A/N: Thank you to the reviewer who gave me the inspiration for this chapter!
Alice awoke in the lush cotton sheets and down pillows of Draco's bed, feeling the warmth of her lover beside her. The curtains were open allowing light to stream into the bedroom and onto the bed where she lay. She wondered if Draco had them charmed to open at a certain time. She curled up next to him, quietly watching him sleep. The gala was that day and she planned on getting her hair styled for the occasion, along with a cut since she was way past due for one. She hadn't anticipated staying that night but one thing led to another and neither of them wanted to leave.
Draco stirred, sensing the same light that woke Alice up. "When did you wake?" he asked quietly, hoping she slept well.
"Only moments ago," she whispered, resting her head on his shoulder.
"This is new," he said, pulling her closer to him. They had never spent the night there before.
"I know, I vote that your bed is a lot more comfortable," Alice said truthfully; she was reminded of staying in the Malfoy's guestroom during the trial week where she surprisingly was able to get several good nights of rest. The bed was overstuffed with premium sheets and pillows, befitting the mansion that it was housed in.
Draco smiled and kissed her forehead, "Only if you're in it Al."
They had no immediate intentions to move from their position and both fell back asleep in each other's arms; until there was a knock on the door.
"Draco," Narcissa called from the outside hallway.
"It's mother," he said surprised.
"Now I know you want to sleep in," Narcissa continued, "But you really should take Alice home and go and pick up your dress robes for tonight. It's already past 11."
"Thanks for that!" he called back, extremely embarrassed that his mother would decide on all days to treat him like he was ten years younger. Alice was equally so, only because she was unsure if it was polite of her to sleepover. But it was certainly true what Draco and Lucius always said about Narcissa, nothing gets past her.
Looking at each other, they began snickering, amused by their equal embarrassment and then they realized they accidentally overslept and both had things scheduled prior to that evening's gala.
Putting his forehead to Alice's he mused, "If only I could stay here all day."
Alice noted he was half-serious about wanting to avoid the gala altogether, "There will always be another day. Hopefully tonight won't be as bad as you think."
"I do feel awful about putting you through this," he started concerned.
She put her finger to his lips to quiet and reassure him, "I told you not to worry. I can handle it." She knew the Malfoys would invite mostly pure-blooded wizarding families to their event and there was a heightened possibility her presence would be controversial for some, especially those who maintained the ideology she opposed so vocally at the trial.
After apparating Alice back to her flat, so she could get ready and make it to her hair appointment on time, Draco returned to Malfoy Manor and headed to the kitchen for something to eat. On the way, however, he encountered his mother dictating instructions to Loister, the family house elf. She was already in full preparation mode for the night's event and Draco hoped she'd be too involved right then to bother him, especially after the slight embarrassment she caused him this morning.
Trying to side-step the two, Narcissa called, "Wait a second dear, we should talk," making Draco stop in his tracks. She quickly finished her conversation with Loister, saying aggressively, "Now don't mess this up or you know what my husband will do."
Looking pathetic, Loister replied meekly, "Yes Mistress Malfoy, I will serve the esteemed Malfoy family with the greatest intent," he continued to fidget his fingers before leaving to finish his many tasks.
"Draco," her mood changed to an overly pleasant one, "Your father and I had a discussion last night and he supports your decision."
"That's a little difficult to believe," Draco said unconvinced.
"Honest, he realized at the ceremony what she means to you and that's all that matters. Of course, you can ask him yourself, but only after you pick up your robes. You know Madam Malkin's is only open until two on a Saturday."
"I know, I'll be off after I eat something," Draco now felt more optimistic about the plans he had for tonight.
