VICTORIA NOTT

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the grand black and gold gown hanging in the corner of my room. It was breathtaking, all lace and shimmering accents, the perfect embodiment of elegance and power, dark but powerful. Tonight's ball wasn't just any celebration—it was the night Draco and I would be officially announced as engaged, a moment when our families would formally merge and begin what Voldemort deemed a new legacy.

I smiled to myself, a mix of excitement and nerves coursing through me. I was marrying Draco Malfoy, my best friend, my confidant, and the boy who had been by my side through everything. But beneath the happiness, a small knot of worry lingered in my chest. This wasn't just about us; it was about duty, expectations, and a future dictated by others.

Shaking off my thoughts, I dressed in a black turtleneck, paired with a sleek black skirt that fell just above my knees. I pulled on my knee-high boots, the sturdy heels clicking against the polished floor as I made my way downstairs.

In the dining room, Draco sat at the head of the table, his black suit perfectly tailored even in the morning. Druella Black, his grandmother, and Narcissa Malfoy, his mother, were seated beside him, each holding delicate china cups filled with coffee. The scene was almost picturesque, a family moment untouched by the chaos of the world outside.

As I stepped into the room, their eyes turned to me. Draco stood immediately, his gray eyes lighting up as he crossed the room and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

"Good morning," he said softly, his smile making my heart skip.

"Good morning," I replied, a faint blush creeping to my cheeks.

I greeted Druella and Narcissa, both of whom returned my smile warmly. Druella, ever the commanding presence, gestured for me to join them.

"We were just discussing the wedding," Narcissa said, her voice as elegant as ever. "But now that you're here, we can finalize some decisions."

I took a seat beside Draco, my hand instinctively finding his under the table. He gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Druella leaned forward, her sharp eyes glinting with excitement. "Victoria, my dear, the wedding will be the grandest event this family has ever hosted. The Nott, Black and Malfoy names demand nothing less."

I nodded, the weight of her words settling over me.

"The venue will be at Malfoy Manor, of course," Narcissa continued. "The ballroom will be transformed into something truly magical. Black and silver drapery, enchanted chandeliers, and a floating orchestra. It will be unforgettable."

"And the guest list," Druella added, "will include every pureblood family of significance. Hundreds will attend, so we must ensure every detail is flawless."

I glanced at Draco, who seemed as overwhelmed as I felt. "That sounds incredible," I managed, my voice steady despite the whirlwind in my mind.

Narcissa smiled, pleased. "Now, for the ceremony itself. I've spoken with the seamstress, and she has already begun designing your gown. It will be traditional but modern, something to reflect your beauty and strength."

"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy," I said, genuinely touched.

"Narcissa," she corrected gently.

"And what about the reception?" Draco asked, steering the conversation away from my attire.

Druella smiled approvingly. "A feast fit for royalty. We'll have long tables laden with the finest dishes. There will be dancing, of course, and a toast to your union."

The conversation stretched on, every detail meticulously discussed. From the type of flowers—dark red roses and white lilies—to the enchanted snow that would fall during the first dance. Even the menu was debated, with Narcissa insisting on a balance of traditional and contemporary dishes.

As the plans unfolded, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. This was everything I had ever dreamed of and more, but it was also overwhelming. The expectations, the grandeur, the pressure—it was a lot to take in.

Draco must have sensed my unease because he leaned closer, his voice soft in my ear. "We'll get through this together," he said, his words a lifeline in the chaos.

I smiled at him, grateful for his steady presence. Druella and Narcissa continued talking, their excitement filling the room. By the time we finished, the vision for our wedding was clear: a celebration of love, power, and legacy, all wrapped into one unforgettable night.

As we stood to leave the table, Draco took my hand, lacing our fingers together. "It's going to be perfect," he said, his eyes filled with a quiet determination.

I nodded, my heart full despite the weight of what lay ahead. For better or worse, this was our future, and I was ready to face it with him by my side.

