A/N I want to let every know, I am trying to stay somewhat true to HP canon to a degree, but I don't like that they have Astoria die in CC. To me it just made the story a little lacking to have her die, so they didn't have to develop her character. I don't mind her having an illness because I think her being fragile in that way would bring out the best in Draco, so I will be straying from canon CC. So, just to remind everyone, I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters. Enjoy!
Chapter 17: My Own Two Feet
Morning after the break in at Department of Mysteries
The first thing Theodore noticed was how clear the sky was, as he looked out the window of the dorm room he shared with Draco, Blaise, Greg and Vincent. It was the last day of their fifth year. An interesting year to be sure. The entire school year, the ministry insisted the Dark Lord had not returned. Harry Potter insisted they were wrong. Few people outside Slytherin, believed him at the beginning of the year. Or at least, didn't want to believe. By the final weeks though, almost everyone believed. At least, half the people of his house knew the truth from the first day, but no one ever talked about it. Not out loud or in public, anyway. You could be certain though, in the common room the small, huddled in groups of hushed voices which would become silent when you walked by, had been talking about the return of one such Dark Lord.
Theodore didn't want the school year to end. He sat on his bed as he looked at the grounds below, he wished he could just stay there. No, what he really wanted, was to go home with Daphne. He knew Greengrass Estates had plenty of guest rooms. He wondered if her father would go for it if he was to owl him and ask. After all, the idea of her dating Marcus Flint had not come up again, since Christmas last school year. He was hopeful by Lord Greengrass not discussing it, meant he had let the idea go.
Theodore was scared what this summer had in store for him and the others, based on what had taken place last summer. He knew it was a long shot to asked Lord Greengrass to take him in, but perhaps if he explained he had no interest in following his father and told him what his father had tried to make him do last summer, Lord Greengrass would listen and help. Theodore figured he had nothing to lose, so he grabbed a piece of parchment off his dresser, sat at his writing desk, and wrote to his girlfriend's father.
Lord Greengrass,
Last summer, my father tried to force me to take part in a horrific act against a young Muggle girl. Even though I refused to do as instructed, I fear things did not end well for the child. I am fearful of what he may have in mind for me to participate in this summer.
Lord Greengrass, I want you to know I have no intentions of following in my father's footsteps. He and I are different people, and I would love the opportunity to prove that to you.
Should the Dark Lord rise again, I need you to know my place is by Daphne's side, as I love your daughter very much.
I am therefore asking, if you would be so kind as to allow me to stay with your family over the summer holidays. I promise to not be in way, and to follow all house rules you may instill upon me. I would not normally be this bold, but in light of the things that have taken place during the past year, I feel compelled to ask.
Respectfully,
Theodore William Nott Jr.
While his housemates slept at 6 a.m., he went up to the owlery, found Daphne's owl, since father had never allowed him his own, and sent off his letter. Theodore watched the snowy owl until he couldn't see it any longer. He didn't really believe in God, but he found himself saying a prayer as he watched the owl fly away, 'Please, let Lord Greengrass see, I am not my father and I love Daphne so much. Please, have him help me.' Theodore made his way back to the dorms. As he went in there were a few older students in the common room, who all stopped the conversations they were engulfed in when they saw him and stared. They all watched as he crossed the room and went down the stairs to his dorm. 'That was odd.' He thought to himself.
When he entered the room Draco and Blaise were gone. Theodore thought, 'They are up early for a day off.' He noticed Draco's owl on the windowsill. Theodore went over and gave the owl a treat. He thought perhaps Draco had forgotten and that's why the owl was still there. The eagle owl took the treat but continued to sit on the sill. Theodore shrugged his shoulders at the owl's behavior and started to get dressed. They had to wear school uniforms today since they each had to meet with their head of house to lock in the classes they would take next year, and to receive the results of their O.W.L.S. Another interesting development this year. They had to basically take them twice, since they were interrupted the first time by the Weasley twins. Theodore laughed, as he thought about the dragon made of fire, as it flew around the room after Umbridge.