Alice managed to find the hair salon on time, since she was trying a new place in the city. She had not gotten her hair cut and colored since before the trial, already four months ago. Her auburn locks had faded to a lighter brown hue and her ends undoubtedly abounded with splits. Her only saving grace was the ability to pull her long hair up in a bun or ponytail, even though that style was preferable in the summer months. After discussing with the hairstylist her preferences and the fact that she would be teaching and didn't want to look like one of the students, she decided to dye it a dark auburn, adding a heavy side swept fringe and chopping off a substantial amount into an angled bobbed that hit just below the shoulders. It was a substantial change, but it made her blue eyes pop and helped adjust her age slightly. Even if it was just a haircut, Alice felt energized and somewhat more prepared for the event that evening.
After leaving the salon, her mobile rang, it was her father.
"Hey, good timing, just finished at the salon," she was glad he called.
"Getting dolled up for the evening I assume," he said in his usual cheerful tone, having already been told about the Malfoy's celebration for Draco's "chemist" award.
"I am, I feel like I'm going to prom," she laughed, though she avoided her high school one like the plague, "I'm expecting this one to be preferably sophisticated."
Her father chuckled and then said sentimentally, "You have definitely grown into an exceptional woman Alice."
She didn't know where that came from; it felt a bit out of character for him. "Is everything alright?" she asked slightly concerned.
"Your old man is just happy for you," he said, "You've accomplished so much and I think you've even found the right guy."
"Thanks Dad, I think so too," she still was wondering why he felt a need to tell her this now. "Oh, I heard from Aunt Marla and Uncle George recently, sounds like they had an amazing time in France." They had extended their holiday quite a lot longer than anticipated.
"They certainly stayed long enough. I actually thought they were going to permanently relocate. I do plan on calling them this weekend to let them know our travel plans," he and the family would be in London in the next week visiting.
"They're already planning for it and they invited Draco and me for dinner there this week. I'm hoping Aunt Marla behaves herself," Alice knew Aunt Marla's tendency to incessantly gush about silly topics and she had no doubt that Draco would find her a prime example of an annoying muggle.
"Oh you know very well she won't, best to warn Draco prior," he said amused. "Well, I don't want to keep you from your exciting day."
"Okay Dad, I'll let you know all about it next time we talk…" Alice went on a quick grocery store run before returning to her flat. That afternoon she had a few hours to work on her book before spending a little extra time making herself presentable for the party.
Draco returned from his errands in Diagon Alley and found his father strolling the gardens with Fritz faithfully following him. Lucius was most likely avoiding the magical preparations taking place inside the mansion, where Narcissa was overseeing the dining hall's transformation into an elaborate venue for the night's event.
Draco caught up to his father and began walking by his side. Lucius spoke first, "I see your avoiding your mother's mayhem as well."
"I actually came to speak with you," Draco replied politely.
"Ah," knowing full well what it was about, "I suppose you need to verify what your mother told you."
"It's important for me to hear it from you."
Lucius wasn't sure he was prepared to admit that he acquiesced to his son's desires, as if he lost a battle he could only quietly fight for the last several months. "If it's what you want…"
Draco remained silent, which acted as a prod for him to continue.
He hesitated, "Alice is exceptional in all ways but one and I do not need to inform you what that one discrepancy is."
"Her ancestry," Draco answered.
"To dismiss this family's pure-blood heritage should be unthinkable, but also is controlling who you find significant enough to share your life with."
"Do you really mean that?" Draco asked, doubtful that his father actually meant the words he spoke.
"I owe it to you to no longer dictate your path," Lucius said sincerely, but then looking at his son in all seriousness, "She better be worth it."
"She is father," Draco replied, his eyes expressing his gratitude.
Dressed in a brand new tuxedo, where the cuffs and blazer had a certain amount of "wizard flare," as Alice liked to call it, Draco apparated to Alice's flat to pick her up for the event, which had just started.
"Al?" he called, since she was not to be found in the living room.
"I'm in here, just a sec," she called from the bathroom where she was just finishing getting ready.
As she emerged from the door, Draco went wide-eyed, having not expected her hair to change quite so dramatically, along with the flowing blue gown, the likes of which he'd never seen her in.
"What do you think?" Alice asked concerned, "And be honest."
