Lucius Malfoy And The Marriage Matching Law | By : ozarkmoon Category: HP Canon Characters paired with Original Characters > Het - Male/Female Views: 5696 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I own nothing in the Potter Universe & am making no money/galleons off this work of fiction |
15- SHOPPING
Standard disclaimer - I own nothing in the Potter Universe and am making no profit from this work of fiction. See Chap 1 for all warnings!
Well, they had to make an appearance in public at some time. Where better than Diagon Alley in the busiest season - before Hogwarts starts?
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Tuesday
Christina woke up late and in an empty bed. Not a surprise as Lucius had mentioned a few appointments this morning. She was happy and sad not to be awakened by her wizard playing with her body. Now that the potion was hopefully satisfied, they could be far more spontaneous with sex. This thought carried her through her morning routine and was kept in mind as she donned a full-skirted sundress with a halter top. A ruffled half-slip was all that was worn under it.
After breakfast on the patio, she played with the dogs and cats. Special attention was given to Dot, who had been very good during the move to a new home and adjusted well to her new elven caretakers. Badger went with her to the stables and all the Abraxans were doing well. They were turned out into a paddock for some fresh air.
After checking through the book Lucius had shown her, she made a list of items to purchase - clothing the main one. Marriage robes were taken care of, but she needed a new formal dress for the cocktail party for their engagement announcement, and several informal dresses for shopping and meetings. There was also the matter of traditional gifts to be exchanged between them. The requirement was family heirlooms and she only had one. A private chat with Severus was added to the list - he might know if her item was appropriate.
Lunch was taken in the kitchen while talking with the elves about menus for the next few weeks, taking into consideration what would be ready for harvest. Nanny also started a list of traditional foods for the wedding feast for the couple to check over later. The early afternoon was spent organizing her new office just down the hall from the formal parlor by the entrance foyer. She heard her mate come home, but was in the middle of working on a Wizarding version of Monopoly. It was an hour later that there was a knock on her door.
“Come in,” she called, putting away her papers.
Lucius entered and looked around the room. “Good afternoon, my dear,” he greeted her, bending down to accept a kiss on the cheek from her.
Her arms circled his neck. “Hello, my wizard. I missed you today,” she declared.
“Isn’t there a saying about absence and fondness?” he pondered. She nodded. “Well, you shall tired of me soon enough. I have no more meetings until next week. However shall I occupy my time?” he teased.
“Hmm. Reading and thinking deep thoughts? Maybe organizing the wedding feast. Oh, and there is shopping. We need to go to the wand shop, the seamstress and the sweet shop,” she suggested.
“Tomorrow morning for shopping, I think - the earlier the better to avoid a large crowd. We will still draw attention. Are you ready for that?” Lucius asked, pulling her body close to his.
“Whether I am or not, we must go. We can endure it for a short while.” She smiled up at him.
His hands smoothed down her sides to her hips. “What are you wearing underneath this attractive frock?” he finally asked.
“A ruffled slip,” she answered.
“I can see the ruffles peeking out at the hem. I meant what else are you wearing?” he specified.
“Shoes.” Christina began backing away from him, only to be caught by the hand and pulled in front of him, bottom firmly planted against his groin.
“Witch, you tempt me,” he growled into her ear.
She let out a small chuckle. “That was the general idea. Fancy a bit of slap and tickle before dinner?”
Lucius walked her over to the desk, gently pressing her back as they reached the desk. The dress and slip were thrown over her head. “I fancy a bit more than that, my dear. Perhaps a quick preview of our activities tonight - does that suit you?”
She heard him opening his trousers and felt his cock begin to tease her. “That suits just fine, my lord,” she answered, wiggling her bottom for him.
He was relieved that she was already so wet. His hunger to have her again had been strong all day. Now that the potion requirements were done, he was looking forward to many such scenarios of quick coupling during the day. It made him feel quite like a randy teenager again.
The sex was quick, but both were satisfied for now. They went back to his study for a drink and discussed their activities during the day. Shortly before dinner, Christina went to the kitchens. She explained that getting back into a routine of feeding her feline would help them both settle in better. It would also serve to keep the animals busy during the dinner hour, since Badger would feed the other three house pets.
Lucius again counted himself lucky that his new mate enjoyed having animals around. It would be quite different with the dogs in the house - and to him it would feel more like a home than a museum. His thoughts were interrupted by Pumpkin, who entered and made a beeline for the man’s lap. He had never seen the cat in the house before and only petted him a few times through the years. After a perfunctory kneading, the cat settled down and purred.
