We Didn't Have a Choice

1 - The Arrangement

July 6, 1996

"Blair. Wake up. We need to leave soon," my Mother called out.

I groaned as I rolled out of bed, and made my way to my bathroom to shower.

I curled my long, brown hair, and put on a tight-fitting dress. I slipped on a pair of black heels, and made my way downstairs.

"You look gorgeous, sweetheart!" my Mother gushed.

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, whatever. Although, I don't understand the point in marrying me off. I'm 16."

"Blair, it's what the Dark Lord wants. Besides, Draco is a lovely young man! You'll love him," my Father said, trying to sound reassuring.

"I don't want to marry some snobby rich boy that I already know I'm not going to like."

"Blair! Fix your attitude!" Mother snapped.

"Fine, Mother," I sneered.

I opened the door, and walked outside, slamming the door shut as I went.

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A knock sounded at my bedroom door. I stood up to get it, and my Mother stood on the other side.

"Our guests will be here soon. Go wait downstairs," she said, adjusting my suit.

I swatted her hand away, "I'm not marrying some spoiled daddy's girl just because the Dark Lord wants more purebloods," I spat.

"Draco! Stop it. The Edwards are great people, and I'm sure you'll love Blair."

I scoffed, and stormed past her, stomping my way downstairs. I threw myself in an armchair when I heard a knock at the door. Dobby scurried past me to get it, and my mother quickly followed.

She gave me the 'behave' look, and I sighed dramatically as I pushed myself out of the chair, and walked into the foyer only to stop short.

A gorgeous girl stood before me. Her long, brown hair fell well past her shoulders, and she wore a short, black, dress that hugged her in all the right places. She had stunning, crystal blue eyes which were studying me codly.

I quickly averted my gaze when my mother set her hand on my shoulder.

"Draco, meet the Edwards."

A tall man walked up to me, holding out his left hand. A dark mark was slightly visible. I shook his hand nervously. He was probably just as cruel as my father.

"Julius Edwards. I'm good friends with your father. What a shame he got thrown into Azkaban."

"Yeah, such a shame," I remarked sarcastically.

Truth be told, I wasn't all that upset that my father was gone. He scares me if I'm being honest. I just hated seeing my mother look so defeated...and having to be the man of the house.

"Julius! Now is not the time for that," a woman snapped. She looked like an older version of the girl.

The woman turned to me and held out her hand, "I'm so sorry about him, but it's great to finally meet you. I'm Valentina."

"Nice to meet you," I said.

"Blair darling. Come meet Draco," Valentina said.

She moved to the side, revealing the girl who looked like she'd rather be dead than here. I couldn't deny that she was gorgeous. She may even be a bit of fun, but nothing more.

We both stood there, just staring at each other until my mother cut in.

"Draco, why don't you show Blair around," she recommended.

"Good idea! I've been dying to catch up with you, Narcissa! It's been so long," Valentina exclaimed.

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I stood staring at the silver eyed, platinum blonde hair boy infront of me. He wore a black suit, and I couldn't even deny that he was very handsome.

"Draco, why don't you show Blair around," Narcissa recommended.

"Good idea! I've been dying to catch up with you, Narcissa! It's been so long," my mother said.

I looked at her, and she gave me an encouraging nod. I can't believe I'm being forced into a marriage at 16!

"Just throw me to the wolves mother," I sneered as I walked over to Draco.

My father gave me a look as if saying, 'behave.'

Draco began to walk out of the room, and so I unwillingly followed, shooting a glare at my parents as I walked by.

He led me up a large staircase, and to a large, dark, cold room. It had a big canopy bed which was green and black. There was a large vanity, and also a door which I assume led to the bathroom. A window sat on the other side of the room which overlooked the entrance to the Manor.

"This'll be your room. Mine is just across the hall if you need anything," he said quickly before walking out.

I turned around, grateful I didn't have to spend more time with him than I actually wanted.

I took a seat on the gloomy bed, and started to read when a house elf scurried in pulling my trunk.

"Oh! Dobby is sorry if he interrupted anything!"

He looked afraid as he stood in my presence. Poor thing. He must be treated horribly.

"No, it's okay," I said, kindly.

He seemed to relax a bit when he heard my tone.

"Okay, Dobby will unpack Blair's bags for her."

I stood up, and walked over to him, "No, it's okay. I can do it."

"No, Dobby's Master said Dobby must tend to our guests' needs and to make them feel at home."

"Well if you insist," I said, sitting back on my bed, and returning to my book.

A while later, my mother came into my room, and sat next to me. I ignored her, keeping my nose buried in my book.

"How're you liking Draco?" she asked.

"He's great," I said, sarcastically.

She pulled the book from my hands, tossing it aside, "Blair, this marriage is a very big deal for our families. Please be nice to Draco."

"We're 16."

"I was young when I married your father, and we're happy."

"Okay, yeah, but you guys were like 20 and weren't forced into it."

"Just give him a chance." She stood up, and turned around before leaving, "Oh, and the Dark Lord will be here in an hour by the way, so get ready."

My stomach dropped. I've met him a few times, but this would be the first time I'd be attending a meeting.