"I'm speechless," Draco replied; he was honestly dumbstruck by her transformation.
"I know it's a change," Alice said pushing back a strand of her hair, "But…"
"It's perfect," Draco interrupted her, "You look even more beautiful. And this dress," taking her one hand, he twirled her around as if they were dancing, "How can I make you dress up more often?"
Alice moved closer to straighten his bowtie and give his stylish tuxedo a look through with a coy smile on her face, "And you look handsome, maybe we should find more reasons."
Like a chivalrous gentleman, he raised his arm towards her to disapparate and Alice slowly placed her hand on top of his. "Ready?" he asked, and as always, she nodded and closed her eyes.
Draco apparated them to a secluded garden on the Malfoy's grounds which she had never been to before. Ivy vines twirled around thin iron archways that enclosed them. Small firefly-like lights remained stationary and perfectly spaced throughout the greenery above, creating illuminated dots on them and the ground below.
Alice was unsure why Draco apparated her here and not the foyer where they could enter the grand hall. Her eyes looked questioningly at him, thinking perhaps he was avoiding the celebration a little longer. She gave him a suspicious smile.
"Al, I need to ask you something," he started, somewhat nervously.
"Okay, if this is about the party…" She thought he was trying to apologize in advance again for any possible impoliteness that came from the gala's guests.
"No," he interrupted and struggled with his next words, but quickly composed himself, "It's about us."
"Us?" Alice repeated slightly worried, thinking a talk about "us" could never be good.
"Yes us, since we've met, I've never felt anything more right." He then took her hands in his.
"It's been the same for me," Alice replied slightly relieved, but not sure where he was going with it.
"This rightness between us, it makes me realize I couldn't imagine life without you. I know it's sudden, but I want to make this commitment. What I'm trying to say," from his inner robe pocket he pulled out an intricately carved platinum ring, a family heirloom that had a large round diamond caddied by two smaller sliver cut emeralds, "Will you do me the honor and marry me?"
From hearing the words to seeing the ring, Alice felt like she apparated ten times over only to end up in the same spot speechless. Yes it was sudden, but in her heart she felt it was right. Draco brought not only a sense of peace to Alice, but she had given him her trust, which she never thought she'd be able to do. She knew she wanted to be with him forever, but he ended up asking her first.
She finally blurted out a "Yes!" Most likely the tersest reply she'd ever given. Draco slipped the ring on her finger before enveloping her in an embrace, lifting her slightly before kissing her lips. He was overjoyed and relieved, thinking perhaps she'd be concerned they were rushing into things.
"I couldn't imagine life without you either," Alice whispered, finding her ability to speak suppressed by the shock of what just happened. She looked at the unique ring now encircling her finger, "This is beautiful."
"This ring has been in the Malfoy family for generations, passed on to me to give to my future wife. I couldn't wait Al, I knew you were the one."
A big smile spread across Alice's face, "I felt the same, but," she thought about the reality, "What will your…"
"Father accepts it," Draco finished her sentence for her. While they never overtly discussed Lucius's discontent for their relationship, it was a point of worry for both of them. Alice was more than aware of the Malfoy's proud history of blood purity and despite Narcissa's support, Alice always suspected if marriage did come up there would be a problem.
"So you've already discussed it with him? I didn't think…" Alice thought such an acceptance this soon was impossible.
"Neither did I, but it wouldn't have stopped me either way," he said assured.
Reveling in their happiness a moment longer, they knew they should probably join the party and entered the back door. "Time to share the good news," Draco said happily.
The interior of the Malfoy Manor's grand hall had been transformed into an elaborate gala space, draped in translucent red fabric, white paper lanterns floated in the air, champagne bottles moved through the space like tangible specters, and long tables presented the finest cuisine the wizarding world had to offer. There was a five piece band playing classical music to complete the ambience. Narcissa had certainly spared no expense on making this a high-class event for high class attendees. Dressed in dashing suits and full length gowns, it was elite wizarding society through and through.
