A Malfoy Marriage

5: Sapphire

*Anastasia*

After about five minutes of awkward silence I finally relented and turned towards Malfoy, and in a voice that did nothing to mask my awkwardness asked "So what do you do for work?"

"Work?" He said in a controlled tone but with a slight scoff at the end.

"Yes, most people work. At least to stay busy throughout the day. So what is it that you do?" I replied, with a tone that showed my slight exasperation.

After making a baffled face as though he was surprised I actually wanted to know what he did, he said "Well, I did auror training under Potter's recommendation, and my parents thought it would look good in society. But, when I tried applying for a job with the Department, Robards would hire me because it wouldn't look good politically."

I scoffed out loud "That's bollocks. You know what doesn't look good? Getting fired for coming to work pissed. Anyway, if you'd like I could give you the paperwork and if you fill it out and come into the office tomorrow with your auror training certificate I could give you a job."

"That's nice and all but you don't have to pity me. But, did Robards actually come to work pissed?" He asked

"It's not out of pity I'm running terribly low on aurors right now, there's a big case going on right now, and you were always a decent wizard. To answer your question he was well and truly plastered. He even tried to kiss poor old Bertha,the receptionist, on the cheek because she reminded him of his mother." I let out a tiny laugh.

He gave me a barely there smile and said "Well, alright. Do I have to come by at a specific time?"

"Anytime between one and six is fine." I said just as Narcissa and my mother came back from the powder room.

He just gave me a small nod and got up and turned towards to the two older women and said "Well, see you later mother. Enjoy yourselves."

Just as he started walking away my mother turned to me and asked "Shall we?"

"Shall we, what?" I asked confused

"Oh, we're going dress shopping now! It will be simply amazing darling." Narcissa said in a twinkling tone.

So, shortly after Malfoy, we made our way out of the Palm Court to go to the dress shop.

****
When we were about 10 minutes away from the Leaky Cauldron, which we'd have to go through to go to Diagon Alley, Narcissa's face lit up as though she'd just found the cure for dragon pox.

She said "Oh!" and started pulling a small box out of her clutch. Once it was out, she continued saying "I forgot while we were at tea, but I have your engagement ring." and then she handed me the small box.

I opened the small box, expecting at least one emerald in the ring considering the family I was marrying into. I was extremely surprised when I saw a beautiful, cushion cut sapphire with two small triangular diamonds on either side, all set in platinum.

Evidently I didn't do a great job of hiding my surprise because when I looked up after putting the ring on Narcissa asked "Is something the matter?"

"No, not at all. I'm just surprised." I said, but seeing the confused look on Narcissa's face I continued "I was expecting something more, um, Slytherin. If you will."

"Oh, Draco asked Blaise, what your favorite stone was, before he went to our family goblin and had the center stone set earlier today." Narcissa replied nonchalantly.

"Oh, thank him for me then." I replied. Narcissa just nodded and smiled in response.

I was truly shocked he cared about what I would like. Then again, he just gave me an engagement ring through his mother. But, before I could contemplate this development. We had arrived at the muggle entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.

****

When we walked through the door of Gladrags Wizardwear, we were greeted by small house elf who was carrying a small tray of champagne.

"Hello Misses, I am Topsey. Mistress Gladrag is waiting for you in the boutique upstairs. Please follow me." The tiny elf, Topsey, said

We followed her upstairs into the posh boutique that was full of haute robes and shimmering gowns.

Ginny, Luna, and Hermione were already there and greeted my mother and I easily but did not know how to greet Narcissa. Being the perfect socialite, she was raised to be, Narcissa greeted them and complimented Hermiones cloak. Effectively cutting the through the tension and easing her way into the conversation.

After being measured by Madame Gladrag, and trying on about 10 different dresses, I settled on the one.

It was an a line, lace gown with cap sleeves and a mock neck. The white fabric lining fabric stopped just above my cleavage making the sleeves and décolletage area sheer lace.

Since we finished relatively early, Narcissa, mother, the girls, and I had a small dinner at a tucked away restaurant on Diagon Alley.

I then sent the Ministry driver home, and each of us flooed to our respective homes.

When I hit the sheets that night, the only thought in my head was that a week from my birthday, which was in three days, I'd be a married woman.

Mrs. Malfoy.

****