"I can't believe we're graduating next week. We're leaving Hogwarts for good" Blaise said as he looked up the sky. The Platinum trio were sitting near the black lake, they have received their scores from the NEWTS, all satisfied with their grades. They were now just enjoying their last few days in Hogwarts.
"Are you going home for the weekend Serena?" Asked Blaise. They were permitted to go home or go on a weekend vacation as a reward for the gruelling past months of study.
"I'm not sure. My parents are out of town, they both have work trips sadly. I mean I could still go home but I don't like going home without my family. So maybe I'll just stay here. I'm assuming you'll go home?"
"Of course. Pansy is already so excited. I don't get her though after we graduate we will be seeing each other every day. How about you mate?"
Draco thought for a while. "I'm taking a vacation maybe the beach. Merlin knows I need a break" he smiled and so did everyone
Before Serena could go up to her room, Draco reached for her hand and lead her to the corner.
"What is it?" She asked.
"This weekend, can you come with me?" He asked and Serena nodded with a smile.
"Say hello to Pansy for me" Serena said as she hugged Blaise goodbye.
"Don't have too much fun mate. I don't think we can handle little Blaise and Pansys"
Blaise rolled his eyes "Maybe I should say that to both of you" He winked then went his way.
"Where are we going?" Serena asked Draco. Draco held out a silver masculine ring with green emeralds. He took Serena's hand and they were transported.
Serena dropped to her knees and felt very dizzy. She wasn't prepared for the sudden transportation. Draco helped her up and she looked around at the familiar walls and saw the large moving portrait of a prestige family.
They were in Malfoy Manor.
"I rarely use this portkey" Draco muttered.
"Then why are we here?"
Footsteps were then heard entering the hall and in came the graceful Malfoy Matriarch. "Oh, Draco darling, what a lovely surprise! I was just about to send a letter. I just had lunch with Astoria's mother and... Oh, I'm sorry I didn't see you"
Narcissa was surprised to see an unfamiliar witch when Draco stepped aside. "Mother, this is Serena Collins"
"Hello, Serena. It's nice to meet you. Are you a friend of Draco's?"
Serena nodded, too shy to say anything. The Malfoy family were famous and were considered of very high status especially among the Slytherins. Serena felt weirdly starstruck with Narcissa.
"Anyway, Draco, since you're here already I'd like to have a word with you for a while. Like I said I had lunch..."
"Mother I have just arrived can we do this tomorrow? Or better yet never"
"Right, well go and rest we can talk about it later. I'll just have to reschedule with Astoria's mother"
"Mother, please stop. We'll just talk now, I have something to say"
"Of course" Narcissa then looked over to Serena. "Would you like some tea while you wait dear?"
Serena was about to answer but Draco cut her off. "We can talk here"
Narcissa was confused but decided not to bother. "Well, what is it? Is something the matter?"
"It's about Astoria. It's not happening" Draco stated firmly.
"Why not? You two were getting along just fine during the gathering! I thought you two had hit it off? Everyone else thought so too! Did you guys fight?"
Draco felt his body stiffen. "I'm asking you to please stop with whatever you're doing regarding Astoria. Nothing has and will ever happen" Draco said in a firm tone.
"I beg your pardon?" Narcissa was surprised by Draco's very serious tone.
"I don't want anything to do with her mother. Serena.." Draco looked back at Serena her eyes wide and lips slightly parted. "I'm with Serena. She's been my girlfriend for almost a year now"
Narcissa was in shock. She looked at the girl called Serena who was also sporting the same expression as her and looked back at her son. "Why only tell me now?"
"There was just too much going on and I didn't have the chance to tell you"
Narcissa was silent and then she laughed. "Draco, do you think I'd fall for this?"
"What?" Draco was clearly confused by his mother's reaction.
"Isn't it a little odd that you suddenly inform me of this? I know how much you detest me pushing you and Astoria together and I know you know the plans we have for the both of you especially after you graduate and now that you're about to, you suddenly present a girlfriend? I'm not stupid Draco"
"Mother, I'm being serious. You could ask Blaise, the professors, hell even ask Astoria herself!"
"If Astoria did know bout it then why did she agree to meet for dinner tomorrow night"
"Because she is stupid and a sly fox!"
"Draco please, you're embarrassing yourself. Fine if you don't want to be with Astoria just yet we could postpone the plans until you're feeling ready"
Draco had enough. He walked back to Serena and took her hands into his. He looked at his mother and said, "No, mother. For the last and final time, I am with Serena, I belong to her and no one else. Do not postpone the plans, cancel them because Serena isn't just my girlfriend, she's my fiancé"
Surprised gasps escaped the witches simultaneously. "I beg your pardon?!" Narcissa asked in shock. Serena retreated her hands from Draco and whispered, "Draco, what are you saying?"