Standing a bit taller and feeling like he could face this event even better than before, Draco entered the hall's great doorway with Alice by his side; she felt like she exuded the joy she was feeling inside at that moment. Narcissa immediately noted their arrival, as did the rest of the guests, but she anxiously looked for a sign that Draco had accomplished his task. Draco then nodded to his mother with a smile and she knew.
"If I could have everyone's attention," Narcissa called out to the crowd, making everyone look towards her, "As you all know, you have been invited here to celebrate a grand achievement of my son, Draco, but I am also proud to announce another reason for celebration, the Malfoy family will soon be gaining a daughter, Alice and Draco are engaged."
There were some sounds of surprise and questioning looks amongst the attendees, but it was eclipsed by polite applause.
Nearby Draco's old classmate Blaise Zabini quickly went over to Draco and offered him his hand along with congratulations to the couple.
"Should have known you'd be the first," he said to Draco smugly, remembering their discussion months back about having difficulty finding the right girl and their pledge to both remedy it soon.
"Of course, I always beat you at everything," Draco said equally snide, making Blaise laugh.
Narcissa also made her way over to greet them. She immediately gave Alice a hug, "I couldn't be any happier Alice," she said while still embracing her by the shoulders.
"Me too," Alice replied, relieved by her support.
"You'll be a welcomed addition to this family," she said sincerely, "And on a side note, your hair! I honestly thought Draco brought another beautiful girl to the party. I love it!"
Prior to the couple's entry, Lucius was standing with several guests discussing business and trading propositions. One of the wizards he was speaking to immediately asked after the announcement, "You were aware this?"
"Of course I was aware of it," Lucius said annoyed though expecting these inquiries to come.
"And you condoned it?" he said surprised.
"As if there was a choice," he replied disdainfully.
A witch joined the conversation and said haughtily, "If my child did this, they'd be disowned."
"Of course they would," the first wizard agreed, "Perhaps that's what Lucius intends?"
"It would only be proper," the witch added, "To save your family the disgrace."
Feeling their comments inappropriate, even for him, Lucius said impolitely, "Unlike you, I would not let this break my family apart. If you excuse me." He decided to leave them and rejoin his wife. The idea of abandoning his son was never something Lucius was comfortable with, even though many pure-blood families were known to erase offspring from their family trees for marrying or cavorting with the "wrong sort." Both he and Narcissa came to believe that family should always come before ideology, a trait which unexpectedly kept them out of Azkaban after the war.
Gossiping continued and as Lucius walked through the room he could hear a witch say, "Oh my, would you look at Narcissa," they watched as Narcissa hugged Alice, "She looks absolutely overjoyed."
A wizard then added not too quietly, "The old ways are truly subsiding when one of the oldest pure-blood families willingly puts an end to their line."
Lucius wondered why such an announcement had to be made tonight of all nights, in front of so many families who would obviously find it distasteful. Perhaps it was part of Narcissa and Draco's continued ploy to change the family image, something he saw little value in, especially when it threatened his ulterior dealings. He approached his wife, who was still smiling and speaking all too proudly to Alice.
Alice noticed him and quickly told Narcissa to excuse her a moment as she went to show her gratitude to Mr. Malfoy for his acceptance. She went over to him with her hand out, saying sincerely, "Thank you so much for giving us your blessing, Mr. Malfoy."
He took her hand only to pull her forward to speak to her more discretely, "You managed to charm my son and my wife thus initiating the end of this family's blood purity, do not expect me to embrace you quite so easily."
Alice looked at him slightly disappointed by his words; she didn't speak but nodded in understanding of what he said.
"Alice," Narcissa came up from behind her, unaware of her husband's unkind remark, "I'd like you to meet some of my friends." Narcissa took her arm and led her off, and Alice willingly went, but first she looked back at Draco, giving him a reassuring smile, trying not to let what Mr. Malfoy said bother her.
