Chapter Eight

*Warnings: language, sexual themes*

Narcissa smiled reassuringly at Virginia's reflection in the dressing table mirror as she worked on pinning her hair up. The girl looked tired, she thought, but a smudge of concealer would cover the slight blemishes under her eyes.

Virginia hadn't left her room that morning, having eaten breakfast in bed at Narcissa's suggestion and Lucius' permission, and was now seated at her dressing table, dressed in a white robe, as Narcissa stood behind her, and Mimi, her house-elf, rubbed her face with lotions and various forms of make-up, illuminating her cheekbones and giving her the bridal 'glow' that Narcissa had requested - anyone would need to look radiant to stand any chance of pulling off the horrible dress.

"Would you like anything, Virginia?" Narcissa asked gently. Even with her make-up, Virginia still looked very pale and worried, and Narcissa was concerned that she might pass out.

"A glass of water would be lovely," the girl replied, her throat a little croaky. Mimi jumped off her stool and hurried off to fetch her what she'd asked for. Narcissa moved around her so that she was crouching on the floor next to her, looking up.

"Are you sure you're OK? You know, if anything's on your mind, you can tell me." Virginia smiled weakly and nodded, but said nothing. There was certainly a lot of her mind, but what could she possibly tell Narcissa? I don't want to marry your beloved son, or I definitely don't want to sleep with him, especially after what you told me last night. Or even Yesterday afternoon, your husband and I kissed - twice. Particularly not the very thing that was gnawing away at the young woman: I can't stop thinking about Lucius - I feel so guilty. I'm sorry.

Having waited for a moment but receiving no answer, Narcissa returned to Virginia's hair when Mimi returned with the glass of water, sighing quietly. She thought back to last night, and her 'chat' with Virginia. Half of her was regretting having brought the topic of 'marital relations' up at all, but she knew it was for the best - Virginia had known less to nothing in factual knowledge, and although she had been horrified, Narcissa still maintained that it was better to find out before the moment the actual act was to take place.

She thought back to her own wedding night; she'd been only eighteen, and innocent as a rose, Lucius twenty-two, but experienced beyond his years. It had been a shock to her; she had been frightened from the moment her maids left her alone in her chamber to wait for him, and even more frightened when he'd come to join her, barely dressed under his robe, which he'd swiftly dropped to the ground. And when he'd approached her, and tried to remove the few scraps of material she'd been allowed to keep on...She'd never felt more vulnerable, not even knowing what was about to happen. No one had told her. She'd heard the tales of course - It hurts for a woman, and You just have to lie on your back and close your eyes, but she hadn't known what they meant. How could she?

She was determined to make things better for Virginia than they'd been for her. She saw Virginia gulp in the mirror, clearly lost in thought, and patted her shoulder. "All done with your hair," she smiled down at her, and Virginia reached a tentative hand up to feel the back of her head.

"Thank you."

"Mimi is finished with Mistress' make-up," the house-elf informed Virginia, and she thanked her warmly, too. Narcissa had never seen a house-elf and human have such an informal and warm relationship - then again, Lucius instilled far too much fear in their elves to leave any possibility for mutual respect. She thought back to Virginia's first morning in the Manor, when they'd encountered Lucius punishing Mimi. It still struck her as strange that Lucius hadn't said anything more to Virginia about the matter. Or about the time she'd been late for dinner. She'd expected him to lose his temper the minute she walked in, but he hadn't even raised his voice to her.

Of course, she'd noticed him watching Virginia. She recognized the looks he gave her - they had been the sort of looks he'd bestowed upon her, in the early days of their marriage. After Draco had been born, they'd become less frequent, less potent. He'd started to come to her room every other night, instead of daily, and then a few weeks after that even less frequently. And then he'd taken his first mistress, a little brunette creature called Alys, who'd fawned over him like a pest, or so Narcissa had always thought. Lucius of course had adored her - that was, until she got boring, and he moved on to his next woman.

Narcissa had spent two years of jealousy and bitterness, watching Lucius parade his 'other woman' around the Manor, under Narcissa's nose, as she spent her hours in the nursery, taking on the role of the nursery maid in her efforts to avoid her husband and the women he allowed to roam free in her house.

