LADY MALFOY
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything related belongs to J. K. Rowling. And the places I mention, in the story do not belong to me.
Author's note: My extreme gratitude to Phoenix Soar for beta-ing this chapter.
Also, I am so very happy that you all like this story. Well, I won't keep you waiting any longer. Enjoy!!!
Warnings: AU NON-MAGIC . Harry is a female. You will find swear words but quite seldom. I will add furthur warnings as story progresses.
Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini – 27 years old
Harriet Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger – 18
Fred and George – 21
Percy – 24
Charlie – 27
Bill – 29
Ginny – 16
Chapter 6: Petunia's remorseful act
It had been two weeks since the impromptu meeting with Mr. Malfoy and no word had arrived from Blaise. Harriet knew that they were working on a possible way of solving the Weasleys' financial crisis or, at least, that was what Blaise informed her before her departure that evening.
Ever since that meeting, Harriet had caught herself daydreaming of being wed to Mr. Malfoy several times. And every time she squashed the dreams by firmly reminding herself that the marriage was temporary and falling in love with the man would only result in heartbreak for her. But Harriet completely agreed with Blaise's comment about Mr. Malfoy being handsome. In fact, she thought he was very handsome although she found him a little cold. But she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Harriet scoffed internally; like it mattered if her impression was found to be true. 'It's not like I am going to spend rest of her life with him,' she consoled herself.
One thought bothered her very much though. They discussed every loophole of the plan, but Blaise hadn't once mentioned what would happen to Harriet after the end of the arrangement. Harriet thought either Blaise had too much confidence in Harriet to change Mr. Malfoy's views or he trusted the kindness of the Weasleys to once again shelter Harriet after her husband's estrangement. The thought of the Weasleys' not accepting her back in their house felt like a cold knife stuck through her heart. But Harriet trusted Blaise enough to know that he would never let her be abandoned in the streets.
The atmosphere around The Burrow hadn't changed much. Her parents still looked worried. Harriet only hoped that Blaise and Mr. Malfoy would hurry with their plans before the rest of the Weasley children got wind of their financial troubles.
One morning, Harriet was assisting her mother in cleaning the living room when she received a note from Blaise.
ACCEPT IT was all that was written in the note in bold capital letters.
'Accept what?' Harriet thought in confusion, especially when Marcus, Zabini's carriage driver, left nothing else.
"What does Mr. Zabini say, dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked, interrupting Harriet's musings.
"Blaise is just thanking me, Mother, for helping Susan with the gardening," Harriet lied quickly, picking up the dust cloth again.
Molly nodded and went back to work.
Harriet cleaned the room absent-mindedly while trying to decipher the meaning of the words.
That afternoon, as Harriet was about to help her mother bring out food for lunch, she got the shock of her life, seeing the woman on their doorstep.
"Aunt Petunia!" Harriet cried, coming out of her trance and Arthur, Molly, Ginny and Ron, who were in the room, stared between the woman and Harriet.
"Harriet," Petunia said quietly before asking, "Can we come inside?"
Ever the hospitable one, Arthur ushered Petunia, Dudley and a man, who Harriet did not recognize, inside and gestured to the seats.
"What are you doing here? How did you find me?" Harriet asked, her eyes still wide in disbelief.
Instead of answering her, Petunia said tearfully, "Oh Harriet, I am very sorry. Please forgive me. I made a terrible mistake treating you so poorly. Your uncle was so ashamed of his actions that he couldn't even show his face to you."
Harriet stared in daze between the tear-stained face of her aunt and the bowed head of her cousin, Dudley, who was sitting beside her.
"What made you seek me after all these years?" Harriet croaked finally.
"Ghosts of the past, Harriet; they wouldn't stop haunting us," Petunia said wildly. "We realise now how cruelly we have treated you all those years. Our own niece. Sometimes worse than the servants."
"Please forgive us. The property and the money you inherited from your father are yours. Our greed had blinded us to the horrible mistakes we made in your regard. Please forgive us," Petunia cried piteously, sniffling while Dudley, who was staring at the floor, nodded.
Harriet stared her aunt in bewilderment.
"You don't deserve my forgiveness. Have you forgotten how you abandoned a young child near the forest in the middle of the night? A girl at that," Harriet sneered in disgust, not feeling charitable at all.