Watching Alice look adoringly at Draco, Blaise said to his friend, "You're one lucky man." Even he thought she looked beautiful tonight.
"I know," Draco said quietly as he continued to watch Alice from afar.
Narcissa proudly introduced Alice to a group of fashionable witches who appeared at first snobby on her approach but warmed up shortly after when one of the witches asked, "Where did you get that astonishing dress? Is that muggle attire?"
"Yes, in London. I wouldn't know where to shop in the wizarding world," Alice said slightly embarrassed.
"Oh Narcissa, you should remedy that," the witch replied drinking a little more champagne.
"She's actually taken me shopping in the muggle world," Narcissa mentioned quite amused.
"Oh I heard about this," the one witch remembered in conversation over tea with Narcissa, "I loved the outfit Narcissa was wearing that day, all muggle made."
"I had no idea muggle fashion was so…fashionable," another witch said surprised.
Narcissa added, "You all must find the courage to go, honestly, I did the best shopping that day."
The ladies all nodded in amusement and one asked, "Now Alice, your grandfather was Albus Dumbledore, any other magical relatives?"
"I don't believe so," Alice replied politely.
"I see," the one witch replied disdainfully.
Narcissa then mused happily, "If you didn't know, Alice will be a teaching at Hogwarts next year, along with Draco. I never imagined I'd have professors in the family,"
"The Malfoys will soon be known for being studious," another witch laughed, "My son is currently going into his final year at Hogwarts. Perhaps he'll be one of your students?"
"Unfortunately I'll only be teaching sixth year students," Alice said.
"That's a shame," she replied haughtily, "It would have been such a novelty for him to be taught by a muggle."
"How is Broderick?" Narcissa quickly interrupted, "I'm sure he's a dashing lad like his father now."
Alice suspected this may be the mother of the same Broderick Pryce who hit on her before her first apparating lesson.
"Oh, he's definitely matured and has become rather interested in taking over the family business. It's a relief really, since all he used to dream about was playing quidditch."
Another witch added pompously, "My Shelton was the same, dreamt of being a famous dragon master only to end up in the trading business building quite an empire. Was Draco the same, Narcissa?"
"Surprisingly Draco always had an interest in potions and did quite well at Hogwarts, he was even head boy," said Narcissa proudly thinking back, "I would never have assumed he'd already be a Potions Master, but as we all know, Slytherin's are the most ambitious out of the lot."
They all nodded in agreement.
"Oh my," the lady who Alice assumed was Mrs. Pryce started, feigning her embarrassment with a hand over her mouth, "I was just going to ask Alice which house she was in but then remembered, you were completely muggle taught, correct dear?"
"That's right, it's a very different educational system, as you can imagine." Alice wondered why she insisted on raising the muggle card again.
"I couldn't possibly," she said slightly amused, "Without magic, what is there to learn?"
Alice wondered if this question was a serious one, but tried to remain respectful in her reply, "Many other important subjects are taught like science, mathematics, literature, foreign languages, history…and many students study beyond secondary education or seventh year as you call it to earn specialized degrees. I completed a doctorate, which is the most advanced and requires another eight or so years of education."
"I wasn't aware it was so extensive, maybe muggles really have come a long way in their intelligence."
Alice gave a slight smile in agreement, reminding herself to be polite though this woman's ignorance was starting to bother her. She was especially overjoyed to have suddenly felt a familiar hand on her back, hopefully there to whisk her away.
"Excuse me ladies, if you don't mind, there's many people I'd like to introduce my fiancé to," Draco sounded quite charming at that moment and Alice wondered if the heat from her cheeks was visible.
"It was lovely meeting you all," Alice said before being led by Draco out of their circle. She then whispered to him, "Thanks for that."
"Don't mention it," he said while leading her to the other side of the room.