“Glad to be of service, old man,” Lucius told him, scratching the head and ears. “How do you find the new feline? She seems playful and yet dignified.” The cat gave a small meow of agreement. “Good. Remember, no fighting. If you behave around both of the new females, you can enjoy the benefits of living in the house. Just don’t forget your friend Lilith in the stables,” he advised.
Christina entered and let out a chuckle. “I wondered where he went off to. Such a gentleman - he let Dot have at dinner first.” She walked over and sat next to the wizard, reaching out to let the cat smell her hand. Pumpkin stretched and head-butted her hand, purring all the while. “I do believe some nights our bed will hardly have room for you or me, what with two felines and two large canines in it.”
“Do you think it is wise to open that box of bludgers?” he asked.
“The minute they all came under the roof, it was opened and the snitch was loose,” she responded.
“It is all on your head, witch. No complaining when we are forced into the en suite for privacy,” he teased.
“Well, the shower is rather fun,” she retorted, winking. “Nanny said dinner is ready when we are. Let’s dine on the patio while the weather is still nice.”
Once they were seated and the salad had been served, talk turned to choosing a wedding date. “I had thought the 24th of this month would serve us well. Even with a short honeymoon, we will be back ready to face the fallout of the amended law on the first of September,” he stated. “What are your thoughts?”
“I have many questions; can we make all the arrangements in less than two weeks, and is Sunday a traditional day for a Wizarding wedding? Are two that quickly come to mind,” she said.
“Sunday is a perfect day as the Ministry is closed and your friend can attend. A few of my long-standing business partners can too. We can work up a guest list for the engagement announcement gathering, and a shorter one for the actual ceremony. It is traditional to have only close family and friends at the binding. Two weeks after we return, a formal gathering will be held here for those we wish to share the evening with.
“As to arrangements, those are easily seen to. Nanny will handle most of the details under your supervision.” At her look of panic, he continued. “Of course, I can help you with much of the planning.”
“Oh, thank the Goddess,” she said. “You are rather high-profile and I don’t want to do anything to embarrass us.”
Lucius patted her hand. “Things will be fine and you will be stunning. We will need to purchase several gowns, or have some made.”
“Nothing against your seamstress, but Fiona told me about an exclusive new dress shop called Witte. She was in there last week and said that there were some lovely formal gowns - more modern in feel than Twilfitt & Tatting’s.”
“We will go there in the morning then, after stopping at Ollivander’s shoppe,” he said. “The entire day my wand has grown less responsive to me, and I do not want to be without defense ever again.”
He had told her a little of the time spent as a wandless prisoner in his own home. She nodded her agreement. “Since my wand responds so well to your magic, possibly we need to get a spare that we can both use. It is always wise to have a back-up or three,” she told him. He chuckled in response.
Severus joined them in the library for an after dinner brandy when he was done collecting some ingredients from the greenhouse. He and the witch were alone for a few minutes when Lucius went to the study for cigars.
“I need to talk to you about my gift of a family heirloom,” she told the man.
“What of it?” He frowned.
“I only have one thing that would qualify, and it is from my adopted family in the States. It is a pitcher with inlaid silverwork on all six sides. The inside is glazed and fired, but the outside is raw finished, much like Wedgewood - but instead of blue, it is an olive green. Do you think it would be appropriate?” she asked.
Severus barely smirked. “It sounds lovely.” At her look of doubt, he waved his hand. “Truly, if it is more than a hundred years old, it qualifies. The article sounds like something he would appreciate.” He failed to mention that a nearly-matching vase was sitting in some drawing room or other on an upper floor - Lucius having placed it there several years ago in a fit when he could not locate the matching pitcher. The gift would be a nice surprise for his friend.
Once he returned with cigars, Lucius began talking with his friend about the binding. “There is a problem, of course. Even though there will be only a few people at the ceremony, no one outside of this room knows you survived.”
“There is no need for me to attend, old friend. It is enough that you thought to ask,” the Potions Master replied.
“Bullshit,” Christina interjected. “You are long-time friends, and godfather to Draco, from what I hear. The entirety of the Wizarding world does not have to know, but he should! And if we tell the Minister, it can be kept a secret from the masses.”
“What does Shacklebolt have to do with this?” Severus asked.
“Kingsley is a long-time friend of mine. He was the first person we called after finding the Invokation marks. Someone besides Lucius and I needs to know about you surviving, Severus. We want you to be safe,” she told him.