***

As Draco and I stepped out of the dining room, the soft hum of conversation from breakfast faded into the quiet elegance of the manor. We made our way to the library, the room bathed in warm sunlight streaming through tall, arched windows.

I perched on the edge of one of the tables, my legs draped casually over a chair, letting the tranquility of the library calm my nerves. Draco followed, his eyes locked on me with a look of pure adoration.

"You look stunning," he said, stepping closer, his voice low and filled with warmth. "I can't believe I get to marry you in a few months."

I smiled, my heart fluttering. "I feel the same way. I can't wait to marry you, Draco."

He leaned in, his lips brushing softly against mine in a kiss that spoke of promises and dreams. His hand rested on my cheek, his thumb gently tracing my skin as he pulled back just enough to meet my gaze.

"What's your dress for tonight like?" he asked, his tone playful.

I laughed, shaking my head. "You know I can't tell you that. It's bad luck."

"Come on, just a hint," he pleaded, his lips quirking into a smirk.

"Nope," I teased, crossing my arms in mock defiance.

Before he could press further, a knock echoed through the house, followed by the sound of bustling downstairs. We both froze, listening as footsteps and voices filled the air.

"Draco! Victoria!" Narcissa's voice called out, firm yet graceful.

Draco extended a hand to help me off the table, and we walked to the grand staircase. As we reached the top, I stopped in my tracks, my eyes widening at the sight below.

All of our friends were gathered in the grand entrance hall.

"Daphne!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with joy as I spotted her, along with Millicent and Abigail. Without thinking, I ran down the stairs, my excitement bubbling over.

The girls met me at the bottom, their arms wrapping around me in a tight group hug. We squealed and laughed, the kind of joyous reunion that felt like no time had passed at all.

"It's so good to see you!" Daphne said, pulling back slightly to look at me. "You look amazing, as always."

"So do you," I replied, grinning.

Draco descended the stairs with his usual composure, though a small smile tugged at his lips as he watched us. He made his way to Blaise and Lorenzo, who were talking with Theo as they helped the group with their belongings.

"You're not allowed to say a word about the engagement until tonight," Narcissa reminded me quietly as she passed by, her tone gentle but firm.

"I won't," I promised, though keeping such a secret from my closest friends felt almost impossible.

For now, I let myself bask in the warmth of their company, grateful for this moment of joy amidst the storm of responsibilities and expectations. Tonight, everything would change, but for now, I was just Victoria, surrounded by the people I loved most. All us girls had an amazing catch up, but I remember what Narcissa said and I won't tell them until tonight.

***

I stood in front of the tall mirror, the room bathed in soft candlelight, admiring the reflection before me. The black satin dress fit me like a glove, its off-the-shoulder neckline dipping elegantly, the fabric cascading down to the floor in flowing perfection. I ran my hands down the smooth material, feeling every inch of its luxury. My hair was curled and fell softly down my back, the waves catching the light and framing my face.

I reached for my heels, carefully strapping them up, their delicate design accentuating the curve of my ankles. Then, I picked up my mother's pearl necklace, fastening it around my neck with care. The matching earrings and bracelet added the final touches, making me feel like a vision from an old painting.

A soft knock broke my reverie. I turned, and the door creaked open to reveal Narcissa Malfoy.

Her expression softened as she stepped inside. "Victoria, you look... breathtaking," she said, her voice full of admiration. "Like a proper Malfoy wife—or soon to be."

I smiled, the warmth of her words settling over me.

She stepped closer, adjusting a strand of my hair and inspecting me with a critical yet affectionate gaze. "I've always wished for Draco to find someone who complements him, someone who will support him and challenge him in equal measure. I'm eternally grateful that he has you. I see how happy you make him, and that is all I could ever want for my son."

Her words made my heart swell. "Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy. That means everything to me."

Before she could say more, another knock came. This time, the door revealed Druella Black. She stood with the grace of someone who had commanded respect her entire life, her sharp eyes softening when they landed on me.

