Betrothal

Betrothal
by sanna

Chapter One

It was a small run down cottage which smelt of several different animals. To an ordinary muggle or wizard, the cottage was nothing special if not something they would prefer to stay away from. But if Alastor Moody and his magical eye saw the cottage, he could have told anyone how special and how well-protected this place was... not that he would have in the first place.

This small cottage was built by the great wizard, Albus Dumbledore, himself. The cottage was simple enough to live in, yet it was built with and surrounded by the greatest of protection charms ever made. It was unplottable, and several Secrecy Charms were placed over it. Dumbledore had spent a good five years building it into the place that it was on that very day.

It looked like it could hold a maximum of five people, but as every magical place, it expanded on the inside and held the ten people quite well with room to spare.

As miserable as the place looked physically on the outside, so was it magically majestic on the inside. It was the perfect place to hold the ritual. It was the perfect place to perform the only magic that would save the magical world years later.

"Lord and Lady Magnar," Dumbledore called, "please step forward." He stood in the middle of the room where a huge marble sink stood. The water glowed an eerie blue, glittering like the magic surrounding them. Two of the nine others present stepped forward, and Lady Magnar carrying a small bundle in her arms.

Everyone's eyes were focused on that little bundle, maybe with the exception of one. It was unusual to believe that the baby wrapped carefully within could save their future, and their children's future. It was ironic that if fate was kind to them, that this night was all that was needed to save several lives in the future, most especially the lives of those present in that very room.

"Mister and Mrs. Malfoy," Dumbledore called forward next. Narcissa Malfoy, too, held her own bundle in her arms. The other half of the magic that would save future lives. Lucius Malfoy gripped his wife tightly, as his hand was around her hip. His Dark Mark was burning in his shoulder, yet, he had to be there for this ritual. The pain he felt was nothing compared to the love he felt for his son, and the need to give him a better life than he had.

As the two couples stood before Dumbledore, two others stood behind them. Dumbledore joined the two as they raised their hands and began to perform the Secret Keeper's charm. The triangle they had formed around the Malfoy's and the Magnar's suddenly glowed a bright yellow. Words were mumbled and chants were chanted. The sadness that had filled the room earlier had been lifted and was filling with hope. The pain that Lucius had felt in his arm was slowly disappearing as if he had been transferred to another dimension where the Dark Lord couldn't call for him.

The room was suddenly engulfed in the bright yellow light that blinded everyone temporarily. As suddenly as it had come, just as quickly it had disappeared. And then they all knew, the Secret Keeper charm had been completed.

Narcissa Malfoy's tear-stained face met Lady Magnar's tearful smile. It was almost over. This was the end of the beginning of their hope for the future. True, there would be sorrow and anxiety later on, but that was normal when bringing up children, or lack thereof.

As the Secret Keepers stepped backwards, Dumbledore broke the silence. "Let us begin the Betrothal."

~*~*~*~*~*~

There was a faint cinnamon smell mixing with the smell of the cool garden. At ten in the evening, everything was dark with the exception of the numerous stars in the sky and the candles that had been lit on the four corners of the picnic blanket.

As it was their last month in Hogwarts, and seeing that they were both prefects, no one minded much that the couple was breaking a few rules by being out there so late. Besides, who would dare tell two Slytherins that they were breaking school rules? It was common knowledge that one of many mottos of the Slytherin house was "Rules were meant to be broken."

Lucius Malfoy lay on the blanket on his back, looking up at the stars. He had a pensive expression on his face, one that did not betray his emotions within. Next to him, with her head on his chest, lay his girlfriend, Narcissa Whiteworth.

It was one of those rare moments, Narcissa knew, that Lucius wasn't completely sad. Once, after one of their snogging sessions up in the Astronomy Tower, he had told her about his unhappy childhood. He had told her about his mother who was never there, his father and his cold and harsh demeanor; Lucius had even told Narcissa about the numerous beatings he had received as a child. He had never really spoken it out loud before, but Narcissa could tell that he had contemplated killing himself several different times in his life.

But then she had come into his life, and suddenly, there was a reason for living. She remembered what Lucius had once told her, 'You rescued me, just when I was about to fall forever into the dark abyss.' Love, Narcissa then thought, love was all he needed.

