The Queen's Gambit

The Queen's Gambit

It was the most brilliant day of her life, and Pansy was determined that nothing would ruin it. Glancing into the mirror, a regal figure looked back at her - a slim, willowy woman in cream silk jacquard robes that had been meticulously beaded with seed pearls, whose porcelain skin was perfect and without blemish...with smooth dark hair upon which sat the ancestral diamond tiara that had been handed down through generations of Parkinson brides. A corset that had been laced to a breath-stealing tightness by a house-elf assisted in creating the illusion of her figure's perfection. It was desperately uncomfortable, but that really didn't matter, on a day like this. What mattered was that everyone who ever compared her to a priggish pig or a pug were going to be put to shame by her glamorous appearance and bearing.

I look like a princess, Pansy thought. About to become a queen.

She glanced down at the similarly ancient Malfoy betrothal ring that sat upon her left hand - it looked for all the world like a white-gold two headed serpent with glittering emerald eyes. And between the two heads was held a diamond of exquisite brilliance. She'd grown exceedingly fond of the ring, on account of what it represented to all who saw it - that she was destined to be the next Madam Malfoy, the bearer of Draco's heirs, and a member of one of the wealthiest wizarding families in Britain...perhaps all of Europe...or maybe even in the world, she mused to herself whimsically. The exact ranking wasn't truly important. But today, here and now, she knew that she was Monarch of All She Surveyed.

She could hear her subjects - that is, the wedding guests - murmuring and milling about below, in the ballroom of Malfoy Manor. Soon enough it would be time for her and her bridesmaids to make their entrance, and then see the arrival of Draco and his groomsmen at the altar in front of the crowd, and speak the vow that would bind them together as one. But for the moment, Pansy turned her head towards the gift that sat upon a table nearby.

It was a wizard chess set, sculpted of delicate pink and white marble, and the pieces stood on a board of meticulous inlaid wood. It had come earlier that morning as a wedding gift from Draco. She'd set the pieces into motion, playing out a game of their own while she watched in idle amusement.

The sound of the door behind her opening and closing made Pansy turn around, and she gasped in surprise. "Draco! What are you doing here? You're not supposed to see me until the ceremony!"

Draco lifted a finger to his lips, and favored Pansy with a devious grin. "Shhh, will you Pan? I couldn't resist sneaking away. Crabbe and Goyle are currently engaged in a belching contest, and Nott is being tedious. So I thought I'd seek out some prettier company. Where are Millicent, Daphne and Tracey?"

"I think they're doing something with the bouquets," Pansy replied. "But if they find you here, they'll have you out in a second - you know it's supposed to be bad luck for the groom to see the bride before it's time."

Draco turned around and drew his wand out from an inner pocket of his robes, casting a locking charm upon the door...and then a silencing charm to prevent sound from being overheard outside of the room. "Then we'll make sure we have more time than that. I need to talk to you, Pansy..." His eyes fell on the chess set. "Ah! You got my gift. Do you like it, my queen? I was hoping we might play it together."

Pansy glowed inwardly, hearing the endearment. Even though she and Draco had known each other for ages, he'd rarely been what one might consider romantic. It had been her dream since she was a little girl to wed him, but the actual proposal had come as an enormous surprise, particularly given all of the other, more serious matters that had been occupying Draco's attention. There was a War on, after all. And while Pansy's family had been keeping her close, almost too close in order to maintain family protection, Pansy had been well aware that Draco's own involvement was significant. Even if he refused to speak about it, she had seen some of the scars he had incurred in past sorties. And of course, she had seen the Mark upon his arm.

With all these matters, neither Pansy nor her parents had expected Draco and his mother to arrive one day at Parkinson Place and negotiate a betrothal contract - not to mention one where the marriage itself would take place barely six months later. That sort of haste was unthinkable for any society wedding, particularly one as large as Narcissa had offhandedly described at that meeting. What followed after Pansy's acceptance of the betrothal ring was a whirlwind ...nay, a veritable hurricane of fittings, plans and invitations. Invitations that seemed to go out to every known wizard and witch in the Isles, regardless of birth or social rank. This had astonished Pansy as well, because she would have never thought that the Malfoys would deign to invite mudbloods, blood traitors, or even anyone of middle or lower class...but they had. They had invited everyone. And surprisingly, most had accepted. Perhaps out of surprise or curiosity, or some other unknown reason. Draco had glowered and rolled his eyes at this, but Narcissa smoothly explained that it "was important for the Malfoys to give a public show of inclusiveness, in these dark times."

In spite of the fact that Draco is now a Death Eater, Pansy had mused to herself. And Narcissa must certainly be helping to hide her husband Lucius and the others that broke out of Azkaban prison, in spite of her denials to the contrary.

But the Malfoys were footing the bill for the wedding, in spite of the tradition that normally the bride's family covers that cost. The dowry that Pansy was going to bring to the union was significant, but with a wave of her manicured hands, Narcissa had insisted that everything be left to her. And she had been a formidable architect of the event, almost daring any of the bloody conflict to interfere with the epic plans she had for the wedding. The security upon the grounds rivaled that of Hogwarts, Pansy fancied.

