The Given Choices

*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Twenty-Four - The Choices Made *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

On Saturday morning in the Sixth year Slytherin dorm room, Draco pulled his leather boots on as Blaise sat on the edge of his bed and watched his best friend get ready for the meeting sealing his fate. The blond picked up the package that arrived Friday morning from his father. Inside, there was thin black, leather strap that was instructed to be worn on his left wrist for the meeting and permanently thereafter. Also a Malfoy family crest ring instructed for his right ring finger, which was a portkey to the meeting in fifteen minutes.

As Draco pulled on his cloak, his best friend stood up and headed to the door but stopped right before. "Are you sure about this, Draco?"

Indigo eyes meet silver eyes as silence and stillness came over the room. "I will do what I have to do."

"And what of Hermione?"

Draco lowered his eyes at her name. But pulled his hood up as he whispered, "One day, she will understand everything I am doing today and why I have made this decision."

The dark-haired wizard shook his head as he opened the door and stated, "She loves you, you know."

With a few steps, he was at Zabini's side as he replied, "And I will love her forever. Now, why don't you walk me outside."

Both boys walked in silence through the castle and to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. They separated and gave a single nod to each other right before Draco disappeared. A few moments he found himself on grassy cliff by the side of dark blue ocean. To his right, there were close to fifty cloaked figures; Death Eaters. Some people had their hoods up and some not. He recognized his father within the center of the large group. He walked quickly to his side and the older Malfoy smiled proudly as he let his son take an empty spot by his side.

At the sound a clap of thunder from the cloudless sky, Lucius placed a hand on Draco's shoulder to put him on one knee. Everyone became silent and a dark green throne appeared on the other side of him. Draco was on his left knee between his father and the empty throne of the Dark Lord. He slightly raised his eyes when he heard the crowd separate and every Death Eater dropped to their knees. There his future master walked towards him but he saw that he was followed by a hooded, cloaked figure, which was followed by Severus Snape.

Once Voldemort had taken his seat, the figure took their knee in front of him about two feet from Draco but he still wasn't able to make out the face. Then the voice of the Dark Lord got his attention away from the unknown person. "All may rise."

The sound of many fabrics rustled filled the clearing as everyone got to their feet. Then Voldemort spoke again, "Today is a very special day for our side because two of the strongest, new bloods are about to join our ranks. First, I present Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius Malfoy. Stand before me, young Malfoy."

Draco followed the directions and stood to the right of the still unknown, cloaked guest. He dropped to his knee as he kissed the Dark Lord's hem of his robes. Yet, he stayed on his knee as Voldemort stated to him but loud enough for all to hear, "Are you ready to give your body, mind, and soul to our cause and me, Lord Voldemort, as your only master from this day on?"

"I am, my lord," Draco replied but kept his eyes to the ground as he was earlier instructed from his father.

"Good. Now, our guest is also joining our side and will be a very powerful alley. I present to you Silver Draconis," he announced. The hooded figure lowered her hood and the long straight black hair was released to hit the middle of her back.

There were whispers and gasps among the Death Eaters as she went to her knee next to Draco and kissed the hem of Voldemort's robes. Draco was not able recognize the slender female whose pale skin almost matched his own. After a moment, the figure on the throne got to his feet and stood in front of the two youths that were knelt in front of him. Neither of them had to nerve to look up, only a thin smile was visible just under the edge of the hood. Then he spoke again, "Miss Draconis, are you ready to give your body, mind, and soul to our cause and me, Lord Voldemort, as your only master from this day on?"

"I am, my Lord," she replied and Draco noticed that her hand was trying to say calm as if she clinched her fist. He had not recognized this young woman's voice either but she looked as if to be his age.

"Draco and Silver, please turn toward each other and extend your left forearms for me. Then I want your right hands to connect as well. Lucius and Severus, place your hands on the shoulders of these two," Voldemort ordered, and all four people did as he requested. It was the first time Draco had Draconis' silver eyes. Professor Snape stood behind the silent girl and put both hands on her shoulders.