"Lucius," she quietly whispered. Lucius gazed down to her head, which was placed on his chest. "I love you," she told him, her eyes glittering a sad smile.

But then she felt Lucius tense beneath her, and before she knew it, he was sitting up straight, with one knee folded beneath the other. His upper body however had twisted facing the direction opposite Narcissa. Worry filled her, fearing she had done the wrong thing. This was first time she had ever said out loud that him she loved him... she should have known that someone who had grown up in an environment without love wouldn't have taken those words well.

"Lucius, are you ok?" she asked, putting her arm lightly on his shoulder.

A soft whimper came from Lucius as soon as her hand touched his shoulder. It was so soft that Narcissa wasn't even sure of what the sound was and if it even came from him. But once she heard his voice come out strangled, she knew something was different. "No..." he had murmured. "You're not supposed to love me... you can't...."

Narcissa watched him helplessly, staring at him in confusion. "Lucius... I- I don't understand... Why? I mean, I could understand if you don't love me," she said, her inner wounds of being a neglected child reflecting on the person that she was now, "but I-"

Suddenly, Lucius interrupted her self-pity and grabbed her by her shoulders, his eyes wild with emotion. "Don't you ever say that I don't love you! Because I do," he said, the latter much softer than the former.

Her eyes filled with tears at his words, and Narcissa soon felt Lucius wrap his arms around her in a comforting hug. It was a hug that was not only meant to comfort her, but it also seemed to comfort him as well. Once the tears had stopped flowing, and the emotions had started to decline from its peak, Lucius and Narcissa fell back into their comfortable silence, this time laced with many new thoughts and emotions.

"Cissa... its not that I don't love you... you're not supposed to love me. I-" He stopped talking as the thoughts in his head were swirling around too quickly for him to make sense of it all. Narcissa just watched him as he took several deep breaths, trying to collect his thoughts.

"There's something I haven't told you... something... that I am sure will make you want to look for someone else to love." Before Narcissa was about to protest, he held up a hand to silence her before he continued. "You do know about the dark Lord Voldemort right?"

Narcissa felt a shiver run down her spine before she nodded. It wasn't the first time she had heard the name. A fairly new dark psychopath had entered the magical scene and was terrorizing Muggles and Muggle-borns alike. He would also try to kill any witch or wizard who would dare go against him. Although he wasn't that much of a threat, the very name of the wizard sent most shaking with fear.

Lucius then proceeded to tell Narcissa everything he knew about the friendship between his father and the man once known as Tom Riddle. The trees around them seemed to shake even more, Narcissa noticed, as Lucius told her how the partnership had gone wrong and how the Malfoys were now doomed to serve the Dark Lord.

"Once my father dies, Cissa... it will be my turn to serve him, even thought it will be against my will. Don't you see? What kind of life, what kind of love can I offer you if I am only destined to be one wizard's slave?"

Narcissa looked into his eyes and saw pain and defeat. He had not yet become a slave of someone he didn't like, yet he had already succumbed to his so-called fate. Narcissa had not given him her answer yet, and he already believed she would reject him and what he had to offer her. What he did not know was although he thought he could only offer her so little, it was still so much more than what she already had and wanted.

Tenderly, she placed her right hand softly on his left cheek. "I love you Lucius. I love you for the man that you are, and the man that you will be. What will happen in the future doesn't matter. I will be with you every step of the way. Can't you see that?" she asked, the moonlight shining down brightly on her blonde hair.

Lucius stared at her for what seemed to be eternity. He wondered how someone as misfortunate in life as he, could have ended up with such a sweet and wonderful girl. It was especially difficult to find a mate from Slytherin, where the girls were selfish and conceited. And yet, the selfish part of Narcissa, Lucius had come to love. Her vain and insecure side he had come to understand. And because of that, she had come to love him too and even change for the better, if only just for him.

He enveloped her tightly in his arms. "I love you too, Cissa. I love you so much."

And there they sat quietly on the blanket, hugging each other tightly as if the world would end if they stopped. Birds chirped softly in the background, as the owls hooted as if in song. At that moment, it seemed that everything was right.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The manor was silent. The only sound that could be heard was the tinkling sounds of the carousel above the crib of the baby in the nursery. And then without warning, a wail was heard coming from the baby's room. Quickly, several made their way to the brightly decorated room. While a house-elf tidied up the crib, Narcissa Malfoy cuddled the infant in her arms, and soon the wailing had stopped.

