you make me wanna D I E -- scorpius malfoy

[DAHLIA ALYZABETH CRABBE]

Dearest Dahlia,

You are getting closer to the end of your Hogwarts years and I believe it's time you know the truth. Before I tell you anything, I want you to know that your mother and I are very proud of you and love you very much. What I have to tell you is something you will most likely not be very pleased with, but I assure you it is not to punish you. It is only in your best interest that we, or I, have made this decision for you. A few years before Hogwarts Mr. Malfoy and I sat down and had a long conversation about the future of his son. I know you're probably wondering what this has to do with you, well, let me tell you. I have agreed with Mr. Malfoy to let Scorpius have your hand in marriage, when you are old enough of course. Therefore, you will be marrying him when the time comes and no one else. Please, do not fight this dear. As I said before it is in your best interest as well as Scorpius'. Mr. Malfoy does not want either of you to know yet, but I felt that you should know now, so that you don't get too attatched to any of those boys who might try to pursue you there at Hogwarts. It would be best if you kept this to yourself. Yes, that means do not tell Scorpius, or any of your siblings. Not even any of your friends you might have made during your time there. It will all come out when we are all together again. Before I end this letter, I am just letting you know that I will not apologize for my decision and it is a final decision as well, so again, do not try to change it. Be safe my daughter.

Love, Your Father.

It was dark and cold, but that wasn't the worst part about being down in the dungeons. There was little light, so if anyone were to come around you could see their faces at least. Again, that wasn't what mattered. What did matter was the reasoning behind the sudden decision to go to the dungeons. Not only was it a place that barely anyone would be around, but it was close to the Slytherin common room, in case that was the location of Dahlia's lovely groom to be. Engaged at sixteen? Oh, apparently it was the new trend. A new trend set by none other than Draco Malfoy and Vincent Crabbe. But it wasn't even at sixteen. They had this planned out before she even started Hogwarts, which meant she was about, nine, maybe ten. Maybe even eight. Either way, it was sick and twisted. Who would do that to their children? Her father said it was in her best interest, but was it really? Wouldn't her best interest be happiness? Well, apparently he didn't want that for his daughter. He wanted to dictate her life and she was not pleased, which is what he expected, but still. It was wrong. 'Please, do not fight this dear'. Do not fight? Who in their right mind would just let this happen? She was not happy and she was not going through with it. She was sure Scorpius would feel the same.

Earlier today, as Dahlia was eating her breakfast, her owl stopped in to give her a letter from her father. Not knowing that it would be something as big as this, she opened it. Honestly she thought it would just be another letter to see how things were going. As soon as she read it, she could feel all eyes on her. She must have been beat red from anger and she was pretty sure she shook a bit. Either way, she ended up pushing her plates on the floor and stomping out of the hall. She probably even scared a few people around her. She didn't even care because she was pissed off and she had a right to be. That's why as soon as she left breakfast she marched herself to her dorm to start a letter to Scorpius. 'Do not tell Scorpius.' Please. Like she would keep this from him. He was one of her best friends and he deserved to know. Especially because he was apart of their damn plan. This was so ridiculous.


Dear Scorpius,

Meet me in the dungeons, now. It's important. Please hurry.

Your Pissed Off Friend, Dahlia

It was short and simple, but it would do. Hopefully her owl could find him soon and he wouldn't be too busy to join her in the darkness of the dungeons. That was why she was down there. She was waiting for him to show up, so she could break the news to him. Dahlia leaned her back against the nearest wall and then leaned her head back closing her eyes for a moment. How stupid was her father? She just couldn't comprehend why he would do this. And why her? She supposed she would wish it on herself rather than either of her sisters, especially her youngest who was only fourteen, but still. Why would they choose her? Why any of them? The whole arranged marriage thing was ridiculous altogether. Seriously, they weren't in the stoneage. Arranged marriages just did not happen anymore. What would they do if they refused? Disown them? As much as she would hate that, she didn't want to marry someone she did not love. Sure, she loved Scorpius, but as a friend and that was it.

Her head leaned forward and then fell slowly downwards as she glanced at the letter that she was holding in her hands. The letter from her father. Tears started to form in her eyes as it started to really sink in. Why the hell would he do this to her? She just couldn't believe it was really true. Those same tears started to roll down her cheeks and onto the letter. Dropping her arm with the letter in hand to her side, she reached up with her empty hand to wipe away the tears. She never liked to cry, especially in front of people. But, no one was there, so she didn't hold it in any longer. Even when trying to get the tears to go away, more just came, so it was pointless. Right now, all she wanted to do was scream and then eventually curl up in a ball and die. Sounds pleasant, right?

