She || Drastoria

17 - Malfoy Family Values

Astoria found she was holding her breath as she followed Narcissa into the kitchen.

She hadn't spoke a single word as they strode brusquely through the hallways of Malfoy Manor, Narcissa seeming determined to do the job they'd set out to do rather than use the time to question Astoria on her intentions regarding her son.

However, she realised she hadn't gotten off completely scot-free when, after orders had been barked at the kitchen staff, Narcissa ushered Astoria into a different room from the one they'd left Draco and his father in.

It was a sewing room, Astoria gathered, as her eyes swept over the cosy den consisting of two floral armchairs and a side cabinet where Narcissa busied herself decanting a bottle of dark liquid into two small Sherry glasses. Her mother had a room exactly like it, and it had always baffled Astoria as to why she referred to it as the 'sewing' room - because not once had she seen her mother lift a needle or thread a single piece of cotton in her life.

"Sit," Narcissa instructed, holding out a glass for Astoria to take as she beckoned down to the armchair nearest her. "We shall take our drinks in here and let the men in peace before dinner."

Astoria accepted the Sherry graciously, determined not to show any apprehension on her face. She didn't want Draco's mother to think she was weak.

"It is very kind of you to allow me to join you and your husband for dinner." She said politely, knowing that manners didn't cost a thing, even if she did find their views and attitudes to be utterly deplorable. "It is clear to me that Draco holds you both in high regard."

Narcissa blinked at her, looking somewhat suspicious at Astoria's choice of words. "As it should be," she said stiffly, clearly on her guard, "he is our son, after all."

"Precisely. And if you don't mind me saying, Mrs Malfoy, I believe he's a credit to you."

Narcissa bristled slightly, brushing an invisible piece of lint from the skirt of her dress as she repositioned her posture, making sure to sit a little straighter. "Narcissa, please."

Astoria nodded, determinedly keeping eye contact, neither women sipping their drink. "Narcissa."

"You will have to excuse mine and my husband's alarmed reactions," Narcissa continued, still watching Astoria carefully. "Draco had never given us any indication that there was ever a girl in the picture."

"It's new... in a way." Astoria answered uncomfortably, feeling that this ought to be Draco's place to discuss with his mother, not hers. "Draco was keen to introduce us as soon as possible so as to avoid any confusion."

"Confusion?" Narcissa raised her eyebrows, her interest clearly piqued. "In what way would there be any confusion?"

"He says you wish him to marry one day."

"Of course, isn't that what all mothers want for their sons? For them to meet someone with the key attributes that is required of a wife?"

"Attributes? And what, out of interest, would these attributes consist of?"

"Her complete loyalty of course. A woman who not only is able to produce a pure blooded heir, but is also willing to pass down and teach the same values and beliefs that Lucius and I have embedded into our son."

"And if she refuses?"

"Then it will be without our blessing if the marriage goes ahead."