Narcissa sat on the rocking chair near the window and rocked the chair slowly as she began to sing a lullaby to her son in a foreign language. As her lovely voice filled the room, another person entered the nursery. "Is everything alright?" asked Lucius Malfoy.

Smiling up at her husband, Narcissa said, "Yes, everything is just fine here. Little Draco was just lonely, that's all." Lucius smiled back at his endearing wife as he carefully took his son from her arms. He nuzzled him a bit and smiled proudly at his heir.

"My little dragon... you make me the proudest father in the world." Lucius brought his son as he stood in front of the window. He then whispered to the child in his arms, "Do you see all of this? All of this is yours, I will make sure you will never have to want anything for the rest of you life." He started to hold his hands, counting each finger, knowing that every part of his son was perfect.

A soft knock was then heard. "E-ex-c-cu-se me, S-sir," a house-elf stuttered. "A v-va-very im-po-portant message h-has arrived f-for you." Although Lucius was a strict and firm man, he was still fair with his house-elves. But the house-elves knew that their master valued his time with his family above all else, and to interrupt such time wasn't permitted.

Lucius frowned deeply as he returned baby Draco to Narcissa's arms, and then headed towards his study where the newly arrived message that demanded his immediate attention had arrived.

As soon as his father had left the nursery, Draco began to wail once more. Narcissa's attempts at trying to sooth him were useless as there was no stopping his crying. It was as if he sensed there was something wrong.

Narcissa realized this as Lucius returned to the room, his face white as he still clutched the parchment in his left hand. "Wh-what's wrong?" she asked her husband above the cries of little Draco.

It took Lucius awhile to form the words in his head, as he was still trying to recover from the shock. He closed his eyes and tried imagining it all away. No, not now, he told himself, this can't be happening now.

Taking a step closer to him, and placing her hand on his shoulder, Narcissa tried again, "What's wrong?" she asked once more.

Lucius looked up at her and she saw the pain and terror in his eyes that she had once seen a long time ago back during their Hogwarts days. And suddenly, she felt the fear fill her. "My father..." Lucius said. "He's dead."

A single tear trickled down her cheek, as Narcissa held Lucius tight, Draco in between them. It was if they all knew, even the little baby. It wouldn't be long before Lucius would be taken away from them. It just wasn't fair.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The three Malfoy's were sitting in the drawing room, trying to spend as much quality family time together before it was too late. The tension in the air was thick. But Lucius tried acting like it was no big deal. He had to be strong, he had to make Narcissa and little Draco feel like there was nothing to be afraid of. Even if there was.

As Narcissa cradled her son in her arms, the little baby cooing softly, Lucius traced a finger down his son's cheek fondly. My boy, he thought proudly. He will do great things in his day. Let's hope he won't do great things for the Dark Side, he thought, grimacing. After tracing Draco's cheek, Lucius brought his hand to his wife's face and cupped in softly. He smiled at her tenderly.

"Do you want to hold him," she asked him, with a quiet smile on her face. Lucius' face lit up, and he opened his arms so that Narcissa could put Draco in his arms.

But before Draco was placed in his father's arms, Lucius suddenly felt a searing pain in his arm. He jumped back in pain and cried out in agony. Narcissa sobbed in terror as Draco began to wail. "What's wrong? Please, no, don't let this be happening! Not now!" she weeped.

"He- he's calling me," Lucius groaned. "The pain-" he cried out, as one knee gave out and he collapsed to the floor on one knee.

Struggling against the pain, Lucius forced himself to stand up straight. "I must go," he told his beloved. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Tell Draco I love him." He kissed Narcissa on the lips hard, as if it would be the last time he would do so.

Lucius took a step backwards, looking longingly at his family before he disapperated to go to meet his new master. Narcissa watched as her husband disappeared before her very eyes and cried her heart out, knowing that things would never be the same again.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The ten present in the little cottage began to feel the magic in the air as the betrothal proceeded. A Muggle would say it was similar to being electrocuted, but the magical feeling gave more of a calming feeling rather than a complete shock.

Albus and the remaining wizard present in the room stepped before the two families, raising their arms, and holding their wands in their hands. They began to mumble words to cast the spell that would bond the two children together.