He looked to the strap of leather on his left wrist as their left arms touched and then something changed. His eyes looked up and saw Hermione in front of him with a similar strap on her left arm but it had the name Silver Draconis on it. He was utterly confused but looked into the brown eyes that he had fallen in love with, which this was he looked into them since their fight. Draco sensed a change in Hermione, which was obvious because she was there. There were a many emotions that danced in her eyes as he felt his father's strong grip on his shoulders. All his thoughts were on showing her how much he loved her and to show it there, in his eyes. His right hand thumb grazed the top of her in a calming way to have her feel that everything was going to be okay.

Draco enjoyed the warm of her arm against his and wished he were able to feel more of her warmth because that was what he needed, her warmth. With their arms that touched in front of them, the Dark Lord moved closer and raised his wand as he uttered the curse, "Morsmorde."

The pain in his arm immediately made his eyes close with pain and he felt her grip his hand harder. Draco let her release all her pain on his hand and he took both pains with only a slight hiss from his pursed lips. After a moment, the pain began to go away and he was able to open his eyes. There on the edges of her chocolate eyes was a thin line of tears that threatened to fall. With his right hand, he gave a little squeeze that showed that he was proud of her. The hands on her shoulders moved in a calming way to try to relax her tension.

"Severus, please come here," their new 'master' stated from next to them. Now, Draco was confused because that should've been the end of the ceremony. Yet, the fact that the Potions Master stepped over to them and held a small purple, velvet bag in his hand was making him begin to worry.

Voldemort pulled out some ribbons from the small pouch that Snape was holding to his right. With several multi-colored ribbons in his hand, Draco suddenly realized what was going to happen. He looked up to Hermione, who had her eyes closed as she seemed to trying to forget the pain in her left arm. The Dark Lord began again, "Today with the joining of these two to our sides, I will also be joining them to each other to make the most powerful union that there has been in many years."

Yes, her eyes flew open at that statement. With the slightest touches he was able to do while still holding her hand, he silently pleaded her to trust him and not to get excited. The last thing that any of them needed was Hermione to try to run at this point, because Voldemort was about to marry them in front of all Death Eaters; and what seemed to be, without her prior knowledge.

Draco shut out the words that the Dark Lord was reciting because he had heard them several times during other binding ceremonies. He was focused to show Hermione that he loved her with all his heart. Slowly the cold fingers of Voldemort brought both of their hands to lie on top of each other. So many emotions were dancing on her face that he was very afraid that she was about to do something rash and foolish.

Then it reached the part was Draco was to recite his vows to her. Damn to everyone that was around, he put his heart into the words in then recited because they came from his heart. "I, Draco Xavier Malfoy, have come here on my own free will in perfect love and perfect trust."

Her breathing seemed to start to speed up but the Potions Master squeezed her shoulder in a reassuring manner just once. Then she raised her eyes to Draco's as she spoke, "I, Hermione Jane Granger, have come here on my own free will in perfect love and perfect trust."

The crowd had not reacted when she stated her true name, so the illusion must've also covered her speaking her name. Snape reached down and held out two silver rings with black Celtic marks etched into the sides of the rings in front of them. Draco picked up the one with a diamond in the middle as he still held her right hand. She reached over and took the other thicker band. Draco placed the band on her ring-finger as he recited, "I, Draco, commit myself to be with you in joy and adversity, in wholeness and brokenness, in peace and turmoil, living with you faithfully all of our days. May the Gods give me the strength to keep these vows, so be it."

"I, Hermione, commit myself to be with you in joy and adversity, in wholeness and brokenness, in peace and turmoil, living with you faithfully all of our days. May the Gods give me the strength to keep these vows, so be it," she repeated as she slipped the sliver ring onto his finger. A slight smile reached the corners of her mouth when he watched the ring to into place as a symbol of their future.

They held right-hand to right-hand and left-hand to left-hand as with their bodies from above it appeared they formed the symbol for eternity. From the side, the two hands from Voldemort's robes pulled and tied their wrists with first a red cord as a symbol of strength, passion, and courage. Then the next cord was green to symbolize growth, ambition, and prosperity. Next the cord was blue which represented tranquility, loyalty, and patience. Finally the Dark Lord bonded them by the last cord from Severus' sack, the silver cord laid on top to signify purity, protection, and creativity.