As Theodore put his robes on, he noticed the paper which lay on Draco's bed. A copy of the prophet from that morning. Those normally came at breakfast. Must explain the owl. His father must have seen something in the paper he felt Draco needed to read first thing before he encountered other students, to send it directly to the dorms. Theodore picked up the paper and noticed at once what was so important. An article about a failed break-in at the department of Mysteries and a battle that had ensued between known Death Eaters and members of a group of students from Hogwarts, known as Dumbledore's Army lead by Harry Potter, covered the entire front page. The article went on to say the Ministry had finally admitted the Dark Lord was, in fact back. Theodore felt his stomach turn. He had already known the Dark Lord was back, but seeing the Ministry's admission only made it that much more real. Theodore kicked his trunk out of frustration. This was exactly why he had asked Lord Greengrass to take him in. With the Dark Lord being openly back, his father would only try that much harder to get him to take his place at his side. Theodore knew it would end one of two ways, either by his death, or being forced to comply. Hopefully, Daphne's father would see that.
Theodore continued to read where he left off. The Aurors had made arrests. Twelve Death Eaters had been arrested and were believed to be involved in the break-in and battle. As he read down the list, his heart almost stopped when he saw the name, Theodore Nott. His father had been among those arrested and was sentenced to Azkaban.
Theodore lowered the paper and started to consider what this new outcome meant for him. With his father locked up, he no longer had to worry about daily 'lessons' or being forced to attend Death Eater activities. He was still underage though and would be, until September. As an underage wizard, he is not legally allowed to use magic outside of school. He had performed countless healing spells and charms though; always afraid he would be caught. Nothing ever happened though. He figured the ministry didn't really pay that close attention, or those were not the kinds of things they cared about. Theodore knew if the Death Eaters came after him to replace his father, he would have no way to defend himself, other than to break the law. Even then, he was only sixteen, and had barely begun to learn defensive spells and how to fight. Umbridge had refused to teach them anything useful this year. It really was no wonder those students had formed their little group to practice. Perhaps, he and Daphne should have found a way to join. Surely Ernie would have helped him get in. No use to dwell on it now. He would have to find a way to learn the things he needed, on his own.
He didn't know how long he stood there and looked at his father's name while he thought, before he finally finished reading the list. Many of them he expected to see on this list, only a couple surprised him. Although, the final name on the list was no surprise, it hit him hard to see it in print, knowing this would devastate his best friend. Theodore always found it surprising how the two of them endured so many of the same cruelties growing up. They both had been beaten, humiliated, degraded and hexed, but somehow the two of them had grown into completely different people. Theodore, was withdrawn, had difficulty with crowds and was afraid of the dark. He hated his father, had no respect for the man, outside what must be shown because he was his father. Theodore was kind but had a temper that could burn out of control and scared the bloody hell out him as much as his father's temper. He had fallen for Daphne, and never looked back. She was his safe place, his anchor, his light in the dark. Draco, however, was a bully, loud, scared of nothing, but not pleasing his father, and enjoyed being the center of attention, although he was easily startled. Draco at least, seemed to regard his father in the highest esteem, although Theodore wouldn't call it love, more a devotion to the name Malfoy. Draco had latched on to being mortal enemies with Potter and seemed to be happiest when finding ways to torment him. In Theodore's opinion, Draco's relationship with Pansy was more of a way to pass the time, than a true romance.
Theodore's eyes stung as he stared at the last name on the list, Lucius Malfoy. Hearing Vincent grunt in his bed, Theodore was pulled from his trance. He threw the paper on his bed and bolted from the room, in search of his best friend. Fearful Draco may be off with the intent to get revenge on Potter, Theodore didn't notice the blond streak that ran toward the staircase as he ascended. The moment his feet hit the landing to the common room, Daphne flung herself at him and wrapped her arms so tight around his neck he thought he would pass out. Theodore had to reach out and grab the staircase banister to steady himself and not fall down.
"Daphne, Baby, I can't breathe." Theodore choked out.
She loosened her grip a bit. "Theo, I was so worried about you. Have you heard?"
Theodore kissed Daphne on the forehead, "Yes. I saw the paper just now. Do you know where Draco is?"
She backed up a little and rested her hands on his chest, "No. Pansy said he left the common room a little while ago and was very upset. She said something about him getting even."
"That's what I was afraid of. He can't go taking on Potter here at school." Theodore went to walk out of the common room, then thought better of it. He turned back to Daphne and captured her lips in a loving kiss. "I am fine Baby, I promise. I have to go find Draco."
Daphne nodded. "Ok, I will see you later. I love you Theo."
Theodore brushed her cheek with his hand, "I love you."
