Always. (A Draco Malfoy Story)

Quality time.

We all return to the party to more people congratulating us on the engagement. I'm not gonna lie... I was really enjoying all the attention.
No wonder Draco's such an attention whore.

-

We walked across the room where I saw Pansy crying to her mother, "Mum, why didn't you set me up with him?!" Her mother cups her hand on her cheek, "They weren't interested in you, sweetie."
I really did try to hide my laugh, but it came out louder than I thought when we were walking right by them.

Pansy's mother turns to Draco and I, "Congratulations to you both. You make a lovely couple." Draco nods as I thank her.
She nudges Pansy to talk as were standing in front of them. Pansy huffs and says in a monotone voice, "Congrats on your engagement."

This is the greatest day of my life.

I smile at Pansy, while simultaneously linking my arms in Draco's, just to rub it in her face a bit more, "Thank you, Pansy. It means so much coming from you." I looked up at Draco who's trying to hide his smile, but is failing miserably.

-

The party drags through the night and I helped the Malfoy's greet the guests goodbye. I hugged Tori as she was leaving with Blaise, and she whispers in my ear, "Owl me with updates!" I nod at her before they both walked out.

Everyone left and it was just the Malfoy's, Father and I in the manor.

We lingered around for a bit before Father says, "I guess it's time to go." We both made our way to the door before Narcissa whispered something to Lucius who stops us halfway. "Unless..." Father and I both turned around, "...Joy would like to spend time here until classes resume."

They want me to stay...here?

Father nods after thinking about it for a second, and faces me. "Your choice, Joy."
I look at Father. Was he really gonna allow me to stay with here... with Draco?

I looked at Lucius and Narcissa who were waiting for an answer. Draco has already gone up to his room to get ready for bed.
I half-heartedly smiled and said, "I appreciate the offer, but I'd like to spend some time with Father before he returns to work again." They both nod as they understood the stress our family was under.

We said our goodbyes, got to the car, and were on our way home.
The car ride was quiet. We were already about 15 minutes from home, when I just had to ask, "Were you really gonna let me stay there for the rest of the holidays?"
Father nods. "Yes. He will be your husband. You will live together soon."
I sit closer to Father, "Ok but seriously, you're going to marry me off to Draco Malfoy?" Father chuckles, "He's a nice boy, Joy. Don't cause any trouble." I roll my eyes. Too late for that.

"So what was that about getting out of a relationship?" He inquires. I sigh, "It wasn't serious." Father raises one eyebrow, "But he was your first boyfriend. I would have liked to have met him." I chuckle, "Oh, yeah sure. 'Do you want to meet my father, the Death Eater?' He would have loved that."
"Was he a pure blood?" I nod. "Intelligent?" I nod again. "Worthy?" "Well I dated him, so obviously yes."
"Did he make you happy?" I smile and nod. "Do I need to kill him?" I roll my eyes. "Great Merlin, enough questions already. We're not together anymore."
I saw Father smirk, "I just wanted to make sure he didn't hurt you." I giggle, "He was too nice. He couldn't have hurt me, and you would've crushed him." I pat his knee in reassurance. "I guess I'll just have to give Severus a ring and ask him about the boy." I snap my head to face him, "Father, don't you dare call Uncle Snape."

It gets quiet again before he asks, "Are you still having nightmares?" I shake my head, "Not as much as before." Father nods and we stayed in silence the rest of the way home.