DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.

~ Grim Defeat ~

She knows that he is only a half-blood, but not even the taint of muggle filth that he carries in his veins can stop the whispers among the elder Blacks of wouldn't it be grand to have the last heir of Slytherin joined to our line? Any children produced by their union will be considered pureblood.

Tom is handsome, charming, charismatic...

And yet, Walburga does not like him, much less want to spend the rest of her life with him.

When her father brings up the matter with the man, however, Tom seems intrigued by the notion - in an entirely intellectually-speculative and non-romantic manner - but insists that he needs no wife. Slyly he adds that he is certain Walburga would not have him, even if he did offer for her.

Offended, she protests, and in the next instant her father declares the matter settled and she realizes that she has been manipulated.

She glares at Tom with narrowed eyes, and he shoots her a self-satisfied smirk before turning to her father to discuss the terms of the marriage contract.

From this point on, Walburga sees their impending marriage not as a union but as a battle of wits and wills, and she is determined to emerge the victor.

~end~

A/N: Reviews are always appreciated.