arranged love // drarry

twelve

The arrival of the Potters at Malfoy Manor was very fortunate for Draco. 

The trio came laden with gifts and happy smiles that lightened up the gloomy mood of the house after Narcissa's departure. 

Lily trapped Draco in a tight hug, whispering a small 'thank you' in his ear before patting his cheek in a motherly way. James smacked his arm and told him not to hurt his little boy, at which Harry blushed and let out a croak of protest. 

Lucius greeted them with a friendly smile, leading them to the living room. Harry stayed back, pulling Draco towards him by the wrist. 

"Hey gorgeous," He said, kissing his cheek. Draco bit his lip, cheeks flaming.

"Hi," He said and leaned to kiss his mouth gently. Harry pulled him by the neck for a longer kiss. Their noses brushed and Draco was lost in Harry.

"Draco!" Came the call from the living room, breaking them apart with a start. They scurried into the room quickly and Draco sat down next to his father while Harry joined his own parents. 

James passed them both a smirk before looking at Lucius, "We need to set a date for the engagement ceremony, cocktail and wedding today itself."

Lily nodded, "It would have been better if Narcissa were here. Where is she?" 

"There was some work in our Parisian estate so she insisted she go and take care of it all." Lucius waved his hand carelessly, "She'll be back for the wedding, don't you worry."

"Oh alright," Lily frowned, "But it's important for the mother of the groom to be present at all times so make sure she comes back soon."

Lucius didn't look pleased but nodded.

James clapped his hands excitedly, "Okay so first things first. We got some gifts for you, Draco." 

Draco looked stunned, "Oh you didn't have to," 

Lily smiled fondly, "It's tradition, love. This, what we're doing right now, is called Roka. Indian marriages are not usually homosexual so it's when the groom and his family go to the bride's place to finalise the wedding with gifts and blessings. It's the first official announcement of a wedding."

"Oh that's nice," Draco blushed at being referred to as the girl in the relationship. Harry looked smug and passed him a smirk. Draco narrowed his eyes at him before concentrating on Lily again, who was rummaging through a bag and took out a rectangular box.

"Come here, Draco."

Draco sat down next to her. She took out a set of thin, gold bracelets. "James' mom gave this to me when I got married. They mean a lot to me. Will you take care of them for me, Draco?"

Draco gasped and picked them up. They were made of real gold and had the most intricate design engraved into them. They looked beautiful. 

"Thank you, Lily." He breathed, "They're beautiful," 

Lily smiled and lifted his hands one by one to slip them onto his wrists. He smiled and hugged her from the side, pressing a kiss to her cheek. 

Draco felt happy that he would be a part of such a beautiful family.

They spent the rest of the afternoon finalising the dates for the engagement or mangni, haldi, sangeet, cocktail and bachelor party, and for the wedding or shaadi as James called it in Hindi. 

The engagement would be a quiet affair, only close relatives would be invited and the ceremony would take place at Potter Manor on 3rd August.

The Haldi and sangeet would be on the same day two days post mangi.