Sporking: Caroline Malfoy, Part One.
Read This. Also, I'm playing around with the header a bit, since I'm in my own sandbox now. It might take me a little while to figure what I prefer, but suggestions are welcome. I was never really a fan of deleterius'.
Sue's Name: Caroline Malfoy (That's a married name; Her maiden name is thus-far unknown.)
Sue's Love-Interest(s): Lucius Malfoy
Sue's Friends: Draco Malfoy, Millicent Bulstrode, Blaise Zabini
Sue's Background: She's an American who was sent to Hogwarts by her now-deceased mother, who was trying to prevent her from being killed by her drunken father. She's a pureblood Slytherin who, as of her mother's death at the hands of her father, needs to find a way to finish her schooling and support herself in England.
Sue's Skills: Healing, divination, "voice magic," singing, and dance.
Sue's Eyes: Violet
Sue's Hair: Black curls that cascade down her back
Contains: Talk of abuse, talk of death, a seventeen-year-old getting married to a man approaching fifty, sexism, and the usual suefic nonsense. This chapter is SFW, unless your boss is hanging out over your shoulder reading really closely.
Chapter One: You're looking at it.
Previous Chapter: Does not exist.
Next Chapter: Have fun!
Caroline sighed sadly, sending her owl, Acheron, to Malfoy Manor in a desperate bid for help. Her father had finally killed her mother in a drunken rage, as she had known he would, and now she had no way to continue to pay for her schooling. (What?! You might have to transfer schools?! OMG, that's horrible! You poor thing! What ever can I do to help you? ...Oh, also, I guess I’m sorry about your mom dying or whatever. But seriously, why don't you just unload on me about that school thing. You seem pretty broken up about that.)
All she had left was her family name, since her father would surely drink away what money the family vault still held. The family name would lose no value at all once it became synonymous with abusive, murderous drunks.
Any hopes she had to drag her family name out of the mud it was currently slogging through hinged on whether or not the scion of the Malfoy family was willing to help her. She had offered to repay him in whatever way he wished (Spoiler: It's sex. It's always sex. Ladies, just never tell anyone that he can decide how you're going to repay him unless you're willing to have sex with him.), and all she was asking for was the necessities and tuition. (This shouldn't be much, since Hogwarts is free and provides all of the necessities.) Otherwise, come the end of term, she would have to go back to America, and face her father’s temper. It wasn't like at seventeen years old she'd be considered an adult or anything. And nobody ever drops out of school and goes on to do anything decent with their lives! And let's not even consider the possibility of schools existing in the United States, let alone public schools!
{Snip: Her father is abusive. Draco comes to comfort her... about the money, of course. Not about her dead mother.}
Draco’s mouth tightened. “I wish your mother had left that bastard. Oh! Hey! Speaking of which, my mother left my father yesterday. No, they didn't have a fight or anything. They hardly ever fight. She left a note about how she felt like she was "inconvenient to the plot of someone else's story" and could no longer find it within herself to love us. She's crashing at her sister's place until she can no longer fight the urge to call you dirty names to your face. My aunt and her husband are in prison, so I guess no one really minds. Life is strange. Anyway, as far as your father is concerned... He’s no fit father for you.” He said. “And you shouldn’t have to worry about money. I told you, I can offer you my allowance-“
“And I said no. That’s your money, Dray. You should use it yourself. Unlike your father, who should use all of his money on me. Besides, you’ll find some girl you really like, and you should have that money to buy her the expensive gifts you’ll no doubt want to give her.” Caroline said, laying a hand on his arm and smiling. “Let’s go to the common room, shall we? I’ll know tomorrow whether I have to ask the Bulstrodes for help.”
Draco sighed, but escorted her back to the Slytherin common room.
~*~*~*~*~*
Caroline felt relief flood her as she stared at the paper in front of her.
My dear Caroline,
Your plight has earned my attention, mostly because you wrote me a lengthy letter about it, and I'm a judgmental gossip who couldn't pass up a thing like that. I have a proposal as to how we can solve your problem. It's simple: Be less poor. Because I'm a generous man, I've enclosed some bootstraps to get you started. If you will meet me at Honor’s Tribute at noon, we can speak over lunch. I've long been curious about what makes a person want to be poor, but I've never felt close enough to Arthur Weasley to ask him. Perhaps you can solve the mystery. The enclosed portkey will activate at exactly noon.
I hope to see you there.
