The Alternative to Matrimony

This must be a joke, she thought. An awful, awful joke.

Pre marital contract. The words on the parchment seemed to mock her. She could almost hear the laughter. But phantom laughter was all she heard. Her parents each had the same humorless expression. She had seen that expression before. This was not open for argument. Showing her the contract was her parents way of informing her of the decision, not asking if she wished to marry. She would be married and that was that.

Her horror grew as she read each section. He would control money. She would not work or continue school if she wished. She would provide an heir when he decided the time was right.

She fought the urge to retch as she read on.

He would choose how to correct her. She would get approval to associate with friends first. She would not refuse sex at all.

The whole parchment was full of ludicrous stipulations. He would literally have control over every aspect of her life. She would be little more than a prisoner.

She did notice however that her parents stood to benefit greatly from the union. With her fathers business unstable, adding the support of the Sunderson family practically set a guarantee of success. When they had given her the contract to look at, she realized what they were saying.

They were in essence selling their daughter and telling her to obey the man they had chosen.

The last stipulation on the parchment stood out the most. There would be no marriage if Pansy herself was not a virgin. Her parents had of course made the assumption that she was still innocent without asking her. Pansy was a virgin, but in light of the ‘purchase order’ she was looking at, she didn’t think it mattered anymore.

She set the parchment down and looked at her parents. “If I refuse?”

“You’ll do as your told.” Her fathers voice was calm, but it was doused in threat. Her mother as usual said nothing. Mrs. Parkinson rarely said anything.

“Sunderson is a woman beater. Would you subject your child to that?” She asked.

“Behave as expected and you won’t be corrected.” He calmly sipped his tea.

“You know as well as I do that the Sunderson men beat women because they enjoy it and for no other reason.”

“What I know, you disobedient brat, is that this contact had been accepted and you will marry Nereus. I will not hear another word.”

Pansy stood up and left the room. She heard her father call after her and she sped up. The moment she was off Parkinson grounds, she turned and disapparated with an echoing crack. The last thing she saw was her father standing outside the door watching her as she vanished.

Pansy appeared in Diagon Alley. The place she always went to after a row with her parents. Although she knew a cold butterbeer would do nothing for her. She needed something stronger. She made her way to ‘Flints’ and took a place at a far table. She really didn’t want company.

Marcus Flint, the owner, brought her a firewhiskey. She downed a gulp fast feeling it burn down her throat.

She warmed up immediately, yet even as the liquor did it’s magic she was far from euphoric.

If she did not marry Nereus Sunderson, she would most likely be discarded by her family. She had nowhere to go, no resources. Yet, if she gave in and married, she was a dead woman. No matter how well behaved she was, it would only be a matter of time before he found a reason to beat her. He knew the whole family had a low opinion of women. Women were little more than property to the men of that line. Things to be used, cum receptacles for lack of a better term. But it was true. that’s all she would ever be.

Marriages in the Sunderson family were all arranged. Their immense fortune was the only way they had of attracting matches for their sons. Men like Pansy’s own father saw galleons to help his own business. It obviously didn’t matter how his daughter felt. Pansy let her head fall on the table.

“Life can’t be that bad.” She raised her head and saw Ron Weasley. With the war over and strifes buried, people moved on in life with gusto. This man was no exception. Ron proved to have a head for investments. He worked at his brothers shop after the war for a year, with his earnings he invested in several ventures. Rumor had it, that he entered into an investment with Draco Malfoy, but it was never confirmed. Neither him nor Draco said anything on the rumors. What was confirmed, was that Ron had made millions and had himself amassed a wealth beyond that of most pureblood families. His status was well known.

“Weasley.” She said in acknowledgement.

“Parkinson,” he returned, “why are you drowning your sorrows?” This had been the most they had addressed each other for some time. Gatherings they had attended were usually crowded and afforded little time to socialize, since most people wanted to meet the man who knew investments better then anyone.

She gestured to his drink. “You seem to be drowning as well.”

He shrugged and sat on the seat opposite her. She found she didn’t mind. Maybe she didn’t want to be alone. Maybe she just wanted to be away from her parents.

Her faraway look must have given her away. “Is it really that bad?” He asked. Pansy thought for a moment then nodded.

“Yes, it is that bad.” She said with despair.

He furled his brow. “What is it Pansy?” She looked up slightly shocked.

“I think that’s the first time you’ve used my first name.” He gave a small smile and arched his eyebrow at her to continue. “My parents have arranged a marriage for me” She told him. He nodded.

“It’s not unheard of. Alot of pureblood families still arrange marriages. I take it from your expression that you don’t fancy who they chose.” She stared back blankly. His face took on a look of concern. “Who did they chose?”

“Nereus Sunderson.” She said quietly, her voice tinged with a slight fear. Ron could understand. He didn’t like Nereus. He had met the man on a handful of occasions at various business meetings but the man came across as rude and arrogant. He had tried several time to invest along side him but Ron wanted no part of the man. He also knew Nereus’s reputation when it came to women.

