17. Chapter

The Last Preparations

Lucius was letting himself sink down on one of the armchairs with the help of his mate. His head was still pounding and his chest was still rising agitatedly, but otherwise he seemed to be fine. While he was trying to regain his composure, Narcissa had called for a house elf and had ordered it to bring her and Lucius a vial of Calming Draught. As soon as the small creature returned, Narcissa pressed the vial into Lucius' hand and motioned for him to drink it.

While she waited for the draught to enfold its calming presence, Narcissa sat down in the armchair opposite of Lucius and waited for him to continue his tale. She couldn't believe what he had told her moments ago. It was just too weird, too good to be true.

A small, content sigh informed her that Lucius was ready and about to start.

"Everything was just like it normal was. The Dark Lord was waiting for us to arrive at His throne hall, sat in this disgusting, gigantic throne, petted His snake and wielded His wand. The last one to arrive, even though he was on time, was tortured nearly endlessly with the Crutiatus Curse. It was a full meeting, like every important meeting has been until now. The Inner Circle was there, the normal Death Eaters and even all of the new recruits. I have to say that I was wondering a bit as to why they were all there. The last time had been before the Dark Lord wanted us to invade the Ministry and to get some Order members killed."

His eyes held a far away look in them and his voice became void of emotions. Narcissa immediately realized that her mate was remembering what had happened and saw everything which had happened before his inner eye again. Narcissa held her breath and tried to keep as quite as possible, so that she wouldn't disrupt this flash back.

"But then something strange and surprising happened. The Dark Lord stood up from His chair and walked to the centre of the room. When He stood in the centre, the Dark Lord raised His arms and proclaimed with a booming and full of himself voice that He had finally found His way to immorality. He had done some serious research and had come across some rather interesting passages in an old book written in Latin. He didn't want to share His knowledge, no, He had only ordered us to his Mansion so that we could watch Him succeed."

A sudden shudder ran over his body and made her shiver. With some worry and a lot of concern in her eyes, Narcissa observed her mate. Should it be necessary, she already had another bottle of Calming Draught in the bag of her robes. Just in case, she thought.

"The ritual was gross, gross even for the Dark Lord. I won't tell you what exactly happened as I can't; just to remember it makes me feel unwell and disgusted. I want to spare you, love, you don't deserve such torture. All you need to know is that blood sacrifices were needed. Untainted, young, pure and holy blood. But not only this blood had to be sacrificed, some young girls' untaintedness, too. I really don't want to explain this further. Then the Dark Lord drank several different but potent potions and poisons. A long, Latin chant was spoken, several parts of it in Parsel and the ritual was completed."

With a long, suffering sigh Lucius closed his eyes and tried in vain to suppress the terrible and horrible memories which threatened to float his mind. He wouldn't be able to support them, no, they were just to brutal, just too much. The Dark Lord had really outdone himself this evening. If it wasn't for the bond which he shared with his mate, Lucius surely would have already gone mad or would have broken long time before. As if she was reading his mind, Narcissa placed a calming hand on Lucius' arm. When he opened his eyes, Lucius saw her smiling at him reassuringly. As he wasn't able to do anything else, Lucius smiled faintly back at her and tried to continue his story.

"What exactly happened after that, I really can't tell you. At first, it looked as if He had succeeded. A bright light engulfed Him, which disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared. His features started to change. The old, disgusting, snake-like appearance vanished and was slowly changing into some more human and more handsome features. After the transformation had finished, He looked like His former, normal self, except He seemed to be glowing."

Lucius gulped and another shiver ran over his still hunched body. The memory was just plain horrible and retelling the events wasn't any better. But to stop now wouldn't help him; no, it would only make it worse.

"But then it happened. The Dark Lord wanted to open His mouth, to probably proclaim and declare His words of victory, but nothing came out of His mouth except a strangled, cracking sound. Suddenly His hands flew to His throat and He grabbed it. He seemed to be in pain, great deals of pain. His shoulders started to twitch and His body started to tremble. He tried to close His mouth, but some strange, invisible force kept it open."

The disgust and the revolt in his voice became so thick that Narcissa feared her mate might get sick and they would have to make a pause. But somehow, Lucius got a hold of himself and continued, though with some problems.

"Then His whole body became rigid. But it was clear it wasn't over yet. Though He couldn't move and stood stock still, His eyes were able to move and shone brightly with pain and even something akin to fear. And then His eyes suddenly started to change. The purple-red was slowly fading into a light, nearly white grey. It was really gruesome to say. And suddenly His mouth, though already open, opened wider and after another few moments, a sudden stream of white, foggy vapour erupted from His mouth and stayed for some more moments in the air, before it vanished into nothingness."

A long sigh escaped his mouth. What he had just told her was unheard of and had never happened once before for all they knew. He shook his head carefully and then turned around to look at his mate. His love was staring at him with her mouth wide open and incredulity and amazement plain visible in her beautiful, light blue eyes.

"As soon as the vapour had vanished, the Dark Lord's whole body, though still completely rigid, was changing. His features started to relax and His skin, though slowly and nearly invisible, was starting to melt away. Only His bones and organs remained, but sooner than later they started to vanish, too. Mere minutes later there was nothing left of the Dark Lord anymore."

Lucius extended his arm, carefully grabbed his mate's upper arm and then pulled the surprised, but not resisting veela on his lap. Surprised, Narcissa laid her head on Lucius' shoulder. Lucius placed his hand on Narcissa's head mindlessly and carefully stroked through her long, silk, blond hair. A content sigh escaped her lips, which caused Lucius to smile and to lower her voice as he continued.

"Severus thinks that the potions and poisons were too much for his body. He had already undergone quite a number of rituals before. And this last one involved such different, potent and dangerous poisons that it must have been too much for his already plagued organism. That was why his flesh and bones have melted away."