Next a small emerald-studded dagger was in one of Lucius's hands and the Potions Master held out a small silver box. Draco tilted his head to the side as his father used the dagger to cut off a small amount of his hair, which was then placed into the box. Then the two older men exchanged items and Hermione duplicated her love's action to enable her mentor to take some hair from the base of her neck. The hair changed from brown to black and then back to brown as the lid of the box with both of their hairs closed. The box with their hair was to represent their future relationship as an intimate one.

Voldemort took the knife and moved it to where the couples' hands were bound. As he inserted the knife into the space between their hands and the cords, he spoke, "Be strong and true, each with the other. Be truthful and respectful. Be sensuous with one another. Have no fear and let not the ways of unenlightened give you ease, for the Gods are with you now and always."

Hermione bit her lip as the dagger cut lightly into their skin as it went through. The magic of their now blood bonding and red swirl of air danced around their bonded hands as it sealed their wounds and their bodies together forever. As soon as the swirl disappeared, the cords were cut and fell to the ground but Draco continued to hold her hands.

The Dark Lord placed his hands on their shoulders and that was when he noticed that he also wore a band just like his. He knew that Silver Draconis was Hermione Granger. Voldemort spoke again, "You both are bound together in a bond that can not be broken as you are bonded to me and the others. Please rise. I announce you for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Draco Malfoy."

Clapping came from everyone around them as Draco pulled her into his arms and into a passionate kiss. A bell from somewhere behind them rang three times. When the kiss was over, the couple continued to hold each other as Lucius, Severus, and Bellatrix stepped up to them. Then the Dark Lord spoke, "I will be seeing the two of you when the time is ready. The meeting is now over. Till next time."

With that, he disappeared from the spot and the small group of family touched their backs as a portkey was activated to whisk them away to another location.

The small group appeared in the foyer of a large manor. Draco continued to hold Hermione's hand as Lucius glanced around and stated, "It's been years since I've been here Bellatrix. Lestrange's Manor appears to be as grand as ever. Well, this certainly is a glorious day for our side and our family."

Snape stepped behind Draco as the youth's father took Hermione's free hand in his and commented, "You are truly a welcomed addition to the family, Hermione. Come Bellatrix; let's go tell Narcissa the wonderful news."

"I'll follow in a moment, Lucius," the dark-haired woman replied and the elder Malfoy gave a curt nod as he Disapparated. Bellatrix glanced around the room and then to the young couple and took both of her daughter's hands in her own as Draco's hand went to Hermione's elbow. "This was the house I was placed in during my marriage to a cruel man and his disgusting brother. Now, I give it to the two of you with hopes, that it becomes filled with happy times and precious memories to replace the older memories within these walls.

"I know the marriage was a surprise to you but it will all work out. I am proud you made your own choice to by my side. Well done, my daughter. I'd be proud to call you a Black, if you did not just get a new name. But Malfoy is well-fitting. Take care of her, Draco," the witched stated as she smiled so brightly. Hermione's small smile was completely false to people that knew her well, but Bellatrix did not and considered Hermione to be happy.

Draco gently kissed her cheek as he softly spoke, "I will. Always."

Ms. Black sighed in delight and commented, "Now, I must go celebrate this magnificent day with Narcissa. Are you coming, Severus?"

Professor Snape gave a slight bow as he replied, "I am afraid I must decline. There are stories that need to be created for these two. Enjoy yourself, Bellatrix."

Bellatrix leaned forward to kiss Hermione on each cheek as she whispered, "I am so happy, Hermione. Completely happy for the first time in a very long while. I'll be in contact with you, my darling."

With a slight crack, the female Death Eater disappeared and all let out a breath as they relaxed. Hermione stepped away from Draco's grip and hugged her arms across her chest. Her back was to the two males but it was clear she was upset. Snape crossed the space between them and walked around to face her. She looked up at him and grief showed clearly on her face. His soft voice was not something he had ever used around her but he gently spoke, "I was not able to inform either of you about the bonding. The Dark Lord clearly stated that if either of you seemed aware or prepared for the ritual that it would cost me my life. I know that it this would be all right in end."