I remain,
Lucius Abraxas Malfoy
Head of the line of Malfoy
She let out a relieved breath. Several years ago, Lucius had started changing his name every single time he wrote a letter. It was infuriating! Even Draco hadn't been able to keep track of who his father was, and had begun addressing all of his letters exclusively to his mother to avoid confusion. It wasn't until Draco's grandfather died that Lucius had decided to stick with his birth name for the sake of the records. She was sure Lucius would help her. He had always been kind to her, treating her as he would a favorite niece. He had even agreed when her mother asked if Caroline could use a small cottage the Malfoys owned to live in while she wasn't at school, and he and Draco had visited her often, bringing gifts and intelligent conversation with them each time.
She folded up the letter, putting the portkey in her pocket.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Lucius looked up just in time to see Caroline appear on the other side of the room. She was dressed in silver dress robes, her black curls held back from her face by a lavender headband, cascading down her back. Her makeup was minimal, just enough to accent her unique violet eyes.
She saw him and smiled, executing a small curtsey. “Sir.” She said, taking a seat in the chair across from him.
Lucius smiled and inclined his head to her in greeting. “Caroline.” He replied. “I’m glad you came. I think I have a solution that will benefit us both.”
{Snip: Lucius orders them food and wine.}
“You are a very talented witch, Caroline. I have no desire to see you discontinue your schooling here. You could go very far.”
Caroline flushed at the praise. “You flatter me, Lucius.” Even though she knew he was right. She worked hard, and had natural skill for healing and divination, as well as taking to voice magic, after Blaise Zabini had offered to tutor her, since he had learned it young. She possessed a natural talent for singing and dance, both, just like her mother had. It was truly sad that her father had made her stop using those precious skills, which were so rare now.
(Speaking of Blaise Zabini and marriage... He really should have been the first person the Sue asked to help her out here. I mean, she has an American father that she needs killed, he has a mother who likes killing men and could probably use an excuse to get out of the country... That's a win/win situation. Not this "Devote the rest of your life to me and I'll see to it that you get money for the next year" crap.)
Lucius smiled. “Perhaps. Can I ask you a personal question?” He asked.
Caroline cocked her head. “I reserve the right to refuse to answer.” She said, knowing that she would answer anyway. She had no secrets with the Malfoys. They were practically family, since she was living in a property of theirs.
Lucius nodded. “Are you still virgin?” He asked. (Am I alone in thinking that is probably not actually something that Lucius would care about? Especially in his late forties and on his second marriage?)
Caroline blushed deeply. “Yes, Sir.” She answered. “I am Pureblood, after all, and unmarried.” She had to stay virgin, or she would have nothing to offer a husband, besides her looks and power, neither of which were incomparable, by any stretch. It's not like men ever actually fall in love or experience any of those other 'emotion' thingys, let alone want to marry a powerful witch instead of a beautiful one.
Lucius smiled. “As you’ve no doubt heard from Draco, Narcissa has divorced me, not that I am hurt by the loss. Just as she left me, I realized that I've always hated her. It's a bit funny that I didn't notice before. But I find myself in need of a wife, so this morning I decided to marry the next woman that I heard from. My secretary is quite upset that you got to me before she did.” He said. “And you seem to be in need of not only funds, but protection from your father, as well. The magically hidden castle on the other side of an ocean just isn't safe enough. I can offer you that. And I assure you, age is a small matter. I am still a gentle and attentive lover, and I would not take you too young. You'd be amazed how much a girl your age can mature in a couple of months. You would want for nothing.” He told her.
Caroline sucked in a breath. This was something she had never expected. “Lucius, I... I am shocked.” She answered.
Lucius inclined his head. “I am aware that you have probably never thought of me in that light, but I urge you to consider my request. I could give you everything you need, and everything you want. I only ask that you be faithful to me and allow me to treat you as befitting a Malfoy wife, whether you believe it warranted or not.”
Caroline bit her lip, thinking it over. It was reasonable, she supposed. She’d have what she needed, plus, Lucius was known to spoil those he cared for. Finally, she came to a decision. (I love how she does this without even considering the cons. Not once does she mention anything that might go wrong here. Lucius obviously thought more about why she shouldn't do this than she did.) “I accept. When will the ceremony be?” She asked.
Lucius smiled warmly. “Thank you.” He said. “I will allow you to plan it. You didn't ask me to make let you do that, but I can see in your eyes that you really want to... No give backs! I would prefer it be this summer, soon after you finish the year. Seventh years are allowed to be married, though it is rarely done.” He added.