Neither of them noticed how everyone in the common room, stare at them or the hushed whispers that started back up as he left the room. Theodore figured Draco had headed to the great hall, the place Potter would most likely be, other than his own common room and the hospital wing. Halfway to the great hall, Theodore started to notice the stares and whispers when he passed other students. At first, he didn't let it bother him, but the more and more it happened, the harder it was to ignore. As he approached the doors, Theodore noticed his hands had formed tight fists, never a good sign. Theodore decided, before he entered that room where hundreds of his fellow students could be, he needed them to know he wasn't in the best frame of mind to play. Losing his cool like he had with Flint last year, wasn't something he wished to repeat.
He waved his hands in front of the doors and caused them to fly open with a loud slam, as they hit the walls on the other side. It got the attention of everyone in the room and a hush fell over the students. The few professors in the room looked up from their own papers and watched him intently. He entered with a purpose and looked first to the Gryffindor table. He gave everyone seated there a look that meant 'don't fuck with me.' He didn't see Draco or Potter, so he looked over to the Slytherin table. The platinum blond hair he searched for, was nowhere to be seen. Blaise was however, seated toward the end of the table with Tracey on his lap.
Theodore approached Blaise who patted Tracey on the thigh, to indicate she needed to move so he and Theodore could talk. "I take it you saw the prophet." Blaise asked as Theodore got within hearing distance.
"Sure did. That bastard is right where he belongs. Have you seen Draco?" Theodore didn't bother to acknowledge the rude comments thrown in his direction from the Gryffindor table.
"You just missed him, mate. He came in here looking for Potter, but Potter isn't back yet. After the snickering and nasty jabs, he was getting from our own table got to be too much, he left." Blaise nodded toward the doors. "Nice entrance, by the way."
"You like that? I am full of surprises." Theodore turned and stormed out of the great hall, as the doors slammed closed behind him.
Theodore walked aimlessly around the school, and tried to think of anywhere Draco might have gone. Whenever he passed other students, he either heard them whisper, or they would stop and stare. He quickly got annoyed. He checked all the places he could think of, from the potion's lab to the library. While he walked down the stairs, he looked out the window and finally saw, the all too familiar blond hair he had been in search of. Draco was outside, on a bench in the courtyard. A small group of students had formed not too far away. Theodore ran to get to his friend, before the group did.
As he approached, he saw the Slytherin had his inquisitorial squad badge in his hands. Draco stared intently at it, like he needed to wait for it do something, or reveal some secret, which was promised when it was pinned to his robes. Theodore slowed down and walked slowly towards him, after he gave the group of students, which had grown from five to eleven, a dirty look that told them to just stay back.
Draco didn't look up, but somehow knew who had just taken the seat beside him. "I was so proud the day Umbridge put this stupid thing on me."
"Why?" Theodore asked.
"For some reason, I thought it would make up somehow for my failure last summer." Draco dropped the badge in the dirt.
Theodore nodded, "You didn't really want to curse that Muggle though."
"No, but my father was so disappointed in me for not being able to even try." Draco continued to look at the badge as it lay in the dirt. "He didn't look at or talk to me for the rest of the summer."
Theodore scoffed, "Yeah, I would have loved that punishment."
Draco looked at Theodore and sneered, "I know what your father did to you, Theo. At least, you stuck by your convictions." He went back his examination of the badge. "As stupid as it sounds, I would have rather he hexed me, hit me, or yelled at me. At least than it wouldn't have felt like I didn't exist."
"Perhaps we should swap fathers then." Theodore chuckled lightly.
"I am serious Theo. When I came down for breakfast the next morning, my parents were seated at the table eating, my normal place was not set. When I asked if I was to eat somewhere else, neither said a word." Draco's voice cracked, "I stood there like an idiot, until they finished eating and left the room, because I hadn't been excused." Draco took a ragged breath, finally telling a story he had sworn to himself, he would never tell anyone. "The house elves said they were instructed not to wait on me." Draco closed his eyes and if Theodore hadn't known better, he would have thought Draco had been trying not to cry. "I had never had to wait on myself before. I know that sounds pitiful, but I didn't know how to wash my clothes, iron or even make toast. I had to write to Pansy and ask her to buy my school supplies, because I couldn't even get to Diagon Alley. Made up some excuse about being on holiday in Italy." He let out an exasperated chuckle, then ran his hands over his face. "I suddenly had no parents." He smashed the badge into the dirt with his foot. "I thought I would make the man proud of me this year. Prefect, the squad and Quidditch, what was I thinking?"
