Winter Shorts 2008 Round One: Fic - Honoring Tradition - PG-13
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Title: Honoring Tradition
Name: tomatoe18
Prompt: #044 - "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." -- Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Prompt Given by: lisabird
Word Count: 682
Rating: PG-13
Betas: aldehyde
Author's Notes: I've finally fulfilled my dream of writing a proposal fic.
Summary: A Malfoy's happiness is a Potter's suffering. And vice versa. Not even marriage changes that.
“So, Scorpius, to what do I owe the honor of your company today?”
“Well, sir, I probably should begin by telling you that it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune-”
“-must be in want of a wife. I’ve heard this before. It’s from a Muggle novel, isn’t it? Brontë?”
“Actually, it’s Jane Austen, sir.”
“Oh.”
“Pride and Prejudice, to be precise.”
“I see. And what does this Muggle novel have to do with you being here?”
“Well, I’m here because I would truly like to explain that I am a single man. And I happen to be in possession of a good fortune. Therefore I’m in want of-”
“A wife. Right. So, you’re looking for a wife. Wait. In my house?”
“So to speak, but-”
“I’m sorry. I fail to understand any of this, Scorpius. I don’t see any, ah, potential bride lying around my house. Lily is certainly not of age; she’s hardly suitable to become a bride! Are you sure you don’t want to try next door? The Weasleys have a lovely daughter, you know?”
“Oh, yes, I do know. But you misunderstand me, I am not exactly looking for a wife. What I meant to say was-”
“Oh, for Merlin’s sake! We’re getting nowhere! You said you were looking for a wife!”
“But I didn’t say that! You kept interrupting me! Can I just say what I came here to say-”
“You’re the one stalling!”
“You’re the one interrupting!”
“Well, then! What is it that you want to say?!”
“I meant to say that I’m in want of a spouse! A spouse, but NOT necessarily a wife. I’m not going to take Lily or any of the Weasley as a bride either. I just want… I want to ask you for Albus’ hand in marriage, sir, because I want Albus as my wife!”
Gasp.
“I mean husband! Spouse! Sorry!”
Thud.
“Sir? Mr. Potter? Sir! Are you all right?!”
*
Little Jane Malfoy-Potter turned her big, teary green eyes towards her grandfather’s as they stepped out of the Pensieve that contained the memory of her father’s disastrous proposal to her other father’s family. Her pouty lower lips were wibbling a little. Then, in a small, shaky voice, she asked, “Grandfather, is Grandpa Harry all right?”
Draco Malfoy smirked as he patted the arms of his first granddaughter and led her out of the library into the corridor of the Malfoy Manor. “Oh yes, I imagine he’s quite all right.”
“Are you sure?” Jane asked, still concerned.
“Quite sure, my dear! As soon as your papa brings him out of state of unconsciousness, Grandpa Harry punched your papa on the nose. Poor lad, your papa… I told him it was crazy to ask for your daddy’s hand in marriage through the family, but your papa wanted to do it ‘properly’, he said. Honestly! It’s like we’re not living in modern times! That boy is so old-fashioned. Have no idea who taught him to be that way…”
Jane stared bemusedly at her grandfather. She didn’t understand what her Grandfather Draco was talking about. But she knew better than to say anything when he was at it. She listened politely to him anyway, because that was what her daddy taught her to do, and patiently waited until it was over.
Before Grandfather finished, however, Jane heard a hissing sound from one of the doors. Much to her delight, she saw Grandpa Harry waving to her from inside the green parlor. Jane giggled, her white blond hair bouncing on her head as she skipped away from Grandfather Draco. Grandfather Draco didn’t even notice - he was still carrying on about something or other!
“Hi, Janey.”
“Hi, Grandpa.”
“Did that old smarmy git show you the memory where I fainted?”
“Yes, Grandpa.”
“Did you enjoy that?”
“It was funny, Grandpa.”
“I bet it was. Now, would you like to see another funny memory?”
“Yes!”
“Good! Come in here. I’ll show you the time my Albus Bat-Bogey Hexed your Grandfather at the wedding!”
Disclaimer: This piece of fiction is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros. Inc. No money is being made, no copyright or trademark infringement, or offence is intended. All characters depicted in sexual situations are above the age of consent.