“I will consider your request,” was the only response he gave.
“You best ponder quickly - you have one week. The binding is on the 24th of this month,” Lucius told him.
“The reason for this rush to binding?” the dark man inquired.
“The law is going to be amended. The revisions will be presented the first day of September, and will give already-matched couples several options to contest their proposed mates or petition for new ones. We will be back from the honeymoon by that time,” the blond answered.
Severus thought on this for several minutes. Finally it dawned on him - the reason behind such actions. “Who was making the matches before?”
Christina chuckled. “Molly Weasley. After Kingsley learned of a few of her odd matches - including ours - she was relieved of her duties to the Ministry so as to care for her grandchildren.”
“That woman is a menace. I would feel bad for Arthur, but he did choose that harridan,” the man commented.
“A sound sentiment. Just consider what we have said. Draco is having some difficulties which I fear he will not share with me. It would do him good to have someone else to talk to,” Lucius told his friend.
Severus left when Nanny came in with the menu suggestions for the upcoming parties. It was decided that the engagement announcement would be a cocktail party only requiring hors d'oeuvres and champagne. The binding feast would be a formal sit down dinner for six to ten people, depending on responses. That settled, the couple retired to their room early and fell asleep kissing, surrounded by their four familiars.
Wednesday
The next morning found them waking slowly to a bright room - the drapes had been pulled open earlier when Badger came to collect the animals. Each apologized for being so tired the night before, but neither was upset. Morning ablutions were tended to quickly and they dressed for the day.
Lucius was pleased that his light charcoal suit complimented his mate’s lovely turquoise dress, which would also go well under her cloak made of a multi-colored print of Native American designs. Breakfast was consumed and they walked down the front drive. The Apparation point Lucius concentrated on was at the far end of the stores, closest to Ollivander’s. With the help of Christina’s wand, they were there with hardly a hair ruffled.
Garrick greeting the couple warmly. “Ah, Miss Thompson. The curupay is not giving you problems already.”
“No. It is a wonderful wand,” she nodded. “We are here in search of one like it for Lord Malfoy.”
“Lucius,” he nodded to the wizard. “Your original was elm with dragon heartstring, was it not?”
“Yes. And this one,” he pulled out the substitute that had fought him for the last few years, “is not working well for me at all.” Lucius handed it to the man.
“Oh, no, this is not the wand for you now. Have you tried Miss Thompson’s wand yet?” Lucius nodded. “And how did that respond?”
“Quite well. It felt very natural, but something was just a bit off.”
“Yes, yes. That makes sense. Well, make yourselves comfortable. I need to rummage in the basement for a bit,” the man’s voice faded as he wandered to the back of the shop.
The man returned several minutes later with a trio of boxes. The first one had no reaction at all with the wizard’s magic. The second was better, but still a little off. The shop owner had the witch test the wand, and it did a bit better for her, but not as well as the one of Patagonian Rosewood. It was decided that it would make a good second wand to keep. The third was the charm. No sooner had Lucius taken hold of it, than his magic seemed to realign itself. His eyes closed as he relished the feel of power flowing freely for the first time in years.
“That’s the ticket, then, is it?” Garrick commented. “It makes sense. The core is heartstring from a Common Welsh Green, instead of one from a Chinese Fireball as was in your first wand. Closer to home and more attuned to your magic, it is.”
“And the wood?” the blond wizard asked, examining the runes on the handle.
“Monterillo, dense and strong, drawing from the elements of fire and earth.”
“Ecuadoran Rosewood?” Lucius asked.
“Yes, that is the modern name for it. I would prefer you use Monterillo - rosewood has been outlawed. Even though this wand is over a hundred years old, let us not share much about it, shall we?” the old man smiled.
“Not a problem, Mr. Ollivander. We do appreciate you raiding your basement in order to provide us with wonderful wands,” Christina told him before giving him a quick peck on the cheek.
The old man blushed and chuckled. “Lucius, you have a treasure here. She knows just when to kiss and flatter an old man - right before the price is discussed.”
Lucius chuckled in reply. “Do not let that sway you, Ollivander. Just the feel of a good wand again is worth nearly anything.”