Draco took back her hand in his and smiled softly at her before turning to his mother once again. "I'm marrying her, mother. I can't see myself with anyone else" Draco looked back at Serena and smiled at her. "I'm hers and hers alone". For a split second, it was just the two of them standing in the parlour. It was very unlike Draco to profess his love in front of his mother.
Narcissa sighed "Very well"
"So, you believe me now?" Draco asked.
"Yes. I can see now how you're smitten with her. I'm sorry for the way I acted to both of you. We're not completely done yet though Draco, I still have some questions but we can do that later. For now, I have to cancel our dinner plans with the Greengrasses"
"Thank you, mother"
"Of course. Will the two of you be staying here for the weekend?"
Serena was about to decline but once again, Draco interrupted her and answered, "Yes"
Narcissa nodded. "I'll have Ping arrange the guest room then. Please make yourself at home Serena" and with that Narcissa left.
"Your mother is quite intimidating isn't she?" Serena finally whispered.
"I suppose"
"I was really nervous. I felt like I was talking to a celebrity"
Draco chuckled and kissed her in the forehead. He took her hands and gave her an exclusive tour of the manor. For Serena, the Manor felt even bigger now that it was just the two of them. Intricate patterns, glamorous furniture, beautiful art and decor, the Malfoy Manor was entirely Magnificent! Serena never really realised until now how luxurious and lavish Draco's life was.
"You're house looks like a museum Draco. It could rival a muggle palace" Serena stared in awe at the maze garden located at the back of the manor.
"My parents have very specific tastes. They want nothing but the best". Draco looked over at Serena whose eyebrows were furrowed and she was rubbing her temples.
"Are you okay?"
"Just a nasty headache. I already had one earlier and I think our travel made it worst"
"You should rest. I'll take you to your room"
"Am I really staying here? I could just stay somewhere else you know"
"Nonsense, besides Ping already prepared your room. Let's go"
Serena was brought to a beautiful cream coloured room with dark wood accents. It looked quite different from the other rooms in the manor that had dark colours. Draco already left so that she could have her rest. She quickly took a quick bath and went to her bag to look for her medicine. Draco offered to brew her a headache relief potion but Serena insisted to drink her muggle medicine. For headaches, she preferred using the paracetamol tablet as it was quick and reliable. She went to bed and tried to sleep.
Which she found incredibly difficult. What Draco told his mother earlier surprised her. His fiancé. She knew Draco had to tell his mother so that she would stop. Narcissa was quite persistent getting his son together with Astoria, she felt nervous and scared thinking if Narcissa would ever accept her. Especially if she found out she was a muggle-born. Narcissa would probably faint and somehow a chuckle escaped her.
Serena heard footsteps and slowly opened her eyes. As it was still adjusting she could see a dark figure with bright hair.
"Draco?" Serena saw Draco placing a glass of water and a small bottle on the table.
"You're not asleep yet?" He asked, approaching her and sitting on the foot of the bed.
"I was, but I wasn't in a deep sleep yet"
"How's your headache?"
"Gone. Told you muggle medicines were just as good"
They both stared at each other. The moonlight from the full moon outside was the only source of light inside the bedroom. Serena felt the chills rising in her spine with Draco's gaze. She couldn't utter a single word, her voice seemingly taken away from her. Something was rising in her and it was dangerous.
"Serena, what I said earlier about... about you and me" Draco opened up nervously.
"Don't worry Draco, I knew you had to say what was needed"
Draco scooted closer to Serena, he took both of her hands in his. "I was serious. I'm sorry if it wasn't a grand proposal but"
Serena was wide-eyed in shock as she looked at Draco who stood up and scanned the table and drawers. He then went back and sat in front of Serena on the bed. "I have been planning to ask you after we graduate. I had so many ideas, on how and when" Draco laughed nervously and she could feel her heart making flips and turns. "But, I guess plans were never expected to be followed especially with us. With how we met and with how we fell in love. It was all unexpected" Draco took Serena's left hand and held it tightly, "I love you, Serena Collins. I love you. You have become a part of my life and soul, you've helped me become a better version of myself. I didn't think I was worthy of any kind of salvation. Love was out of the question for me. But you showed me that I could love and I could be loved. I'm forever grateful. So please let me repay my gratitude for the rest of my life. Please marry me, Serena. Please be min" Draco then tied a silky green ribbon on her ring finger.
