July '67: Another Day, Another Drama: Bella: Black Manor

[Narcissa Malfoy]

"So, how was it? Dinner, dancing, tell me everything," Narcissa implored with hidden peevishness as she stepped into her eldest sister's room. The girl, already in her nightgown, made herself comfortable on Bella's bed, laying against the stack of pillows so deep she could almost be engulfed in them. Tonight had been an "important affair" for Bellatrix and Father, one where her sister had gotten to dress up and go somewhere prestigious and secret, with her betrothed and all of Father's friends. While she and Andy and Mother were abandoned at home, Bella was off having dinner with the most important people in their society! If Father wanted Bella there, why didn't he want the rest of them? She was a people person, and had the perfect summer gown waiting for an occasion, and why was he choosing now to start telling her "no"? It was utterly perplexing, the whole thing, and the endlessly dull evening at the manor was made all the more so by knowing that Bella off in a world of intrigue.

Being the youngest of three girls was hardly easy work, no matter how easy Narcissa made it seem. She was always last in everything - last to go to Hogwarts, last to be allowed to date, last to be invited anywhere. It was a burden she was bored of bearing, but it was her lot in life, and, unfortunately, patience was hardly a virtue that had been bestowed upon her as graciously as beauty had been. It would be years before she was out of her sisters' shadows, before anyone knew her as Narcissa and not simply the third Black sister. But if given the chance - given a night like tonight, she could get a head start on that! It was true that she was only just starting Hogwarts this fall, but still - she was a gift to the world, and not letting the world know her was a shameful thing indeed.

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

It had only been a week ago that she had angrily stormed out of the Black Manor, running to the only place she had felt she could. Rodolphus was always there for her, no matter what. And it was there she had learned something quite interesting, that they were both being summoned to the Dark Lord. A man who had been shrouded in mystery to her before tonight, his visits to the house kept quiet. She had thought the whole thing was silly, really. Some Dark Lord was going to come and change their world, remove the filth that was plaguing their society. It sounded absurd and she wanted nothing to do with.

Until tonight.

Because he liked her. Voldemort, he thought she was grand. And beautiful. And powerful. And he wanted to her to join him, to serve at his side. She wasn’t just some silly girl who needed to put her dreams on hold for the sake of marriage and babies. Not if she joined him.

Humming to herself as she as they arrived home, she’d barely paid attention to her father as she ascended to her room. It wasn’t long before the door to her room opened, and she was joined by Narcissa. Her youngest sister has so desperately wanted to go, and Bella had to tell someone about her night. The dress that had been purchased for her for this evening was grand, but she was glad for her sister’s arrival. “Help me with this dress and I will tell you everything,” she said with a laugh, sitting down on the edge of her bed.

“There was dinner of course, which was wonderful,” she began as she stood, heading to her wardrobe to find her nightgown. “Political conversations of course. That was to be expected, old men with their old ideas. And then he asked Rodolphus what he thought, can you imagine?”

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Narcissa pushed herself out of the pillows to undo the buttons down the back of her sister’s gown with practiced fingers, too eager to hear tales of the night to be bothered by doing an elf’s job. Besides, who would Bella tell? Once done, she patted Bella’s shoulders and watched in admiration as she went to change. One day she would be as beautiful, as stately, as her eldest sister - a different kind of beautiful, for she was as fair as the others were dark, but she would be as undeniably stunning as either of the other Black girls. Narcissa laughed, sitting in criss-cross and flipping back her long hair. So far the night was not sounding like something out of a storybook, but there was still hope. Bella wouldn’t seem so pleased if there was only talk with Father’s friends!

"He did? Please tell me Rodolphus wasn't too star-struck to speak," she plead with a tinkling laugh, imagining her future brother-in-law either freezing under the gaze of "the Dark Lord" or rising to the occasion. Hopefully, for all of their sakes, the latter had happened. Bella's fate was twined with his, after all! "Did he ask you what you thought?" she continued earnestly, blue eyes tracking her sister’s features carefully as she waited for her response. That would be more telling of this "great" man’s character, Narcissa felt, than him asking the opinion of Radolphus Lestrange’s son. Because Bella was more than capable of handling herself and owning her opinions, and if the man had any wits at all, he would see that she was more than just someone for Rodolphus to parade around with.