"Everything is ready, dear," she announced, her voice steady. "Everyone has arrived, and they're waiting. Oh my Victoria you look flawless."

I took a deep breath, nodding, blushing at her compliment. Narcissa and Druella left the room, and I followed shortly after, the soft click of my heels echoing in the quiet corridor. As I reached the grand staircase, I paused at the top, looking down at the sea of people gathered below.

The chatter dimmed as heads turned toward me, the room filled with awe and admiration. My heels clicked against the marble steps as I descended, the sound resonating in time with the pounding of my heart.

At the base of the stairs, Draco stood waiting, his black suit tailored perfectly, his silver-blond hair immaculate, and his smile brighter than I'd ever seen it. His eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, the world around us disappeared.

When I reached him, he took my hand and gently kissed my knuckles, his lips warm against my skin.

"You're beautiful," he murmured, his voice so soft only I could hear.

A round of applause erupted from the crowd, the music beginning to play in the background. Draco offered me his arm, and I took it, feeling the strength and reassurance he always seemed to provide.

As we moved toward the section where our friends were gathered, he leaned in close, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered, "Invito Lumens."

Suddenly, his voice filled my mind, intimate and direct. "You look more beautiful than I ever imagined, Victoria. I can't believe you're mine."

I glanced at him, startled but thrilled, and he gave me a mischievous smile.

His hand slid briefly to the small of my back, a subtle yet grounding gesture that made my pulse quicken. For tonight, we were the center of it all, and nothing else seemed to matter.

***

The library was filled with the soft murmur of our friends' laughter and the faint clink of glasses. We had all gathered on the plush couches surrounding a low wooden table scattered with decanters of fire whisky, goblets of wine, and a few empty glasses. Blaise, Daphne, Millicent, Theo, Abigail and Lorenzo were all comfortably lounged about, sipping their drinks and engaging in lighthearted banter.

Draco and I sat together on one of the couches, his arm draped casually along the backrest, his fingers brushing my shoulder. I held a cup of tea instead of a goblet, and Draco wasn't drinking at all, which had not gone unnoticed. Blaise, who always had a knack for stirring the pot, raised an eyebrow at us.

"So, what's this, then?" he teased, gesturing at the two of us. "You're sitting there all cozy, not drinking like the rest of us, and whispering like you've got some great secret. Care to share with the class?"

Daphne giggled, leaning forward. "I was wondering the same thing. You two have been acting strange all night."

I felt Draco's hand shift, his pinky brushing mine, a touch so subtle yet grounding. Before I could answer, Theo stood abruptly, his usually calm demeanor replaced by irritation.

"Blaise, for the love of Merlin, fuck off," Theo snapped, glaring at him. "They've got a lot on their minds without you sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."

Blaise raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. No need to get defensive." But his smirk didn't fade.

I bit back a laugh, feeling Draco's amusement through our silent connection.

"Do you think Theo's secretly more protective of us than he lets on?" Draco's voice whispered in my mind, the spell Invito Lumens weaving his words directly into my thoughts.

"Absolutely," I replied silently, glancing at Theo as he sat back down. "He's like a grumpy older brother who secretly cares too much."

Draco chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're stunning when you laugh, you know that?"

I blushed, turning my head slightly to hide the grin threatening to spread across my face. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Malfoy."

"Are you sure about that?" he quipped, leaning in just enough that his shoulder brushed mine.

Blaise, ever the observant one, wasn't about to let our exchange go unnoticed. "And now they're giggling like a couple of schoolchildren," he said with a dramatic eye roll.

Theo, who clearly wasn't in the mood for Blaise's antics, reached over and punched him on the arm. "Shut up, Blaise. Seriously." His tone left no room for argument.

Draco gave Theo a grateful look before returning his attention to me, his fingers brushing mine again, this time lingering. "You're really not going to tell me anything about your wedding dress?"

"Not a chance, you get to see this one instead." I replied, my lips twitching with amusement.

"You're cruel," he teased, his voice warm and affectionate in my mind.