With Draco by her side, the guests were less willing to comment negatively on their engagement and she made it through the evening somewhat unscathed. Most of all she enjoyed talking to Horace Slughorn, who, after a few glasses of champagne, had the most amusing stories to tell. Draco told her later that she probably found them interesting only because she had never heard them before, unlike most of his acquaintances.
After all the champagne was poured and when the last of the guests left the party, Narcissa clapped her hands and said proudly, "I consider that a success."
"It was a wonderful party Narcissa, I loved how you decorated the place," Alice said, as the family moved themselves to the drawing room to unwind. She was really impressed by the manor's transformation into an airy and sophisticated banquet hall.
"And you were a trooper Alice, my friends were quite impressed," Narcissa said sincerely.
"Oh, I'm glad," Alice replied, unsure if it was true considering some of their comments, "I assumed I wouldn't be the only one surprised by tonight's announcement."
"Well, Draco can be blamed for all of that," she said looking back at him as they walked, "He probably would have asked you weeks ago but I'm glad he did so on a proper occasion."
"Is that so?" Alice asked Draco suspiciously.
"The thought did cross my mind," he smiled back at her.
"Yet you chose tonight and unsteadied my business relations," Lucius remarked irately.
"Father, I'm sure you'll gain a foothold again, besides it's only your hobby" Draco said back.
Lucius crossed his arms, looking more than annoyed, for it was not only his business that was unsteadied that evening, but his whole social standing.
Narcissa noticed her husband's disdain, and said optimistically, "Lucius, whatever you lost tonight, you will soon gain a daughter."
"Lovely," Lucius said derisively, pouring himself a small glass of tonic at the wet bar.
"Alice, have you given thought to your wedding?" Narcissa asked while propping herself on an armchair, most likely interested if she could be of assistance.
"Oh, I haven't actually," Alice said, realizing again the newness of being engaged.
"You must have thought about it before though?" Narcissa prodded.
"I know it's assumed most young girls dream of their future wedding, but I honestly never thought I'd get married or find the right guy for that matter," she then looked happily at Draco.
"Glad I could remedy that," Draco joked, though he liked how atypical Alice was.
"Never took you for a pessimist," Lucius asked slightly interested that she wasn't always the shining light of life that he took her to be.
"Perhaps it's something we have in common," Alice smirked.
Narcissa laughed, "She has a point." Lucius was not amused at the sentiment, however.
"But in terms of a ceremony, I don't know Draco," she looked for his opinion, "Maybe we should keep it small, for our immediate families."
Draco nodded, "I think that's necessary considering," he thought a clash of two large populations of magical folk and muggles would be worrisome. "We have this winter or the spring, during the school breaks."
"So soon?" Lucius asked surprised, perhaps wanting them to wait it out a bit longer for his sake.
Narcissa ignored her husband, "A winter wedding could be quite astonishing if it's put together properly."
"We should probably keep it simple though," Draco said, knowing his mother's planning mode had come on.
"Of course, and I hear your father and his family will be in town soon. They are going to come over for dinner, correct?" Narcissa asked.
"Yes, speaking of, I have to tell him the news," Alice wondered how he'd react to her being engaged.
"Actually, he knows," Draco replied, "I called earlier today to ask for his permission."
"You didn't?" Alice was shocked.
"I know what you're going to say, actually your father told me," Draco said embarrassed, "He said you'd dislike the gendered aspect of my asking, but you'd more than likely forgive me for my mistake."
Alice started laughing, "My father does know me. Although it explains the conversation I had with him this afternoon. Obviously he's okay with it." It now made sense why her father seemed overly sentimental than usual on the phone with her earlier that day.
"Yeah, he actually told me a story of how he met your mother," Draco remembered.
Alice smiled and thought back, "They fell in love fast and married three months later."
"He said sometimes you just know so there's no use in waiting. And he added that he'd be surprised if you said no."
"Did he? Well, I do speak highly of you most of the time," Alice said slyly.
"Thanks," Draco smirked.
Narcissa listened cheerfully to their conversation, "You two make me wish I was young again. Can you even remember when we were their age Lucius? Seems like ages ago now."
