Almost Lover

Almost Lover
Inspired by the song “Almost Lover” by A Fine Frenzy

Authors Note: So after I finished Gilded Cage, I wanted to do something a little different. But I just couldn’t find the inspiration for it. Until my cousin (whom I love dearly.. Right now :P ) sent me “Almost Lover”. I had finally found it! And from there it played out in my head. So here you go: Almost Lover. Oh and the characters are going to be really off here. I’m doing a bit of tweaking to fit my story. Draco is about 14 in this story. So that’s what second year? Just a little FYI ^______^. Well on we go.

Chapter One:
Forever in a Dream

The sun was just rising slowly above the ocean, turning the sky beautiful shades of red and yellow. The last waves of darkness were slowly disappearing and the soft white sands had their first visitors. The couple walked slowly, hand in hand, down the stretch of sand her head resting on his shoulder. He released her hand, only to wrap his arm tightly around her as if afraid she might disappear at anytime.

She laughed at him but wrapped her own arm around his slim waist. He blushed slightly and pressed his lips quickly to her forehead. They had spent the whole evening together, simply enjoying each others company. They were young she was barely 16. He was 17. They seemed so different, that it seemed inconceivable that they could have ever have fallen in love. Her hair was a jet black, his a fair blonde. He was much taller then her and her personality was loud compared to his reserved nature.

But none of that mattered to them. Only one thing mattered to the boy. And that was the young woman at his side. He felt a particular bond to her, she was the only thing that gave his life meaning. If only he could keep her. He sighed and stopped forcing her to as well. He turned to her his hand gently cupping her cheek. He saw the confusion in her eyes, and she saw the sadness in his,

“Your leaving…” she said simply dropping her gaze from his silver eyes. She heard his breath hitch,

“I.. have no choice. My father…” he paused, he couldn’t do this with her not looking at him. He had to see her blue eyes staring at him. Needed the love there to help him through this,

“I’m forced into an arranged marriage. I do not love her.” he said quickly as he eased her head up, making her face him. Even as the tears that coursed down her cheeks hurt him, he had to see her,

“Then what was this? What am I?” she asked voice bitter and full of hurt. He felt his own heart twist in pain threatening to rip itself from his chest,

“Please,” he said softly, “I love you. I just have no choice… my father cannot know about you. I fear for you…” his words faded as his cheek stung. His eyes had widened as he stared at her. She had drawn away and was holding her stinging hand to her chest,

“Arianna…” he reached for her and she stepped back,

“Don’t you stand there and lie to me!” she screamed disturbing the serene scene. He didn’t know what to do, it hurt him to be so far from her. And he knew after this he may never see her again. But gods how he needed her. He reached for her again and when she turned her back on him, his heart stopped beating. It became coated in a thick ice, and a single crystalline tear fell onto the soft sand.

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He came into awareness abruptly, and could still feel the tears on his cheeks. For a long moment he merely laid in his bed. Staring at the dark fabric of his comforter. His gaze was drawn to the door as his wife walked in, already dressed and ready for the day. They glared at one another before he finally climbed from his bed and brushed back his long blonde hair in front of a wall mirror. She didn’t speak simply turned with a sneer and strolled out of the room.

A sigh escaped his lips, and his mind went back to the dream. That had been nearly 20 years ago. Why would he think of her now? A constant depression had settled over him since that day, only foiled briefly by the birth of his son. But now the boy was attending school, and he was left again with her. He nearly flinched at the loud popping noise that interrupted the solitude of his bedroom,

“Master Lucius? Misses told Pippy to tell Master breakfast is ready…” he glanced at the frightened looking creature before realizing he had been staring at his reflection in the mirror for nearly an hour. He nodded his understanding, not quite trusting his voice. A few spells and mental preparation later he was the confident and calm Lucius Malfoy that everyone knew and despised.

Lucius joined his wife for breakfast, though neither spoke a word to each other. There was no love between them, for they each had loved another before the marriage. They would have gladly come to together just for an heir and then gone back to those that they had loved. But the contract forged had not allowed that. Or at least not allowed Lucius that luxury. Lucius blamed his father for that.

Unlike Narcissa’s family, his father would not have approved of his love. She had been a muggle girl, one of proud standing in the muggle world yes, but a muggle none the less. No doubt his father would have had her killed. It had been days before the wedding when the letter had arrived from Arianna. It had been her final goodbye to him. His father had intercepted it and had nearly beat Lucius to death. Yelling at him for being a traitor to his family and blood. Only his mother had saved him. But it was not for the love they shared. Only the contract.

He hated her for giving up, for not letting him explain his. For turning her back on him when he had needed her then more then ever. That had been one reason he had gone into the service of the dark lord. Every muggle he killed was killing the part of him that still desperately wanted her,

“You have to pick Draco up at the station.” Narcissa said suddenly interrupting his thoughts. Today was indeed the day he picked up his son. He almost smiled, but saw Narcissa watching him so he simply stood and walked from the dining room.

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When Lucius arrived back with his son Narcissa was gone, and he allowed himself to relax. No matter how much hatred he had for Narcissa he loved his son dearly and would have done anything for him. The boy was also the only one who could at least partially melt the ice around his heart,

“Father?” the boy asked quietly and he looked up caught off guard for the second time that day,

“Yes Draco?” he asked offering the boy a small smile,

“Can we go back there this summer?” he asked tilting his head slightly. Lucius could only smile for a moment. The boy looked so much like him, but acted oddly not like his mother but her. It had taken a lot to calm the boy into the sophistication that Narcissa had demanded. He was the perfect gentlemen when Narcissa was around, but when she wasn’t he was a child. Playful and loud.

He shook off his thoughts to ponder his son’s question. He had shown him pictures of his old summer get away. Where he’d always gone alone. And where he’d met her,

“Without mother?” Draco added suddenly looking hopeful. Lucius laughed a real laugh, a sound that only his son and a few others had ever heard. He thought for a moment that it might not be a good idea, but as Narcissa’s screaming voice broke through the calmness. He agreed,

“Very well… I think it would be a fine idea. We’ll have to make up some other destination for her sake.” he said and his son grinned and hugged him quickly,

“Thank you father!” he stepped back smile fading as he accepted his other persona. Lucius too accepted his and stood to go and greet his irate wife. He wanted out of this house as soon as possible. Perhaps he would discuss the trip with his wife. This would allow her to have her lovers, for at least a couple months, in their house. The only time he allowed it was when he would not be returning to the house for the evening.