Harriet still could not believe that the woman sitting across her was actually her aunt. She didn't think for a second that her aunt could change so much in eight years as to actually seek her out to ask for forgiveness, and give the money and property back. And she was proved right when she caught a glimpse of hatred that flickered on her aunt's face for a second at her reply. That was when Blaise's words in the note came to her mind and her eyes widened in comprehension.
"And, yes, it is my wealth that you have been enjoying for the past seventeen years," Harriet added, crouching forward and viciously pulling the documents and moneybag from Petunia's hand.
Petunia cried loudly into her handkerchief at Harriet's words.
'What a convincing actress you make, Petunia,' Harriet thought as she read the documents. She didn't know how much the wealth of her parents' was worth before, but the documents stated that the property was of considerable worth.
"But, you know, if you hadn't done so, I wouldn't have met the wonderful people I now call my family. I must at least thank you for that," she said snidely once she finished reading. "And now that that is settled, you can leave."
"We are sorry. If not now, I hope you will find it in yourself to forgive us some other time," Petunia said, leaving while Dudley mumbled, "Sorry, Harriet."
The moment they left, Harriet burst into tears. All the past hurt and pain they had inflicted on her came crashing down on her. She remembered clearly the absolute terror and hurt she had felt when her aunt and uncle abandoned her in the forest.
But, more than anything, the fact that a stranger had to force her aunt to admit their actions towards their niece, and even then it was not genuine, hurt her. Her relatives felt no remorse for their actions at all.
"Oh dear, are you all right?" Molly asked in concern, hugging her closely. Harriet cried quietly for several minutes in her mother's embrace while Molly murmured soothingly, stroking her hair.
"I am fine now, Mother," Harriet muttered, backing away from her embrace a little while later. Harriet quickly wiped the tears from her flushed face and smiled reassuringly.
Molly kissed both her cheeks before letting her go.
Harriet then turned to Arthur who was watching her with sadness, along with Ron and Ginny.
"Here, Father," Harriet said, offering the documents and money.
"Harry, I can't accept this," Arthur said in distress.
"Father, I know nothing of money and property deals. Besides, you are the Head of my family, so these are your responsibilities to do whatever you please," Harriet said reasonably with a smile.
When Arthur did not move to take them, Harriet grabbed and placed them in his hands.
"Mother, can we eat now? I am famished," Harriet asked, moving to the kitchen.
"Yes," Molly said in wonder before following her inside.
"How are you this morning, Grandmother?" Draco asked with a rare smile once Elladora had helped Alexandra sit at the breakfast table.
"It feels good to be out of bed," Alexandra admitted with a smile.
"I am glad to hear it," Draco said.
They ate breakfast in silence. When they finished, Draco said, "Grandmother, I have decided to move you to one of the rooms on the ground floor. Dr. Derwent said that climbing stairs everyday would not be good for you."
"That is fine. A month early then I had thought," Alexandra mused. "When you become Lord of the family, the rooms would be yours anyhow. Now, enough dilly-dallying. Have you found yourself a bride yet?" Alexandra asked, peering at him
"Grandmother, are you sure you don't want to rethink your decision?" Draco asked hopefully one last time.
"Yes," Alexandra said firmly, gazing at him, "Now, answer my question."
Draco sighed irritably before reluctantly admitting, "Yes, I do have a young woman in my mind."
"Well, who is it?" Alexandra asked impatiently.
"Miss Harriet Potter."
"I believe I have heard of that name before, but I can't seem to place it," Alexandra said thoughtfully.
"She is an orphan adopted by the Weasley family," Draco answered.
"Ah yes, I have heard Arthur mention her a couple of times when we met," Alexandra nodded and asked intently, "Tell me again, how did she come to live with them?"
So, Draco revealed Harriet's past to Alexandra.
"Poor girl," Alexandra tutted sadly.
"How is it that you met her?" Alexandra enquired. "I had thought that you had inherited your grandfather and father's dislike for the Weasleys."
"I don't dislike the Weasleys," Draco denied in exasperation.
Alexandra pointedly stared him in the eyes and Draco huffed.
"Tell me then, where did you meet this young women? She is young, yes?" Alexandra asked.
"Of course, Grandmother. She is eighteen," Draco answered, internally rolling his eyes when she sighed in relief.
"Ah, a girl in her prime," Alexandra teased him with a wink.