"It was ages ago," Lucius said dryly as he started to read that evening's Daily Prophet; obviously not as charmed by Alice and Draco's conversation as his wife.
"Your father and I met at school, and he liked me well before I even noticed him," Narcissa started highly amused by the memory.
"He must have been persistent then," Alice said overly intrigued, mainly because she could tell Mr. Malfoy was getting irritated by the discussion.
"Believe me, persistent well after graduation. That's when I gave him a chance. On our first date he…"
"You don't think I will just sit here and allow you to…" Lucius was at a loss for words.
"Embarrass you?" Narcissa completed his sentence, "Well, let's just say he's more romantic than he looks."
Alice stifled a laugh and she could tell Narcissa was intentionally goading Mr. Malfoy on, much to her own delight.
Changing the subject slightly Alice said, "I actually find it amazing how everyone seems to have gone to Hogwarts, it really connects people in this realm."
"It certainly does," Narcissa agreed, "You spend the majority of your teenage years there making friends, creating enemies. Everyone knows everyone around their age group because of that school, unless they happened to be sent somewhere else. "
"I guess so, makes me feel a little at a disadvantage in terms of knowing people's history," Alice remarked, feeling that lack of significance in her life when trying to connect on the same level with wizarding folks.
"I can imagine," Narcissa agreed, "That school engages everyone's life in some way, from going there to sending their children there. Of course, it also creates the intolerance that you've witnessed. I hear it's much better now."
Draco added, "I'm not so sure if its better, only less pronounced than in the past. Not to mention losing the war helped."
"Well," Naricissa thought, "It did place most of the old adherents in Azkaban or dead."
"Are there other Death Eaters who are still free?" Alice asked curiously.
"Not from what I know," Narcissa replied, "Honestly, if it wasn't for my adoring husband and my wonderful son, I could have gone the same way. We all could have."
"I heard about what you did Narcissa, and I thought it was incredibly brave," Alice was referring to Narcissa's lie to Voldemort about Harry Potter being deceased.
Narcissa smiled, honored by her comment, "Yes, at that point all I cared about was finding Draco, Lucius would have done the same."
"If presented the opportunity," Lucius remarked from behind the paper.
"We had very few at that time, horrible to look back on now, but a happy ending keeps unraveling. And I honestly haven't seen Draco this happy."
Alice, who was sitting next to Draco on a sofa, put her hand on his.
Narcissa then said proudly, "The Malfoys will always put family first. And now that you're going to be a part of our family, you should probably know more of its history."
"I think I sifted through most of it for her already, not the cheeriest topic," Draco replied.
"But certainly not the most uninteresting either," Alice said assuredly, "I mean, you have a history, generations upon generations of it. I can't say the same for what I know about my own side."
Lucius shifted in his chair, unpleased with the thought of her muggle ancestry.
"Well, no history is more likely to mean a pleasant one," Draco joked.
"Perhaps," Alice smirked, "Or a boring one."
"Depends on how you look at it, but the past members in this family will certainly make your skin crawl. I already told you about my mother-in-law," Narcissa said jokingly; wondering what Lucius's reaction would be as he continued to sit and read the paper.
Lowering the paper, Lucius looked at his wife with one eyebrow raised, "Must you always insist on insulting my mother?"
"Oh, he was listening," Narcissa said feigning surprised. "So what do you think Lucius? We should introduce Alice to some Malfoy traditions, especially since you'll be living here."
Alice realized that marriage would most likely mean moving into Malfoy Manor, an odd thought at that moment.
"We haven't discussed that yet mother," Draco interrupted, again somewhat embarrassed at her forwardness.
"No need to hurry things Narcissa," Lucius was slightly annoyed by his wife's persistence, but not taking his eyes from the paper, "Besides, Alice will first need to learn to apparate before it's even tenable for her to relocate."
"Don't remind me," Alice remarked, "The classes haven't exactly been instructive."