As for himself, Draco had seemed to take the engagement as a matter of course. The only sign that he intended them to be more than the schooldays associates they had been while in Slytherin House was an occasional compliment or endearment, which always took Pansy by surprise. But when they came, she treasured them. And now, for the first time he seemed to be looking at her with true desire, true appreciation in his grey eyes. A thrill went through Pansy at the thought that perhaps...perhaps there might be the chance for a truly successful marriage; a union of equals, she even dared hope.

"You know I've never taken the time to learn Chess before...you'll have to teach me." Pansy smiled back at Draco in a coquettish manner, putting a flirtatious tone into her voice. To be truthful, wizard chess had always looked extremely complicated and cerebral, and she'd not had any interest for the game. It was for swots with no better way to spend their time except for staring intently at a board. But if Draco wanted to play a game with her, Pansy wasn't going to be picky about what his choice was.

An odd look came into Draco's eyes at Pansy's words, and he stepped closer, taking her hand in his. "That's exactly what I mean to do. Pansy...Pansy, I want you to listen to me. I need you to do something, to follow instructions exactly as I tell you. I'm not exaggerating when I say that this is probably the most important thing you'll ever do in your life. I need you, Pansy. The others said I shouldn't tell you, I shouldn't trust you with this on your own. But I can count on you, can't I, my queen?"

A thrill went through the length of Pansy's body at these words. "For anything, Draco. Anything you would ever ask of me, I promise."

Triumph blazed in Draco's expression, at Pansy's reply. "I'm surprised you've never learned the game, really..." He glanced over at the chessboard fondly, and picked up the pink-marble queen. "It's always reminded me of you, with the way that the queen is the most powerful piece on the board, and the king lets her control the game. Wizard Chess is won or lost with a queen after all, and you were always so particularly good at keeping our housemates in sway."

She adored it when Draco talked this way. He could be so smooth, so elegant when he wanted... "What do you want me to do, Draco? Tell me how I can help you. Just like when we were back in school."

Draco's face went serious, and he looked over at the door. "We've set a trap, Pansy. And the stupid Ministry aurors and that insidious Order has fallen for it. All we need to do now is to spring it upon them." That smug expression that Pansy had seen so often before crept over Draco's features. "And that's where I need your help. Will you promise...will you swear to do just as I tell you? Swear as a witch, and my bride?"

Pansy blinked at her husband-to-be. "If it's as serious as you say...I'll swear anything you want. I'll not fail you Draco, I promise."

Draco's eyes searched Pansy's face carefully, and he set the carved chess piece down on the table again...only to reach into his robes and draw out a small silver dagger with intricate designs upon the hilt. "Then swear with blood, my love. That you will follow my instructions exactly, without breathing a word as to what you are doing. Please, Pansy...I need you. You know I wouldn't ask this if it weren't essential. Please, my queen."

She had never seen such a pleading, open look on Draco's face as the one she saw now. And yet...she knew that vows sworn with blood were amongst some of the most powerful known to wizardkind. In the marriage ceremony to come, there would be a point where Draco and Pansy would have to cut their palms with an athame - quite possibly the very one that Draco had in his hand, now - and then clasp hands so that their blood would flow together as one. Why was he asking her to cut herself now, before the ritual? Pansy hesitated, but only for a moment. Then she reached out and pressed the razor-sharp tip of the dagger into her middle finger, leaving the tip of the blade smeared with a drop of scarlet.

Draco smiled, and leaned forward, curling his fingers around the back of Pansy's neck in order to draw her forward into a firm, lingering kiss. "I love you, Pansy. I love you. Never doubt that, no matter what. Never." He said this with such whispered intensity that Pansy trembled in his embrace.

"Now that I've sworn, Draco...what do you want me to do? I'm dying of curiosity." The confusion on her features was clear. "Tell me, please!"

The serious expression returned, and Draco glanced again towards the door. "My father's here today," he said quietly. "And my aunt and uncle Lestrange. And the others who escaped from Azkaban."

Pansy gasped. "Is that safe? With so many here...?" she began, but Draco cut her off with a lifted hand.

"The Aurors and the 'Order of the Phoenix' are here too, and they think they've been able to get past our security wards and will be able to cast entrapment spells upon them, once the wedding ceremony is over. But they're not going to make it that far." Draco slipped the dagger back into his robes, and took Pansy's hands once more, squeezing them so hard it hurt. "Because you're going to set off the trap. You're going to destroy them all, Pansy, and the Dark Lord himself will be in your debt. And we will triumph because of you."

"But..." Pansy's trembling increased. "But how will I do that? Even if I were the best witch of my generation, I wouldn't be able to..."

"Hush!" Draco said fiercely, and picked up the pink chess Queen once more. "And listen carefully, Pansy. This has to go perfectly. When the time comes for you to walk down the aisle through the middle of the guests, you'll be carrying this queen in your hand - the hand that isn't cut. When you reach the very center of the crowd, you'll step onto where the Malfoy crest is inlaid in the ballroom floor - do you remember where that is, Pan?"