The two of them sat there and didn't say anything for a while. Theodore watched as the group of kids grew from eleven to over twenty. They all looked at them and laughed.
Theodore finally took a deep breath, "I wish I could tell you I am sorry for what you went through Draco, but I can't. For me, the rest of the summer was spent either recovering from curses my father used on me, or nursing injuries caused by his fists. What I can tell you is this. We are not our fathers."
Draco turned to look at Theodore. "I know that Theo."
"No, I don't think you do. You do not have to follow him, Draco. Be your own man! Stand on your own two feet. See, I am going to stand up now, face that group of asshats over there, show them they mean nothing to me, then go back to the common room, find Daphne and make-out with her for the next hour." Theodore stood up, he grabbed Draco by the robes and pulled. "Come on."
As Theodore stood a wind picked up in the courtyard. The wind started to circle around him and Draco, as if intending to create a barrier to either keep them in or others out. The group of on lookers, which had been slightly over twenty, was now near forty. They continued to make fun of the two Slytherin students. Mostly the blond, who had spent his last five years taunting them every chance he got. Now, it was their turn to point, laugh and crack jokes. The favorite was to ask Draco whether or not his 'father would hear about it' while in Azkaban. The wind got stronger suddenly, and the group of Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Hufflepuff students had to back up to keep from being blown off their feet.
Draco smirked his signature smirk, he knew his best friend had caused the wind. "Those books from Healer Hamilton sure have been paying off Theo." He stood beside Theodore and gave the group a menacing glare. "I have memorized all the charms and spells as well, but you seem to have the wandless magic mastered. I must spend more time working on that, instead of working on Pansy."
Theodore did he best to stifle a laugh, "I think you should spend more time working on your magic, and less time on planning ways to get back at Potter." He looked at Draco and raised his eyebrows, "I could never give up the time I spend 'working on Daphne', but that's just me."
Draco scoffed at his mate, "Well, we are different. Perhaps if kissing Pansy was as necessary as breathing, like kissing Daphne seems to be for you, I would find it harder to give up."
Theodore laughed out loud as the two of them turned and started to walk back inside. The wind followed them just as strongly and kept everyone out of their way. "Perhaps it's not necessary, because you have already taken too much."
"I have only taken what she was willing to give, but you're waiting aren't you?" As they entered the building, Draco could have sworn the green on their uniforms shined a little brighter than the rest of the colors around them. 'Damn, Theo's good.' He thought to himself.
'My Daphne will be respected.' Those words echoed through Theodore's mind, while he thought of how to respond to that. "Daphne is worth the wait."
"Doesn't it drive you insane to get so close, but not 'finish the race', so to speak?" Draco couldn't stop admiring at how bright his tie was. He noticed the students in the hallway push themselves against the walls to let the two of them pass.
"It drives me mad, mate." Theodore gave Draco a sly smile, "But I love it."
As they approached the common room, Theodore waved his hands so the doors would fly open, and wind over-took the common room. Papers and small objects blew around for a few minutes, until he was sure the other students in his house had received the message to leave the two of them alone. He looked around but didn't see Daphne. Pansy had already engulfed Draco in her arms and pulled him down onto one of the couches, with his head on her lap. It took Theodore a couple minutes to interrupt Pansy, as she told Draco 'There, there, Drakie, it will be ok.'
"Pansy." No answer. He tried again, "Pansy, where is Daphne?"
Pansy looked up at Theodore, annoyed, "Her sister and she went to get breakfast. I am sure she will be back soon." With that, Pansy leaned over and started to place little kisses all over Draco's forehead. "Do you want to go somewhere private, Drakie, so I can make you feel better?"
Theodore rolled his eyes and left, before he heard the blonde's response. He went back down to his dorm, as he opened the door, he noticed Daphne's owl had returned, while he was on his hunt for Draco, and sat beside Draco's owl on the windowsill. Theodore got a little excited at the possibility that Lord Greengrass had already responded to him. He rushed over to the bird and took the rolled-up letter attached to its foot. After he gave the owl a treat and watched her fly off, he unrolled the letter.
Theodore,
I am glad to hear you have no intentions of following in your father's footsteps. Reading those words, does make me feel a little easier about the relationship you and Daphne have shared over the last few years.
I am sorry to hear your father forced you to partake in what I assume, was some Death Eater activity. I am extremely pleased that you resisted. However, Theodore, if you want to me to fully believe your loyalties do not lie with your father, it will take much more than words to prove it.
