WE NEED EACH OTHER [DRARRY]

CHAPTER THREE : RELATIONSHIPS

Draco's POV

Both of our families were seated around the dining table. The dinner was served. Father enthusiastically spoke of my marriage with Astoria's parents. They responded with the same excitement.

All this time, Astoria quietly ate her dinner, keeping her eyes low. The disappointment on her face hadn't faded, and I was beginning to worry about her.

"The marriage will be around the end of next year after Astoria finishes her second last year at Hogwarts," Father said, taking a bite from his plate. "Until then, both the children get to know each other."

"Yes, we can start preparations as soon as possible," Astoria's father said, beaming at his daughter.

"Draco darling, why don't you tell us about yourself?" Mrs Greengrass asked me. "What do you want to do now that you have finished Hogwarts?" She turned her eyes toward me.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Mother cleared her throat to answer.

"Well, Draco is an expert potioneer," she said, "And he does pretty well in all his subjects with outstanding results and exceeding expectations. He has planned to do his future in it."

"Ah, I see. Yes, it would be wonderful for Astoria to marry some young, smart man,," Mrs Greengrass smiled warmly at me, and I returned the sentiment.

It was true that I did score well in my potions class. But saying I wanted my future in it was an utter lie. But I did not complain. I knew what my parents were trying to do here. They wanted me to showcase as the best wizard Astoria could marry.

"Indeed," Father replied. "We, too, are blessed to know that a wonderful witch such as Astoria will be our daughter-in-law." He smiled at the Greengrass family.

"Oh, you wouldn't believe what a drama queen Astoria used to be!" chuckled Mrs Greengrass, giving Astoria a fond look.

"Yes, yes," Mr Greengrass added, "She used to tell all the house elves to give her food and then complain about how utterly disgusting the food was. Remember that?" He shook his head, smiling.

"Oh, Draco was no better," mother began, "He had such a fascination with climbing trees. He used to climb all the Manors trees and never get down." Her eyes gleamed with reminiscence. "Once he got stuck on one tree, he ended up staying on it for a whole day."

Lucius chuckled. "Oh, remember at that one ball, Cissa? How he had spiked the punch with his own potion. What was it? Tickling throat, I think it was."

Mother placed a hand on mine as she gave me a pursed smile. I tried to smile as well.

"Speaking of balls, are you attending the one this Friday?" Mrs Greengrass chipped in.

"Oh yes, definitely," father added, taking a modest sip from his wine glass. "It would be nice for Draco and Astoria to go as a couple for a public view."

"It would be wonderful!" Mrs Greengrass beamed.

All the adults looked at each other with happiness. They seemed unaware of how awkward it was for Astoria and me with all their marriage talks. I couldn't understand how they were capable of doing that to their own children. Suddenly, they gazed at us with something on their faces.

Astoria's father spoke, "Astoria, darling if you have finished dinner, why don't you take Draco to your room so you can get to know each other without us invading? Us adults can have a chat down here."

I gazed at Astoria. She lightly nodded her head without any emotion on her face.

That's weird. Oh, wait! They're setting us up.