To Love a Malfoy

Chapter 1:

‘The Burrow’

Harry James Potter was currently sitting on his bed in the room that he shared with his best mate, Ronald Weasley, at their family home called the Burrow. He had just celebrated his 19th birthday with his adopted family and had come upstairs so that he could be alone to reminisce about that tragic day just a little over a year ago when he had lost his beloved Ginny.
Ginny, he cried, tears forming in his green eyes as remembered her beauty. I miss you so much! You were my soul mate and the love of my life. I don’t know how I can continue on without you. They had planned to get married after the war but now that wouldn’t happen.

Immediately after Harry had managed to kill Voldemort in the Final Battle at Hogwarts, Ginny had been murdered by Bellatrix Lestrange. She had been hit by a deadly curse right in front of Harry’s eyes. He killed Bellatrix but it was too late for Ginny and Harry had held her in his arms as she took her dying breath.
They had lost so many lives that day he thought; Fred, Remus and Tonks, Mad-Eye just to name a few not to mention, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy, who both had been brutally murdered by Lord Voldemort once he heard that Lucius Malfoy was actually a spy for the Order of the Phoenix.

It turned out that Severus Snape was also a spy for the Order and had been working secretly under Dumbledore’s orders. He had been seriously injured in the battle but it was not life threatening. Harry had found out that Severus was actually in love with his mother, Lily, and both Harry and he became good friends after they had talked things out and learned to forgive past grievances.

There was a knock at the door and Hermione’s voice asking Harry if she could come in.

“It’s unlocked Mione come on in.” answered Harry’s soft voice.

“Molly sent me up to let you know supper is about ready.” Hermione said walking into the room and over to where Harry was sitting. “How are you doing Harry? We were all worried when we noticed you had left the party without saying anything.”

“I am sorry about that but I just needed some time alone to think about things.” he replied.
Hermione looked worriedly at Harry and sat down beside him on the bed. She took one of his hands in hers and said, “I know it’s hard Harry but you have to get on with your life. She was my best friend and like a sister to me and I miss her too but we can’t stop living it’s not what Ginny would want.” she gently squeezed his hand as she said this.

Harry looked up at her, rubbing the tears from his eyes he smiled at her and replied, “I know but it’s still just so hard to accept that she's gone and never coming back. I don’t know what to do anymore!”

“Ginny loved you Harry, with all her heart and soul, she would want you to continue to live and find somebody else to love. I know that she would want you to have the family you have always dreamed of and to stop grieving for her and start living again. Oh, Harry, you have so much love in your heart and I know there is someone out there waiting for you to find them. Ginny would want you to be happy.” whispered Hermione.
Harry looked into Hermione’s eyes and said, “You’re right, Mione, it’s time I started living again and I intend to begin right now.” He stood up and pulled Hermione to her feet alongside him, putting his arm around her shoulder he said, “Let’s go I am getting hungry and I don‘t think Molly will appreciate serving a cold meal.”
Walking hand in hand, they went out the door and downstairs to join their family.

******************

‘Malfoy Manor’

Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape were currently sitting together in the Library of Malfoy Manor sipping the finest wine Lucius had to offer from his cellar. Lucius Malfoy was a muscular and tall handsome man of about 38 years of age with long platinum blonde hair that fell to his shoulders surrounding a long pointed pale face with eyes the color of a stormy cloud filled sky. He had high aristocratic cheekbones and soft thin lips. Lucius had turned spy for the Order before Dumbledore was killed by Severus because he wanted to save the lives of his wife and son only to have failed them both. He was considered by many to be a cruel and snobbish man, which was true, but this didn‘t bother him. As far as he was concerned, they could believe what they wanted and to hell with them all.

“Lucius my dear old friend, you have to start getting out and mingling with the Wizarding world again. It’s been far too long since you have set foot out of this place. Your face is paler than usual and that’s saying something considering what mine used to look like!” said Severus.
When Lucius didn’t answer, Severus continued talking, “The Ministry is holding a Gala Ball next month and you should seriously think about attending it. Listen to me Lucius, think of all the publicity you would receive, not only the fact that it would bring popularity back to the Malfoy name once again just by your making an appearance. It will do you good too and maybe you can get your old job back and also be reinstated as a School Governor at Hogwarts.”