Before I could respond, there was a knock at the library door, followed by Narcissa's elegant voice. "It's time to come downstairs. Everyone is waiting for the announcement."

The air shifted instantly. Our friends' chatter quieted as everyone stood and began to gather themselves. Draco turned to me, his hand finding mine and squeezing gently.

"You've got this," he said softly, his voice no longer just in my head. "We've got this."

I nodded, giving him a small, reassuring smile. "We do."

He leaned in, his lips brushing mine in a quick kiss, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away.

"Straighten your tie," I said with a smirk, adjusting it for him before smoothing the front of his jacket.

"Your dress is perfect," he said, his voice low and filled with admiration as his fingers lightly brushed the fabric at my waist.

With a deep breath, we walked out of the library together, his hand resting protectively on my lower back as we headed downstairs.

DRACO MALFOY

The soft hum of conversation filled the grand foyer as Victoria and I descended the Malfoy Manor staircase. The chandeliers cast a warm glow over the gathering below, and the sound of our steps—the click of her heels and the faint tap of my polished shoes—seemed to echo through the room. All eyes turned toward us, their gazes filled with awe.

Victoria looked radiant, her black off-the-shoulder dress hugging her frame elegantly. Her curls cascaded down her back, and the pearls she wore—heirlooms of her mother—added an understated touch of grace. I couldn't help but glance at her, my chest swelling with pride.

As we reached the middle of the staircase, I noticed my mother and grandmother standing near the bottom, their expressions soft and reassuring. Narcissa gave me a small, encouraging smile, which I returned with a nod, and Druella's eyes gleamed with approval.

When we finally reached the last step, Lucius and Andrew stood waiting, their stern expressions softened just slightly by the significance of the evening. My father handed me a small black box, its weight heavy with expectation. I knew what it held, and my heart beat faster.

Lucius tapped his glass with a fork, the sharp sound slicing through the low murmur of the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice commanding attention.

Andrew stepped forward to stand beside him. "We thank you all for joining us on this special evening," he added, his tone smooth but firm.

They began their speech, weaving together themes of tradition, duty, and the importance of maintaining the purity of our bloodlines. I could feel Victoria tense slightly beside me, and I gently brushed my fingers against hers for reassurance.

"And now," Lucius said, his voice louder and more formal, "we are pleased to announce the engagement of my son, Draco Lucius Malfoy, and Andrew's daughter, Victoria Elizabeth Nott."

Andrew continued, "They will marry on the 20th of April this year, uniting two of the most prominent pureblood families in the Wizarding World. Together, they will uphold our traditions and strengthen the Malfoy legacy with heirs of both beauty and strength. Many heirs for us."

A wave of applause filled the room as I turned to Victoria, who looked at me with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. Slowly, I lowered myself onto one knee, holding the black box in my hand. Opening it, the ring inside glinted in the light—a stunning emerald surrounded by small diamonds, a perfect symbol of our shared heritage.

"Victoria," I said, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside me, "will you marry me?"

Her eyes softened, and she nodded. "Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper but clear enough for everyone to hear.

Carefully, I slipped the ring onto her left hand, the emerald catching the light as it settled onto her finger. Rising to my feet, I lifted her hand and kissed it softly before leaning in to press a kiss to her lips.

The room erupted into applause, and I glanced over toward our friends. Daphne's expression stood out—her face was a storm of anger, sadness, and confusion. Blaise and Lorenzo looked equally stunned, while Theo maintained a neutral expression, though his jaw was clenched, Theo had to look proud and happy for them as he'll be the brother-in-law and the brother of the next Malfoy matriarch and patriarch. 

Victoria and I moved through the crowd as people began congratulating us. Druella and Narcissa were the first to approach, Narcissa pulling Victoria into a warm embrace.

"You both look perfect," my mother said, her voice thick with emotion. Druella nodded, a proud smile on her face.

"It's a grand match," Druella said, her voice firm. "You'll make us all proud."