Caroline nodded. “Okay. Is that all?”
Lucius raised a brow. “Come here, Caroline.”
Caroline stood and walked over to him.
Lucius stood as well, cupping her face and leaning down. “I have wondered for a long time if you tasted as delicious as you look. It will be wonderful to finally find out.” He purred, kissing her gently, his tongue slipping into her mouth to tease her tongue and steal her breath. He raised his head with a pleased sigh. “Just as I thought. You will be good for me, Caroline. And I hope I will be just as good for you.” He pulled a ring box from his pocket. “I want you to wear this. It is the Malfoy promise ring. It also acts as a portkey. If you ever need to reach me, simply activate it. You will be taken to my bedroom, and I will be alerted that you are there. Nothing will be able to harm you there. It is the most heavily warded room in the manor. You know how seriously Narcissa and I always took our own protection; Intruders can do whatever they like to our son, but they're not getting to us.” He said, opening the box.
Caroline gasped. “It’s lovely.” She breathed.
The promise ring was a silver snake, whose top end formed a circle. Set in the circle was a single, radiant emerald. (Oh, Lucius, if you're going to take advantage of a sixteen-year-old girl's abuse to get engaged to her, I think you at least owe her diamonds.)
Lucius smiled, taking it out and taking her hand. “I will speak with the school governors about conjugal visitations, and see if it is possible to allow you a goblet that will negate the contraceptive in the juice there, should you choose to. I would like children from you someday. 'Someday' here meaning 'within the next two years,' apparently.” He said, sliding the ring onto her hand, where it warmed and resized itself to fit her perfectly.
(That won't be awkward at all. "Good afternoon, Dumbledore! I was just wondering if it's possible to get a private room-perhaps I could borrow one of the teachers' quarters-so that I might have sex with one of your students once a week or so? ...What?! Oh, no! Not my kid! Someone else's. Speaking of my kid, though... on a scale of one to ten, ten meaning you'd be elated, how open are you to the idea of me impregnating one of your students? It's for a good cause! ...What's the cause?! Why, spreading my genetics around, of course!")
Caroline gulped. “I... I’m not sure if I’m ready for children just yet, Lucius.” She said softly. "I hear it's really hard to study for your NEWTs while breast-feeding an infant."
Lucius nodded. “It is your choice, of course. I have no need of another heir, unless something should happen to Draco, and I have taken great pains to ensure his safety. Not as great as the pains I've taken to ensure my safety, of course, but still quite great. But I would very much like to have more children. I’ve found myself lonely, and I think a small child around the house would be just the thing to lift my melancholy mood of late. Sure, season tickets to see the Ballycastle Bats might work too, but I think I'd like to try this first.”
Caroline flushed and nodded. “I’m sure I could give you more children, Lucius. But... In time. I must finish my schooling first. It's important that I be prepared for any eventuality.”
Lucius smiled warmly. “Take as long as you need, Caroline. I can wait. For anything you are not ready for. You understand?” He asked, looking into her eyes searchingly, hoping that there was no fear or regret there. He saw none.
{Snip: They go back and forth for a little bit longer with the "I think I'd like to wait." "That's fine." "I mean, I'd like to someday, but-" "So wait." "It's just that-" "That's fine." Then they eat.}
~*~*~*~*~*~
Caroline sat on the leather couch in the common room, staring down at the ring, thoughtfully. She was promised to a man more than old enough to be her father, and his son would most likely soon recognize his family’s promise ring on her finger. She was at a loss as to how she would explain it, as he was her closest confidant, and would be hurt that she had not told him immediately. (She just got back, didn't she? What was she supposed to do? Tell Lucius to hold on a second and write him right then and there?) But... She didn't know why, but she didn't think he'd be very pleased that she had accepted, even though it would make him family in truth, instead of just in her mind. (Well, I imagine that in his mind-and yours, for that matter-you're more like brother and sister. This will make you mother and son, which is a little bit different, and a lot more awkward.)
She sighed, picking up her quill and quickly penning a note to her father, telling him he no longer had any power over her, as she was engaged. (Actually, Sue, it doesn't work that way. Unless you're eighteen, you need his permission to get married. Since this is Harry Potter verse, I'll give you seventeen, but since you're presumably sixteen right now, your father could still call this off and send you home. And wouldn't it be better to just not say anything at all until you've already done it, anyway?) She folded and sealed it, putting it in her bag to take to the owlery when she went to classes the next day. But first, she had to tell Draco.