Lucius just sat there in his armchair sipping his wine while listening to his friend talk and thinking to himself at the same time. Hmm, he thought, a Gala Ball with all my old friends and enemies in attendance, how quaint.

While Severus was rambling on, Lucius began contemplating his current situation. His beloved wife and only son were gone forever and it was all that brat’s fault! If Potter had only killed The Dark Lord sooner, than Cissy and Draco would still be here with him enjoying their newfound freedom together.
As he started thinking more, Lucius realized that maybe it would be a good idea to attend this event. Yes, he decided, I will go and we will see what happens. It was time for him to re-enter society and for the Malfoy name to become a force to be reckoned with again.

“Yes, Severus, I believe I will go to this Gala it should prove quite interesting to say the least.” replied Lucius to a stunned Severus.

Severus wasn’t expecting this and nearly choked on his drink, coughing he said, “Lucius, my dear friend, I wasn’t expecting an answer in the affirmative that soon but I am pleasantly surprised and happy to hear it.”
Severus was wondering what Lucius had up his sleeve but didn’t question him any further about it. He was just happy that his old friend finally seemed ready to take back control of his life after suffering such a devastating loss.

Lucius raised one of his elegant eyebrows at Severus and said, “This should prove to be quite interesting, don’t you think? I am sure there will plenty of gossip about it in the months to come.”

Severus smirked back at Lucius and replied, “Yes, Luc, I am so looking forward to it!” Laughing they continued to enjoy their drinks and talked companionably late into the night.

*****************

'One Month Later’

“Ronald Weasley you had better hurry up or we’re all going to be late!” screeched Molly Weasley’s voice all the way from the Kitchen to the third floor bedroom.
Ron and Harry were in the bedroom finishing getting dressed for the Ministry Gala Ball that was being held that night. Ron had grown to an intimidating height of 6’ 4” and with his muscular build from playing Quidditch and the famous Weasley flaming red hair he made an impressive figure in his new gray dress robes.

“Well mate, it’s that time, how about we go and get this fiasco out of the way? The sooner we do then we can get the hell out of there.” said Ron with a lazy grin on his face.
Harry smiled back at him and adjusted his own dress robes one last time. His robes were black with green trimming and fitted his small slender 5’ 7” frame to perfection. He had finally gotten rid of his glasses and his eyes had been magically healed so that his large almond shaped green eyes and long thick black eyelashes filled his small face. Harry tried patting down his unruly mop of black hair he had inherited from his father, James. It was cut short and framed his face but still stuck up in all different directions looking windblown.

“You’re still fighting a losing battle there mate!” laughed Ron.

“Let’s just get going then so we can meet up with Mione and the others. It will be good to see Luna and Neville again I’ve really missed them.” said Harry.
They walked out of the room together and went downstairs to the Kitchen where the remainder of the Weasley clan was waiting. Arthur and Molly, Bill and Fleur, Percy and George greeted them and Molly anxiously ran up to Ron and Harry and tried to straighten Ron’s robes and flatten Harry’s hair.

“Hurry up Molly we have to get going or we’ll be late!” Arthur cried out to his wife.

“All right Arthur dear it looks like we’re all set then let’s get going shall we.” Molly nervously replied.
They all walked over to the fireplace so they could floo to the Ministry lobby, first went Arthur and Molly, then Fleur and Bill, followed by Percy and George and finally Ron and Harry. Harry stumbled out last and would have landed on the floor if Ron wasn’t there to catch him first.

“Steady there mate!” laughed Ron.

“Thanks for the save Ron it’s really appreciated.” laughed Harry back at his friend.
The small group walked over to the corner of the lobby to get out of the way of the busy floo network and Molly started dusting everyone off while at the same time making last minute adjustments to their robes and hair.

“Yes, all right then, it looks like everyone is ready so let’s go inside. Oh Arthur isn’t everything so beautiful!” Molly cried out in awe as they all began walking in the direction of the ball room.
Wizards and Witches from all over Britain were in attendance tonight. Music could be heard playing loudly in the background along with the murmur of talking and laughter.

