Captive Bride

Chapter 2

Lucius Malfoy rose from his kneeling position with his new bride in his arms. His young wife had fainted at the end of the ceremony as all brides did, that was a part in his family heritage. Turning to his son he handed her over into Draco’s arms.
“Father?”
“Not now Draco. The Dark Lord still waits. Follow me but stay behind me.” Lucius strode toward Lord Voldemort. Snape taking up position at his right hand they exited the stone circle.
Gazing with his icy façade he waited for the Dark Lord to speak. Not daring to look away from the serpent eyes that watched emotionless.
“Excellent. I knew your family was such traditionalist but I didn’t expect such history. You can almost feel the moss on your family foundation.” Voldemort chuckled evilly.
“If I may ask my lord. Why? Why are you asking that us loyal followers marry outside of the lines? Have I not been loyal beyond reproach to you?” Malfoy seeked the answer burning in his mind since the new plan was made clear.
“Punishment. I should have what I wanted by now and yet it is not so. The boy still lives despite everything. I have decided that you are still not strong enough to suit my needs. So therefore I will breed you stronger and take a personal hand in the training of the next generation so that there will be no room for error. I will only have the strongest magic working for me and since you are the strongest purebred I have decided to pair you with Her. Your loyalty and pureblood shall balance out any muggleness that will come from her loins. And the next generation after you child shall be even stronger for this act. Ah but I wax poetic. And you have a full night ahead of you. Or what's left of it.”
“But, My Lord, what about Dumbledore. I can’t see him just letting his female student disappear from his school.” Snape blurted out in shock. “Especially one of the Golden Trio.”
“That is no matter. You will figure it out. But wait yesss. It would be just ironic to have the young Mrs. Malfoy blooming in the family way in the faces of those do gooders. Let her go back to school. That shouldn’t be a problem for the new Teacher of Defense against the Dark Arts to have his wife there at the school with him. Since he is newly married.” So saying this Voldemort brushed between Snape and Malfoy to peer intently at the unconscious Hermione.
“Ha, ha, ha, a child, yes she will be ready very soon, Malfoy. I expect her to be breeding by Christmas. Is that understood? Good.” Voldemort laughed as he walked back to the carriage where Pettigew waited in agitation.
“Father?” Draco spoke as they all watched the Dark Lord enter the carriage.
“Not now Draco! Wait a bit longer and all will be explained a bit more. Just wait a bit.” Lucius swore angrily.
Snape turned to look at Lucius. After the carriage disappeared into the night. “This changes everything. The timing and the arrangements everything is ruined. One would almost think that he knows.”
“I will not speak of this out here in the open. The circle is open to thoughts and the shadows have ears. Inside the castle, now! Give her over Draco. I have to be the one that carries her across the threshold.” Lucius whispered.
Taking the girl in his arms into his arms he walked across the clearing to the shadowy path that led to the back of the castle.