“You’ll be dead outside of a year.” It was a fact. Pansy knew it, but coming from an outside source made it appear more terrifying. She blinked several times to keep the tears away, but she could do nothing to stop her bottom lip from trembling. They sat in silence for a moment, then Ron spoke. “I think I can help.” He said her heart began racing. A way out?

“How?”

“I have a room here, lets go talk.”

Pansy felt uneasy. “Ron you’re married. It wouldn’t look right for another woman to go to your room.”

“Pansy, I don’t care about appearances and anyone that would make an impact on your life would hardly be seen here.”

She thought about the absurdity and gave a small laugh. Ron paid for both of their drinks and led her up to his room. It was nice and spacious. And judging from the bag she saw, he had only planned to stay a few days.

“Have a seat.” He said easing onto the couch in front of the fireplace. She sat down and faced him. There was room for another person between them as they looked at each other.

“How can you help me?” She was anxious to hear any solution to this mess.

“Refuse to marry and leave you home.” He said simply. “At twenty one they cant force you anyway. Arranged marriages can be refused.” Her hopes vanished.

“Ron where would I go? All my friends are married with lives and families of their own, I can’t go to any of them and say take me in with nothing. I have no other family to go to. My parents forbid me to work so I have no skills to even live on my own. I would have nothing if I just left.”

“I’ll put you in a house.” He said softly. Her eyes went wide. “I know a place on the outskirts of Wiltshire. I can have it bought tomorrow and you can live there. I’ll take care of all your expenses too. Food, supplies for the house, anything you need, or want. I’ll buy you clothes if your parents won’t let you take any.” Pansy was speechless. He was offering her the perfect way out. And she knew he could afford it, Ron was a self made success. He was known in many circles. His pureblood status was respected, but even more so now that he had made himself a fortune. Ron also had a reputation for being very selective about what he invested in. Many wizards had tried to get him to invest with them and take part in ventures but Ron was careful. The solution he was giving her was obvious.

“That would make me your mistress Ron. What would your wife say?” Ron took on an odd look.

“I doubt she would care. I know now that she only married me for my money, so I not too concerned with her feelings. Besides I don’t even think she enjoys being with me.” He seemed sad.

“Why would you say that? She’s your wife.” Ron gave a sigh and ran a hand roughly through his hair.

“When we have sex, she won’t hold me, or kiss me or respond to me.” He said. “She just lays there with her legs open and her eyes closed.” Pansy’s heart went out to him.

“So then you would expect me……”

“Pansy,” he moved close and held her hand. His skin was soft and his touch gentle. “I’ll be honest with you. Yes, I want sex. But I’m not a monster. I would treat you well and would never force you or hurt you in any way. I know you are lonely, I am too. I think we can help each other with that.”

Pansy had been thinking about it since he mentioned his problems with his wife. She knew Ron would be good to her, and history dictated that mistresses were treated better then wives. But then again, mistresses were also chosen for their sexual skill.

“Ron…there’s something you should know first.” He nodded giving her his attention. “I….well…..I’ve never been with a man before.”

“I figured as much.” He said back. She looked up at him.

“How did you know?”

“Sunderson has a habit of going after girls who are virgins. He says he doesn’t like ‘used’ things.” Pansy’s anger grew.

“That’s why he wanted me. Simply because I’m a virgin,”

“Yes. I think so.” She glanced around and then back at Ron.

“Why is it so important to him?”

“I don’t think he likes to be compared to other men.” Pansy shrugged and though for a moment.

“Ron?” She whispered. He nodded, still not releasing her hand. “The last stipulation of the contract says the deal is off if its proven that I’m not a virgin.” He nodded.

“His last two marriages also had those requirements as well.”

‘He’s planning on hurting me isn’t he? The first time I mean.” She asked.

“I’ve never heard of tenderness related to him.’ Ron stated. She looked at him with nothing but seriousness.

“You wouldn’t hurt me would you?”

“Never. I want to please not hurt.”

“The meeting of families is tomorrow.” Her fear was coming back to her.

“Listen, stay here with me. I’ll pay for extra nights, until I settle your house. I’ll make a portkey for you tomorrow. When you go to the meeting, you’ll have a way out. It will bring you back here. I’ll be waiting.”

All she had to say was yes. She knew he wasn’t tricking her. Ron Weasley had a reputation for honor. If he made a promise then he would keep it. All she had to do was say yes.

TAP TAP TAP TAP

They looked to the window to see an owl resting on a branch outside. One look told Pansy it belonged to her parents. He watched her for a moment then stood and let the owl in. He took the letter and handed it to her. The owl flew off when relieved of it’s burden. It seemed no reply was needed.

Pansy opened the letter. When she was done she gave it to Ron. He grew more homicidal with every word.

Pansy,
No doubt you have run to one of your friends for solace, but it will do no good. No one will go against the Sundersons. No one has the resources or the fortune. Cry a river if you must, but it will do no good.
I expect you at tomorrow for the meeting of families. I also expect this foolishness to be over and done with. It is time for you to prove your worth.
Father

Ron took out his wand and ignited the letter. His eyes met hers. “How soon can the house be bought?” she asked with determination.

Ron gave her a brilliant smile. Pansy felt her spirit soar. She had just agreed to become mistress to Ron Weasley.