[SCORPIUS HYPERION MALFOY]

The day was decent and the wind was nice. So, where could you find the bad boy Slytherin? Practicing for Quidditch, of course. He didn't need to practice, technically- But he enjoyed keeping up on his game. To stretch his broom out and go forth with training exercises. It helped him focus, clear his mind, and have some fun. Not to mention, all of his pent up anger could be spent on the racing air around him. It was a taste of freedom with very little limits. And he enjoyed that, craved that. It was just what he truly needed, too. Pain and sadness had been striking him lately for no reason at all. He welcomed it. But there was only so much he could take. Pain? The pain of how he was so confused about certain things in his life. Sadness? Because he was getting really sick and tired of thinking about everything. It all made him sad. There wasn't anything in particular, but it felt as though the world was gray. All color was gone. But now, it wasn't like that all. The grass was green again, the air was chilly, etc. It was wonderful. It was lively. Even with his pessimistic ways, he enjoyed a colorful day anytime. Surprisingly, it made him cheerier and more apt to be in a good mood toward people- which wasn't often at all. Yes. Today, he was in a good mood. Perhaps, later he would steal someone's wand and break it. Oh yes. He grinned to himself for that one.

After a bit more of flying around, he spotted something flying his way. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but it was in pursuit of seeking him - specifically - out. This caused his interest and made him want to play a game with the thing. Shooting off from where he was just hovering, he began to let it chase him. Scorpius glanced over his shoulder and realized that it wasn't anything out of the ordinary, but an owl. Someone had sent him a letter. And it was an emergency. If it wasn't, then he wouldn't be receiving mail in the middle of the day. Easily coming to a stop, he allowed the owl to meet up with him. Scorp put his arm out for the owl and untied the letter from its leg. Actually, he took a moment to study the owl and found it rather familiar. But, he couldn't pinpoint to whose it could be. He pushed his arm upward, indicating for the bird to fly away; it did so which let him open the letter. His eyes scanned over the few words that were written in a girl's handwriting. Readable, but rushed. This made Scorpius frown. Although, he frowned so much that he was sure that one day, he wouldn't be able to stop frowning. But then, he would like that because it would make it less likely for him to smile. He found his own smile ugly and far too giddy for someone like him. Which was why he stuck with his usual smirk. It was comfortable, natural, and sarcastic. Everything he loved with a deep and hidden passion. Anyhow, the letter read:

"Dear Scorpius,

Meet me in the dungeons, now. It's important. Please hurry.

Your Pissed Off Friend, Dahlia"

What could be so important that had her pissed off? Dahlia wasn't usually the type to need to talk to him so immediately. Worry drifted through him as he folded the letter and slid it into his pocket. Whatever it was- it couldn't wait. And he needed to get to the dungeons as soon as he could. Whatever was wrong.. was something big. But, he just wasn't sure how big. Almost instantly, he dismounted from his broom and began a fast-paced walk to the school. Once he reached it, he leaned his broom against the outside of the building. It had already been charmed to not allow anyone to touch it. Such a helpful spell and probably his most used one, considering he hated the fact that people like to touch his things. His stuff was just that- his and he hated anyone who messed with it. But that was insignificant, which was why he left his broom to fend for itself as he walked briskly down the corridors, the dungeons in his mind. Scorp had walked all of the paths to the the dungeons so often that he didn't even need to think about where he was headed. Unlike his first year where he had to keep re-tracing his steps and starting over. He guessed that six years in the same school would do that to a person. But then again, you would think it wouldn't. Because Hogwarts liked to play tricks on people sometimes, or would change for no reason at all. It had plenty of secrets and right now, he couldn't deal with any of them.

Finally. He reached the descending stairwell. Continuing his brisk and somewhat hurried manner, he listened for Dahlia. After a little bit of walking, however, he found her once he turned a corner. She was leaning against the wall, crying.. Looking extremely sad and angry. Something was extremely wrong. Dahlia wasn't one to cry in public.. she didn't even like doing so in front of her friends, including Scorpius. This made his heart tug and he immediately sped up until he reached her, standing in front of her. " Dahlia.. " He whispered her name, going against his better judgment to place his right hand upon her cheek. He moved his other hand to place on the small of her back, pulling her close-- attempting to comfort her. Scorpius would always have a soft spot for Dahlia- He felt bad for her being in Gryffindor. And he truly wished she was in Slytherin. They had their rough spots, but they were still close friends. Which was why the hug wasn't awkward for him. Nor was it sexual. " What has gotten you so emotional? " He asked quietly, trying to tread reasonably. Scorpius needed to understand what she was saying, so he couldn't possibly do that with her trying to speak through sobs. But she only had tears at the moment. Rubbing his thumb against the soft skin of her cheek, his eyes held nothing but concern. " C'mon, what is it? " He urged again. This was something of the utmost importance. And he needed to know what it was. Now.