Serena could not help the tears that were falling from her eyes as she looked at the pretty ribbon. She was filled with absolute euphoria. Her heart felt like it was about to explode from happiness and love. "Oh Draco, I'm already yours!" She hugged him tightly, her tears flowing. Draco pulled back and wiped her tears. He was looking at her again with that gaze that made Serena shiver.
Draco lightly kissed Serena on the lips, he leaned his forehead into hers. Their breathing patterns slowly changing into deep heavy breaths. Draco lightly kissed her again, and again until Serena leaned herself in closer already kneeling, she was now taller than Draco her hand tangled up in his hair. He pulled her waist closer to him eliminating even a centimetre of space between them. Their kisses were like never before. Filled with love, happiness and sensual drive. Draco grabbed Serena from behind and let her fall to the bed so he was on top of her. He was kissing her lips, her jaws and when he reached her neck a moan escaped her lips. Draco cast a quick wordless silencing spell around the room. Serena took off Draco's shirt and revealed a well-defined body. Who knew he was hiding such form behind those school robes? Serena thought.
Draco took off Serena's top, he stopped for a second to appreciate the sight of her. Feeling embarrassed Serena covered her body. He smirked at her seductively which made Serena blush intensely and amused Draco. "Don't. You're perfect" He whispered. He leaned down and kissed her deeply once again, savouring each part of her, his hands exploring her body with Serena holding him tightly never wanting to let go.
He kissed her collarbone all the way down to the middle of her chest and Serena was making sounds that drove Draco into a frenzy. Serena wrapped her legs around Draco's hips and pulled him against her.
Serena could feel Draco's excitement and want through his sweatpants. She lifted her hips pressing herself against him and a guttural groan escaped from Draco's throat. He was about to burst right there, but of course, he wasn't called the 'Slytherin Prince but a King in bed' for nothing. He had more control than that and he planned to last long enough for both him and Serena. Although he had to admit with the way Serena was moving underneath him, it would be quite the challenge.
"Serena" He whispered, unsure if he was reminding her to slow down or if he just wanted her name on his lips. He didn't want her first time to be rough and he wanted her to be in less pain as possible. He kissed her with so much love and passion, it felt like he was drowning. Who needed oxygen when she was life itself, he needed to breathe her in. Their lips in sync and their tongues exploring. Draco has never felt this kind of intense passion before and he was getting hungry in excitement. He lifted his head slightly giving Serena a chance to breathe and she looked absolutely breathtaking. Her lips were slightly swollen, her hair splayed on the pillow, and her eyes shining with a mixture of love and lust.
She lifted her hand on his face and whispered, "Draco". It was a plea and Draco knew she needed him as much as he needed her. He lowered his fingers to her to make sure she was ready and found her extremely ready and waiting for him. Without a second more he positioned himself on top of her and made sure she would feel everything he wanted her to feel.
And she did.
For Serena and Draco, that night was one of the best and most unforgettable nights of their life.
---------------------------------------------
Serena woke up with the rays of the sun on her face. She blinked a couple of times and turned to the other side to see a sleeping Draco beside her. She looked up at the ceiling, still in amazement on what happened last night. She placed her hand on her forehead and felt something familiar on her finger. She slowly sat up to look at the green ribbon. It was even prettier in daylight as the silk bow shined from the reflections of the sun. Serena couldn't help but smile, her heart and soul were as warm as the sunlight that hit her face earlier. She looked back at Draco, who looked absolutely handsome sleeping peacefully and to think that this is what she would wake up to for the rest of her life. Serena giggled.
Serena then heard a light knock on her door. "Miss Serena, Ping is here to tell you breakfast is ready"
"A-alright! Thank you Ping!" Serena answered back. In her state of cloud 9, Serena literally forgot where they were. She shook Draco violently to wake him up, "Draco! Draco, wake up!"
"Is the house on fire?"
"No, but-"
"Then I will go back to sleep," He said without opening his eyes.
"Draco, Ping has already knocked on my door and informed me of breakfast. He's going to your room and if you don't answer he'll go inside your room and won't find you there!"
"Are you always this noisy in the morning?"
"No"
"Then hush" He lifted his arm over her and pushed Serena back to the bed. His eyes still closed. "Give me 5 more minutes. I'm tired from last night" he smirked and Serena couldn't help but blush. She was thankful Draco couldn't see her red face but she spoke too soon and his eyes were on hers, making her blush even more. She took the blanket and covered her face. Draco pulled it down and he was on top of her once again giving her a teasing smile. "Draco we cannot do this now! Your mother might be waiting and Ping might tell her you're not in your room! And... oh no! What if she goes in here?!" Panicking, Serena kicked Draco off of her and hurried to get her clothes.