"Grandmother!" Draco exclaimed, scandalised, his cheeks colouring a little.
Alexandra laughed heartily at Draco's reaction. Though Draco looked vexed at being made fun of, internally he was relieved at hearing his Grandmother laugh again. It was like a soothing balm on a sore wound. There was so much difference from her frail look a few weeks ago.
"Do you want me to continue or shall I leave to see to business?" Draco grumbled.
Alexandra smiled lovingly at him before saying "You have my attention now."
"I first met Miss. Potter at the Zabini residence six months back. Blaise introduced us. After that, we met a few times during my visits to his house," Draco said.
"I didn't know the Zabini's had any relation to the Weasleys," Alexandra interrupted him.
"They don't," he agreed. "You see, Miss Potter saved Blaise's life four years ago when he met with an accident on his way to business in Biddestone, and then nursed him back to health. Since then, they have become good friends. Through them, the Weasleys and Zabinis got acquainted," Draco explained.
"How come young Mr. Zabini didn't marry her?" Alexandra enquired.
"She was only fourteen then, Grandmother. Besides, Blaise was already in love with the then Miss. Bones, now Mrs. Zabini," Draco drawled.
"From what you say, the girl seems to be amiable, and the Weasleys are an honourable family despite their lack of wealth," Alexandra mused thoughtfully.
After a few minutes of silence, "Well then, we should go meet them and put forth our proposal," Alexandra said determinedly.
"Don't you want to meet her first?" Draco frowned.
"I trust your judgement, darling," Alexandra said, smiling. "Besides, it is you who has to spend the rest of your life with her."
Draco winced internally at her words.
Lady Malfoy and Draco arrived at The Burrow along with Blaise on Sunday morning. Arthur was the one who opened the door.
"Lady Malfoy, what a pleasant surprise to see you in our humble abode!" Arthur said, wide-eyed, quickly bowing.
Alexandra curtsied with a pleasant smile. Having heard Arthur's voice, the remaining members of the family arrived in the living room. The woman curtsied while the men bowed.
After the introductions and exchanging greetings, everyone settled down. The living room looked a little cramped with so many people.
Alexandra asked, "How are you, Arthur, and your family?"
"We are quite well, Madam," Arthur answered and then enquired in concern, "We heard of your ill health. How are you now?"
"As well as I could be. Our physician advised that I take rest and not get involved in any activities. It seems like I won't be following his advice anytime soon. This is my first venture outside since my illness," Alexandra commented lightly, but her eyes spoke of pleasure. Draco internally rolled his eyes.
"You could have summoned me if you wanted to speak with me, Madam?" Arthur offered politely.
"Oh no. Tradition requires that we approach you, not the other way, what with the kind of request I have in mind," Alexandra replied with a smile.
The Weasleys frowned in confusion.
"I do not understand, Madam," Arthur said, leaning forward a little.
"We are here to request your daughter's hand in marriage to my grandson, Draco," Alexandra explained.
The Weasleys all turned and stared wide-eyed at Ginny while Ginny's face lit up in absolute delight and she blushed shyly under their gaze.
"But Ginny is too young," Arthur said after a moment.
"No, you are mistaken, Arthur" Alexandra said, shaking her head once. "We are requesting Miss Potter's hand. She is your daughter, isn't she?"
"Yes, of course," Arthur nodded fervently, dazed, while the other Weasleys stared at Alexandra, dumbfounded.
A few moments of silence later, Arthur cleared his throat and said, "I apologise, Madam, if I offend you, but this has come as quite a shock to us. We weren't even aware that they met each other previously."
"Mr. Weasley, I introduced them at my house during one of their visits several months ago. After that, they have met fair few times in my house," Blaise answered.
"Yes, you mentioned that you and Mr. Malfoy have been friends since childhood," Arthur said, nodding at Blaise.
"Your daughter Harriet, is she here?" Alexandra enquired politely.
"No, she is at the Grangers', but I will summon her immediately," Molly answered. "Ronald, go bring your sister."
Ron quickly stood up and rushed out of the house.
Ronald ran all the way to the Grangers' house where Harriet and Hermione were tending to the garden together.
"Harry, Lady Malfoy, Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Zabini are in our house," Ron panted and taking gulps of air, he added, looking baffled, "Mr. Malfoy is asking for your hand in marriage."
"What?" Hermione exclaimed while Harriet stood still.