While he stroked through her long, silky hair mindlessly, Lucius realized how his mate relaxed.

"The white vapour probably was the Dark Lord's soul, or better that, what was left of it. The Dark Lord has split His soul numerous times in order to gain immortality. He must have done it at least nine times already. This night, the ritual He hold, was to split His soul another time. Normally one can't die if his or her soul is split. But in the case of the Dark Lord it must have been different. His soul was already fractioned so often that splitting it another time was too much. The part of the soul left in the Dark Lord's body was too small and too damaged for him to be able to live. So, after his soul was split another time, it was too small to be divided and therefore the whole rest of it left his body. And without soul, nobody is able to live."

The silence was heavy though pleasant. Narcissa had her head lying on Lucius' shoulder and her hands grabbed the hem of Lucius' robes, while Lucius was carefully and lovingly stroking her hair. The fire in the fire place was burning brightly and somewhere in a far away room of their Mansion was an ancient clock chiming.

"So he is dead for good? Is it over? Forever?"

Her voice was small, quiet and a little muffled by his robes. The warmth of her breath crept through his clothes and slowly met his cold flesh. A shiver of contentedness and happiness washed over his hurting body. With a sigh of gratitude Lucius slowly closed his eyes and rested his head against his mate's.

"Yes, he is gone forever."

Draco groaned, turned around in his comfortable, king-sized bed and felt for his mate. It always made him feel so calm when he could feel the warmth and the softness of her body, how her chest steadily rose and the way her hair was smelling delightfully. Waking up next to her in the morning was like being in heaven. He wouldn't want to miss it for anything in the world.

As it was a Saturday morning, he would have all the time he wished for to enjoy lying next to her.

Bad was only that his mate wasn't there. The space next to him was empty, the sheets cold and his overly good mood immediately gone. When he frowned and groaned, Draco grudgingly opened his eyes and slowly blinked against the startlingly bright sunlight. He pulled himself on his elbows, lazily stretched and then looked around the room.

His mate must have already gotten up. Her space of the bed was tidied up, her pyjama was folded up and the robe, which she had placed on the chair the night before, was missing, too. The blond veela titled his head to the side and tried to listen intently, so that he could figure out, where his mate might be at the moment.

But before he even had the time to do so, the door to their bathroom opened and his mate, who was clad in a nice, form fitting dark blue, nearly black dress with her formal black and silver robes hanging over her arm, left the slight vapour filled bathroom. Her hair was made in a time consuming bun with several curly strands falling to her back. She really looked good, Draco absently noted and silently questioned himself, what he had missed again.

"Are you going anywhere, love? You're up and about so early."

In surprise, Kiara spun around and looked at him with wide eyes. She must have thought that he was still asleep and wouldn't wake up for another hour or two, Draco figured out. Her eyes were wide open and her mouth wasn't closed completely. But as soon her gaze fell on his ruffled and sleepy face, a fond and loving smile crept over her features and her eyes lit up with laughter.

"Good morning, dear. Of course I'm up so early. If you remember your mother's last afternoon visit, she has decided that it is time for me, Ana and her to look for a wedding dress and to decide about what the bride maids should wear. She wants to start at eleven o'clock and as I'm sure, this will take us at least the rest of the day, we should work on our guest list this morning. The sooner we finish this up, the better."

A groan informed her that her mate had understood her quite well and was about to get up soon. While she smiled and chuckled to herself, Kiara left the room and went to their kitchen. After she had ordered the house elves to prepare a healthy and rich breakfast, Kiara watched how the table set itself. A few minutes later and the food would appear. So she fetched an old newspaper and the newly arrived one and let herself sink down on her chair.

One article, which had been published last week, had caused quite the uproar. An entire newspaper was just circling around one theme: the destruction of Voldemort. Nobody seemed to know what had happened exactly and those who knew were bright enough not to give their knowledge away. As Voldemort had been vanished for good, all traces of his existence, mainly the dark marks on his followers' forearms, had vanished, too. So now it was not only highly improbable but outright impossible to prove one's activities with the former Dark Lord.

As nobody knew what had happened, the gossip started to spread and the more time passed the more ridiculous it became. Some were thinking that Voldemort had been kidnapped by aliens to investigate his organism. Others thought that he suddenly grew a heart and all the pressure and guilt of the sins he had committed caused his heart to fail. Others again thought that he tried to seek out alliances with some voodoo priests and that they, instead of worshipping him, sacrificed him in some occult and dark ritual. And the last but most weird group thought that it was Harriet Potter's doing that they could live in peace now.

This only caused Kiara to snort. If she could be sure of one thing then that the downfall of Voldemort was not caused by her. This very evening she had been sitting in their living room and had been thinking with Anastasia about what could be the perfect gift for her beloved husband to be and later, after Anastasia had left to wait for Severus to return home and after Draco had returned from his Quidditch training, they had been cuddling in front of the fireplace and had brainstormed where their wedding could be held.

Lucius and Severus had both sent them a note and explained exactly and with nearly every detail imaginable what had happened this faithful night. To say that Draco and Kiara had been delighted by the thought that Voldemort had killed himself efficiently due to an overdose of deadly and dark magic, was an understatement. It was most ironic.

"So, let's get started, love. Who would you like to invite to our wedding?"

She had been so engrossed in rereading the newspaper article that she hadn't even noticed Draco entering. When she looked up from the paper in her hands, she saw how Draco let himself sink down on the chair next to her. This very moment the food arrived, a nice small of coffee, fresh bread, milk, fruits and jam hit their noses. While she took Draco's cup and filling it, Kiara became pensive.