Sue's Name: Caroline Malfoy (That's a married name; Her maiden name is thus-far unknown.)
Sue's Love-Interest(s): Lucius Malfoy
Sue's Friends: Draco Malfoy, Millicent Bulstrode, Blaise Zabini
Sue's Background: She's an American who was sent to Hogwarts by her now-deceased mother, who was trying to prevent her from being killed by her drunken father. She's a pureblood Slytherin who, as of her mother's death at the hands of her father, needs to find a way to finish her schooling and support herself in England.
Sue's Skills: Healing, divination, "voice magic," singing, and dance.
Sue's Eyes: Violet
Sue's Hair: Black curls that cascade down her back
Contains: Talk of abuse, talk of death, a seventeen-year-old getting married to a man approaching fifty, sexism, and the usual suefic nonsense. This chapter is SFW, unless your boss is hanging out over your shoulder reading really closely.
Chapter One: You're looking at it.
Previous Chapter: Does not exist.
Next Chapter: Have fun!
Caroline sighed sadly, sending her owl, Acheron, to Malfoy Manor in a desperate bid for help. Her father had finally killed her mother in a drunken rage, as she had known he would, and now she had no way to continue to pay for her schooling. (What?! You might have to transfer schools?! OMG, that's horrible! You poor thing! What ever can I do to help you? ...Oh, also, I guess I’m sorry about your mom dying or whatever. But seriously, why don't you just unload on me about that school thing. You seem pretty broken up about that.)
All she had left was her family name, since her father would surely drink away what money the family vault still held. The family name would lose no value at all once it became synonymous with abusive, murderous drunks.
Any hopes she had to drag her family name out of the mud it was currently slogging through hinged on whether or not the scion of the Malfoy family was willing to help her. She had offered to repay him in whatever way he wished (Spoiler: It's sex. It's always sex. Ladies, just never tell anyone that he can decide how you're going to repay him unless you're willing to have sex with him.), and all she was asking for was the necessities and tuition. (This shouldn't be much, since Hogwarts is free and provides all of the necessities.) Otherwise, come the end of term, she would have to go back to America, and face her father’s temper. It wasn't like at seventeen years old she'd be considered an adult or anything. And nobody ever drops out of school and goes on to do anything decent with their lives! And let's not even consider the possibility of schools existing in the United States, let alone public schools!
{Snip: Her father is abusive. Draco comes to comfort her... about the money, of course. Not about her dead mother.}
Draco’s mouth tightened. “I wish your mother had left that bastard. Oh! Hey! Speaking of which, my mother left my father yesterday. No, they didn't have a fight or anything. They hardly ever fight. She left a note about how she felt like she was "inconvenient to the plot of someone else's story" and could no longer find it within herself to love us. She's crashing at her sister's place until she can no longer fight the urge to call you dirty names to your face. My aunt and her husband are in prison, so I guess no one really minds. Life is strange. Anyway, as far as your father is concerned... He’s no fit father for you.” He said. “And you shouldn’t have to worry about money. I told you, I can offer you my allowance-“
“And I said no. That’s your money, Dray. You should use it yourself. Unlike your father, who should use all of his money on me. Besides, you’ll find some girl you really like, and you should have that money to buy her the expensive gifts you’ll no doubt want to give her.” Caroline said, laying a hand on his arm and smiling. “Let’s go to the common room, shall we? I’ll know tomorrow whether I have to ask the Bulstrodes for help.”
Draco sighed, but escorted her back to the Slytherin common room.
~*~*~*~*~*
Caroline felt relief flood her as she stared at the paper in front of her.
My dear Caroline,
Your plight has earned my attention, mostly because you wrote me a lengthy letter about it, and I'm a judgmental gossip who couldn't pass up a thing like that. I have a proposal as to how we can solve your problem. It's simple: Be less poor. Because I'm a generous man, I've enclosed some bootstraps to get you started. If you will meet me at Honor’s Tribute at noon, we can speak over lunch. I've long been curious about what makes a person want to be poor, but I've never felt close enough to Arthur Weasley to ask him. Perhaps you can solve the mystery. The enclosed portkey will activate at exactly noon.
I hope to see you there.