We thanked them before making our way to the group of our friends, our steps slowing as we prepared for their reactions. My hand rested on Victoria's lower back as I whispered, "Don't worry. We'll get through this together."

Victoria gave me a small, grateful smile, and together, we faced the people who knew us best, scared yet undeniably happy about what was to come.

VICTORIA NOTT

Draco and I made our way to our friends, my nerves hidden behind the bright smile I wore. As we approached, I decided to lighten the mood. "Say hello to the future Mrs. Malfoy!" I announced with a playful grin.

Blaise was the first to react, standing up and wrapping us both in individual hugs. "Well, look at you two!" he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "Congratulations. I always suspected you two would end up together."

Daphne, however, grabbed my arm and pulled me aside. Her expression was serious, her blue eyes searching mine. "Victoria, is this what you really want?" she asked, her tone low but urgent. "I mean, this is Draco. And...this whole arrangement, the expectations...it's a lot."

I smiled softly, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. "Daphne, I know it seems sudden, but this is what I want. I love Draco. I think I always have, in some small way. But now, it's clear. He's my person."

Her eyes softened, and she sighed. "Alright," she said, pulling me into a hug. "If you're happy, then I'm happy. And let's face it, you two do look perfect together."

We started giggling, and soon, Daphne's curiosity got the better of her. "Okay, so spill. How did this happen? How did you go from 'friends with tension' to this?"

I laughed, explaining the engagement announcement at the meeting, the families' involvement, and our growing feelings. "It's been...a whirlwind, to say the least," I said.

By the time we rejoined the group, everyone was throwing questions at us. Blaise smirked. "So, how many little Malfoys are you supposed to have?"

Draco and I exchanged a glance before I answered, "Our parents expect six or seven. At least."

The group erupted in laughter. "Six or seven?!" Lorenzo exclaimed. "Good luck with that."

Daphne grinned. "Who are your bridesmaids, then? I better be one of them."

"Of course, you're one of them," I said with a laugh. "I was thinking you, Millicent, Abigail, and maybe Astoria."

Theo chimed in, "And what about groomsmen, Malfoy? Let me guess: me, Blaise, and Lorenzo?"

Draco nodded. "Exactly. Though I might add a cousin or two, depending on family politics."

The questions kept coming. "How big will the wedding be?" "What's the theme?" "What about the honeymoon?"

Draco and I answered them all, laughing and sharing glances. It felt light, almost normal, until Pansy stormed over, her face red with anger.

"Victoria," she snarled, grabbing my wrist tightly, making me wince. "You've ruined everything!"

Draco was up in an instant, his hand firmly on my hip as he stepped in front of me. "Pansy, let go," he said coldly.

Pansy's voice rose, shaking with fury. "This should have been me, Draco! You and I—remember third year? We had something! And now you're throwing it all away for her! I'll kill her if it means I can have you!"

"Enough!" Draco snapped, his voice sharp. "Pansy, there was never anything between us. I don't love you. I never have. I love Victoria."

My heart swelled at his words, and despite the chaos, I kissed him softly on the cheek, my face flushing as he gave me a small, protective smile.

Pansy's face twisted with rage, and she pulled out her wand, aiming it at me. Before she could say anything, a spell flew across the room. "Expelliarmus!" Druella Black's voice rang out as Pansy's wand flew from her grasp.

Druella strode over, her expression icy. "That's enough, Miss Parkinson," she said, grabbing Pansy by the arm. "You will not disrespect this family—or Victoria—again. Now I will kindly ask you to leave the future Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy alone."

As Druella escorted Pansy out, Draco turned to me, his hands cradling my face. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.

I nodded, though my hands trembled. "I'm okay," I whispered.

He helped me sit down, his hand resting gently on my stomach. "Does it still hurt?" he asked softly.

Daphne, now standing close, frowned. "Hurt? What happened?"

Draco hesitated, glancing at me for reassurance. I gave him a small nod, though my stomach twisted at the thought of reliving what had happened. He took a deep breath and began.