But then, inevitably, she supposed, she got used to it. You can get used to anything, she remembered her mother telling her once. You think you can't, but you will. You always will. Lucius still came to be with her once a week, without fail, and that grew to be enough for her. She'd even grown rather fond of one or two of his mistresses - it made it easier knowing that they never lasted long. He bought them silk dresses, and pretty gold jewelry. But he gave her a son, the most precious thing in the world to her. And as long as he was still her husband, she knew that there was nothing she could do to stop him having his affairs - men of his status always did. And she couldn't blame the women either - even if his charms hadn't been so irresistible, the promise of a few months at Manor and all the luxuries they could wish for was something she could understand. They each thought they'd be the one for him, that he'd fall in love with them, and maybe even leave Narcissa. Some of the ruder ones even told her as much. But she knew better. He'd never leave his wife, and he rarely saw them as more than toy-things, to play with and sleep with and dispose of when another took his fancy. Like a child in a toy-shop. A dangerous child in a toy-shop.

Lucius hadn't taken a mistress since Lila, "the bitch who stole Christmas" as Narcissa referred to her in her head, who he had removed from the picture over a month ago. It was nothing new for Lucius to wait a few weeks between mistresses, especially if he was busy with business matters, but what was worrying Narcissa was his apparent fascination with Virginia. She still didn't know what he'd said to her that night when he'd taken her into his study after dinner, and part of her didn't want to know.

She felt sure that she could trust Virginia not to act in an unladylike manner - the girl wouldn't do anything unseemly, she was sure. It was Lucius she didn't trust. She could only that hope that after today, when she was married to his son, that Lucius would keep his eyes to himself. Still, the passion he'd shown her on Saturday night after his talk with Virginia...She didn't know what to make of it.

Both Narcissa and Virginia turned as they heard a sharp rapping on the door - "Come in," Narcissa called, her train of thought broken, and Virginia pulled her robe more tightly around her.

"Narcissa!" Narcissa almost winced at the unpleasant tones of Antoinette Renwick, and she saw Virginia grit her teeth out of the corner of her eye.

"Madam Renwick," she cooed, stepping forward to greet the obnoxious French woman, kissing her hastily on both cheeks, "How lovely to see you."

"And you, and you," Virginia's mother replied, taking in her surroundings in an unsubtle manner that didn't live up to her blood status whatsoever. "Virginia," she cried upon noticing her daughter, and Virginia attempted a smile reluctantly. Narcissa couldn't help but feel for her.

"'Ave you tried on ze dress?" her mother demanded, pinching Virginia's cheeks in a way which didn't look completely loving.

"Yes, Maman," Virginia answered, trying to wriggle for her mother's grip, now on her shoulders. "I tried it on last night."

"Well, let me see, let me see!" Antoinette demanded, finally letting her daughter stand up. She turned to Narcissa: "Zese young girls, huh?" she scoffed, and Narcissa let out a small laugh, raising an eyebrow at Virginia when Antoinette's back was turned.

Mimi lifted the dress off the hook where Narcissa had hung it up last night, and the older woman watched Antoinette's face closely as recognition sunk in. "Zis is not ze dress..."

Virginia looked shifty, her eyes darting to Narcissa, who quickly and diplomatically stepped in: "The dress is lovely, Antoinette, however it was a little too large for Virginia, so I was compelled to alter it slightly to better fit her. I hope you won't object..."

Antoinette's jaw had tightened, but she merely shrugged and flashed a fake smile at Narcissa. "Very well." Narcissa was grateful that she was so reverential to her and Lucius - Antoinette Renwick kicking up a fuss at this late stage would do no one any good.

Narcissa moved over to help Virginia put on the dress, thinking it sad that her own mother didn't seem to want to help. Once it was done up, Antoinette regarded her daughter critically. "You look...nice, Poussin." Virginia didn't even manage a smile this time.

"Do you think it's time to go downstairs?" Narcissa asked, acting quickly to diffuse the situation.

*.*.*.*.*

Lucius strode down the corridors of the Manor, ordering the elves to hurry up and get out of his way, utterly agitated. Draco was in a foul mood, having planted himself in his room and refusing to come out until the ceremony had literally started, and even Lucius' threats were doing nothing to move him.

And he hadn't seen her since last night...She'd looked so lovely at dinner, blushing when he caught his eye.

"Lucius!" a familiar voice called, and Lucius turned sharply on his heel, coming face to face with Shacklebolt. "The big day is here, my friend."

"I am not your 'friend', Shacklebolt," he hissed, gripping his cane so tightly that he was sure his knuckles must have turned white.