Hermione spoke from the first time since vowing in front of all the Death Eaters her hand in marriage to Draco, "All right? How is this all right? I married to a-"

"Death Eater," Snape finished her sentence but continued, "and a spy for the Order, as you and I are also."

Her brown eyes went big and she whipped around to face her new husband, who gave a small nod at her unasked question. The Potions Master spoke up again as he straighten his cloak, "I am sure there is a lot to be talked over. The Headmaster has given the two of you permission to take two days to celebrate your nuptials. I will return Monday evening at nine to take you back to Hogwarts. Hermione, I would suggest you take this potion before you two get too far along in your talking. Good day to the both of you. Relax and enjoy the time you are given. You did very well today and I am ... proud of both of you."

With that, the Potions Master gave shudder as if he just said a vile thing and then Disapparated leaving the two youths alone in the large estate. It was the first time they had been alone since Hermione had told Draco of his choices but not knowing she had her own decisions to make as well.

Hermione took a seat on the bottom step of the marble staircase in the edge of the large, elegant foyer and said, "So, you changed your mind."

Draco smirked as he took a spot next to her as he leaned back on the stairs and said, "Let's say I re-evaluated my choices, asked Severus some questions, went into his Pensieve and then made up my own mind. This was the best option. I must admit I felt better about it once I knew that Snape was also a double-spy. When I went to Dumbledore, I was still under the assumption that he was a pure Death Eater but I did not know about you coming today. When did that happen?"

Hermione played with the purple potion the glass tube that Snape gave her. She recognized it as a contraception potion and blushed slightly as her finger held it. After a moment, she admitted, "Last Saturday, I overheard your father tell Snape that Voldemort wanted me at the same time you took the Mark. The binding must've been mentioned in the letter he gave Snape and it was not spoken out loud. But after he left, I realized that I was in the perfect position to become a valuable spy for the Order. Also, doing this takes some weight off Severus as he could prove his loyalty when I came with him today."

"Yeah, that was a surprise," Draco chuckled. Hermione looked down and began to pick at the invisible lint on her black cloak. He wrapped his arm around her lower back as he leaned into her and asked, "What's wrong, my love?"

Hermione rested back against his chest and replied, "I'm just scared of what could happen in the future. I'm a Death Eater, I just married a Death Eater and we're both playing the two sides in the middle of a war. Maybe this wasn't the best of ideas."

"Hey, like I told Bellatrix, I am going to take care of you. This was the right thing to do with the choices we were given. As the loony, old man we call a Headmaster reminded me as I left the office a few days ago 'The time has come to make the choice between what is right and what is easy.' And my dear, we did not choose the easy way out but the right way," he commented as he linked his left hand with his silver wedding ring with her left hand. "With you being the brilliant, brave Gryffindor and me being the handsome, cunning Slytherin, we'll make out all right. I promise."

"You can't really promise that, Draco. But its nice to hear anyway."

She cracked a smile and pushed against him a little. Then Hermione turned to face his smirking face and then leaned into kiss him. His free hand quickly found the back of her head as he slipped his tongue into her mouth to deepen their first kiss in two weeks. After several minutes of tasting something they both truly missed, Draco pulled back and took the vile out of her hands as he stated, "I think it is about time for you to take this. We don't have to do that immediately but just in case."

Hermione pushed him back against the stairs with a hard kiss and then moved her kisses along his jaw to his ear as she murmured, "I think that is a very good idea but I plan on consummating my marriage to my incredibly sexy, new husband."

Draco popped the cork out of the glass tube and handed it to her. She slowly drained the sour liquid as her hand crept up his thigh to budge in his slacks. The empty glass was barely an inch from her lips before he yanked it out of her hands and threw it against the far corner, where it immediately shattered. He deftly stood up and lifted her laughing body into his strong arms as he said, "Enough talk, we have more urgent matters to see to, my wicked wife."

~*~*~* To Be Continued ~*~*~**~