I remain,
Lucius Abraxas Malfoy
Head of the line of Malfoy
She let out a relieved breath. Several years ago, Lucius had started changing his name every single time he wrote a letter. It was infuriating! Even Draco hadn't been able to keep track of who his father was, and had begun addressing all of his letters exclusively to his mother to avoid confusion. It wasn't until Draco's grandfather died that Lucius had decided to stick with his birth name for the sake of the records. She was sure Lucius would help her. He had always been kind to her, treating her as he would a favorite niece. He had even agreed when her mother asked if Caroline could use a small cottage the Malfoys owned to live in while she wasn't at school, and he and Draco had visited her often, bringing gifts and intelligent conversation with them each time.
She folded up the letter, putting the portkey in her pocket.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Lucius looked up just in time to see Caroline appear on the other side of the room. She was dressed in silver dress robes, her black curls held back from her face by a lavender headband, cascading down her back. Her makeup was minimal, just enough to accent her unique violet eyes.
She saw him and smiled, executing a small curtsey. “Sir.” She said, taking a seat in the chair across from him.
Lucius smiled and inclined his head to her in greeting. “Caroline.” He replied. “I’m glad you came. I think I have a solution that will benefit us both.”
{Snip: Lucius orders them food and wine.}
“You are a very talented witch, Caroline. I have no desire to see you discontinue your schooling here. You could go very far.”
Caroline flushed at the praise. “You flatter me, Lucius.” Even though she knew he was right. She worked hard, and had natural skill for healing and divination, as well as taking to voice magic, after Blaise Zabini had offered to tutor her, since he had learned it young. She possessed a natural talent for singing and dance, both, just like her mother had. It was truly sad that her father had made her stop using those precious skills, which were so rare now.
(Speaking of Blaise Zabini and marriage... He really should have been the first person the Sue asked to help her out here. I mean, she has an American father that she needs killed, he has a mother who likes killing men and could probably use an excuse to get out of the country... That's a win/win situation. Not this "Devote the rest of your life to me and I'll see to it that you get money for the next year" crap.)
Lucius smiled. “Perhaps. Can I ask you a personal question?” He asked.
Caroline cocked her head. “I reserve the right to refuse to answer.” She said, knowing that she would answer anyway. She had no secrets with the Malfoys. They were practically family, since she was living in a property of theirs.
Lucius nodded. “Are you still virgin?” He asked. (Am I alone in thinking that is probably not actually something that Lucius would care about? Especially in his late forties and on his second marriage?)
Caroline blushed deeply. “Yes, Sir.” She answered. “I am Pureblood, after all, and unmarried.” She had to stay virgin, or she would have nothing to offer a husband, besides her looks and power, neither of which were incomparable, by any stretch. It's not like men ever actually fall in love or experience any of those other 'emotion' thingys, let alone want to marry a powerful witch instead of a beautiful one.
Lucius smiled. “As you’ve no doubt heard from Draco, Narcissa has divorced me, not that I am hurt by the loss. Just as she left me, I realized that I've always hated her. It's a bit funny that I didn't notice before. But I find myself in need of a wife, so this morning I decided to marry the next woman that I heard from. My secretary is quite upset that you got to me before she did.” He said. “And you seem to be in need of not only funds, but protection from your father, as well. The magically hidden castle on the other side of an ocean just isn't safe enough. I can offer you that. And I assure you, age is a small matter. I am still a gentle and attentive lover, and I would not take you too young. You'd be amazed how much a girl your age can mature in a couple of months. You would want for nothing.” He told her.
Caroline sucked in a breath. This was something she had never expected. “Lucius, I... I am shocked.” She answered.
Lucius inclined his head. “I am aware that you have probably never thought of me in that light, but I urge you to consider my request. I could give you everything you need, and everything you want. I only ask that you be faithful to me and allow me to treat you as befitting a Malfoy wife, whether you believe it warranted or not.”
Caroline bit her lip, thinking it over. It was reasonable, she supposed. She’d have what she needed, plus, Lucius was known to spoil those he cared for. Finally, she came to a decision. (I love how she does this without even considering the cons. Not once does she mention anything that might go wrong here. Lucius obviously thought more about why she shouldn't do this than she did.) “I accept. When will the ceremony be?” She asked.
Lucius smiled warmly. “Thank you.” He said. “I will allow you to plan it. You didn't ask me to make let you do that, but I can see in your eyes that you really want to... No give backs! I would prefer it be this summer, soon after you finish the year. Seventh years are allowed to be married, though it is rarely done.” He added.
Caroline nodded. “Okay. Is that all?”
