Winter weddings were not very common, but some thought they made the honeymoon that much more romantic. Others claimed that certain seasons fit with individuals' personalities. In the case of the Malfoy wedding, both were true. A crisp chill hit the air and frost lined the ancient windows, but inside the stone was a crackling fire for warmth.
Two sisters stood nearest the fire looking out at the congregation of witches and wizards, some sitting nervously, some excited, and some patient, but all waiting for the arrival of the third Black daughter. Andromeda gazed at her surroundings and the beauty of the great building and the fine decor. She loved romance, and what better way to celebrate love than a wedding? She sighed peacefully, even though she felt a great excitement for that which was to come. Out of the three standing at the front of the room, she was the most unconcerned, and could not be in a more different state than Bellatrix.
Bellatrix fidgeted in her long dress, feeling highly uncomfortable in dainty shoes, her hair slick and falling neatly down her back. She stepped from one foot to the other, edging away from Andromeda as though to separate herself from this family member. She wasn't proud to be related to someone like her. At least the choice in groom wasn't a terrible addition to the family. Bellatrix tugged at her hair, wincing at the cleanliness and grease that straightened it. "Hurry up." She muttered under her breath, and Andromeda scowled.
The third standing was the groom himself. This wizard looked equally as uncomfortable as Bellatrix, but rather than having an irritated demeanour, he was nervous, fidgeting with fear. This was his wedding day and he was supposed to feel excited, but Lucius Malfoy's face drained of colour as hundreds of the magical community stared at him, their eyes fixed on his shaking hands. Lucius ran his fingers through his slick, blond hair, wishing they would turn away. He did not crave the attention.
Suddenly, as though his wish had influenced the change in music, the pipe organ sounded and the guests rose to their feet, and with a great shuffle that dinned the room, they all turned their backs to him and faced the rear. He stood up straight, his legs shaking uncontrollably. If they no longer decided to hold his weight up, at least no one was looking at him to witness it. All he could concentrate on was to stop his hands twitching by his sides, a tiny bead of sweat trickling down his back. He didn't even notice when Bellatrix, his about-to-be sister-in-law, muttered "Finally". Then the doors swung open.
"Wow!" Sighed Andromeda as a figure in white glided gracefully through the isle of people. At the sight of her, Lucius forgot about being so nervous. It was as though her presence calmed him. Even the fire behind him seemed to cease its raging.
Narcissa, a bouquet clutched in her hands, glided towards the front of the room, her head held high in confidence, a simple smile upon her face. While the room was watching her solo walk, she had her eyes on Lucius. Their shining moment had come at last and she was to be wed to the wizard of her dreams.
A rather short man in deep purple robes stepped onto the podium between Lucius and her sisters, stooping slightly as he opened the great book in front of him. Once Narcissa handed her flowers to Bellatrix, she faced Lucius and took his hands in hers and he gripped them back gently. Bellatrix looked at the flowers with disgust and immediately upon receiving them, thrust them into Andromeda's grasp.
"Ready?" Narcissa whispered to Lucius, and as though his feelings only moments before had not existed, he smiled at her and nodded with great confidence as the shorter wizard began to speak.
Throughout the ceremony, Lucius did not take his eyes off Narcissa, even during his vows and the "I do"s. He did not wish to be anywhere but standing before his friends and relatives, receiving this woman as his wife. His left arm twitched as the Dark Mark branded upon it grew hot, but he barely noticed. Narcissa accepted him for his choices, but he wasn't going to place them before her. This was their moment, and the Dark Lord would have to wait. Slytherin's knew of love and care, even if Voldemort did not. Voldemort, and perhaps Bellatrix.
Just like Lucius, Narcissa cared not that her sister fidgeted throughout the whole ordeal, or even the disapproving looks that the usually kind Andromeda gave Lucius. Narcissa was happy for herself, and she was soon to become a Malfoy. This was all she wanted. This, and whatever the future would bring. Despite the rumours she had heard, her future could never be dark with Lucius by her side. And with a joint smile and a sudden outburst of applause, the two were married at last, and the chilly snow beyond the great doors beaconed them forward, hand in hand.
No comments:
Post a Comment