[DAHLIA ALYZABETH CRABBE]

Sixteen. That was how old she was. Sixteen years of her life had passed, and things were already being decided for her. She was still a teenager. No. Technically, she was still a child. Dahlia had a life to live, and so many things to experience. She hadn't even had her first kiss yet. Now, that wasn't because she couldn't get guys, because she always had someone hitting on her, but it was the fact that she wouldn't just go out with a random guy, plus she had to keep up her image of being untouchable. She hasn't ever fallen in love. She's never held a boys hand, aside from her brother or maybe one of her friends, but that wasn't anything to brag about. These were things she wanted to do, on her own. There were so many other things she wanted too. Like the fact that she wanted to find out what she wanted to be once she left Hogwarts. She still wasn't sure about that. There was a process of growing up, in her mind, that she wanted to complete before she settled down with anyone. Did she have that choice? She used to think she did, but now she knew for a fact she didn't. She was sixteen years old, and already, her life was planned out for her. At least, the marriage part. She was being forced to marry one of her best friends.

Of course, anyone would think that marrying your best friend wasn't such a big deal. But, if they were in her place, they'd understand. Yes, he was her best friend, but she was not in love with him. She did love him, but it wasn't the same. Loving someone, and being in love with someone were two different things. Another thing on her list that she wanted was to have a family. She wanted children, and how was she supposed to do that when she wouldn't even be able to think about doing the dirty with Scorpius. Trying to do something like that would be extremely awkward. Hell, just thinking about it was awkward. Plus, being best friends, and being put in that situation, it was going to cause tension. Especially if one of them were to find another person that they truly loved. They would be forced to cheat on one another. If children were to come in to the situation, it would not be good for them. Of course, it was a bit soon to be thinking about all of that, but was it not logical? Dahlia didn't want those problems in her life. She wanted to fall in love and stay in love. She wanted to grow old with that person and watch their children and grandchildren grow up. Was that too much to ask?

Hearing footsteps, Dahlia turned her head in the direction of the source. She moved off of the wall a bit when she could finally make out that it was Scorpius. She could tell he was moving quickly to her, by the sound of his footsteps. When he whispered her name, chills ran up her spine and she could feel the goosebumps forming on her arms. She needed him to get there as fast as he could. She had to tell him and she knew that. But, now that he was there, she was afraid. What was he going to think, when he found out? How would he react. It was all so scary. She didn't want to lose the connection between them, and this might be something that would do that. A friendship turned to being hate. That was something that hurt her. Her heart would be broken if their friendship were to be ruined because of their fathers. Did their mothers know about it, or were their fathers going behind their backs? If they did know, were they for it or against it? Why weren't they doing anything, if they knew? They were women. They would understand why Dahlia wouldn't want to go through this. Would they save her or did she have to save herself?

"Scorpius.." Her voice was quivering from the fear of telling him. Not only that, but she was still shaken up about the whole thing, and even though the tears were being wiped away, tears still kept escaping her eyes. Him pulling her close, made her feel like everything would be okay, and that maybe he would be the comfort she needed, but at the same time, she couldn't do this to him. Placing a hand on his chest, she pushed away from him and backed into the wall once again. "Please don't.." She started, finally looking him in the eyes. "Not right now. I just... don't want to be touched... I'm.. sorry." Her hand tightened around the letter she was holding and she rose it slightly, her hand shaking. Her eyes scanned the words on the paper and then looked back to the boy in front of her. Anyone could tell that she was panicking. It was showing on the outside as much as she felt it on the inside.

"Scorpius.. it's your dad.." Dahlia had a feeling, that just mentioning his father would make him know something was wrong, if he didn't already suspect something. By the way he was acting and the tone of his voice, he knew something was wrong. But, when it dealt with his father, it just gave him more reason to believe it. "Well, technically it's both of our fathers." She reached out her hand with the letter in it, waiting for him to take it. Her hand was still shaky as she held it out to him. The fear of how he would react was still in her gut and she was terrified. She wanted to tell him herself, what was going on, but she wasn't sure if she'd be able to do it. She'd probably choke or something. So, she left it to him to read the letter. Everything he needed to know was right there, on that paper. For the first time, in a long time, Dahlia prayed to God that everything would be alright. Not out loud, but in her mind and in her heart.