I am sorry, but certain circumstances, which will become clear to you in the following days, prevent me from being able to entertain your request to stay with my family over the summer holidays.
Daphne will come to understand that I have done the right thing for all involved. It may take time, however.
Best of luck to you,
Dalton Greengrass
Theodore's excitement was shattered, along with his mood to sit on a couch with Daphne's lips on his. He fell on his bed and thought about what might wait for him when he arrived home. He supposed he could write to his grandmother. He hadn't seen her since his mother died, but she might take him in. He looked over at his desk, as he thought about what he would say in the letter. His eyes landed on a book and the answer hit him. Theodore jumped up and ran to his desk to write a new letter, this one to Healer Timothy Hamilton and his wife Clair.
xXXx
Lucius barged into Dalton Greengrass's study, not waiting to be announced. "Did you think I wouldn't find out?" He demanded of the man wearing glasses, who sat behind the desk.
Dalton looked at Lucius over his glasses, "I am sure Malfoy, that I have no idea to what you are referring." He knew exactly what Lucius was talking about. It had been him, who let it slip to the right person so the news would get back to Malfoy.
"I am referring to the fact that your daughter is all but barren, because of that illness she has." Lucius began pacing the floor of Dalton's study.
"What concern is that of yours?" Dalton barely looked up from the papers he was looking at.
Lucius spun around and gave Greengrass the famous Malfoy sneer, "My son wants to marry her, that makes it my concern."
Dalton removed his glasses and started cleaning them. "Yes, he came by the other day asking for my permission."
"What did you tell him?" Lucius asked through gritted teeth.
Dalton slowly put his glasses back on. "At first, I told him no."
"Good." Malfoy walked over to stand directly in front of the desk.
Greengrass smiled slyly, "Then I said, I would give it some thought."
"You will tell him your answer remains no." Lucius gripped his cane tightly.
Dalton leaned back in his chair. "Why on earth would I do that?"
Lucius crossed his arms over his chest. "Because your daughter cannot give my son an heir. Unlike you Greengrass, I don't have a brother whose son can carry on the family name. If Draco has no heir, Malfoy stops with him."
"Our positions are more alike than you think, Malfoy. My brother married a Muggle, remember. Their son is only Half-Blood and cannot inherit the Greengrass fortune. Only the name will carry on." Dalton went back to his paperwork.
"A small hiccup, that you can certainly overcome. Especially in these new, tolerant times." Lucius leaned forward, placing his hands on the desk.
Dalton looked at Malfoy's hands on his desk. He always hated this man. Malfoy thought he was so superior to everyone else. "If certain things fall apart, my nephew is an option, I fail to see what that has to do with your son."
"Nothing, I was simply pointing out, that our positions are not the same. You may not want to give your nephew the estate, but you can. If Draco has no heir, there is nobody for him to leave ours to." Lucius finally took a seat in the armchair facing the desk.
"I seem to remember you having a great-nephew." Dalton rested his elbows on the arms of his chair.
"He is not a Malfoy!" Lucius stood back up. "Besides, Draco can still have an heir. You simply need to deny him your approval, then keep your sickly child away from him."
Dalton started strumming his fingers together. "My daughter is a grown woman. As much as I dislike the match, she can make her own choice. With her illness, it is the least I can do for her."
"What do you mean, you don't like the match? Is Draco not good enough for your daughter?" Lucius walked back across the room and stood, once again in front of Greengrass's desk.
Dalton looked at Lucius for a moment, enjoying his small victory of having turned the issue on Malfoy. "No, he is not."
Lucius's eyes widened, "He is a Pure-Blood, one of the sacred twenty-eight. Draco is still heir to the largest Pure-Blood fortune, in Great Britain. I might add that he has also become a Healer. I have no doubt, he will be in the top of his field one day." As much as Lucius hated Draco not working alongside him, he couldn't help, but be proud of his son's accomplishment. Although, he kept it hidden from Draco.
Dalton laughed outload. "He was also a Death Eater at age sixteen. Participated in countless acts against Muggles, and Muggle-borns."
Malfoy's face turned red. "At least my son picked a side, Greengrass. He didn't run away and hide when things got difficult."
"Is that what you think I did, ran away? I was trying to keep my daughters safe. I risked everything leaving and lost the love of my eldest child because of it. I don't think Daphne and I will ever be as close as we once were." He took a deep breath to think. "I chose the right-side Malfoy, but you're Death Eaters and Dark Lord wouldn't stop hounding me to join his side." Dalton pushed his chair back and stood up, so Lucius and he were now staring directly at each other.