A fair price was agreed upon for both wands, and their business was done. Witte was across the street and it did not take Christina long to find a lovely red dress for the engagement party. Lucius insisted they order another one in dark green for winter holidays, claiming the cut was most flattering to her. They also ordered several formals in dark turquoise shades to be picked up in a week. These would be used for the after-honeymoon party, as well as a few autumn festival balls in October. The owner was more than happy to open a line of credit for the new Lady Malfoy.
Their next stop was Flourish & Botts. Each wandered off to find something new. It was nearly an hour later when they met at the register. The shy clerk stuttered when asking if they wanted both copies of the book on sexual positions. Both laughed at their mutual choice of reading material, and Lucius told the man one copy would suffice.
The stationery shop was next, to order a wax seal for the new Lady Malfoy, complete with family crest. She even found a turquoise sealing wax and made the owner promise to always carry the shade before buying ten sticks. They then wandered further down the street to the apothecary.
Christina worked some of her personal magic on the owner, finally getting him to admit that he supplied ingredients to Raven Pitch. She and Lucius each gave the man a hundred galleons on their friend’s account. The man was then commissioned to create a scent for the new Malfoy bride. She left him a small sample of the one Lucius preferred - made with Mandarin oranges.
Eeylops Owl Emporium was next. Lucius protested that he had mature nestlings at the manor, but the witch insisted. This shop owner also fell victim to her charms. She had honed in on a small black owl with white markings. When it was finally convinced to climb onto her arm, the head turned and the scowl was akin to Severus’ normal expression. He agreed it was a perfect match for the dark man. A deal was struck, the small owl in exchange for five newly-matured ones from Malfoy Manor.
Lucius was surprised when she asked the Emporium owner to use the back door - very few people knew that shops along the alley allowed patrons to do this in order to call their elves to collect packages. They did just that, making sure that Badger knew to take the owl to Raven Pitch and bring the new owls back to the Emporium.
The couple made their way back through the owl shop and out to the main road. They had just passed the magical instruments store when the sound of running feet made them pause. There was just enough time for each of them to cast a Shielding Charm before a pair of Aurors ran up and drew their wands on the now-confused pair.
“I didn’t realize this was the kind of attention you meant,” Christina quipped, stepping closer to him and checking behind them.
“It was not,” he said quietly, studying the two familiar men. “May I help you, gentlemen?”
“We got a report that you had kidnapped a witch,” the red-headed one said. “Let her go, Malfoy.” His wand pointed at the wizard.
The witch rolled her eyes and stepped in front of her mate. “Goddess above! So help me, Weasley, if you fire so much as a Jelly-Legs Jinx, Kingsley will have your bullocks on a platter.” She shuffled back, forcing Lucius against the wall to stave off any attacks from the rear.
“He must have cast the Imperius Curse on her,” the other man said. “Finite,” he started to cast the spell.
“Stop right there, Potter,” a deep voice boomed across the alley and echoed. The Minister came running up to them. “Lower your wands.” The Weasley boy started to protest, but was interrupted. “Now!”
The dark man then turned to the couple. “Are you okay, Christina?” he whispered.
“I am fine, just a little confused. What the hell is this about?” She moved so that the wizard behind her could shake hands with her friend.
“Lucius, I apologize. The Chief Auror did not tell me about the call until these two had already been sent after you,” Kingsley told him. “There are now new orders in place regarding calls concerning the two of you.”
He turned to the pair of Aurors. “Gentlemen, may I introduce my long-time friend, Christina Thompson? She is from the States and has lived in Britain for several years. What other news was there?” he tapped his chin with his index finger. “Oh yes. The new law has matched her with Lord Malfoy, who I do not need to remind you is a free citizen of the Wizarding world.” The minister’s tone left no room for doubt as to his feelings about the couple.
“Christina, may I present Aurors Potter and Weasley? It is a shame you will not be seeing them out on patrol anytime soon. I do believe quite a bit of paperwork and filing of reports is in their future,” he told her, smiling.
The witch pointedly held hands with Lucius and squared her shoulders. “Aurors, I would say it is a pleasure, but we all know it is not. I trust the next time I see either of you, there will be no wands drawn and pleasant looks on your faces,” she castigated them. “Just because you have great authority it does not make any action you brashly decide to take the correct one.” She took a few steps forward and stopped in front of the Potter boy.
“In case you think this comes from some silly American witch, I have worked with your Minister and with Drummond’s boys since before you were a first year.” Christina then turned to Weasley. “If you do not like the fact that Lord Malfoy is out and about in society, you have only your mum to thank for that. He would have been perfectly happy to live a quiet life until she decided to match him to me.” She turned away from the two men and walked into her wizard’s arms.