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

Slipping her nightgown over her head, Bella turned to look at her sister with a grin. Rodolphus had done wonderfully of course, they’d prepared for this. “He was perfect, of course. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Rodolphus,” she stated with pride, her thoughts about her future husband quickly wiped away by the next question her sister asked of her. Sliding back over to her bed, she made herself comfortable next to Narcissa with a smile.

“He did ask me what I thought,” Bellatrix said with a smirk, tossing her hair over her shoulders. “You should have seen the looks on everyone’s faces Cissy, the Dark Lord asking me what I thought. They were so shocked to realize my opinion mattered.” And she hated held back when asked, because she did have opinions on the matter. Opinions that were close to the sentiments expressed by the Dark Lord and his followers, as she was a proper pureblood lady. There was no room in her life for anyone less.

Hands traveling to Narcissa’s hair, she began to separate it into sections to braid. “After dinner though, there was dancing. Lots of wives showed up then, and you won’t believe who cut into between me and Rodolphus dancing,” she said as she worked, hardly able to contain her excitement. “I got to dance with the Dark Lord.”

[Narcissa Malfoy]

"I’m glad he’s living up to your expectations," Narcissa said with a bit of a giggle. The boy and his younger brother were so dour and formal that she wondered if they were able to put other faces on in different company. Bella wouldn’t be so approving of him if he was always that way. And if Rodolphus and Rabastan were always so? Then Narcissa had indeed dodged a curse when realizing she’d never been when engagement to Rabastan was not on the table. She needed a betrothal to a boy as full of life and beauty and humor as she was! And despite their pretty blue eyes being matches, Rabastan couldn’t hold a candle to her otherwise. Such a shame.

Thankfully her sister was quick to answer her more important question, and Narcissa drank it all in - from Bella’s words to her confidence and beauty. Her eyes danced over her sister’s in unhidden glee at the news that this Dark Lord valued Bella’s opinion, and that some of those ugly old men had been put in their places! Rightly so. She shook out her hair and happily settled in as her sister started plaiting her hair, smiling across at their reflection as Bella went on. Her thin brows rose high at the story, and it was only with much self-control that she kept herself from turning to face the eldest Black sister. {She couldn’t have her hair ruined, not when Bella was being so sweet to do it for her.} "Bella," she gushed enviously, curiosity fueling her rapid questions, "Father must be so proud. What was it like? Did Rodolphus have anything to say about it? Were any of your roommates there?" With any luck, Bella would have been the only one with the honor of dancing with the host, and thereby put the other girls to shame. Not that Narcissa doubted her sister was the leader of that dormitory - who would be foolish enough to challenge a Black for dominance? - but there was no harm in reminding the others of their places, even outside of the castle.

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

It was easy to ignore her younger sister’s naivety, particularly when it came to Rodolphus. Bellatrix didn’t tell her sister’s what kind of person her betrothed father was, it would only upset them. And there was nothing that Narcissa or Andromeda could do, not really. Bellatrix had done her best over the years to keep both of the Lestrange children out of the grasp of their father, insisting on having them visit the Black household during summers. She had decided a long time ago that no matter what, she would protect her sisters and the Lestranges. They were just as much her family as the siblings her parents had given her. Their secrets were safe with her, even if sometimes she wanted to really put the Prewetts in their place during the school year. It didn’t matter what other people thought, she knew Rodolphus. He was brilliant, and brave, and really the perfect match for her. “He always lives up to my expectations,” she answered quietly, allowing herself a smile. “And whoever Daddy picks out for you better live up to your expectations, you know.”

