arranged love // drarry

eighteen

The mangni ceremony was a hushed affair. It was held in the Malfoy Manor. The men wore sherwanis while the women were draped in sarees and lehengas; except Pansy: she wore a sherwani as well. The Living room was decorated with drapes and curtains of beige and pink, colorful flowers adorned every table and a huge table sheathed with a white tablecloth was situated in the center facing two comfortable armchairs which sat like thrones at the head of the room on a pedestal. There was a small booth at the corner where gentle music played and drifted over the small crowd that had gathered.

Draco was in awe the second he stepped foot in the Living room. It was like he had stepped into one of the Bollywood movies he had watched some time ago to get a whiff of the grandeur of Indian weddings. It was even more beautiful in person. 

Harry's parents, Remus, his best friends: Ron and Hermione, and a close friend, Luna were present along with Ginny, who sported a beaming Pansy on her arm, and there were Draco's parents, Aunt Bellatrix and Aunt Andromeda. 

It was apparent that most of the people present there were in grief yet they all put smiles on their faces and looked happy to see their families uniting.

James had encased Draco in a fatherly hug on seeing him, patting his shoulder with appreciation, "I love your clothes, kiddo."

"Thanks," Draco smiled and before Draco could compliment his hair, James slung an arm around his shoulder, "Walk with me," He said and Draco did.

"Firstly, I am glad you're going to be a part of this family. With Sirius gone," He paused, "Harry needs support and I know, you will be the best support he will ever have. He loves you very much, I can see it in his eyes. Thank you for caring for him." 

"Of course, Mr. Potter." Draco let out a small sigh, "You don't need to thank me for caring about him, it's easier than breathing."

James gave him a smile and Draco realized how similar Harry and him looked. Harry got that bright smile from him, the one that looked like a million suns at once, so full of life and purity. 

"Son, welcome to our family." He stopped in his steps and squeezed his arm. "Thank you, Mr. Potter." Draco blinked away the few tears in his eyes, momentarily forgetting about the mess his father had made which was sure to ruin what was to come.

"Mr. Potter—" He said.

"Yes?" James looked at him, hazel eyes flitting curiously at his face from behind his round glasses.

Break this wedding. Run away. Riddle will hurt you. He will ruin you. He will take away your wealth. Please. I'm sorry. 

"I-I love the decorations," He said instead, heart thundering.

"Oh. Oh yeah, thank you. That's the usual Indian engagement ceremony setup. Although there are barely any people and the music is too soft," He frowned softly.

"That's alright. I love it." 

James smiled at him and then turned to find his wife calling for him near the entrance. He stared at her with heart-eyes. "Excuse me, my beloved needs me." He said and scurried off to Lily, fussing over her and complimenting her. Draco, despite his mental state, smiled at that, and walked towards Pansy and Ginny. 

He talked to the two for a while, trying to distract himself from the feeling of regret, guilt and self-loathing. If he told anybody, his family would be dead. Harry would be dead. He can't let anything slip, it would be dangerous. 

"So, Draco," Ginny smiled, "What work do you do?"

"Uhm I write. I have my own blog I post on and I'm working on a book too," Draco answered.

"He's a great writer," Pansy gushed from the side, her arm linked with Ginny.

"But your dad has a huge company, right? I thought you would be working there." 

"Mhm. He does. He has asked me to work there multiple times but I always refuse because, well, I never had any interest." He shrugged. Pansy looked at her watch and excused herself, mumbling about going to the bathroom, Draco nodded at her. 

As soon as she was out of earshot Ginny let out a singular laugh, "Look at the irony. You, who do not want to work there, have the opportunity but on the other hand there might be so many people who want to work there and yet they never get a chance. You should be more grateful for your opportunities." 

Draco swallowed, noticing the hint of snark in her voice, "It's not like I'm not grateful for it. I am grateful and glad that I live in a well endowed family with riches. I am happy that I have these opportunities but it's my own choice if I wish to pursue them or not,"

"Right. Right. Sorry," Ginny looked apologetic, "Really, I didn't mean to offend you." She looked away thoughtfully, "I…I haven't had a luxurious childhood like you or Harry…. I just get offended when I see people wasting their chances," 

The tense feeling in Draco's chest dissipated, he thought he had made her mad at him. That wasn't a very nice thing to do at his own engagement ceremony. 

"It's alright, Ginny. I know about your family and to be honest, money really doesn't matter. You have a huge family and they love you, that's what matters. I mean, my family loves me, but they're just two people and the only person I was ever close to was Sirius and now he's….." He paused, "But you have more people who love you and care for you. You have an amazing friend like Harry,

"I know it must seem shallow coming from me who has luxuries but I can say with assurance that if I get a choice between being rich and-and being surrounded by all the people who love me," He looked around, smiling at everyone, "I would choose the latter." 

Ginny had pursed lips and an odd look on her face. Draco cleared his throat, "Sorry, that was a bit too much."

"No. No. It's alright," She shrugged and her eyes flitted nervously around.

"I didn't make you uncomfortable, did I?" 

"No. Really, you're fine. I'm just deep in thought right now," Ginny shook her head, her fiery hair curtaining her face, "Excuse me." She gave him a small smile and went towards the bathroom.