Forbidden Union

"This is Carla Lewis. The Lewis’ are an old wizarding family from Ireland, pure blood back at least 12 generations. She is 23 years old, and has been a Death Eater for 6 years. Draco looked at the young witch who stood silently before him, looking entirely unselfconscious as she was presented to her future husband. She was plain, but not unattractive, with dark blown eyes and long blonde hair framing a heart shaped face. She was medium height and build, and wearing a long white gown which accentuated her pale complexion.

Suddenly the girl tipped her head to the side and smiled ironically, “do I pass, husband-to-be?”

Draco felt his face go red but couldn’t help the sarcastic reply that jumped to his lips; “does it matter? We will be married whatever I think.”

The girl looked away, nodding, a strange blank expression on her face. “True.”

Lucius continued as if the interruption had not occurred; “the ministry has been informed that my son has found a suitable partner, and that you wish to be married. A representative will be here in an hour to perform the rite. The dress robes you will be wearing are in your room Draco. As is the bracelet you will bestow on your wife to formalise the union. Carla the guest room has been prepared if you have any preparations to make.

This is a union of convenience; the Dark Lords, not yours. Tonight the union will be consummated, and every night after until Carla is shown to be carrying a male heir to carry on our blood and name. Then Draco you will take the bite. As you know there will be no more children after that.

That is all for now, children. You will both be here in an hour to meet the ministry representative.” Lucius spun around and left the room.

Suddenly awkward Draco stared anywhere but at the woman, 7 years his senior, who would soon become his wife. He was about to speak when she turned and headed up the stairs towards the guest room she had already been shown. Feeling hopeless he followed her, turning left at the landing instead of right to go to his own room. He got ready slowly, dazedly, hardly noticing the luxurious feel of the thick, dark grey robes his father had laid out for him. Draco sat in front of his heavy mahogany desk and stared at the fine golden filigree bracelet that lay there.

Inevitably the hour passed and Draco stepped back onto the landing. From the balcony he saw the huge entrance hall below had been transformed. Chairs had been placed for witnesses, and around fifty people stood around in small groups. His mother and father and Severus were there, as were a few of his fathers other friends who were not yet convicted of supporting the Dark Lord, but the majority of the people were unknown to him, and he guessed they were the friends and family of Carla. A few people turned and noticed him, and suddenly the whole hall had turned to watch his progress down the sweeping staircase. As he reached the bottom the groups of people slowly filled the chairs and Draco walked to where his father waited with a tall man in severe black robes in front of everyone.

The man nodded, “Draco Malfoy, I am Mr Cage, I will perform the ceremony today.”

Draco nodded back, his mouth dry. Suddenly there was a gasp and Draco turned to see Carlo, in a long, sweeping red robe slowly descending the staircase. Draco looked away quickly and then looked back as he saw the ministry official watching his reaction.

As Carla reached his side Mr Cage cleared his throat. “Draco Malfoy, as you are yet a minor you may not marry without the consent of your parents. Lucius Malfoy, do you consent to your son, Draco Malfoy’s union with Carla Lewis, knowing that this is a lifelong bond which may not be entered into lightly?”

“Yes”

“Draco Malfoy, do you willingly accept Carla Lewis as you life partner, knowing that this is a lifelong bond which may not be entered into lightly?”

“Y-yes” Draco felt he had to force the word out, but realised that the ministry official had taken his hesitation for nervousness when the man smiled and winked at him.

“Carla Lewis, do you willingly take Draco Malfoy as you life partner, knowing that this is a lifelong bond which may not be entered into lightly?”

“Yes,” her voice was steady and strong.

“The circle is a sign of continuing life, commitment and compromise. Do you each have a circle to present to your partner as a sign that you believe in these values and will continually support them throughout your marriage?”

Draco slipped the bracelet onto Carla’s thin wrist, and then held up his own hand and allowed her to slip a thick band of white gold onto his fourth finger.

“You are now husband and wife, bound by the circles you wear and the love and regard that you share. May your bond be a long and happy one.” The hall was filled with applause.

The next three hours was spent in a blur of paper signing, introductions, handshakes and small talk. Draco found that with the flute of champagne in his hand continually being refilled by well wishes it was almost bearable. He noticed several disapproving looks from his father, but found he didn’t really care; what more could his father do to punish him? Anyway it was his wedding night, and he wasn’t at all keen to be completely sober when the time came to consummate the union.