A Proposal (Chara & Alexander)

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As summer came, Alexander had sent word to his mother and father that he had made the decision on his future wife. He knew that if he didn't make the decision now he would spend the whole summer being thrown before other suitors and Alexander was quite sure the decision in which he had already made would be the best for everyone involved.

Chara Fletcher was unique in her mannerisms, and that was what made Alexander sure that out of any girl, or woman, he could chose, she would be the one that he would have the most fun with in the long run.

His parents had replied to his letter with the information that they had spoken to the Fletcher's and that the last weekend of June, the weekend which they would return home, there would be the official ceremony to unite the two families in an engagement that would benefit both parties.

The lawns had been prepared with a table large enough for both families to enjoy a few glasses of champagne and vol-au-vents as required. Talks of the engagement would be held, the mothers likely discussing dates and colour schemes. Their fathers would likely be talking of the dowry and the arrangements in relation to money. Whilst Alexander and Chara would sit together, talking but never being left alone.

In Alexander's suit pocket was a small box, containing the small silver band that his mother had given to him. It had been her mothers, Alexander had been told, and it would be passed to Chara now as a sign of their affiliation to one another.

Honestly, Alexander wasn't sure what Chara's favourite colour was, but he hoped she would like this ring.

The suit was much too warm for the day, but Alexander waited patiently for Chara and her family, not quite helping the smile that was on his lips. Yes, he was only sixteen, but this... well this was the start of something new, and he couldn't lie that he was looking forward to it all.

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School days came and went and before Chara knew it, summer had come knocking. Other girls her age were going home to weeks of partying and relaxing and spending time with friends and family, but Chara had gone back more worried than ever. Alexander was growing older with each day passing and she knew that he would have to make his choice soon. There had been no indications thus far of what decision he would make, and while she had been getting to know him better, there were many things about him that remained a mystery.

Her entire future was on the line - if she was not chosen, her parents had already been talking about other visitations, and that just meant more uncertainty on her part. It wasn't that she loved Alexander or anything like that. To say that would be foolish to a point of utter idiocy. Rather, she had grown to like him as a friend and as a person, even if just a little, and that was already more than she could have ever hoped for in a future husband.

It was only the day before the official start of the holidays that she had received a letter from her parents telling her that the next day they would be fetching her directly from school, and that they were sending her a dress to wear. This could mean two things: either she had been chosen by Alexander, or she was to visit another potential male. Either way, she did not get much rest that night.

The next morning, a good half hour before her parents arrived, she was ready. The dress was long, reaching her ankles, and covered all the important bits, and she loved it. When her parents arrived, she greeted them politely with a hug each, and then they were off. As soon as they touched ground, she couldn't help but break into a small grin as the familiar surrounding of the Cavendish Estate greeted her.

It was a bit hot for the dress, but it had been charmed to keep her cool and while it wasn't a complete solution - she still felt a bit warm - it worked well enough to keep her from sweating. They were led into the lawn by a butler, and she smothered the grin, turning it into a wide smile that was not overly happy, but not too small, either. It was the 'perfect' smile she was trained to give.

"Good morning, Mr and Mrs Cavendish. Hello, Alexander," she greeted, after her parents, as was the right thing to do.

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As the figures emerged from the house, Alexander gave a sideways look to his mother. Despite everything he'd seen over the years, his mother was smiling a genuine smile. That must have been good, approval without saying it, perhaps? Or maybe it was pride, pride on the fact he was becoming a man today.

Whatever the cause of his mother's smile, Alexander kept a note of it in the back of his mind, because he couldn't remember the last time he'd seen her smile like that. She caught his eye in that moment, and the small, silent conversation of 'relax' made itself apparent. Quickly Alexander relaxed his shoulders, scooping up all courage from unknown reserves before turning his attention back towards Chara and her parents.

Chara.

Alexander couldn't help but notice seeing her made him relax just a little bit more, and Merlin did she look beautiful in the dress she'd chosen for the day. Such comments would wait though as everyone greeted one another, his parents welcoming the Fletcher's as if they were old friends rather than mere acquaintances. Alexander shook Chara's father's hand, and kissed her mother's cheek, greeting them gently before turning towards Chara.

He knew that greeting her in such a manner as her parents would be inappropriate, so instead he greeted her as she'd greeted him. "Good morning, Chara." He replied, his smile coming easier now than it had before.