"Normally, I would have said that all people, who should attend my wedding, should only be my best friends and those I consider family. Last year it would have been Hermione and all the Weasleys. Seeing as now things have changed and all of my friends are friends of yours, I wish for Anastasia, Severus, your Aunt Lucrezia and her husband to attend. Whom of your friends shall be invited, may totally be up to you."

Draco hummed in agreement, as he was currently sipping his coffee. While he buttered his croissant and placed jam on it, Draco started to think.

"Well, then let's invite our best friends, shall we not? I'm thinking about inviting Pansy and Theodore and Daphne and Blaise. Millicent unfortunately won't be able to come. She is invited to join her family in the outer lands of France for a big family gathering. Some cousin of her is going to get married to some French pureblood woman and she has to congratulate. And Vincent and Gregory won't be able to come either. Both families of them have plans to send them on a diet cure for the time being. So to visit a wedding with a full and overwhelming buffet won't be the right thing for them."

Kiara nodded her head in acknowledgement and understanding.

"Okay, so we have both your parents, your aunt and your uncle, Ana, Severus, Pansy, Theodore, Daphne, Blaise and of course both of us. Plus the priest to hold the ceremony. This makes thirteen people. A good number of guests, not too many and too few. Your mother will be pleased to know that we won't have to look for another location. All guests will fit in."

Draco sipped from his coffee, while he looked at his mate with a little teasing smile.

"I must say that you just made mother's day by suggesting to hold the wedding at Malfoy Manor. Most Malfoy weddings were held at other locations. To hold it there brings our wedding's importance to the spot light. And I must say that I really like it. The big winter garden is just perfect for it. While outside the snow will be falling and everything will be white and icy, inside the flowers will blossom. Mother is quite sure that it will look most wonderful and romantic."

Kiara couldn't suppress the groan which threatened to escape her mouth.

"I know, the flowers. Those will be taken care of the next week. I don't know, if I can see another set of flowers for the next years again. But first of all we have to take care of the dresses and suits. This will be horrific and time consuming, if nothing less. She made me look at all the wedding gowns for the last centuries to figure out what could look good on me. Am I mistaken, but I thought this was the dress maker's job?"

Draco chuckled lightly, leaned back into his chair and watched his mate through lidded eyes. She really looked beautiful this morning.

"I'm sure whatever you are going to decide to wear, you will look breathtaking and most wonderful in the wedding you choose. There isn't anything that wouldn't look good on you. But I have to say, I don't envy you for having to go on a shopping tour with my mother. At least only my father and Uncle Severus will accompany me."

Kiara rolled her eyes and groaned in dismay. She stood up from her chair and went to fetch a parchment and a quill. As they had finished eating, Draco got up from his chair, too, and motioned for the house elves to take the remaining food away and to reset the table. Just when the table was clean again, Kiara returned with a quill, some sheets of parchment and some ink.

"I will inform Pansy and Daphne. As both will be bride maids together with Ana, they should accompany me today so that the dresses will be fitting for them. After all, we wouldn't want them to look bad on this special day now, would we?"

A light laugh ensued through the room. No, that they wouldn't want at all.

Two hours later Kiara was standing in a wedding dresses shop. Hundreds of different dresses, one more beautiful than the one before, were hanging at the cloth hangers at the hallstands. Anastasia was currently taking her cloaks and her bag to guard it away, so that she would be able to dress properly. On two seats were sitting Daphne and Pansy, who looked around with wide eyes and awe, while Narcissa was looking for the shop owner.

"Ah, Ms. Balgakow. How lovely of you to come to my shop and grace it with your presence. I'm honoured, most honoured."

Kiara smiled lightly and shook the young witch's hand. She had a really nice and beautiful face with blond long hair and blue eyes. The smile which greeted her, was just as warm and heart widening as hers. Carefully she stepped around the important, young Mistress and turned to greet Narcissa, Anastasia, Pansy and Daphne. After she had offered them seats, had taken their cloaks and bags to guard them and offered tea and biscuits, the young shop owner by the name of Clarissa, turned to Kiara with a friendly smile.

"First of all, Ms. Balgakow, my most sincerest congratulations to your upcoming wedding with Mr. Malfoy. I wish for you to have a perfect wedding. So, what would you wish for your wedding gown?"

Kiara tilted her head in thought and started to frown lightly. Yes, this was a good question, a very good question indeed. What was she wishing for her wedding gown to be? She hadn't been thinking too much about it during the last few days. There had been just too many things on her troubled mind: the proposal, the wedding and Voldemort's downfall. During those moments she realized that she was missing her former friends. She had found good friends in Slytherin, too, but they just knew each other for four months. It wasn't the same.

"I was thinking about an elegant, white, not too overdone dress. It can be knee, ankle or floor long. It can be strapless or with straps, it can be romantic or plane. I really don't mind. The most important thing is that it should look good on me."

Clarissa clapped her hands in joy and smiled broadly at the young Mistress before her. It had been a while since the last time a customer had entered and had given her absolute freedom for the dress. Most times the women would enter with an exact idea and wish for their dress. And Clarissa, being the shop owner and dress designer, had to go with their wishes, as bad and revolting as they may look. Honestly, a Lady at the age of eighty wearing a small, formfitting, back free, mini-dress? It just didn't look good, but as the Lady was the one who paid her, she wasn't allowed to state her thoughts. But this sounded really interesting.

"Well, stand up, Ms. Balgakow, there are a lot of things you can try on. Oh my, this will take us a while, but no worry, you will look good in everything."

She waved her wand and a beautiful, white dress floated over to her waiting arms. Clarissa took it carefully, then walked over to where a single changing room was located and motioned for Kiara to step in. When she walked over, Kiara carefully took the wedding gown and the disappeared into the changing room. A light ruffling sound could be heard where the other five woman were waiting with great expectations.