The betrothal wasn't simple. In fairy tales it was merely an agreement between two families. But here, it was a combination of spells and charms. Because of the circumstances, even before the betrothal could be performed, the Secret Keeper charm had to be completed. And then the two children had to be bonded together, and certain traits had to be added in them to make sure they followed fate as it was planned.

As the number of spells and charms that were casting grew, the two felt their magic level being lowered and felt very exhausted. But they continued on, as it was a small sacrifice for the good of the whole wizarding community, if not the whole world.

The two Secret Keepers watched on. For that night, their job magically was done, but as they watched the betrothal taking place, they felt a rush of pride, for they were part of a very important event in history. They watched in awe as the two most powerful wizards on the Light Side perform the spells and charms. The incantations were something only they could perform, and for that, they knew this was a very difficult and delicate situation indeed. They hardly dared to even breath.

Silent as ever, Lord Magnar glanced down at his daughter, without changing the look of indifference on his face. But inside, he was so proud of his baby girl. He had done a great many things for the Light Side over the years, and now it was his daughter's turn, and he would spare no sacrifice in helping her do the world a good favor.

Lady Magnar, on the other hand, was smiling down at her daughter fondly, as a tear trickled down her face. This would be the last day she would be with her baby, and she was so proud of the girl that she would be. She felt a deep pain in her heart, as if all the love she had for her daughter was more than her heart could take.

Narcissa stared at her son thoughtfully. Other than Lucius, he was her world. And now, she knew he would grow up to do great things. She wanted to make sure he had everything he ever needed. Her love for her son was endless, and she would make sure he would never grow up the way she did, neglected.

With a heavy heart, Lucius acutely listened to the incantations of the two wizards, and yet, his mind was drifting. He wished there was some way he could change things and give his wife and son a normal one. He hated the fact that they were making sacrifices due to his father's bad dealings with the Dark Side. He wanted to give the world to his son, but instead his son would be saving him, rather than the other way around. He felt so helpless.

Interrupting the thoughts of the four parents, a purple glow surrounded them. The chants of the two wizards had slowly grown louder, as the light had grown brighter as well. A slight fear or nervous feeling had filled them, yet it was giving them relief at the same time. And then, once the light had died down, and the room had grown quiet, they realized; it was over. The two children that were the hope of the future were betrothed.

Everyone remained silent, afraid to speak. Lucius looked across at Lord Magnar and was surprised to see a small smile of victory.

~*~*~*~*~*~

It was a very dark night with no stars to be seen, yet the moon was full and it shined down in its golden glory. A couple apparated a block away from their destination. In the arms of the woman was a bundle which held a child who was being handled with much delicacy. They had apparated as far as possible, as to have enough time left with their daughter before letting her go, yet as closely as possible as not to let anyone suspect what would be happening.

A brave smile was on her face, as Lady Magnar forced herself not to cry. It was for the good of the whole world, no sacrifice was too big for her baby girl. As they reached the doorstep, the door opened without them even having to knock. The couple inside had apparently been waiting for them.

"We deeply appreciate you taking in our daughter," Lady Magnar told the middle-aged couple.

"Its no problem at all," Dianna Granger told her, smiling at the Magnar's.
"We always wanted a girl to take in, and we're very grateful you decided to leave her in our care." She gazed at the baby girl. "She's a dear, isn't she?"

"Yes," Lord Magnar said, "she's a very good girl."

As Lady Magnar gave her baby to Dianna, giving her daughter one last kiss, Lord Magnar placed a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder. Leonard Granger gave the Magnar's a nod before he and his wife went back into their house.

As soon as the door had closed, Albus and the Magnar's Secret Keeper had appeared. They had been there the whole time, yet under the invisibility spell of Albus' so as not to make the situation seem more awkward or strange. Lady Magnar ran to Albus for comfort as the Secret Keeper then placed a spell over the Granger household to protect the Magnar baby, now known as the Granger baby.

One by one, they apparated back to the Hogsmeade to head back to the safety Hogwarts before anyone grew suspicious. Lord Magnar was the last to leave, as he remained in place, staring at the house where his daughter was to live for the next few years. "Take care my dear Hermione," he whispered, fighting to hold back the tears. And then he disapperated.