Shacklebolt merely raised an eyebrow, unperturbed. He'd seen the man in worse moods. "I'd like to thank you for your generous donation," he continued, "It was very much appreciated. We've decided to put it to use in the Equalities Department - working for the rights of Muggle-Borns, and such. I knew you'd approve," he added with a righteous smirk, seeing Lucius' dark expression. "And, just so you know, the Creevey family are happily settled with another groom for Olivia - no harm done. Hasn't this all worked out nicely?"

"What do you want, Shacklebolt?" Lucius demanded. The Minister for Magic shrugged innocently.

"Nothing at all, Lucius. Only to congratulate you on behalf of your son and soon-to-be daughter in law. I haven't met Virginia, but I've heard that she's a charming young witch. Speaking of which, where is Draco? I haven't seen him today."

Lucius pursed his lips. "He will be present for the Ceremony."

"I'm glad to hear it," Shacklebolt chuckled; "The official overseer wouldn't be best pleased if the groom was absent, would he?"

Lucius made no reply, glaring coldly at Shacklebolt, who took it as his cue to leave. "Well Lucius, it was a pleasure to see you, as always. I expect we'll cross paths again this afternoon. Send Draco my regards when you see him..."

Lucius nodded curtly and turned on his heel, striding off on his way.

*.*.*.*.*

"Virginia."

"Father." Virginia turned as the door opened, revealing Charles Renwick, turned out in his finest robes for the occasion. She'd been escorted downstairs and left in a small reception room while Narcissa went to greet the guests. Her mother had followed Narcissa like an eager puppy, clearly unwilling to spend any more time with her daughter.

"You look lovely." Virginia smiled as she leant up to kiss her father on the cheek. Charles, unlike his wife, looked genuinely pleased to see his daughter, but he was taciturn as ever, and when the pleasantries were said and done, the two lapsed into silence. Neither minded - this was how they were with each other. In their family home, comfortable silence had always made a welcome change to Antoinette's incessant chattering.

Before long, Narcissa had returned, and told them that the ceremony was to start in a few minutes. Virginia took a deep breath, and lowered her lace veil, taking her father's proffered arm and following him out of the room. Narcissa patted her back as she passed, hoping the small gesture might provide even the smallest amount of reassurance.

The walked down the corridors in silence, their footsteps echoing around them. Virginia was in a sort of daze - nothing seemed real to her. The ancient portraits lining the walls were a blur to her, and she was grateful for her father's arm, or else she feared she might have fallen over.

As they drew nearer to the Great Room, in which the ceremony was to take place, Virginia could hear the general babble of the guests. She didn't know the exact figures, but knew that the Malfoys had numerous friends and social allies they would have invited, not to mention the other ancient, high-status families they would have invited out of tradition and custom. And that was without her own guests, or more, her mother's guests, as Antoinette had taken it upon herself to invite every other wizarding family they had ever had anything to do with - apart from Adriene's family, of course. Madam Renwick was more than keen to show off her daughter's impressive marriage, and her new home at the Manor.

Charles and Virginia came to a halt at the entrance to the Great Room, and Narcissa stepped in, nodding to the Ministry Official, a tall and imposing man, who called for quiet amongst the guests. Virginia could see very little from under the veil, but she could make out Draco's figure at the front, standing to the right of the Official, and Lucius a couple of steps behind him, cane in hand as always.

The room hushed quickly, followed by the sound of rustling as everyone stood up. As Virginia began to move forward, she kept her eyes forward - what felt like hundreds of pairs of eyes turned to watch her procession, many of whom hadn't seen her before now, or, in the case of her own family, hadn't seen her for a long time. She felt like lamb walking to the slaughter with every step she took towards Draco, and she gripped her father's arm tightly.

They reached the front, and came to a stop besides Draco. Charles released her arm and leant to kiss her on the cheek, squeezing her arm comfortingly before he left her to join Antoinette and Narcissa. Virginia noticed that Lucius had taken a seat too, leaving just her and Draco at the front. She was glad for veil, aware that only those seated in the front row would be able to make out much of her face.

"Please sit," the Ministry Official instructed the guests, and there was another rustle as everyone sat down. Virginia made a conscious effort to stand still. She glanced up at Draco, but he wasn't even looking at her, focused instead on a spot over her shoulder. The Official cleared his throat and began:

"We are here today by Proclamation of the Ministry of Magic, to witness the marriage of Draco Lucius Malfoy and Virginia Adélaïde Éloise Renwick. These two persons present come now to be joined. If any one among you can show just reason why they may not be joined, under the laws of the Ministry and the laws of Magic itself, may they speak now..."