"Oh that's right, you've been taking classes at the Ministry," Narcissa said as if she suddenly remembered, "You'll get it eventually, it takes time for everyone."
"Not everyone," Lucius said smugly.
"Oh please, like you did it any faster than anyone else," Narcissa said sarcastically. "Once you do get it dear, you're perfectly welcome to apparate right into our foyer. No need to stand outside the door and wait for that dawdling house elf to do his job."
"Thank you, I'll remember that," Alice said pleased, feeling like it was the wizarding world equivalent of getting a spare key, "Hopefully I won't have to extend my lessons. I only have four left in this series."
"I'll work with you this week on it," Draco said, assuring her. "I honestly think Alice overanalyzes magic, otherwise she'd be brilliant at it."
"That's years of critical, theoretical and skeptical training at work, very difficult to go against," Alice said lightheartedly, knowing Draco was probably right in the first part of his analysis, "I know I have to make magic more than just an accessory, but it hasn't become an innate part of my life yet."
"Do you use magic often, I mean outside of training?" Narcissa asked.
"Honestly no, my day to day life hasn't changed. I assume apparating will become my main use of it though. And I think that's probably the most amazing magical thing a muggle could dream of learning. Teleporting yourself anywhere is only sci-fi fantasy where I come from," Alice said amused.
"Quite a lofty aspiration to be imagined by mere muggles," Lucius remarked from his chair sarcastically.
"One thing muggles do not lack is imagination," Alice said boldly back, "Besides, almost everything in this realm has its own mythos in mine. Magic, wizards, dragons, goblins, trolls, they're all written in the pages of muggle fiction. Somehow we just convinced ourselves they're not real. "
"And you just managed to figure it out?" Lucius queried suspiciously.
"Well, it took awhile, but the Death Eaters weren't exactly covert in their debauchery, nor was the Ministry's cleanup completely efficient," Alice was referring to what allowed her to write her book on 20th century conspiracies and government cover-ups of the magical world. "I didn't really believe it myself until being taken into custody. It's hard to go back on a lifetime of disbelief."
"I think you still carry that disbelief with you to a certain extent," Draco said.
"Definitely," Alice agreed, "Every time I see something implausible I have to stop and remind myself that things don't work the same way here. Even with my own abilities, they're easier to forget than to use."
"Perhaps you should try using magic more often dear," Narcissa said encouragingly, "Especially those domestic spells I taught you. If you become more comfortable using it casually, it'll feel more natural."
"I also promise more useful spells are waiting in the upper grade level books," Draco reminded her, since they had only just started level four of The Standard Book of Spells, "You've only gotten the basics."
Alice agreed with their sentiments, "With the school year approaching, I definitely need to step up my learning. If only I had longer days."
"That's possible," Draco said seriously, though knowing it would surprise her.
"What?" Alice said shocked.
"We could find you a time turner," Draco replied casually.
"No no no, I'm really not interested in messing with the time-space continuum and the fact that you can is, well, there's an example of me being dumbfounded of the possibility. I'll do it the muggle way for now."
"Speaking of time, it's already after midnight," Narcissa said a bit alarmed that they had been conversing for that long. "I think we would do better with our time if we got a good night's rest."
"I couldn't agree with you more," Alice replied. After saying goodnight, Draco apparated her back to her flat where he would stay the night.
Narcissa went to stand by Lucius's side as he looked into the empty fireplace, contemplating the night's events.
"Thank you for being civil tonight," Narcissa said, grateful that he dealt with everything better than she expected.
Lucius finished the last of the tonic in his glass before speaking, "If Alice ever intends to be a proper member of this family, she needs to accept the fact that she's a witch and start acting like one."
"And we need to accept the fact that she's also part muggle," Narcissa said steadily, placing his hand on his arm, and then trying to counter her husband with reason, "She's learning, you could do the same."
He said nothing, but Narcissa tugged lightly on his arm and they both readily retired for the evening.