"There's something you all need to know," he said, his voice steady but laced with an edge of anger. "After the meeting where Voldemort announced our engagement, there were...expectations placed on Victoria. Bellatrix and my mother—" He paused, his jaw tightening. "—they were tasked with ensuring Victoria's fertility."

The room fell silent. Daphne's eyes widened, and Theo leaned forward, he fiddled with the rings on his hands anxiously. Blaise and Lorenzo exchanged uneasy glances.

"What does that mean?" Daphne asked softly, though I could see the worry already settling on her face.

Draco clenched his fists. "It means they put her through something no one should ever have to endure. They tied her hands, for Merlin's sake." His voice cracked slightly, but he pushed on. "Bellatrix...she—she inspected her. Her hips, her thighs, her..." He stopped, his hands trembling as he ran one through his hair. "She treated her like an object, not a person."

I closed my eyes, the memories rushing back. My voice broke as I added, "And Narcissa—your mother—she cast a spell to see how fertile I was. It hurt. It hurt so much."

Draco turned to me, his eyes filled with guilt and fury. "I know, love. I know. I should've been there. I should've stopped it."

"You couldn't have," I whispered, placing my hand on his.

Daphne stood abruptly, her face pale but her expression fiery. "They what? Are you serious? Bellatrix and Narcissa did that to you?"

Draco nodded grimly. "I tried to talk to my mother about it afterward. She apologized, said it was an order, but that doesn't make it right. None of it was right."

Blaise's voice cut through the tension, cold and sharp. "They tied her up? Like some kind of animal?"

"Yes," Draco said, his voice strained. "And Bellatrix had no remorse. She seemed to enjoy it, if anything. She even mocked Victoria afterward, yelling out her so-called findings to them like it was some twisted accomplishment."

Blaise slammed his hand on the armrest of the couch. "That's disgusting. That's not just wrong—that's evil."

"It's Bellatrix," Lorenzo muttered. "What else do you expect from her?"

Daphne crossed her arms, her voice shaking with rage. "But Narcissa—how could she do that to you, Victoria? I mean, she's supposed to be one of the more...reasonable ones."

Draco sighed heavily. "She said she didn't have a choice, that he would have punished her if she refused. But that doesn't excuse it. It doesn't make it any less horrific."

Tears prickled at my eyes as I spoke, my voice barely above a whisper. "They didn't care how scared I was or how much it hurt. They only cared about pleasing him."

Daphne knelt beside me, taking my hands in hers. "I'm so sorry, Victoria. You didn't deserve that. None of this is fair."

Theo's jaw tightened, and he shook his head. "Voldemort's control over all of us is sick. But this—this crosses a line."

Draco wrapped his arm around me, pulling me closer. "I'll protect her," he said firmly, his voice filled with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to make sure nothing like this ever happens again."

"Damn right you will," Blaise said, his tone hard but supportive. "And we'll all back you up."

The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of the conversation sank in. Finally, Daphne spoke, her voice softer this time. "Victoria, we're here for you. Whatever you need—whatever it takes to get through this—you're not alone."

I nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you," I said quietly, glancing around at the faces of my friends. "That means more than you know."

Draco tightened his grip on me, his lips brushing my temple as he whispered, "I love you. And I'll never let anyone hurt you again."

Despite the heaviness of the moment, his words brought me a flicker of comfort. With him by my side and the unwavering support of our friends, I knew I could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The room was filled with shock and outrage, but their unwavering support made it easier to bear. Despite everything, I felt a glimmer of hope. With Draco by my side and our friends' loyalty, we could face whatever came next.

***

DRACO MALFOY

Victoria sat comfortably in my lap, her back against my chest, as we lounged in the basement. The dim lighting from the floating lanterns cast a warm glow over the room, and the faint hum of laughter and conversation surrounded us. She shifted slightly, leaning into me, and I tightened my hands on her hips, resting my chin on her shoulder as I watched the others talk animatedly about everything from the wedding to what would happen when we returned to Hogwarts.

