual poison and venom.

"I want to apologize also. We never thought this was going to happen and…we'll have to face this," she mumbled, looking down at her hands. Draco nodded and ran a hand through his tousled blonde hair, which drew Astoria's attention as she watched the tendrils of silky hair fall through his narrow fingers. She hated how his charm affected her as much as the next girl, she really did, but she didn't know that Draco Malfoy had always held an unexplainable attraction to her. Draco himself had realized that he had a slight fancy to the girl long ago, but he never would tell her.

"It would be better to be on her good side," Draco thought. To have an understanding between them would benefit the pair better than biting remarks and snake-tongued insults hurled back and forth, even though Draco enjoyed the witticisms. Maybe…maybe it could be okay, Draco dared himself to think. Leaning over, he followed his impulse and brushed his lips against her cheek to show his sincerity. At the light touch, Astoria startled and looked up quickly, finding it difficult to conceal the blush on her cheeks. She would be lying if she denied that the kiss was quite pleasing, and they both lapsed into silence again, before Narcissa's voice echoed through the path. Standing, Draco offered the beautiful girl his arm without a word, noting the pale blush on her cheeks.

Hearing the voice, Astoria prepared to stand before she saw Draco's outstretched hand. Taking it, she stood and led them back up the cobbled path towards the main house. She honestly did not know what to say, considering the past few moments were quite surreal to her. The Malfoys were preparing to leave, and as Draco walked through the front door, he shot a glance over his shoulder at Astoria. She looked into his eyes, and caught a smile on his face before he stepped over the threshold of the doorway…Oh Merlin.

So, that's all for this chapter! I hope you enjoyed, and if you ever have suggestions, please share. Reviews make this author very happy and motivates her to continue! Expect an update within the week? I have finals, but I shall try to continue from that little cliffhanger.