"You really are a violent woman, you know that?" Draco rubbed his stomach to ease the pain. He took his clothes and put them on. Serena wasn't done yet, he watched her as she quickly washed her face and combed her hair. A warm feeling started to brew inside him as he thought that he could get used to this scenario. If every morning would be watching her wake up and get ready, then every morning would be like heaven.
"How do I look? Do I look presentable?" Serena asked. Her hair was still a bit frizzy, the circles under her eyes were darker than usual because of their late-night activity, but even though she was glowing. "You look perfect" he replied.
They arrived in the dining area with Narcissa already on her seat, reading her newspaper. "Draco, there you are. Ping said you weren't in your room when he knocked"
"I took an early morning stroll"
"Mhm" Narcissa replied. Serena wasn't sure if she believed him or not.
Breakfast proved to be incredibly awkward. Serena didn't know what to say and Draco was also just silent. It was completely different from the noisy table with her family when they ate together.
Finally, Narcissa broke the silence, "Draco dear, would you be so kind as to go fetch some things I need in Diagon Alley? Ping will assist you"
"Now? Mother, I don't think--"
"Yes, now. Or rather after your breakfast. Ping needs your assistance and don't worry about Serena, I'll keep her company" She reassured.
"That's exactly why I'm worried" Draco muttered.
Serena was assisting Narcissa in her garden, the two witches were quiet. She too didn't want Draco to leave, but Serena knew Narcissa probably asked that of Draco so that they could be alone. Besides, she was going to be Narcissa's future daughter-in-law, yet she knew nothing about her.
"So, Serena, you and Draco have been close since your first year?" She finally asked after she tended her beautiful roses that were green in colour.
"No, just this year. There weren't many Slytherins that came back for their 7th year, so it was inevitable for most of us to be closer together" She lied. She really didn't want to tell her the details of how they started hanging out.
They were slowly walking through the maze of flowers. For Serena, this felt more like an interrogation rather than a getting to know. She was quiet once again, and although the awkward silence was driving her mad, she couldn't really say anything either. She had a feeling that Narcissa was not the kind to initiate in small talk.
Narcissa finally stopped walking at the centre of the maze garden. Serena thought that maybe Narcissa did this on purpose so that she could not run away. Narcissa faced her looking serious and asked, "Do you really want to marry my son?"
"Yes," Serena answered confidently.
"I am not blind, and I know my son. With the way he looked at you, I already know how he feels for you. But how about you?"
Serena's hands were beginning to sweat, it was an interrogation.
"Draco carries the Malfoy name, a name that is known by all witches and wizards across the wizarding world. He comes from a pureblood family.."
Narcissa trailed off and Serena knew now what this conversation is about.
"The ones before us and the ones before them and so on has only married pureblood. And you, Serena Collins is not even a half-blood, but a muggle-born"
"I..." Serena was feeling nervous, she knew all too well that she was no match for Draco and his family, it was like a commoner marrying into royalty. She knew of Narcissa's plans of wanting Draco and Astoria to be together to save the Malfoy name and with her in the picture, her plans are now ruined. But then Serena thought of Draco and how he proposed last night, how he looked happy when she said yes, and how he poured his heart to her for the first time.
She unknowingly smiled and Narcissa looked at her with interest. Serena looked up at the intimidating witch and said, "Yes, I am a muggle-born. I have no known relatives who practice magic, and I am clearly aware that Draco is on a different level with me in terms of status, but as what Draco has been saying, status means nothing. If you're worried about me marrying Draco because I am muggle-born then you're no better than who you were before, no better than what Draco has been wanting to fight for and change. That's something you have to work on yourself because I can't change who I am and I am proud of who I am. But if you're worried if I love Draco enough, if I love him sincerely, then I can tell you right now that I do. With every fibre of my being, I don't care if he's from a pureblood family or from a family of trolls. I love him for who he is, and in spite of what happened in the past, I still do."
Serena felt that she might have been blabbering for hours, wondering if what she really wanted to say cam across clearly. Narcissa stood there studying her and then relief waved over her as she smiled and placed her hand on Serena's shoulder.
"Thank you for that" She smiled sincerely and Serena smiled back at her. "I was actually wondering why the past few months Draco had been in a good mood. You see, after the war he was simply broken, I knew all his smiles were forced, I knew he didn't want to worry me. But after a while I saw the change in him, his eyes weren't dull anymore and he would genuinely laugh. When I saw him and Astoria during the gathering I thought it was because of her, that's why I kept on pushing them together"
And in a surprising gesture, Narcissa pulled Serena in for a gentle hug. "And for what it's worth, what I told you was a test. I could care less what family you're from" Narcissa let go of Serena and smiled at her with sparkling eyes, "And thank you, Serena. Thank you for saving my Draco"