"Ohh, you look so sweet!"

The three girls were squealing in delight and happiness, when their gazes fell on the dark haired girl standing in front of them, wearing a beautiful dress in white. Kiara blushed lightly, turned around and looked at the dress with a lot of uneasiness. Narcissa, who had remained silent in the background, could understand her uneasiness all to well.

"I don't know. I doesn't fit me right. The way it's cut, it just doesn't seem to be right. With the left side being so much longer than the right side and the longer sleeve on the left side… No, I'm sorry, Clarissa, but this dress isn't made for me."

But Clarissa just waved her worries away and motioned for Kiara to step back into the changing room and take off the dress. While Kiara was changing, the shop owner went to the dresses and looked them through. Not much later did her eyes start to twinkle. After she had taken the dress, Clarissa went over to the changing cabin and held the dress inside. While Kiara was changing, Clarissa put the asymmetric dress away.

"Oh no, Kiara love, this won't do. This won't do at all!"

While she was laughing outright at the outrage of her older sister, Kiara looked down at the dress. A real horde of lace and ruches ran down the long skirt and her form fitting top, which looked like a real cascade made of textiles. The dress had no clipping at all, as it went up until her chin and went down to the wrist of her hands. At least the dress was of a pure white and not some whitish-yellowish colour. Would it have been this way, the dress could have been named dress of hell.

"No, Kiara, you look like my grand-grandmother when she married. This won't do at all."

Kiara was still laughing lightly, especially when she imagined Draco's scandalised and horrified expression on his face, and returned to the changing cabin to put of the horrible wedding gown. Outside she could hear the shop owner search through the dresses again, while the quite, yet clearly recognizable voices of Narcissa and Anastasia could be heard whispering. The Malfoy Mistress was obviously quite dissatisfied with the way their search went and was about to leave the shop and search for the perfect wedding gown in another shop.

"I'm sorry, I disturbed you Mrs. Malfoy. It was just a small joke I couldn't resist. I never expected for Ms. Balgakow to choose this dress. Please, don't be offended by this careless act."

Kiara had to giggle to herself, as she could hear how her mother-in-law to be silently dismissed the shop owner. In the background she could also hear her big sister and her best friends laugh freely at the strange situation, when Clarissa brought her another dress and held it into the changing cabin. With quick but careful movements, Kiara put the wedding gown on, straightened the skirt and the top and then pulled the curtain away. When she left the cabin, Kiara turned around so that her family and friends would have a better view at her and the dress.

"Oh, wow, Kiara, that really looks nice. What do you think, Mrs. Malfoy?"

While she turned around with not so much self-assuredness as most would expect, Kiara looked down at the dress she was wearing. The wedding gown was a very plane and simple one, nevertheless it looked really good on Kiara. It was very form fitting, leaving her shoulders and arms free, with a straight cleavage and a very tight skirt. All in all it was a very modern dress, as it only had what was absolutely needed to form a dress. Narcissa, just like the girls, was looking at the dress with acceptance and slightly nodded appraisingly.

"Yes, Pansy, the dress really does look good on Kiara. I think it would even be suitable for you to wear at the wedding."

Kiara meanwhile was looking at herself in the large mirror which was standing next to the big changing cabin. The expression in her big, green eyes was one of pure insecurity and sceptical disbelieve. A slight frown was on her otherwise happy and content face. Her brows were furrowed and her hands neatly placed on her hips. Kiara sighed deeply, turned around and looked at the women facing her with a sad and sorrowful expression.

"I'm really sorry, but this dress doesn't fit me. Well, no, it does fit me, but I can't imagine myself wearing this dress at wedding. It just doesn't seem right. Would it be okay for you to search a little more, for a dress which makes me feel comfortable?"

The three girls and the actual Malfoy Mistress were looking more than a little disappointed at her decision to search for another dress, as the one she was wearing was fitting her perfectly. It just presented her in a special light and a certain way, which may not be the way Kiara wanted to be seen by her family and especially her husband-to-be. The straight cut and the plane and simple style made her colder and snobbier than she could ever be if only she tried for it.

Not to forget that she looked boring in it.

While Kiara changed in the changing cabin, the shop owner looked around the huge amount of dresses with a critical frown on her face. All of them were beautiful, precious, special and an eye catcher in their own way. But at the same time most demanded to be worn a certain type of woman. And this was where her problem was lying. She had to figure out what kind of woman Ms. Balgakow was to appease her and the even sterner mother-in-law to be. Clarissa let her eyes wander over the white dresses and silently the shop owner was muttering to herself.

Suddenly, however, she stopped. With careful movements her hands travelled over the fine material. A daring but impressive thought crossed her mind. If she played this right, this could turn out perfectly for all of them. As she had made up her mind, the young woman carefully took the white, shining dress, hung it over her arm and then walked over to where Kiara was waiting for her. Clarissa held the dress through the thick and soft curtains, while the five women were waiting for the bride-to-be to present herself before them.

When they heard the ruffle inside of the changing cabin, the five ladies steadily grew more and more excited. Mere moments later the long and heavy curtains opened and Kiara, clad in a white dress, stepped out of the changing cabin. What they saw, made them open their mouth but stay quiet, as they were speechless.

"Kiara, wow, you look absolutely stunning!"

The majestic dress was sparkling in the bright midday sun, hugging her figure perfectly. With a wave of awe the five women noticed how the dress seemed to fit Kiara so perfectly that it looked as if it had been made only for her. It was most elegant, a little special but not in an overly done way. She looked like a princess, a shy and generous princess. With her long, black hair cascading down the wedding gown and her slightly but not too much tanned skin forming a nice contrast against the perfectly white dress and her sparkling, bright emerald green eyes, Kiara looked beyond beautiful.