“Ron, Harry over here!” a voice cried out over the mayhem.

“Mom and Dad we’ll see you all later, all right?” Ron called out as he and Harry rushed over to where Hermione was standing with Luna and Neville.

“Have fun dears!” Molly cried out to them as they left.

“Oh! Ron and Harry you both are so handsome! Just look at the two of you!” Hermione squealed in delight giving them both a hug and kiss.

Whistling Ron replied, “Hey, you don’t look to bad yourself Mione!”
Hermione looked beautiful standing in front of them dressed in a light blue gown that showed off her figure nicely and her once bushy hair was pulled up high onto her head in a knot showing off her elegant and slender neck.

“Luna, Neville it’s so good to see you again!” Harry shook Neville’s hand and kissed Luna on the cheek.

“Hi, Harry, I am so glad you decided to come?” Luna said in her soft dreamy voice.

“Ya, me too, I almost didn’t but Ron here convinced me it would be a good idea.” Harry said.

“Why don’t we go in and find a table together so we can eat then maybe later we can dance.” suggested Hermione.
They all walked in and looked around the crowed ball room for a free table. They saw one in the far corner and hurriedly made their way over before anyone else could take it. After they sat down, Harry and Neville decided to go get some butterbeer for them while Ron kept Luna and Hermione company.

“So, how’s your Herbology classes going at Hogwarts?” Harry asked Neville.
Neville was now teaching at Hogwarts while dating Luna and had told Harry he was getting ready to propose to her.

“It’s the best thing I have ever done Harry! All the professors have been so helpful especially Headmaster Snape.” answered Neville.

“I am so glad for you Neville! As a matter of fact, I might be joining you soon. As you know, there is an opening for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts and Severus has asked if I would be interested in it. I am seriously considering accepting his offer.” confided Harry.

“Wow Harry! That would be wonderful! We would be able to spend time together and I wouldn’t be the youngest Professor teaching at Hogwarts anymore!” Neville exclaimed excitedly.
They finally made their way over to the bar and ordered their drinks. While they were waiting, Harry leaned up against the bar and looked around the room. He saw many faces, all friends and former enemies, then as his eyes wandered around some more they landed on another familiar face that was staring right at him, the one and only Lord Lucius Malfoy. When his eyes met Malfoy’s, Harry boldly stared straight back into his eyes then proceeded to blush when he realized that Lucius was dissecting him like an insect with those cold gray eyes of his.

“All ready Harry?” asked Neville breaking the trance he was in.

“Oh, yea, sorry Neville, let me help you with those.” stuttered a suddenly nervous Harry.
Harry took three of the glasses from Neville and they began walking back together towards their table where Ron, Hermione and Luna were waiting. Before they could make it back though, Harry found his way suddenly blocked by Lucius Malfoy. Not realizing Harry had been stopped, Neville continued on his way back to the others.
Looking up into Malfoy’s face, Harry asked, “May I help you with something Lord Malfoy?”
Lucius looked down on him and drawled in a cool voice, “Well, well, well, the one and only Harry Potter, what a coincidence meeting you here like this.”

“Lord Malfoy, my friends are waiting for me so unless there is something important you wanted to discuss then I will be on my way.” said Harry as he tried to walk around Lucius.
Harry felt his arm being grabbed and he nearly dropped the drinks he was holding.

“Excuse me Mr. Potter for forgetting my manners. I would be honored if you would accept my invitation to share a dance with me this evening?” requested Lucius to a stunned Harry.
Harry looked up blankly at Lucius while blushing furiously and silently cursed himself for having shaking hands.
He began stuttering, “I...well I...I am not a very good dancer you know. I really don’t think it would be a good idea. I thank you though for the thought but....”
“Mr. Potter...Harry...don’t be ridiculous. I assure you that I am an exceptional dancer and you will be in good hands. You’ll just have to trust me in believing that there is no way you will embarrass me or yourself.” stated Lucius.

He released Harry’s arm and said, “Don’t worry Harry, I will find you when the time has come.” and then he walked away leaving Harry alone in the middle of the floor still holding the drinks.
Wait until his friends heard about this they wouldn’t believe it.

TBC