The contracts had been drawn up and agreed between the two houses as was proper, leaving only the ring in his pocket to be carefully placed on Chara's finger. He doubted they would get a moment alone today, or even until they went back to school, but Alexander hoped that she wanted this. Greed would hopefully rest in her parents hands, and Chara would be focused more on the other aspects their arrangement would bring to them personally. But he didn't know.

"Shall we?" Alexander's father asked, motioning to the table and pulling Alexander's eyes away from Chara for a moment before motioning to a chair close by. He pulled it out for her, waiting for her to be ready to sit before pushing it in carefully beneath her. Yes, they had butlers for such things, but this whole meeting had been played out one too many times and his mother had insisted that doing such a thing would show he respected Chara enough to do something for her that men didn't normally. An act, she had said, would help to settle things in.

But Alexander didn't think he'd leave it as an act, why should being nice be considered an act?

Taking the seat to Chara's left, Alexander sat ignoring the thumping of his heart.

"I trust your mother has explained the situation, Chara?" Heather, his mother asked, looking between Chara and Mrs Fletcher with a smile. Alexander looked to Chara, hoping beyond anything that his friend, his intended knew what was coming. There wasn't any reason for her not to know now, was there?

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While she could smother the very unlady-like grin that was threatening to show on her lips, Chara could not even begin to hide the twinkle that she could feel shining behind lightly make-uped eyes. Alexander was a friend. They got along and she actually knew things about him, even if not fully, but it was much better than marrying a complete stranger, or being engaged to someone she could not stand.

It was her duty, and she would not have argued if her parents had done chosen as such, but she was more thankful than she would ever admit that it was Alexander who would be the one. Watching as Alexander greeted her parents with all the respect and properness a Pureblood heir should, she merely held her position, hands resting gently in front of her, displaying a proper relaxed stance.

"How are you this morning?" she inquired, urged on by her mothers secret glances. Vicki had been present at some of her earlier training classes - about four years ago - and apparently thought that one mishap with forgetting to greet her 'betrothed' meant that she was weak in that area. Chara knew it wasn't - Vicki only attended a couple of her lessons to appear to be concerned with her daughter's upbringing - but did not bother to try correcting her mother.

That was something only rude people did; she listened to and obeyed her parents, and always would.

As they moved towards the table, Chara was momentarily surprised as Alexander was the one to pull out the chair for her instead of the butler, and sent him a warm, genuine smile as she smoothed out her dress.

Turning to look at Mrs. Cavendish, Chara offered her a bright smile, maintaining eye contact the entire time she spoke. No, she has not, Chara thought in reply, but outwardly, nodded. Why her mother had not told her was beyond her - she did not, most of the time, understand the implications behind what her parents did - but she knew saying as such was not the right move to make.

Instead, after her single nod, said, "Yes, she has. I am honoured to have been chosen by Alexander." This was what she would have said no matter who had been the one to pick her, but even as the words left her lips, she realized that she actually meant it. "I promise to treat the Cavendish name with the respect it deserves," she added, ticking off another phrase that had been ingrained into her being.

Smiling some more, she turned to steal a glance at Alexander, trying to tell him with her eyes that she'd talk more openly to him later, if and when they were in private. Chara knew that he appreciated openness more than the rattling of memorized and practised phrases, and while it still sometimes felt daunting to do so, it was quite interesting.

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Alexander had to think about Chara's question, glancing to their parents who he already knew were listening to everything that was going on. He wanted to tell her that he was excited, but also nervous. He'd asked her on a number of occasions to be truthful with him, but in front of more people, he decided to stay in the mannerisms of a man, and not a boy. "I'm well, thank you. I hope you are the same." He replied, though from what he could see, Chara looked... well, radiant.

There wasn't time for further questions as they moved to the table, cutting the conversation short, but he was sure it wouldn't last for long. There would be things to discuss, his parents would make sure the conversation flowed, even if he couldn't.

And Alexander wasn't wrong.

As his mother asked if Chara knew what today's meeting was about, he glanced towards Chara's mother for an idea of the truth. He wasn't sure, but he thought from the way Mrs Fletcher looked to her daughter was a sign that perhaps they hadn't. How odd, Alexander thought to himself, but said nothing out loud.

But despite the possibility of Chara not knowing, her answer was one that brought a genuine smile to his lips. If he were bold, he'd say that he could almost tell by the witch's voice as to whether she were telling the truth. But, if he could guess that she was telling the truth, and that... well, that but a very big positive start to their relationship.

Though the second part Alexander knew to be rehearsed, Alexander was quite sure that they wouldn't have to worry about Chara pulling them down. It would take a lot to pull the Cavendish's down, and he doubted Chara would ever try to do that.