While Kiara was looking at herself in the huge mirror shyly, as she wasn't really able to believe that the stunning beauty was her, Narcissa was smiling at her daughter-to-be with fondness. The girl, she often realised, was too shy, modest and good for her own good. While other girls would be showing off their good looks, Kiara looked as if she was feeling unwell to be such a beauty. She had talked with her family about it and now she knew that Kiara never saw herself as a beautiful girl who earned to be courted by an equally handsome man. The very thought seemed to be quite strange to her. Narcissa had hoped that the time which Kiara had spent with Draco would have changed some of this attitude. Unfortunately it seemed like it hadn't.

Poor Draco would have to work quite a lot with and on her.

"Well, I think I can speak in the name of all of us that we will take this dress. There can't be possibly any other wedding gown which could look better on her than this. Thank you very much, Clarissa, for your help. You did a marvellous job."

The happy grin on the clerk's face made them realise how important Narcissa's consent had been for her. While Kiara was ordered to go back into the changing cabin and change out of the dress, so that Clarissa was able to wrap it up, the five other women made their way over to the brides maids' dresses. On their way there, Pansy spotted a nice show-case with one of the most stunning jewellery the girl had ever seen. She was about to request to have a look at these, when Narcissa shook her head sternly at her and motioned for the girl to keep quiet and follow her.

Poor Pansy did as she was indirectly told to, though she was more than a little surprised by this.

Inwardly Narcissa sighed. The girls couldn't possibly know this, but Narcissa had already had in mind the perfect jewellery for her daughter-in-law to be. She just didn't want to tell them right now, as this was supposed to be a big surprise for dear Kiara and talking about it right now might only spoil all the fun and surprise. She had already taken care of all of it. A beautiful show-case with an equally stunning set of ear-rings, collier and a armband was already waiting for Kiara to try them on. The jewellery set was special, very special that was it. Narcissa knew only too well that Kiara wasn't too fond of extravagant things, but those, she knew, Kiara would love.

Another hour and a half later, the five women were finally able to leave the shop. It had been even more difficult to find a dress which fitted the three very different women. Anastasia was the eldest of them and the one who looked most elegant, Pansy was the little girl who, no matter what she wore, would sadly always look a little bit cheap and too girly for her age and Daphne was the queen of darkness. No matter what she wore, she would always look like some gothic girl. To combine those three unique ways of dressing and to find a dress which would harmonise well with Kiara's and the wedding decoration had been pure hell. At the beginning, they hadn't even been able to agree on a colour for the brides maids to wear, much less on a certain type of dress.

But finally, after trying and trying and some arguing, they had found the perfect dress. Clarissa had been so nice as to produce another set of two of them so they would be able to take the three brides maids' dresses home with them without having to come back and collect them later. They had also agreed on letting Narcissa take them to Malfoy Manor, where the wedding would be held and where they would spent the final day before the big and spectacular happening. Also, Narcissa had told them that she wouldn't force them to look with her for something she could wear, as it wasn't necessary. The girls were already tired and she knew what type of dress she wanted to wear. Stressing them into accompanying her would do none of them any good.

So at an early afternoon, the girls bid goodbye to Narcissa and each of them kissed her cheeks. When it was Kiara's turn, Narcissa motioned for her to stop and instead of kissing her cheeks, swept her into a firm hug. Surprised by this sudden show of emotions, Kiara stiffened at first only to loosen and soften up immediately afterwards. Narcissa's hands stroked over the fragile girl's back, as she tried to give her strength, while she whispered into her ear to remind her that she would come over sometime during the next week, to help arrange and decide on the last and final things.

Soon later Pansy and Daphne bid the two remaining girls goodbye, too. Kiara and Anastasia meanwhile decided to return to Hogwarts and to their boyfriends later, as they still had some things to do first. With their arms linked, the girls started to stroll through the snow filled and deserted streets of the small village, only to stop from time to time to look into shop windows. Some of the things they saw made them smile, some made them roll their eyes, some made them laugh out loud and some even made them look away really grossed. It was Christmas time and every shop owner tried to talk possible costumers into buying the strangest things as presents for their loved ones.

The knowledge that Kiara would marry Draco in exactly two weeks was sending chills and shivers down her back. It was excitement, happiness and a little bit of fear. She didn't know what it meant to be married, heck, she didn't even really know what it meant to be in a relationship. Her first boyfriend ever had been Draco and the two of them had only gotten together after Kiara had transformed and her natural feelings for her mate had awoken. She had never once before been in love, she had never once before kissed anyone, not even hugged or held hands. All of this was new to her and sadly she wasn't able to talk with anyone about her problems. All the girls and women she knew were single. And asking Narcissa was out of question, too. She didn't want to worry her anymore than necessary.

At the moment she felt absolutely helpless. She didn't want to be a failure as a wife. But she had no one to talk about what exactly was expected from a good wife. She was expected to please her husband, to bear an heir and to be a good mother. Well, bearing an heir would be easier than she would want it to be. The very thought made her blush deep red and cast her eyes to the floor in shame. She had never once before seen a boy or a man naked. She just hoped that she wouldn't screw it up royally due to her nervousness and inexperience. But how to do the rest? How should she know how to fulfil Draco's wishes and needs and how to be a good mother?

But before Kiara could dwell further on these thoughts, Anastasia suddenly grabbed her arm and nudged her to stay. When she turned around, Kiara looked into the shop window to find out what she wanted to show her. As soon as her eyes got used to the dim light her emerald green orbs widened in obvious surprise. What she could make out in the strange and dim light was nearly making her squeal in delight.

