Forever and Always

Marriage

When we got back it was nearly nightfall. Not a big surprise but it was concerning. "Who covered your classes today?" He grunted. "Minerva did." I nod and walk with him to the Slytherin common room. "Your cousin got out of the infirmary this afternoon. I suspected you wanted to see her." I smile greatfully and make my way to her room.

I knock and she let's me in. Without a seconds hesitation I hug her tight. "Don't scare me like that again! I was so worried!" She giggles and hugs back. I let go and sit next to her. "When did you get the letter?" She blushes. "Day before I came. Thought I'd read it there. Its very pretty. I was so excited." She frowns. "But I got hungry and the berries looked delicious."

I put a hand on her shoulder. "Oh babes. Its alright. You couldn't have known. And anyhow you're here now. And you get to marry Draco!" She blushes. "Stop it. His father sent me a letter saying they'd come visit in a bit. You should stay. " I nod. "I will but only because I'm your guardian while you stay. I wrote a letter to confirm it a few nights ago." She smiles brighter if possible. "Can you help me get ready then?" I chuckle. "Of course. You need to look your best for him, don't you? Go shower. I'll get something for you."

I sit for a while thinking of the dress to construct. Grey or silver. Shimmery but simple. Elegant but not formal. "I've got it!" I accio the dress and leave it on the bathroom door for her. "Let me know if you need help with putting it on or something. I have other stuff for you out here." I hear a knock on the door. "Just a moment!" I called out. I look at myself and see in not presentable. A swish of my wand and I feel ready.

"Noella they're here. Are you ready?" She steps out and I aww. "So pretty. Now the gloves, shoulder cape and shoes. Quickly dear." I checked myself in the mirror. She's ready. I open the door. "Mr. Malfoy I do apologize. I wasn't informed of your arrival until a moment before."

He tries to move past me into the room but I hold him back. "Trying to enter a young girls room is highly inappropriate. Let's take this meeting elsewhere. Perhaps by the lake?" He looks angry but I know that he knows I'm right. "Noella, take the younger Mr. Malfoy outside to your favorite spot by the lake. We'll join you soon." She takes the boys outstretched arm and leads him away.

I look at Lucius for a moment longer before grabbing his arm. "I hope you know by now that I'm her legal guardian while she stays here. Anything you try to do has to pass through me. Including marriage." He speaks up. "Precisely why I'm here. I want them married on her 16th birthday."

I choke on air. "I hope your joking. That's far too young." He stops walking and turns to me. "Its just the formalities. Anything other than that is unnecessary until they're 18." I laugh darkly and shove a finger in his chest. "Listen here. I don't care for your formalities. It's what is preassured upon the children that concerns me. Both understand what would be asked of them. They know what you require. If you push them into a marriage now, they might question if you want an heir so soon as well. You cannot risk a mistake like that."

He looks taken back. "I did not take that into consideration." I growl out. "Obviously. Now, you can still have the marriage HOWEVER! There will be strict stipulations and the children will be told everything. As well as having them wait until 18." He thinks for a moment. "Because I agree with you, I won't whack you with my cane for speaking to me that way. Do it again and I won't hesitate." I chuckle. "You are funny when you want to be. Let's go find the children and explain. They deserve to know." I grab his arm and pull him outside.

Our walk is halted by the lake when we stop to watch the children. I smile when I see Noella give him a kiss on the cheek. Even with it being dark he can't hide that blush. "I think they'll take this well Lucius. This could be the beginning to something beautiful." I look on but in the corner of my eye I see him watching me. "Indeed."