Lucius raised a brow. “Come here, Caroline.”
Caroline stood and walked over to him.
Lucius stood as well, cupping her face and leaning down. “I have wondered for a long time if you tasted as delicious as you look. It will be wonderful to finally find out.” He purred, kissing her gently, his tongue slipping into her mouth to tease her tongue and steal her breath. He raised his head with a pleased sigh. “Just as I thought. You will be good for me, Caroline. And I hope I will be just as good for you.” He pulled a ring box from his pocket. “I want you to wear this. It is the Malfoy promise ring. It also acts as a portkey. If you ever need to reach me, simply activate it. You will be taken to my bedroom, and I will be alerted that you are there. Nothing will be able to harm you there. It is the most heavily warded room in the manor. You know how seriously Narcissa and I always took our own protection; Intruders can do whatever they like to our son, but they're not getting to us.” He said, opening the box.
Caroline gasped. “It’s lovely.” She breathed.
The promise ring was a silver snake, whose top end formed a circle. Set in the circle was a single, radiant emerald. (Oh, Lucius, if you're going to take advantage of a sixteen-year-old girl's abuse to get engaged to her, I think you at least owe her diamonds.)
Lucius smiled, taking it out and taking her hand. “I will speak with the school governors about conjugal visitations, and see if it is possible to allow you a goblet that will negate the contraceptive in the juice there, should you choose to. I would like children from you someday. 'Someday' here meaning 'within the next two years,' apparently.” He said, sliding the ring onto her hand, where it warmed and resized itself to fit her perfectly.
(That won't be awkward at all. "Good afternoon, Dumbledore! I was just wondering if it's possible to get a private room-perhaps I could borrow one of the teachers' quarters-so that I might have sex with one of your students once a week or so? ...What?! Oh, no! Not my kid! Someone else's. Speaking of my kid, though... on a scale of one to ten, ten meaning you'd be elated, how open are you to the idea of me impregnating one of your students? It's for a good cause! ...What's the cause?! Why, spreading my genetics around, of course!")
Caroline gulped. “I... I’m not sure if I’m ready for children just yet, Lucius.” She said softly. "I hear it's really hard to study for your NEWTs while breast-feeding an infant."
Lucius nodded. “It is your choice, of course. I have no need of another heir, unless something should happen to Draco, and I have taken great pains to ensure his safety. Not as great as the pains I've taken to ensure my safety, of course, but still quite great. But I would very much like to have more children. I’ve found myself lonely, and I think a small child around the house would be just the thing to lift my melancholy mood of late. Sure, season tickets to see the Ballycastle Bats might work too, but I think I'd like to try this first.”
Caroline flushed and nodded. “I’m sure I could give you more children, Lucius. But... In time. I must finish my schooling first. It's important that I be prepared for any eventuality.”
Lucius smiled warmly. “Take as long as you need, Caroline. I can wait. For anything you are not ready for. You understand?” He asked, looking into her eyes searchingly, hoping that there was no fear or regret there. He saw none.
{Snip: They go back and forth for a little bit longer with the "I think I'd like to wait." "That's fine." "I mean, I'd like to someday, but-" "So wait." "It's just that-" "That's fine." Then they eat.}
~*~*~*~*~*~
Caroline sat on the leather couch in the common room, staring down at the ring, thoughtfully. She was promised to a man more than old enough to be her father, and his son would most likely soon recognize his family’s promise ring on her finger. She was at a loss as to how she would explain it, as he was her closest confidant, and would be hurt that she had not told him immediately. (She just got back, didn't she? What was she supposed to do? Tell Lucius to hold on a second and write him right then and there?) But... She didn't know why, but she didn't think he'd be very pleased that she had accepted, even though it would make him family in truth, instead of just in her mind. (Well, I imagine that in his mind-and yours, for that matter-you're more like brother and sister. This will make you mother and son, which is a little bit different, and a lot more awkward.)
She sighed, picking up her quill and quickly penning a note to her father, telling him he no longer had any power over her, as she was engaged. (Actually, Sue, it doesn't work that way. Unless you're eighteen, you need his permission to get married. Since this is Harry Potter verse, I'll give you seventeen, but since you're presumably sixteen right now, your father could still call this off and send you home. And wouldn't it be better to just not say anything at all until you've already done it, anyway?) She folded and sealed it, putting it in her bag to take to the owlery when she went to classes the next day. But first, she had to tell Draco.