Lucius glared at the two as he wrapped his arms around his witch. “Get the hell away from us,” was all he said.
The Aurors stood there, open-mouthed until the Minister repeated Malfoy’s command. They then ran back down the street and Disapparated. Kingsley walked over to the couple. “I do not yet know who made the report, but will by the end of the day.”
Christina turned around to face him. “Please, come to dinner tonight. We can talk of it and other things then.”
He looked at the wizard behind her and received a nod of confirmation. “Drinks at half six then?” Both nodded. “I’ll Floo to the library.” He walked away.
A small crowd had gathered and now began talking while walking away. Several stood and stared at the former Death Eater and the lovely witch in his company, wondering what was going on.
Thankfully, the owner of the music store had heard most of what was said and offered them passage to the spot behind his store to return home. As they walked to the rear of the store, an old upright piano caught the witch’s eye. It reminded her of the one she grew up with. She could not resist sitting down and trying it.
After several minutes, Lucius placed a hand on her shoulder. “I did not know you played. The music is not familiar to me, though,” he told her.
“I grew up playing, but have not had the pleasure for many years. It was an original piece - the aria of an opera my father wrote,” she told him.
“Would you like to begin playing again? I do not mind and would be happy to purchase this for you,” he prompted.
“Oh, it is too much to ask with all the wedding things coming up,” she declined. “Maybe after we are settled, I will think about it.” Christina stood up, thanked the owner, and walked towards the back of the store.
Lucius mouthed the words ‘I’ll take it’ to the man before quickly following.
She was already pacing and ranting when he came up beside her. “Arrogant little shits! The first thing they teach you is not to draw a wand on a victim! Gods, I am so tempted to find another distributor for my new line.”
“They are brash and still full of themselves even five years later. I do not believe that will be the case when Shacklebolt finishes with them,” he consoled. “As to distributors, do not worry on that for now.”
“True enough. Kings will rake them over the coals. I was not much older than them when starting out and never took risks as stupid as that,” she turned to him. “It was all I could do not to knock that gobsmacked look off Weasley’s face - looks too much like his mother.” They both chuckled.
Once she was calm and focused, they Apparated back home. Before Lucius had finished handing their cloaks to Dropper, the witch had raced up the stairs. He followed at a leisurely pace and found her already changed into workout clothing, putting on trainers.
“Going somewhere, dear?” he asked.
“I need to work off some of my anger. I don’t want to take it out on you or any of the elves. The best thing is for me to go run,” she told him, standing up and stretching.
“There are other activities that might assist you,” he teased.
Christina smiled and walked over to give him a hug. “Very pleasant ones, I would imagine. Why don’t you order something tempting for elevenses and we will indulge on several fronts when I get back.” A quick kiss on his cheek was all the wizard received, and she was gone.
Lucius called Dropper and ordered a light brunch. While waiting for the meal to arrive, he changed into comfortable loafers and removed the vest and jacket of the suit. The elf was just setting out plates as he went out to the balcony off the sitting room. The asparagus omelet was perfect, as were the apricots and plums sliced with Gouda fanned out on the platter. The Sauternes was on ice and the coffeepot under a Warming Charm with the omelet.
The witch returned and went directly into the shower. Only a few minutes later she joined him, clad in a black floral dressing gown with full skirt. He stood to greet her and was pleased to accept the strong kiss she gave him.
“Do you feel better, my dear?” he asked.
“So much better. Thank you for letting me take a few minutes alone,” she said.
“Do not ever think on needing a bit of solitude.” He held her chair out, then joined her at the table. “Our situation was brought about suddenly and there is a period of adjustment for two people so used to living alone.”
“Is that your way of saying that we could each do with a little time in solitary pursuits?” her tone was light.
“Certainly not today,” he told her, “but possibly in the future.”
“I agree.”
The pair shared a smile and began eating. The wine went well with the meal and the bottle was finished in short order. He surprised her with dark chocolate petit fours, which they shared while drinking the strong coffee.
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Christina’s shopping outfit: http://brownyfans.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/ld3595_green_long_sleeve_evening_dress_2011.jpg
Christina’s engagement party dress: http://www.theoutnet.com/product/188101?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-J84DHJLQkR4-_-Custom-_-LinkBuilder&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-OqYAN4QDnZGKN0MGFB8iIA
Christina’s sundress: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Just-Lily-Blue-Leaf-Sundress/1367952
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