"Yes," Ron nodded fervently and then urged Harriet to move, "Well, come on, they are asking for you."
"Oh my god," Hermione whispered, staring at Harriet.
Harriet followed Ron as fast as she could in her heavy dress, along with Hermione.
When they entered The Burrow through the back door that led to the kitchen, "Wait, Harry, wash your hands and your face," Hermione insisted, stopping Harriet in her tracks.
Harriet quickly washed with the water while Hermione fussed over her dress and hair.
After Ron left, Molly excused herself to bring tea. When she returned, "Mr. Weasley, if Miss. Potter were to become my wife, I assure you that she would be wanting for nothing more. I promise that I will take good care of her," Draco said formally.
"What about your parents? Do they accept this union?" Arthur asked him, frowning.
"In truth, none of my family members, except Grandmother, know of my intentions to marry your daughter. I have heard that you and my father didn't part ways in good terms the last time you met, and I can't promise that they would be delighted over this union, but I can assure you that the rest of my family would make Miss. Potter welcome in our home," Draco said sincerely while Alexandra looked proudly at him.
Arthur's forehead creased in uncertainty.
"Arthur, my grandson might have been under the guardianship of Lucius and Narcissa for the first fifteen years of his life, but he has been under my care and tutelage for the last twelve years. No matter how much he looks like his father, Draco is not Lucius. Their ideals and opinions are a complete contrast to one another. I can attest to that," Alexandra said confidently, having understood the reason for Arthur's hesitation.
Arthur and Molly shared a look when Lady Malfoy finished while the children watched the proceedings in silence.
Everyone was sipping their tea quietly when they heard noises coming from the back followed by hushed whispers. Ronald entered the living room from the kitchen. Before he could say anything, Lady Malfoy stood up and said, "That must be Miss Potter. I shall go inside and meet her."
"Every one please stay put," she added when others stood up as well.
Alexandra gracefully walked through the door into the kitchen and quietly watched the two young girls in amusement. She presumed that the girl with the black hair was Miss. Potter seeing as the other girl with brown curls was fussing over her.
"Harriet, Lady Malfoy," Hermione said in a hushed tone, looking over Harriet's shoulder. Harriet quickly turned around.
"Lady Malfoy," Harriet and Hermione curtsied deeply and Lady Malfoy replied in kind.
Moving forward, Alexandra stood in front of Harriet and looked her up and down, "Ah, you must be the Miss Potter that my grandson was taking about.
"Well, aren't you a sight of sore eyes," Alexandra said, nodding in approval while Harriet turned bright red at her scrutiny.
Alexandra then hooked her arms through Harriet's and pulled her out into the living room.
"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Zabini," Harriet curtsied when they bowed to her.
"Well, it's decided," Alexandra said cheerfully and then turning to Arthur, she asked, "Arthur, do you accept our proposal?"
"I do not mean to offend you, Madam, but would it be all right if I let you know my decision in a couple of days?" Arthur requested politely.
"Of course not, Arthur. I can understand that you would want to discuss the matter with your family," Alexandra said with a smile.
"Thank you," Arthur said gratefully.
"I believe I have had my fill of excitement for today. We must take leave now," Alexandra said.
"Won't you stay for lunch?" Molly asked politely.
"I am afraid not, Molly. I have to take my medication before lunch," Alexandra said in way of declining.
"Well, we will be waiting for your reply then, Arthur," Alexandra said before leaving. "Good day."
"Good day to you as well," Arthur replied.
Author's Note: If you are wondering why Blaise did not help Harriet with Weasleys problem?
It is because he himself is from middle class family.
Also why everyone keep asking why Blaise didn't marry Harriet?
Well in those days, a young girl wasn't suppose to meet young men without an escort. And hand holding was the maximum contact allowed between them.
So when Harriet saved Blaise, obviously lot more than hand holding was involved. Later when she tended to him, she must have seen him at least without shirt. Men were not suppose to expose at all. No touching was allowed unless you are a nurse.
Another thing was the legal age for marriage. For women it was 12 and 14 for men. And Harriet was 14 then.
I will also explain why Alexandra sighed in relief when Draco said that Harriet was young *wink* in future.
Also, you should know that Draco hasn't personally met the Dursleys. Remember his promise to get the money without suspicion. No, Draco used a mediator to get the job done.
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