It was the perfect marriage gift for Draco.

Immediately she grabbed her big sister's hand in obvious delight, turned around and hugged Anastasia fiercely. Without saying anything further, Kiara pulled her unresisting sister with her, pushed the heavy door open and then pulled her with her in. It was now or never. If she didn't do it now, she would never gather the courage to do it later again. She would have to be extremely cautious for the next two weeks, otherwise Draco would find out before and this would truly destroy the effect.

She just hoped that Draco would really love it.

"Oh my God. I'm absolutely crushed. Just let me lay down and sleep as long as I want to."

With a loud thud Draco let himself sink down on the chair facing Kiara and let his head hit the table with a hard sounding crash. Next to him Kiara looked up from the book she had been reading so far. When she looked at her mate, she couldn't suppress the small fond smile which spread over her beautiful lips. His light blond hair was ruffled, his robes were knitted dramatically and finally his face was pale. Whatever had happened, he must be really spend.

"What is it that caused you to looked so ruffled, love?"

A loud, suffering moan escaped her mate's lips. With some struggles Draco pushed himself up from his half-laying position on the table. His eyes shortly scanned through their dining room, before they finally rested on Kiara. His light blue eyes were dimmed, as if he was missing some much need fuel. The weak smile which slowly crept over his lips, as Draco rested his chin on his folded hands, was causing Kiara's heart to flutter.

"I was just shopping for my wedding robes with father and uncle."

A light understanding smile was stealing its way over Kiara's face. She could easily understand Draco's problems. Last Saturday, when she had returned absolutely tired and her body aching all over from her shopping trip for the wedding gown, Draco had been most understanding. First he had offered her to massage her back and feet to loosen all the tight and knitted muscles.

Kiara had nearly chocked on her orange juice when Draco had offered it.

With a tight smile, which had cost her quite an effort, Kiara had hastily declined the offer. Her back was hurting so much that it felt as if it was going to kill her and Draco massaging it would probably only make it worse. Furthermore, it bore the great possibility that Draco might put two and two together and figure out her present before she was even able to obtain it completely.

No, getting the much needed massage wouldn't do her any good.

Kiara smiled in remembrance and carefully stroked his cheeks. The very contact seemed to loosen Draco's stress as he closed his eyes with a blissful smile on his lips. A content sigh escaped his lips, while his head was always seeking out her touch.

"Was it really so bad, Draco?"

Two light blue eyes suddenly flew open. The blissful emotion immediately vanished, only to be replaced by an expression of utter seriousness and disdain. A hard edge played itself around the corner of his lips, while her normally always calm and peaceful looking mate suddenly scoffed.

"Yes, it really was. You can't imagine how horrible it was. Well, yes, you can imagine. You had to go through the same procedure after all. I first thought that it couldn't possibly turn out too bad. There aren't too many different robes for men. Or so I thought."

Draco grabbed her hands and then squeezed them tightly.

"It was pure, living hell. First of all, the shop was gigantic. There were enough robes in them to last you a life time and you would never have to wear the same robe twice. A strange clerk suddenly appear out of nowhere and then torture began. I was bombarded by questions over questions.

What cut would you prefer? Formal or casual? Traditional robes or the more modern ones? Velvet or silk? Long sleeved or short sleeved? Tie or bow tie or scarf or stole or none at all? I didn't even know men could wear stoles! And then the worst of all: the colours! Would like all in the same colour or in the same? Would you like your different colours to be entirely different ones or should they be of the same colour only varying in the darkness and brightness? And so on and on and on."

With a long sigh, Draco brought their folded hands up to his forehead. Behind their hands Draco looked at his mate intently.

"I thought that I would never be able to leave this shop again. The clerk seemed to have every intention of burying me there alive. I was so shocked and overwhelmed that I already saw my entire life passing by. It was all so much and at the same time I was so embarrassed that it was obviously too much for me. That my father and my uncle were laughing out loud openly at my actions didn't help me at all!"

Kiara smiled fondly at her boyfriend and wasn't quite able to suppress the giggle, which threatened to escape her mouth.

"Well, if your father was loosing enough dignity to laugh loud in public, I have to say that you must have really looked hilarious. If you hadn't been really shocked and overwhelmed then I don't think they would have laughed. Lucius and Severus don't appear to me as persons who loose their cool so openly in the public."

A mock hurt expression spread quickly over Draco's face and caused Kiara to laugh at his bad acting skills. His blue eyes were shining with mirth, as he mock offended slapped her hands, which were holding his, away. Just as Draco opened his mouth to say something, the door to their quarters flew open and a person entered.

"Good afternoon, my dears. How are you doing? I'm not interrupting something, am I?"

The two veelas immediately composed themselves as their gazes fell on their visitor. Both got up from their seats, brought their hair and clothes into order and then turned around to face her. With fond smiles, happiness and gratification shining brightly in their eyes, both Kiara and Draco went to greet their visitor. They hugged and kissed the person caringly, then three of them sat down at the table again. After tea and biscuits had been served, a light conversation started.

"So, was I interrupting something?"

The question was stated with not only a little bit of teasing. When they looked at each other in surprise and confusion, the two young veelas suddenly realized that their faces were brightly flushed, their hair was shuffled, their robes ruffled and their hands intertwined. The way they had sprung apart at the sudden noise and movement from the opening door, it must have looked like they were snogging and being caught.

With his blush only intensifying, Draco coughed uneasily.

"No, mother, you weren't interrupting anything. I was just telling Kiara about my day, especially the disaster which was my shopping trip for my wedding robes. That was all."

The once teasing features suddenly morphed into quite stern and reprimanding ones, which immediately caused Draco to gulp in fear. It was never a good sign when his mother was looking at him with this certain look in her eyes. Normally he was getting into great trouble and would have to listen to an entire dictionary of dressing downs concerning just this one topic.