Theo was mid-laugh, his glass of Fire whisky half-raised. "So, what do you think people are going to say when they find out you two are married, huh? Imagine the look on McGonagall's face!"

Blaise snorted. "Forget McGonagall. What about the rest of Slytherin? Especially Pansy." He raised a brow and gave a pointed look in my direction.

I rolled my eyes, my fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on Victoria's hip. "Let Pansy think whatever she wants. She's not my concern."

Daphne smirked. "You might not care, but she's probably plotting her next tantrum as we speak. She's going to lose her mind when she hears you're getting married."

Victoria glanced up at me, her brows furrowed slightly. "Do you really think she'll try something else?"

I sighed, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Let her try. She's not a threat. I'd never let her come between us."

Theo raised his glass with a mock toast. "To Draco Malfoy, protector of his bride-to-be."

Everyone laughed, and Blaise added, "More like protector of his future children. Merlin knows how many they'll make if Voldemort has his way."

Victoria groaned, burying her face in my shoulder. "Must we talk about that again?"

Daphne grinned wickedly. "Oh, we must. Because we're all dying to know how many little Malfoys will be running around the manor."

I smirked, squeezing Victoria's thigh. "That depends entirely on how persuasive she is," I teased, earning a playful swat on the arm from her.

Theo laughed loudly, pointing at us. "Look at them! All lovey-dovey already. They'll probably start calling each other 'darling' and 'love' in the middle of class."

Victoria turned slightly, giving him a mock glare. "We already do that."

Everyone burst into laughter, and I couldn't help but chuckle, pressing a kiss to her temple. "You're adorable when you're defensive, you know that?" I murmured, just loud enough for her to hear.

Daphne leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, Draco, are you excited for the wedding?"

I grinned, glancing down at Victoria. "Excited doesn't even begin to cover it. I get to marry the love of my life and spend the rest of our days in Malfoy Manor. What more could I ask for?"

Daphne tilted her head, a teasing glint in her eye. "Wait, wait—Malfoy Manor? Are you saying you and Victoria are moving in there?"

I nodded, smirking. "That's tradition. When the Malfoy heir marries, the parents move out to a smaller property. Victoria and I will have the manor all to ourselves."

Daphne burst into giggles, covering her mouth. "You two living there alone? Oh, Merlin. You can be as loud as you want without anyone hearing."

Victoria frowned slightly, looking around at the others' laughter. "I don't get it. Loud about what?"

I leaned down, whispering in her ear, "She means us having sex, darling."

Her cheeks turned a brilliant shade of red, and she smacked my arm lightly. "Darling!"

The room erupted into laughter again, and I couldn't help but chuckle, pulling her closer. "What? It's true!"

Theo raised his glass again, his grin wide. "To the future Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy—may they always be loud and proud."

Blaise shook his head, laughing. "Merlin, you're insufferable, Theo."

Victoria buried her face in her hands, clearly mortified but smiling through it. I kissed her cheek softly, my fingers brushing against hers. "You're handling this better than I expected, love," I murmured.

She looked up at me, her eyes sparkling with amusement despite her blush. "I'm only surviving because you're here."

I smiled, my heart swelling as I held her tighter. "And I'll always be here."

The laughter in the cellar had escalated into full-blown chaos. Blaise was standing, hands on his hips, dramatically pretending to be Victoria. "Oh, Draco," he whined, his voice pitched ridiculously high. "You're just so strong and handsome!"

Lorenzo joined in, deepening his voice and grunting, "Oh, Victoria, you're so perfect. Say my name again!"

Everyone burst into laughter except me. I shifted Victoria so her back rested against my torso, my hands firmly gripping her waist. Leaning down, I whispered in her ear, my voice low, "We'll have to wait and see, love." My hand slid down to her hip, squeezing her possessively.

Victoria's cheeks flushed, but she tilted her head up to smirk at me, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Before she could respond, Daphne piped up, grinning wickedly. "Oh, come on, Draco. Everyone knows she's still a virgin. She's going to be clueless!"