As their eyes met, Alexander gave Chara a smile in return, resisting the urge to mouth a 'thank you' or even a 'well done' to his betrothed. There were too many eyes on them. "It is excellent news, though I'm sure you will need a little more time to grow used to it." Heather replied, her smile showing that she meant it sincerely.

Alexander looked across the table to his father, and the older man gave a single nod back. "Mr and Mrs Fletcher." Alexander addressed Chara's parents, his tone confident enough, but not too over done. "I would like to thank you for the opportunity to join our two families. I'm sure that together we can create something of a strong family unit. I promise that I will take care of Chara, from this day forward, as well as looking after your family too." He explained, in the manner he'd rehearsed too many times in the past week.

Turning his attention to the witch sat beside him, Alexander allowed a small pause. His shoulders relaxed a little, and with careful hands, he pulled out the box with the ring for the witch he was to marry one day.

"Chara." He continued, his tone a little softer as he concentrated on the witch. "I know we're still learning about one another, and I'm aware that there is still a long way to go before we can be an untouchable partnership. But would you accept this ring as a promise that I will work towards being the best friend, and husband that you deserve?" He asked, opening the box for her to see the ring that had been handed down. "Will you accept this ring, on the understanding that one day you will be my wife?" Alexander finished, watching the witch for her reaction.

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"I am, thank you," she replied, wondering for a moment why he had taken so long before answering her. It was probably due to the fact that they were in company; he was using polite phrasings that he normally did not use when they normally talked. Not that he wasn't usually rude; he just wasn't so formal. They could talk freely, using more friendly terms rather than the firm, restrictive ones now.

Even as Alexander's mother spoke, she herself was trying to figure out why her mother hadn't told her. Surely there had to be a reason. She wouldn't dare ask, but she could wonder - and wonder she did, mulling over different possibilities and coming up empty handed.

"I am a fast adapter, Mrs Cavendish," she replied, and her tone displayed nothing but relaxed yet polite tones. "I am glad to have this opportunity." She didn't really know what this last part meant, nor why her mother had stressed she know this line by heart, but it seemed like the right moment to say it. At the smile her mother gave her, she knew she had been correct.

As Alexander began to speak, she turned to look at him, relaxing her shoulders and leaning forward ever so slightly - a trick a tutor had taught her for when she wanted to show she was paying extra close attention. Usually it was for when people were making boring speeches and she wanted to tune them out without seeming rude, but this time, she truly did want to hear what he was saying.

Smiling at his words, she bit her inner cheek surreptitiously, stopping herself from an unbecoming grin. If his words had been prepared she had no doubts - of course they were; everything usually was - but if he actually meant them was something else. Despite knowing that he had probably been practising those exact sentences, Chara was wondering if he meant them.

But as he continued, her attention was fixed on his words, eyes flitting to the box before moving back split seconds later to his eyes. Her heart was pounding, strangely enough, because she had been prepared almost her entire life for this moment. She never once actually though it would be this daunting or exciting, a jumble of emotions she had never really felt before.

Writing them off as nervousness from being the centre of attention instead of her parents, she kept that perfect smile on her face and listened to every word Alexander said. ..that you deserve. Those three words lingered in her mind. What did she deserve? All her life, she had been prepared to be the best wife, the best home-maker, and all the in-betweens. Never once had she actually been taught her worth, so this statement of her 'deserving' anything made her think - and come up blank.

She could feel the twinkle in her eyes as she allowed herself to look down at the ring, breaking eye contact for a few moments before he started speaking again and she was forced to return her gaze. The ring was beautiful - simple in design, but the workmanship seemed to be almost flawless, and the gem was shining so brightly it was almost as if the ring had been purchased yesterday. But she was sure it was a heritage of sorts, passed down from generation to generation; most rings were that, after all.

Long speeches or many words were not something expected from her unless she was asked, so she simply nodded. "I will," she replied, raising her left hand up and towards him like taught, slowly so as not to seem too eager, but not too slow as to appear reluctant. There were a lot of things that needed the perfect timing, and she had perfected these movements over the many hours of lessons.

"Thank you. It's a beautiful ring. I cannot promise to be the perfect wife, but I promise to be yours forever. I will never stray or falter," she added at the secret look given to her by her mother. It wasn't usually called for, but Vicki had insisted she say that to appear more likeable. Chara didn't fully get it, but she obeyed nevertheless.

Searching Alexander's eyes with her own, she widened her smile by just a fraction of a centimetre, trying to tell him that she truly meant her words.