"But you didn't tell her, what you would be wearing, Draco, did you? That would not do, my dear. Just as it is kept secret what the bride's wedding gown looks like, the groom's wedding robes are equally secret. It would be quite an affront, Draco."

When Draco shook his head in negation, Narcissa leaned down further in her comfortable chair and let her gaze wander over her son and soon to be daughter-in-law. They seemed to be quite comfortable around each other. The way Kiara was leaning against Draco's shoulder and the way Draco unconsciously wrapped his arm around her and stroked her side, it made her heart jump in joy. Their relationship had developed better than she could have ever hoped for after she saw the state the girl had been in, when they first arrived at their home.

"Well then, let's get started. We have to decide on the entire floral decoration and the rest of the wedding. If we should have time at the end of the evening, perhaps we will also be able to decide on the meals being served. Though, even if we didn't it wouldn't hurt too much. We still have two weeks left. There is plenty of time to organise the rest of it."

With that Narcissa reached into her bag and pulled out a big map with dozens and dozens of different flowers and decoration motives. Unaware of the incredulous and shocked expressions the two young veelas were sending her, the Malfoy Mistress opened the map, reached for a pen and a parchment and then got started.

"There are different ways to approach this matter. First of all, we have to figure what you want for your wedding. Should it be more traditional? Shall it be native plants and flowers or exotic ones? We could decorate everything in white or in a certain colour or even different ones. You just have to tell me what you want it to be."

Draco couldn't help but groan. It just was too similar to his horrific experience shopping for his wedding robes. Again those questions. Couldn't they understand? Those things didn't matter, they were absolutely unimportant. What mattered was his mate, that they would get married and that she was happy. That and only that really mattered.

"I'm okay with everything just as long as Kiara is happy with it."

The soft and loving smile which greeted him, immediately told him that he had made the right decision. It was the truth, after all. He didn't care for the decorations, the dinner or the location. His wishes were just basic. He wanted to marry Kiara and for her to wear a white dress. The room, wherever it was, should be decorated nicely. And this was it. The rest he would let his mate decide according to how she imagined her perfect wedding.

"That's nice of you, Draco."

While she bent her head to the side, Kiara fetched one of the giant books laying on the table. As she was still saying nothing to the matter at hand, Kiara worked her way through the book filled with pictures of different flowers. Some pages she turned without looking long at them, some pages she needed to consider longer and some pages she marked with small pieces of paper.

"Personally, I would like to have a set of more exotic flowers. Those with different shades and interesting forms. I was thinking about freesias. Those look really nice, especially in white and a soft pink. Then some buttercups, in white, soft pink and purple. Those look really lovely in these colours."

While Kiara was working her way through the book, Draco heaved a sigh of relieve. He had instinctively opted for the right colours, or so it seemed. With Narcissa neatly writing down what Kiara suggested, Draco mentally tried to imagine his mate in a beautiful white dress, with exotic flowers in white, soft pink, purple and blue surrounding her, as she walked down to the alter. The very thought let shivers of excitement run down his spines. He literally had to slap himself out of it, otherwise he would have lost himself in his wonderful fantasies.

"I would love some lilies to be there, too. They were my mother's favourite flowers. It would be a lovely reminder for me. Perhaps we could have some in white, soft pink and purple. They really do look nice in this colours. And finally, I would love to be there some roses. They are the symbol of love, after all. There are a lot of different ones, but the most beautiful ones are the ones in white, soft pink, purple and bright blue."

Draco could literally see the ideas for possible decorations swirling through his mother's head. He had to admit that his mate did have an exquisite taste. Most of those flowers would have to be especially purchased, but Draco knew that it would be worth it. His mate was always the shy and humble one. At least at their wedding she should feel like a princess. And if those flowers would be the ones to make her feel this way, than Draco would buy them.

Not to forget that the chapel at Malfoy manor would look wonderful this way.

"That sounds really beautiful, my dear. Lucius and I will immediately take care of this. I will let the house-elves let take care of the decorations. They will organise them into several nice looking bouquets, though I will tell them to plant some of them in nice flower pots, so that they will live and we can have a reminder of this special day for the next years."

When she leaned back into her chair, Narcissa closed her eyes in contentedness.

"Yes, it will be a wonderful wedding."

"Oh my God, what do we have today?"

With a groan Kiara let herself sink down on the chair beside her mate. Her elbows were resting on the cold table, her hands folded over her forehead and her eyes closed in obvious tiredness. Draco, who was sitting next to her, was looking at her with warm pity in his eyes. It had been another hard week. The Professors were pressing for them to study more, tons of homework was loaded upon their shoulders and tests were held at every possible class. And then add his mother's pestering to it, it easily could become too much.

"My mother wants to fix the organisation today. That means, what we want to be served to eat and to drink, course of actions to be taken and finally the priest."

The silent but very present groan which emitted his mate's throat caused Draco look at her with compassion and a little bit of worry. He knew that she wanted to marry him just as much as he wanted to marry her, but the further time progressed and their wedding date came nearer, the more silent and contemplative Kiara grew. He often found her sitting alone in one of their dark rooms, staring outside the windows not noticing anything around her. It made him feel anxious. Anxious enough to even talk with his parents and his Uncle Severus about the matter.

"No need to worry, love. We will be able to get through this in no time and then everything is ready."

And getting through it they did. After a lot of arguing and discussing they finally agreed on the last terms. A veela priest was to come and hold the ceremony. The wedding vows were already written and the last things needed for the extra protection were already safely waiting for them in a storage room at Malfoy Manor. At the first day of the Christmas holidays the girls and boys would travel to Malfoy Manor, where they would spend the last night before the wedding. Daphne, Pansy and Anastasia would sleep in the same room as Kiara, while Blaise and Theodore would sleep by Draco. Severus would spend the night, just like Lucius and Narcissa, in his own room.