The Official trailed off, letting a minute pass for any objections to be raised. Virginia half hoped that someone might speak up, but of course they didn't.

"Very well then," the Official continued, turning to Draco: "Draco, do you take Virginia for your lawful wife, to live together under the protection of the Ministry as a wedded couple for as long as you both shall live?" Virginia could have sworn she would have heard a pin drop in the moment that followed.

"I do," Draco said stiffly, and Narcissa audibly exhaled in the front row.

The Official turned to face Virginia. "Virginia, do you take Draco for your lawful husband, to live together under the protection of the Ministry as a wedded couple for as long as you both shall live, forsaking all others?" Virginia tried not to let her grimace show as he spoke the last fragment - only brides were expected to "forsake all others", which struck Virginia as highly unfair.

She took a deep breath, and her eyes met Draco's. "I do."

"The rings?" the Official asked, and Draco pulled out a velvet pouch from the inside of his robes, untying the satin tie with unsteady fingers, and letting the two rings fall into the Official's palm. They were simple yet elegant, and chosen by one of his parents, Virginia suspected.

The Official handed the smaller one to Draco. "Repeat after me," he told him: "With this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring, I thee wed." Draco said evenly, slipping the ring onto Virginia's wedding finger, before quickly dropping her hand from his. She swallowed, nervously anticipating her turn. The Official handed her the larger of the two rings, and Draco held his hand out.

"With this ring, I thee wed," the Official repeated, and Virginia copied him, her voice calm and clear in spite of her nerves. She slipped the ring onto Draco's finger, and felt the knot in her stomach tighten.

The Official placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "By the power vested in me by the Ministry of Magic of Britain, I do declare you husband and wife. With this charm, I place you under the Protection and Dominion of the Ministry." He waved his wand in a figure of eight around them both, leaving a short-lived trail of gold-coloured smoke, before it vanished.

"Mr Malfoy," he continued, addressing Draco, "You may kiss your bride." And to the audience: "May I present to you Mr and Mrs Draco Malfoy." The audience rose to their feet in applause, as Draco tentatively lifted Virginia's veil away from her face. She bit her lip sub-consciously as he regarded her for a second, before leaning in and planting a dry kiss on her lips. He lingered there for a moment as the applause continued, before pulling back. His face was cold and his expression distant as he took her arm and his, and, having shaken hands with the Official, led her back down the aisle.

Looking into the crowd, Virginia spotted her mother dabbing a handkerchief to her eyes, as Narcissa smiled at her, an almost sad look in her eyes. She refused to meet Lucius' gaze, although she could feel it on her.

When they had exited through the back doors, Draco turned and shut them behind them, blocking them from prying eyes. He rested his head on the solid wood of the door, holding the handles in place. Virginia stretched her hand out, examining the ring. It fitted well, if a tad snugly on her finger. She knew that there were charms included in the ceremony that made it almost impossible to remove a wedding band.

"What do we do now?" she asked after a minute of silence had passed, and Draco hadn't moved. She wondered if he even heard her.

He stood upright, finally letting go of the door. "We have a few minutes to ourselves before the reception," he said, his voice vacant. "You should probably take your veil off..." Virginia nodded, and reached up, lifting the lace piece off her hair. She held onto it awkwardly as Draco looked on. Virginia got the feeling that he wasn't so much seeing her as simply looking right through her.

She cleared her throat, and his eyes focused on her face. "Do we wait here, or...?"

"No," he said gruffly, and walked right past her. She turned to follow him, rather indignantly - there was really no need for him to be so rude. He led her to yet another small reception room. A tray containing two flutes of champagne had been set out, along with a handwritten note. "Congratulations".

"My mother." Draco said in explanation, taking a flute and passing it to Virginia. She took a small sip as he downed half of his in one go. They were at a loss for what to say to each other.

"Where's the reception being held?" Virginia asked, although she knew the answer: the dining hall for the banquet, and then the transfigured Great Room for the dancing afterwards. Draco told her as much, before finishing his champagne and setting the flute down on the silver tray with a clatter. Virginia took another nervous sip.

*.*.*.*.*

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