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The moment Chara had accepted, Alexander felt the nervousness drain from his system. Why had he been so nervous? He'd known this day would come for weeks, months, years even. But, doing this, well, it was scary. This was his choice, he'd chosen Chara out of the group of girls who had been offered his way. A choice that only time would tell if it was the right one.

But her smile, her smile gave him the hope that he would not regret the situation.

Taking her hand, Alexander gave it a subtle squeeze in a manner he hoped she would understand as a thank you, before slipping the band on to her left hand ring finger. It magically adjusted itself to fit, shrinking as the last witch to wear it seemed to have had bigger fingers than the witch before him.

The band that now signified their union to one another...

His father cleared his throat only once and Alexander let go of Chara's hand, noting the words that she said. This time he did mouth the word 'thank you' to her, truly meaning it as he turned back to the table as a whole. His parents looked proud of him, so that was always a good sign.

Conversation struck up then, led by his father about the fast approaching hunting season that the Cavendish's attended. He had invited Chara's dad as the food was distributed by the waiters that were on hand. His mother had struck up a conversation with Chara's mother about the upcoming balls that season, and moved in to ideas for outfits that would be suitable.

Alexander joined in where he could, exchanging glances with Chara, and then small smiles. Luncheon was just long enough for the sun to reach it's peak, and as everyone finished their food (with an only just long enough pause for the food to settle) Alexander spoke up. "Mother, Father, Mr and Mrs Fletcher, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to take a walk with Chara? The gardens are beautiful this time of year, and I'd like to show her the fountain stairs." Alexander explained, hoping that they would be allowed this moment.

"I'll have North follow us, if you would prefer." Alexander added, motioning to one of the servants. He knew that from now on they would be monitored to make sure nothing improper happened, but honestly, Alexander wasn't interested in that.

"I don't see why you can't." William replied, and his mother simply agreed with him. Looking towards Chara's parents, Alexander waited for them to accept before getting up, offering Chara his hand to help her from the table.

Once they'd made it away from the table, and rounded the hedges in to the gardens, Alexander let his shoulders relax, looking over his shoulder. North was following them, but the man kept a respectable distance so that they couldn't be overheard. "How are you, Chara?" Alexander asked, happy to be 'alone' with his fiance, even if only for a little while.

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Watching him closely, Chara felt a spark of ... something ... start inside her. What it was, she honestly was not sure, but guessed that it was most likely excitement. She would only get married once, and the entire process she had worked so hard to get down to perfection was beginning now. Her tutors had taught her well, and she hid her nervousness and inner feelings with a small, bright smile, as though she was perfectly calm. Chara would have to rely on her training to get through the next few months of preparation, and then their wedding.

If she had to venture a guess, she would say it would take place after graduating Hogwarts; they were both still under-age, and could not perform magic outside of school let alone get married. That would not be for another 3 years, at the very least. Truth be told, she had the entire process down to memory, from what she should say at the official ceremony to how she should conduct herself around her to-be-in-laws.

The ring fit perfectly - although it was mostly due to the charm placed on it - and she smiled again. "I love it," she told him, meaning it completely, and although it was something she had been trained to say, she honestly forgot for a moment as she spoke from her heart. It was a dangerous thing to do, but she didn't see the harm in just that one statement.

Throughout the conversation, she added where was needed or expected, and kept quiet otherwise. At the end of the meal, she was pleased - but not all too surprised - at Alexander's request. She was quite certain he wanted them to be able to talk in private, without parents to listen in and wonder about their conversation and whatnot.

As permission was given, she looked towards Alexander with a smile, telling him with her eyes (or hoping she was) that she understood his intentions. Accepting his hand, she allowed herself to be assisted, although she really didn't need it, and then followed him, walking slowly so as not to let her dress get blown up by the summer breeze.

Keeping an eye on Alexander, her assumptions were proven right when she saw him visibly relax. "I'm relieved," she told him with a proper smile, honesty now coming naturally to the witch - or more naturally, at least. She still struggled with it at times.

"Mother.." she hesitated and pretended to look at the scenery in an attempt to see if anyone was nearby. Then, she lowered her voice. "..mother didn't tell me where we were going. She only sent me a letter and the dress. That meant you either rejected me or accepted me. Merlin knows why she did not just tell me, but I'm glad you picked me."

Hesitating once more, she slowly added, "I'm happy it's you." She paused, sent him a smile, then asked, "And how are you?"