Victoria gasped dramatically, standing up and playfully smacking Daphne's arm. "Daphne Greengrass, you better watch your mouth!"

Everyone roared with laughter, and even I couldn't hold back a chuckle. Victoria turned to me, her eyes sparkling. "You better defend me, Draco!"

"I think you're doing just fine on your own, love," I teased, pulling her back onto my lap.

Before the teasing could escalate further, the cellar door creaked open, and my mother's voice called down, "Everyone, it's time. Come upstairs for the engagement photo."

The room quieted instantly as we all exchanged glances, realizing the moment was here. Victoria stood up, casting a quick charm to freshen her lipstick and enhance the curls in her hair. She looked radiant, and I found myself staring, utterly mesmerized.

"Are you coming, Draco?" she asked, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"Always," I replied, taking her hand and following her upstairs after the others.

When we reached the main hall, the scene was bustling. Photographers moved about, adjusting their equipment and calling out instructions. Two chairs were positioned in the center, surrounded by a soft glow of enchanted lighting.

My father immediately strode over to me, pulling me aside to adjust my blazer and ensure my tie was straight. "Stand tall, Draco. This is an important moment, the whole of the wizarding world will be seeing this." he said sternly, though there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes.

Across the room, Narcissa and Druella were fussing over Victoria. "Sit here, darling," Narcissa said, guiding her to one of the chairs. "And keep your left hand on the armrest so the ring is visible."

Druella chimed in, smoothing Victoria's dress. "Smile pretty, my dear. You're about to make history as the future Mrs. Malfoy."

Victoria caught my eye, her lips quirking up in a small, nervous smile. I gave her a reassuring nod, silently reminding her that we were in this together.

As I took my place behind her, my hand resting gently on her shoulder, Rita Skeeter swooped in, quill and notebook in hand.

"Ah, Draco Malfoy and Victoria Nott—the couple of the hour!" she began, her voice sugary sweet. "You two look absolutely stunning. Tell me, how does it feel to be the most talked-about couple in the wizarding world?"

Victoria glanced up at me, and I gave her a subtle nod. She smiled gracefully at Rita. "It feels... surreal, honestly. But we're happy."

Rita's quill scribbled furiously as she turned to me. "And you, Draco? Any thoughts on being engaged so young?"

I met her gaze evenly. "I think when you find the right person, age doesn't matter. Victoria is everything I could want and more."

Rita's eyes gleamed at my response. "Beautifully said! Now, about the wedding—will it be as grand as the Malfoy name demands?"

"Of course," My father interjects, stepping forward with his usual commanding presence. "No expense will be spared. This union is a celebration of two noble bloodlines."

Rita nodded enthusiastically. "And what about children? Surely there will be heirs to continue the Malfoy legacy?"

Victoria blushed furiously, and I tightened my grip on her shoulder, leaning down to murmur in her ear, "Steady, love."

"Children are part of the plan," I answered smoothly, giving Rita a polite but firm smile. "But we'd prefer to focus on the wedding for now."

Rita's quill paused briefly before scratching across the parchment again. "Fair enough. And tell me, Victoria, how do you feel about stepping into such a prominent role?"

Victoria hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "It's an honor. The Malfoy family has a legacy that I'm proud to become part of."

"Perfect answer!" Rita chirped, stepping back as the photographers signaled they were ready. "Now, smile for the cameras!"

As the flashes went off, I leaned slightly toward Victoria, whispering, "You're doing wonderfully, darling."

She tilted her head up, her voice barely audible. "That's because you're here."

I smiled, pressing a quick kiss to her temple, earning a soft chuckle from Rita. "Ah, young love," she mused, stepping aside as the photographers captured the moment.

When the session ended, applause broke out, and I helped Victoria to her feet, keeping her close as we turned to face the crowd. The pride in my parents' faces and the warmth in Victoria's smile made it clear: this was exactly where we were meant to be.