"He wanted all the Pure-Bloods on his side. Why do you think most joined in the first place? Your family was not the first threatened." Lucius stood up as tall as he could, trying to look taller than Greengrass.
Dalton leaned forward and rested his hands on his desk. "I understand many joined because of fear, but after your little mishap at the Department of Mysteries, he threatened to take my daughters and give them to whomever wanted them. I was given a week to decide, that is why I left for France, to try and be out of reach. I didn't want Daphne and Astoria to end up sex slaves to some Death Eater who wouldn't care about them. Can you tell me, if you had a daughter, you wouldn't have done the same thing?"
"My son was threatened!" Lucius was shaking with anger.
"Not the same way Malfoy!" Dalton slammed his fist on the desk. "He is a boy; you would understand if you had a daughter."
Lucius scoffed. He didn't want to admit it, but Dalton was right. Draco's life was threatened, not his virtue. Lucius knew very well what would have happened to those girls had the Dark Lord been able to make good on his threat and take them to force Greengrass into taking the mark. Leaving for France really was Greengrass's only choice. He turned and walked back to the chair and cleared his throat. "So where do we go from here?"
"I don't know." Dalton paused for a moment to calm a little, "Astoria loves him, as much as I hate it." He sat back down at his desk.
"Draco loves her, he has made that very clear." Lucius sat in the chair and crossed his legs. "I know my son will do as he pleases, Dalton. If she says yes, they will get married, and the Malfoy line will die."
Greengrass rang a small bell on his desk and an elf appeared instantly. "Please bring us some refreshments." Dalton stood and walked over to sit on the couch across from Malfoy. He was so tired of fighting with everyone. He couldn't fix things for Daphne; actions were set in motion and couldn't be stopped, or he would be ruined. He only wished he could tell someone, anyone, the truth. Astoria, however, if he and Lucius could come to terms, perhaps he could at least stop fighting with one of his daughters. "Is the issue of an heir, your only reason for being against the match?"
The elf returned with a tray of biscuits and tea. Once Lucius had his tea, he leaned back in the chair. "Isn't that enough of a reason?"
Dalton picked up a biscuit and took a bite. He chewed slowly, to consider his words carefully. "Lucius, what if I told you there might be a way?"
"What do you mean?" Lucius leaned forward, interested.
"No, no. Before we get to that, I am worried about how my daughter will be treated in society, if she marries your son. What are your plans to deal with that?" Dalton finished his biscuit.
"I am up for suggestions Dalton. We have paid our fines, tried to heed to the Ministries' new rules and laws. What more can I do?" Lucius relaxed a little.
Dalton thought for a moment, "Start by publicly supporting your son's career. People need to know that you are behind him in his efforts to change. You are never seen, Lucius. Never at parties, or events. You don't even go to Ministry meetings. Are you not still an Elder?"
"Of course, I am. I don't go because," He took a sip of tea, unsure how to finish. "I thought...that people, would not...want me there."
Dalton sipped his tea. "Your wife was warmly accepted at Daphne's fashion show. The paper had nothing but good things to say about her. I think it is time you stepped out of the shadows and supported your wife and son's efforts to make amends with society. Nobody said it will be easy, or that the papers will be kind all the time. They never will though, if you never give them the opportunity."
Lucius flipped his hair behind him. "It is easier said than done, Dalton, but depending on what you meant a little while ago, I might be willing to try."
Dalton went to his desk and picked up a parchment. "Astoria's doctor has found some promising potions, or should I say, Muggle medicines. It seems the Muggles have a condition they call cancer. The symptoms for one type, are very much like Astoria's illness. They are going to run some tests on samples, but if it works, she may be able to have a baby one day. She will not be cured, of course. I have told her none of this and expect you to do the same. I don't want to get her hopes up." he passed the parchment to Lucius.
Malfoy took the parchment and read it. "So, Draco may get an heir after all."
"Only one. You would have to be happy whether it was a girl or a boy." Dalton crossed his arms in front of him.
Lucius looked at the parchment a little longer, then rolled it up and handed it back. "You have my word; I will not tell them. A girl would at least give him an heir; keeping the name alive could get difficult, but possible. Let's just hope it is a boy, if the time comes."
"Good, then we are agreed. I will owl Draco at once and tell him my answer is yes. I do have something; I would like in the marriage agreement." Dalton sipped his tea again.
