arranged love // drarry

thirteen

tw// mentions of blood & death

Lucius Malfoy had never regretted anything he had done in his life.

This was the first time in his life that a wave of regret washed over him and a guilty feeling bubbling up his throat, making his stomach queasy and bile rise to his mouth.

He had hit his son and he hated himself for it. He didn't even realise that he had done it till he saw the sorrow in Draco's eyes. The way his arm had lifted and swung, landing on Draco's cheek with an echoing smack in the library and the way fear had crept over him and he left without giving a second glance in Draco's eyes, which were full to the brim with sadness and anger.

He stared in the mirror, his face gaunt and eyes red from crying. He missed Narcissa and her comforting arms, where he could lie forever and be sated and relaxed but he had sent her away as well.

But it was for her good. And Draco's good.

He was doing it for his family.

A knock on the door made him alert and he opened up the door to find Dinky, another servant at the Manor, standing with his head bent low.

"I apologise for disturbing you so late, sir. But Miss Bella insisted on meeting you right now. She's here with guests," Dinky said.

Lucius gulped and wiped the layer of sweat on his forehead and walked out, closing the door behind him. His heart hammered in his chest and he could feel his lip trembling as he followed Dinky to the lounge where he knew he was waiting for him.

"Lucius," Tom greeted. He was sitting on one of the best couches, fingers toying with his rings and looking up at Malfoy with distaste.

"Mr. Riddle," Lucius copied his monotonous voice, not quite meeting his heated gaze, "What a pleasant surprise! May I ask what brings you here?"

Bellatrix, who was sitting next to Tom, let out a loud scoff and clapped her hands dutifully. Two men, who Lucius hadn't noticed before stepped into his view, a limp body hanging between the two.

Tom smirked, "This is Sirius Black, your wife's cousin and James Potter's best friend. We had asked him to join us but he refused," Tom tutted, "Such Idiocracy. Only if he were as smart as you and Bella here,"

Bellatrix puffed out her chest in pride, smirking when Tom ran a hand over her arm appraisingly. Lucius felt his chest tighten, Sirius was a dear friend of his and he pushed away the gasp that attempted to leave his mouth.

Sirius wasn't recognizable. His body appeared lifeless, head lolling on his neck and his hair sprawled over his face, veiling his face from view. He gave a loud cough and a few drops of blood fell on the carpet, staining it red. The two men tightened their grip on him, one of them slapping him across the face.

"Quiet!" He thundered.

"Lucius!" Sirius said, voice scratchy and low, "Don't listen to him! Run! Run!" He warned and fell quiet, letting out a few more whimpers before passing out again.

Lucius swallowed heavily, he could sweat pool on temple and he faced Riddle again, who was sneering at Sirius. "Kill him," He ordered, "We don't need him anymore."

"Mr. Riddle—!" Lucius couldn't hold the protest leaving him.

Tom raised a gun to his chest, "I hope you don't mind it, Lucius. I know your dear son is asleep." He warned.

Lucius shut his mouth and bent his head, "Do whatever you see fit, sir."

"Good," He sighed and placed the gun on the table, "Bella, darling, why don't you do the honors?" He passed her a knife and gestured to the limp man. Bellatrix smiled and twirled the knife between her hands.

Lucius closed his eyes and turned his head away. He distinctly heard her footsteps and then a loud grunt of pain, multiple swishes and then a loud thump.

The deed was done.

Sirius Black was dead.

"Get rid of him," Tom scoffed, "Lucius, tell me what is the situation of the wedding? The dates and all the bullshit."

Lucius pushed away the bubbling emotions in his chest and put on his mask. He lifted his head and nodded.

"The wedding is on August 11, sir. There are other ceremonies before then as well."

"That's perfect." Tom nodded, an evil smile stuck on his face. "You've been a great help to our company, Lucius. I'm sure you won't disappoint us."

"No, sir. I won't."