[SCORPIUS HYPERION MALFOY]

Everything about the day had been weird for Scorpius - because he got to feel free for once.. which hadn't happened in quite a long time. And now here was Dahlia, crying her eyes out. This was out of his medium, for sure. Yes - he was used to girls sobbing around him, but not when it was this girl here. She would barely show any hints of weakness, and if she did, she immediately covered it up. This meant bad news. Not just bad, but extremely bad. Scorp wasn't sure what to expect, honestly. Fear, panic, confusion, and worry all licked down his body, because of the endless possibilities. Anything could've happened, but he knew for a fact she wouldn't get upset about someone calling her ugly, etc - She had more intellect and a defense mechanism stronger than that. Throughout the entire time of knowing the middle Crabbe girl, he had gotten to know her personality -or what she let him know- and believed that he knew who she truly was. He had to, you know? They'd known each other since birth, so of course there would be that familiarity between them. Even though he would never verbally admit it, she was a huge part of his life. Along with the other Crabbes and Goyles. Even if he didn't have quite the same connection with other individuals in their gang, he would probably be a simple, goddamn loner. Sure, he didn't mind his solitary moments, but he was glad to not be labelled as one. He much preferred to be hated and avoided - much more fun that way.

The hug was a mistake, but he was new at trying to be.. friendly? No, that wasn't quite it. More like he was used to being supportive or anything of that nature. Arabella had told him to be more open, accepting, friendly.. hugs and the like. Well, it failed. Because Dahlia didn't want that - she was upset, but that didn't mean that she'd lost common sense. Apparently, he had. She didn't want to be touched.. Honestly, he had no idea what to do, so he instantly let go and stepped away from her. There were so many things running through his mind that he couldn't possibly escape from them all - they tormented, worried, and attacked him. Dark things, but worse than usual. Not because he was angry or anything, but the mere fact that he felt so out of the loop with what she was trying to tell him, that he wanted to do something, anything. But he took the high road by inhaling quite the deep breath, attempting to calm himself before he could listen to her. Anxiety? Yes, that's what it was. Often times, he'd get bouts of anxiety - especially during moments of stress. Like this. Even though he was completely unaware as to what the cause of the stress was. It was far too confusing, but he was trying to be patient in waiting for Dahlia to explain. However, it wasn't working very well because it's not a virtue that he had. And, it had been that entire time before he realized that she had something in her hand- a piece of parchment.

And then she mentioned Draco Malfoy. That made him steal the piece of parchment from her hand, barely realizing that she had continued the statement - adding that it was both of their fathers. But that didn't matter because his eyes were already scanning over the letter, catching the important words that stuck out at him: "future of his son," "I have agreed with Mr. Malfoy to let Scorpius have your hand in marriage," "marrying him when the time comes and no one else," "do not tell Scorpius," and "do not try to change it." Apparently, Scorpius was in a prearranged marriage with Dahlia Alyzabeth Crabbe. Anger began to pulse through his body, his teeth grinding as he could hardly believe the letter itself. Looking from the small and somewhat crumpled letter to Dahlia, he felt betrayed, trapped, and extremely upset. So meany thoughts began to tumble; What the fuck is this?! What the hell is my father doing? Why Dahlia? How long has Dahlia known? Why would her father tell her? The letter hadn't been dated.. so.. she could've known for months, without telling him.. Or she could've initiated it.. So many possibilities as his mood continued to spiral downward. Disbelief was a major factor in his thought processing, because he honestly couldn't comprehend the idea of getting married, let along to.. Dahlia. Sure, he loved her.. but not enough to tie himself for the rest of his life to her. No, no. That was for someone else who was special. Of course, he didn't know that person yet, but what did that matter?

" What. The. Fuck. Dahlia?! " His voice was louder than expected; it had even echoed off of the stone dungeon walls. Scorpius dropped the letter and immediately clenched his fists, backing away from her. He really didn't need to be angry around her.. she didn't need to see hoe he really was. But, then again, maybe it would scare enough out of her to get the truth. Surely she couldn't have received this letter today. No. This had been going on for a lot longer. And that's what continued his dark emotions that were swimming throughout him. " D..Did you know about this?! " He pointed to the fallen paper before bringing his hands up to run them through his hair. Everything was falling apart. Pacing back and forth, anger brimming at his very edges, Scorpius kept messing up his blond hair and cracking his knuckles. The next thought was: how to stop all of this from happening. Surely they couldn't be forced. Unless his father somehow managed to control him. And if Dahlia was in on it.. What the fuck. He was pretty much screwed. " Who else knows about this, Dahlia!? " Now was the point where he was beginning to see red. He didn't like the thought of marriage, he didn't like the thought of being married to Dahlia, he didn't like the thought of being forced into anything. " I will not go through this! I will not stand for it! If you have anything to do with this, I will curse you! " He was starting to lose it.. especially has he instantly grabbed for his want and pointed it at the sobbing Dahlia, his dark brows furrowing and his face contorted into pain and determination. " So now you better tell me. Everything. "