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Getting away from the table had been much easier than Alexander had anticipated, not that he was complaining. It was nice, walking away with Chara, knowing eventually they would be able to walk hand in hand, or arm in arm together through the gardens. For now, though, Alexander simply walked alongside his intended, happy with even that amount of closeness for the moment.

Alexander matched Chara's pace, happy to have some time away from almost all of the prying eyes within in the manor house.

The notion that Chara too was relieved to be away from their parents - or he presumed that was what she had meant - made Alexander much happier about his own relief in that moment. Alexander offered a smile in return for the witch's glad to see her happy with the situation. Many girls might not have been, but Chara seemed... well, she seemed like there wasn't any acting in this display, which was really good. For both of them.

However, when Chara told him that she hadn't know she were coming here, surprise touched the Slytherin's features. He wasn't sure how to react to that, truth be told, in the least he would have thought that her parents would have explained that she was going to see her betrothed. "I'm sorry for my mother's question then." Alexander replied. "That can't have been easy to deal with the question of knowing without making your mother look bad."

It was an odd situation, but perhaps Chara's parents didn't want her to be nervous about the situation.

"I'm happy it's you."

"Are you?" Alexander asked, his tone light, and almost teasing. "What if I'm a horrible monster?" He joked, motioning that they would be going left at the end of the path so they wouldn't bump in to one another. But he wasn't a monster, he couldn't think of anything worse, but he knew it would be a while before they found their true selves. Their selves, and each other.

The question about him made Alexander think for a moment, trying to decide on how he was feeling. But after a short pause, he replied. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but I'm relieved that's over." He explained. "Not because I didn't want to do it, I know that it's tradition for the handing over of the ring to take place in front of our parents, and no matter what, we already know the answer is going to be yes. But, it's very daunting, asking someone to spend the rest of their life with you. I believe I've made the right choice, so I think... I think that I'm happy." Alexander explained, his smile showing he meant it.

"But, I'm happier that we get a little bit of time alone. In case there was anything you wanted to say that you couldn't with our parents around. This day is just as much about what you want, as much as it is about what I want." Alexander explained, though that view point might be unorthodox for many Pureblood men, Alexander wanted, no hoped, to be different.

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Chara smiled softly at his reply. "It's perfectly alright," she said, wanting to shrug but holding it back because, while they were friends, it was still far too unlady like for her to even consider doing it.

Chuckling lightly at his joking, she didn't bother answering at first, instead focusing on the direction he was leading her. "That is yet to be seen," she replied, also making sure her tone conveyed that she was joking.

She wasn't offended with his answer - rather, she understood what he meant, because it was something that she probably would have felt the same manner if she had been in his position. While unsure how she could put this into words, Chara instead smiled a full, proper smile at him and hoped that he would understand that she understood completely.

After a second's pause, she softly said, "I hope that - if not now, someday - I can make you happy." There was nothing more to be said about this - it was something she truly meant.

"This day is just as much about what you want, as much as it is about what I want."

"You were right. This place is very beautiful," she told him then. He liked playing games, and while he said on their first meet she was of equal standing and so would not treat her as a toy, Chara suspected this may not be 100% true. Maybe he wouldn't play with her in the same manner as others, but that didn't mean he did not do it altogether. She had a sneaking suspicion that Alexander had played her before; she was, after all, manipulated into speaking her mind around him, something not normally accepted from a Pureblood female. Looking around, Chara was not actually lying - the place was breathtaking - but rather, stalling while she tried to figure out things.

"I apologise, I got distracted." She paused, trying to ignore the hammering in her chest. What he was saying was not part of the 'scrip' that she had so diligently studied and role-played over and over with her tutors, so her next response would be completely and utterly original. She smiled a smile that she did not truly feel, far too nervous to be genuinely happy. "But, thank you, Alexander. I appreciate that more than you know," she said slowly, meaning them but far too nervous about how they would be received to realise that at the moment.

She could only hope this was not another test of his – or if it was, that she would pass.

There was one thing that had been on her mind the entire time since arrival, and it presented itself once again. Should she mention it or not? It was a difficult position she was in, because she was curious, but at the same time she didn't want to cross any lines. Alexander and her were friends, though, and so, taking a deep breath, she very quietly - so softly, in fact, that if he chose, he could have ignored her and pretended not to have heard - asked, "If I may, Alexander, why me?"

» The Day of "Love" (Chara & Alexander)
» DADA Lesson Three Group Three - Naomi, Alexander & Chara
» Business Proposal of a Different Sort (Sethina)
» Chara Fletcher
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