Lucius looked at him curiously, "What? Draco will get his inheritance once they are wed, and the rest, if they have a child."
"I am not concerned with his inheritance, although money is what I want to discuss." Dalton went back to his desk and picked up a different parchment. He unrolled it as he returned to his seat. "You see, I have signed a betrothal contract with Christopher Flint's eldest, for Daphne. Flint has agreed to name Marcus and Daphne's first-born son, my heir."
"Shrewd, why?" Malfoy's curiosity peeked.
"Let's just say, the Flint fortune is not what it once was. The Greengrass Fortune will sustain both houses, even if divided in half. But I do not trust Marcus to handle the fortune or this Estate. I fear if left in charge, he will squander the money and run the family business to the ground. I want to name Draco as the executor of the Estate, once I pass, if the named heir is not old enough to take over." Dalton handed Lucius the marriage agreement he had already started to draw up.
Lucius took a deep breath and read over the contract. "I am sure Draco would be honored, but why help Flint out? Surely Daphne and the Nott boy would have children of their own. Nott seems to be quite the levelheaded businessman; wouldn't he be the better choice for Daphne?"
Dalton took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He could tell Malfoy the truth and then, someone else would finally know. He wanted to, to get it off his chest, but he didn't trust Malfoy, yet. "My reasons are personal and between nobody, but Christopher Flint and myself."
"He is blackmailing you, isn't he?" Lucius smirked at Dalton, finally he had something on this pompous, high and mighty prat. "Why? What has he got on you?"
"None of your business Malfoy. Do we have a deal or not?" Dalton rolled the parchment back up, not looking Lucius in the eye.
"You admit then, he is blackmailing you. Daphne, for whatever he has on you. Oh, it must be good, in order for you to give up your daughter and half your fortune, after everything you went through to keep her safe." Lucius threw his head back and laughed out loud.
Greengrass stood quickly, "This must stay in this room, Lucius. My wife does not know; Daphne thinks it only has to do with needing an heir. They must not find out. It could ruin me."
"What? What could ruin you?" Lucius was loving this. He took another sip of his tea, "Tell me, or I will not sign."
Dalton growled. He had always hated this man, but the need to tell someone was too great. Might as well be the father of his future son-in-law. "I paid the Death Eaters off, during the first war, and for the first part of the second one. It was how I kept my family from having to join a side. But after the department of mysteries failure, money was no longer enough. Somehow, Flint found out. He has threated to turn me in to the ministry, if I don't agree." He glared at Malfoy. "I would be labeled a Death Eater supporter. It would ruin my family, my business." He sat back down, "What kind of life would Astoria and Draco have than, with not just your treachery to deal with, but mine as well?"
Lucius snorted, "So, you're willing to let Astoria marry a man you hate, because you cannot allow Daphne the man she wants? How very Slytherin of you."
"In this case Lucius, I can only make one child happy, but not both. I can only hope that one day Daphne will forgive me and understand." Dalton put his face in his hands for a brief moment, "Salazar knows, I would much rather see both my girls happy and married to the men they choose."
"Marcus Flint, is a brut. Does he treat her well?" Lucius suddenly sounded friendly.
Dalton looked up at him, "Daphne says he does. I was fearful he would be violent or unfaithful, but she says he treats her well. Although, he is not as affectionate as she would like." He picked his tea back up, "Perhaps one day, she will learn to love him."
Lucius shook his head, "I hope your right Dalton. Not all arranged marriages end up as well as yours did."
"I have no choice, Lucius." Dalton drank the rest of his tea, not caring how hot it was.
Lucius leaned forward, "What if we found something on Flint? I am far from a big supporter of Nott, but I know for a fact, that boy cares very much for Daphne."
"If something could be found to make Flint back off, I would happily tell Theodore he may have Daphne's hand. But I have spent the past two years trying and have found nothing. I am at the bottom of the barrel." Greengrass poured another cup of tea.
"Then we find another barrel." Lucius gave Dalton his famous smirk. God, it felt good to be back in the game! Lucius forgot how much he loved scheming and working out problems. He had never been very fond of Dalton Greengrass, the two were not friends as children or teens, but he had no friends at this point. He would take Greengrass, if that is all he could get right now.
A/N Thank you to my guest reviewer for asking for a chapter with Lucius and Dalton, it gave me a great way to introduce the political plot line that has motivated Lord Greengrass's actions.
