Love and Power

{3} Threats

The classes for the rest of the day were mostly uneventful. My entire day was mostly uneventful.

That was- until I received a letter from my father.

—-
Anastasia,

I am coming to the school this evening to escort you to Malfoy Manor. As is Lucius with his son Draco. There is a meeting meant to go on that you both are expected to attend.

-Anthony Crow
—-

Instantly I felt sick to my stomach. What the hell could they want with Draco and I?

And why was it so important that we be escorted personally from school during the day?

I left my dormitory with a concerned expression. Draco's look matched but he hid it well.

We waited at the front entrance gates in silence. Both of us unsure and slightly intimidated.

The teasing and hating each other was something that could be easily put aside when it came to our home lives.

At Hogwarts we had freedom. And could be who we were without interjection.

But at home?

At our homes we both were prisoners.

Prisoners together.

And it was a fact that made something of a bond between us. Which is scary.

Like the flick of a light switch. We suddenly were allies.

Because we both feared not only our parents- but what our parents were affiliated with.

Arrival at the Manor was terrifying. Though I tried to remain composed just in case Draco would use it against me later.

You would think in his own home that Draco would feel comfortable. However, his aura seemed everything but. Which worried me.

My father held my wrist so tight in his hand that I could feel my fingertips tingle from the lack of blood flow.

Draco saw my uncomfortable wince and gave my father a glare. Was he being protective? Of me?

My father pulled me into a room and forced me to sit down next to him. Across from Draco seated by his parents.

"I understand you're both probably wondering why we have removed you from school to speak to you," Draco's mother's voice was soft. It made my heart flutter.

I haven't ever heard a motherly voice sound so calming.

Draco and I nodded, awaiting explanation.

"The Dark Lord is planning things that will put you in danger," Draco's mother said. "I understand you know of our affairs with him."

"Yes."

"Your father agreed to an offer we made concerning your safety. And our son's," Draco's father said. "There is nothing the Dark Lord has passion for more than the Pure Bloodline."

"Anastasia, you and Draco are of pure blood. So through our concerns for your safety, both of you, we have decided on an arranged marriage between you two."

"What?" I scoffed. "A- why?"

"For protection," Draco said. "It's to keep us safe from whatever the Dark Lord has planned. They're trying to protect us."

"No!" I replied. "I should have a right to choose who I marry! And it won't be you!"

My father grabbed my arm firmly and snarled. "You're going to marry the Malfoy boy, or you'll be killed. Do you understand?"

"Since when did you ever care about my safety?!" I snapped back at him. "You've done nothing but abuse me since I was born! You ki-,"

He slapped me. He slapped me in the face. Hard. Stunned, I skunked back in my chair and nodded.

"Okay. I'll marry him if I have to."

I ignored Draco's look of pure concern as his parents began discussing that I would be living with them during Christmas break.

I was grateful to hear I didn't have to deal with my father anymore. At least for now.

The meeting was dismissed and we were ordered to return to Hogwarts.

Draco and I sat on the train back to the school. Silence between us. My cheek still stung.

"Are you going to say anything?"

"We have plenty of time for talking later. I'm stuck with you. Permanently."
"You make it sound like a bad thing. We didn't even know our lives were in danger to begin with, Crow."

"Stop saying my name like you're disgusted with it."

"I am. You're meant to have mine," He smirked.

"You're pushing it, Malfoy," I growled. "Don't make me hurt you. Just because you're meant to be my husband doesn't mean I can't correct you where correction is due."

"You should feel grateful," He snapped back. "I could have rejected you."

"I don't think the guy who threw a tantrum seeing me love on Blais would agree with you," I mused. "You've already betrayed yourself, hun."

"Stop," He scoffed. "Tear down the tough facade. We both know you're wearing a mask."

"You're one to talk," I sneered. "I saw the look you gave your father. You're just as scared."

"You're admitting you're scared?"

"You're not?"

It was silent for a moment.

"I don't need your protection," I fired at him. "Seriously."

"What do you mean?"

"I saw the glare you gave my father," I growled. "And the puppy eyes you gave me when he hit me. I don't need your protection or your pity."

"You're impossible," He grumbled. "How are we supposed to marry if you won't let me in?"

"I don't want to marry you. So I'm going to make this as miserable for you as possible."

"All the while risking your own safety."

"I'd rather die than marry you, Malfoy."