Those facts had been easy to decide and agree on. The real problem had been the food. While Draco and especially Narcissa seemed to have exact ideas and wishes for the food to be presented, Kiara only knew what she didn't want to be there. Garlic and onions were forbidden from the food. They would not only create a really bad smell, but would be bad for their circulation and make them feel sleepy way too soon. So finally, after having consulted one of the house-elves and several books about cooking, the three of them agreed on starting with different soups, then fish and chicken with different side dishes and finally to complete the dinner with dozens of different sweets and desserts.

Everything was ready. Only seven more days would have to pass.

Finally, the last day had arrived.

It had been another hell of a week. The Professors had loaded them with even more homework than the weeks before, if that was even possible. For Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Runes and Arithmancy they would have to write several essays and research special problems concerning the subjects. It would take them at least a week to accomplish their tasks, if they wanted to finish them good. At least Severus and Anastasia had been merciful on them and cut the homework to do on a very small minimum.

Draco had been packing his things for the last hour. His clothes had been neatly folded and placed into one of his trunks. Schoolbooks, which had been laying around everywhere, together with lots of quills, scrolls, tint and notes had been searched together and placed into another trunk. He could see his mates' trunks were already packed and standing in the entrance hall, waiting for the house elves to send them to Malfoy Manor. First thing after breakfast the trunks and animals would be brought home safely.

An anxious feeling made itself present in Draco. This afternoon he had been talking with his father and therefore hadn't seen his mate for a while, who had been spending some much needed time with her sister Anastasia. For the last three weeks Draco had been thinking non stop about what to give to his mate as a wedding present. He knew her quite well and therefore it wasn't difficult to find out what she wouldn't want at all, but it was another matter to find something that would show his love and devotion for her in the best way.

When he had been strolling through the little streets of Hogsmead, it hadn't helped him the slightest. Kiara wasn't one for material things. Sure, she would be happy about a fine piece of jewellery, just like she would appreciate a nice piece of art or rare, informative books. But it just didn't seem right to him. Those were things he could give to her at any time during their marriage without a proper reason. But a wedding gift had to be different. It was something you only gave to your mate one time in your whole live.

It was special.

Days passed mercilessly and Draco wasn't the slightest bit wiser than before. A tiny bit of panic was starting to grow inside his chest. He was already dreaming of their wedding, with Kiara giving him a marvellous gift, while he stood there, empty handed, head bent in shame. He knew she wouldn't shun him for not giving her something, nor would she be too mad at him. But nevertheless, he didn't want to end their wedding day this way. Kiara was his love, his mate. She was the most special and important person to him on the entire world. He had to find something for her.

And then, last night, he finally knew it.

The next afternoon, Draco had called his father excitedly via floo powder. His father had nearly chocked on his tea when Draco told him, why he was calling and what exactly he was going to give to Kiara. Worry and a little bit of nervousness edged its way into Lucius' features. It wasn't as if Draco's present was illegal or in any way scandalous, but it was special in each and every kind. There had been veelas to give this to their mates as their wedding presents, but it had only been a hand full. Most male veelas wouldn't even think about offering such a precious thing to their mate. It just showed how much Draco loved Kiara.

After he had discussed the pros and cons of said present with his father and had finally gained his approval, Draco bid him farewell and went to pack his things. Now, one hour later, Draco was finally closing the last of his trunks, heaved a long sigh and let himself sink down on his bed. His heart started to race, when his mind wandered to what was going to happen tomorrow. It wasn't as if he feared their wedding; it was just such a big step in their relationship that he couldn't help but being a little bit nervous.

He was just about to change and then to go to bed, when the door to their sleeping chambers opened and his mate entered. A happy and friendly greeting, which was about to leave his lips, died in his mouth. Instead worry and a little bit of dread found their way into his heart and slowly clouded his senses and rational thinking.

His mate looked ragged. Her normally perfectly trimmed and styled hair was hanging down past her shoulders in wild, crazy waves. Her skin was pale and had a slightly sick edge to it. Her whole posture screamed uneasiness but determination, her hands were cramped into her robes and her big green eyes were neatly kept to the floor. Dark shadows were around her eyes and sometimes seemed to cloud her view. She looked as if she was on the verge of a breakdown and a bad one that is.

"Kiara, love, what is wrong?"

Fear and worry made it difficult for him to speak. A big, hard lump had found its way into his throat and hindered his speech. Like a wave suddenly crashing over him, Draco panicked. What if she had changed her mind? What if she didn't want to marry him anymore? What if she just realised that she didn't want to see him anymore, realised that she didn't love him at all? It would be too much for him. For the last few weeks he had become so used to the thought of marrying her, of living together with her and start a family of their own, that the mere thought of something changing was driving him insane.

Big, deep green eyes, which had slightly lost their grip on reality were staring right at him. He could see her mouth moving, but no sound came out. His heart, already filled with worry and fear, contracted even more, and made it really painfully for him to breath. He could see her staggering forward and sway a little to the side. Immediately he sprang forward and caught her before she could fall. Her skin was deathly cold, he realised with a start. She must have been sitting outside in the cold for several hours. Gently he led her to the bed, let her and himself sink down on it and wrapped an arm protectively around her. Her head was resting on his shoulders and her breath tickling his agitated skin. Draco shook his head lightly and slowly started to stroke her back.

Only to stop right in the middle of his doing when he noticed the small, faint voice, which whispered directly into his ear and sent shivers up and down his spine.

"I want to visit my parents' grave, Draco."