She nodded quickly; there was no missing the beautiful design that was the centerpiece of the polished wood floor. Pansy started to speak again, but Draco silenced her with a glance.

"When you step onto the crest, Pan, rub your bleeding finger against this chess piece. No one will notice you've been cut if you keep it concealed under your bouquet and make sure not to drip onto your robes. But there's a curse that's been laid on the piece, Pansy." Draco's voice filled Pansy's ears, and his eyes held hers transfixed while he spoke. "It's a very old curse, of the Darkest Magic. And when your blood touches the marble piece, the curse will trigger, and everyone will die. We'll get them all, Pansy, in one fell swoop. They think they're going to take us, but we'll destroy every last one of them, every one."

It seemed to Pansy that she could see a fever burning in the depths of those sharp grey eyes, and her mouth went dry as she comprehended what Draco was telling her. "But...everyone? That means...what about me? My parents? All of our relatives and friends..."

Draco nodded. "That's why our enemies believe they're safe. They don't believe we'd ever do anything like this, to harm our own. But sometimes one must take extreme measures to win, Pansy. And we will win this time. Nothing can stop us, if you do this." Draco's arm slipped around Pansy's waist, and he drew her in flush against him, his lips brushing against her ear as he spoke. "And you will do this, Pansy. You've sworn. If you start to falter, or to give anything away, you'll be placed under an Imperius curse, and controlled to do exactly as we want. That's what the others wanted to do from the start, but I said no; I knew that you would do this of your own free will, if I only asked." He added, "I won't be there, of course. And the other Death Eaters will be clear of the curse's range, as well. It will look like we're there, but Polyjuice Potion is a marvelous thing. This day is going to be known as a new beginning, Pansy. You'll be remembered as a heroine forever for this."

There was the sound of knocking upon the door. "Pansy!" Millicent's voice called. "Pansy, it's time! Open up the door! Not getting cold feet, are you?" There was giggling after this, and Pansy recognized the familiar voices of Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis.

Draco pressed the cold marble piece into Pansy's right hand. "I have to go," he whispered. "Don't fail me, Pansy. I know that you can do this for me. Because you love me."

"Draco!" Pansy said pleadingly. "Draco, why couldn't I be polyjuiced too? Why..."

Draco frowned. "This is too serious to let those outside of the Dark Lord's innermost circle know. It would have been found out - after the traitor Snape was discovered as a double agent and killed, we knew we had to set this plan into motion, to stop them from gaining any more ground."

The mention of Snape's 'accidental' death triggered a memory. "Professor Snape died," Pansy whispered. "And a month later, you proposed. You never meant..."

There was another knock at the door. "Pansy! Pansy, are you all right? It's time to start the ceremony! Is something wrong?" This time it was the voice of Pansy's mother Chrysanthea at the door. "Open up, honey, there's a luv - it's time for you to become Mrs. Malfoy!"

"Pansy!" Draco hissed coldly. "Pansy, of course I meant it. There is only one for me, and it is you. There is no one else who I could trust with something this important, something this critical! But if it seems you can't be trusted..." He started to draw his wand out of his robes again.

"No!" Pansy whispered back desperately. Tears were starting to well up in her eyes. "No! No, of course you can trust me! But why..."

Draco kissed Pansy again with all his strength. "Then do it, Pansy. Do it, and I promise that I will love you forever. Don't fail me, and make me force you. Do it yourself." Draco gave her another kiss...and apparated away with a swish of velvet robes.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

The music swelled within the ballroom, and the proud bridesmaids made their way down the center aisle. All eyes turned in anticipation of the appearance of Pansy, the radiant bride. There was a gasp of appreciation from the onlookers as she appeared in the doorway, resplendent in her robes and tiara, clasping a bouquet of white roses, orange blossoms and pansies before her. She started down the aisle...

The slitted, serpentine eyes of Lord Voldemort watched the image in the scrying mirror carefully. "You do not feel her resolve wavering, Lucius? I would not have my plans destroyed by the weakness of a callow girl."

Standing by the side of the Dark Lord, Lucius considered. "There is some fear, yes...but no cowardice. I believe she intends to carry the plan out as directed." He looked over at his son with a faintly impressed look in his wry expression. "You have done well, Draco. It's almost a pity she has to die with the rest of them. She might well have been worthy of being the wife of a Malfoy."

Draco lifted his chin. "She will not fail us, Master. I know she won't."

Lucius couldn't resist making a further dig at Draco. "And what of you? You don't wish you could play the hero, and swoop in to rescue your doomed bride-to-be - like Potter on his broomstick, hmmm?"

Draco scowled back at his father, and wrinkled his nose. "In a game like this, there are choices that must be made, in order to win." He looked back at the image of Pansy, as she moved down the aisle towards where the Malfoy family crest graced the floor. Everyone gazed at her breathlessly, entranced by her surprising loveliness. "And I have chosen to sacrifice my Queen."