It had been ages since she really sat with Narcissa and talked with her, the youngest sister so often left out of things. She had forgotten how nice it was, to play with her sister’s long blonde hair while Narcissa got to enjoy her company. The girl was so excited to hear about tonight’s events, questions bubbling from her sister quickly as Bella finished speaking. “Oh, he is. Of course he is,” she laughed. How could their father not be proud of her? She was breaking down social barriers by just being there, and while she knew he had forbidden her from pursuing a job a the Ministry, he couldn’t stop her from doing this. “I don’t think Rodolphus liked it, but he was polite. He knows that I am his. But it was fun, dancing with the Dark Lord. He’s such a gentleman, although he’s...cold.” That wasn’t something she had expected, the cold chill that had run down her back at the touch of his hands.

She summoned a hair ribbon, tying off the end of her sister’s hair before she patted the younger girl’s shoulders. “And none of my roommates were there. Cassandra Flint is going to be livid when she finds out. Not that any of them would dare cross me, you know.”

[Narcissa Malfoy]

"Oh my, that is the last of my worries! Daddy knows better than to pick out anyone remotely disagreeable." Narcissa had to laugh at the implication that their father would fail her - such a thing was unheard of, or at least before tonight. But she’d ensure her presence at the next event! She just had to figure out the right card to play, and then she’d be the one with the stories. "But I am glad that you and your beau are so...in tune." She grinned cheekily at her sister, wondering just what had sparked the more tender tone when speaking of Rodolphus. The pair had been betrothed for their whole lives, or so it felt, and he had long been like a brother to Narcissa. An older, sarcastic, permanently-pouty sort of brother, but a brother nonetheless. Bella had to see something more in him, and maybe she could see snaps of it herself when she was at Hogwarts with them. For, naturally, she would join them in Slytherin…

She idly pushed at her cuticles as Bella did her hair, all smiles until her sister’s last remark. "What do you mean, he was cold? In personality?" I believe that. Why else would Daddy be so on edge when speaking of him? "Or, like - his hands were cold?" The girl stifled a chortle. "One of the most powerful men in the world, and his estate isn’t properly heated? He needs better servants, clearly." At Bella’s release, Narcissa swept the beautifully done braid over her shoulder and turned to face her, smirking delightedly at the news. "She had better be livid - all of them should be. And they can be as upset as they like, they know better than to dispute your belonging at such an event. How shall we spread the news? Benign owls before term begins? The train? The first night back? Oh Bella, I cannot wait for all of it!" Distracted from plots of jealousy, she beamed at her sister. She was no longer going to be left behind while Bella and Andy went off to Hogwarts; this would be the most spectacular year for all of them, surely, as she joined the duo. "We can finally all be together year-round, is that not just the grandest news of all?"

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

Bellatrix had to agree with her youngest sister, their father did often cave to the demands of his youngest. She’d be matched with whoever she wanted, or she’d at least try to be. Narcissa usually got what she wanted, and Bellatrix didn’t see that changing. “Tell me, do you have anyone in mind? I could always suggest it to Daddy, the sooner they decide the sooner you get to know the person you have to marry.” Bellatrix and Rodolphus had be betrothed since she was an infant, there was never a doubt in her mind that he would be her future. “I know you don’t find him as fascinating as I do, but we really are in tune. We’re going to help change the world Narcissa, you’ll see.” The Dark Lord wouldn’t have summoned them tonight, wouldn’t have invited them to join the cause after graduation if he didn’t think them both useful.

“No, not in personality,” she laughed, shaking her head. “He was very kind, at least to me. And the house was comfortable, it just was him. Cold hands, and he’s so pale, it’s almost like he’s not human. I know that sounds ridiculous,” Bella paused, unsure of what it was about the man that had given her that vibe. “But it was a nice place, I’m sure you will get to go there one day. After all, you are my sister.” If this was the path she was planning to take, it would make sense that her sister’s would follow in her footsteps. She was simply paving the way for them to follow.

“All good options,” she mused, pleased to see her youngest sister was already stepping up to the plate. There was no doubt that Narcissa would be in charge of her dorm room, just as Bella was in charge of hers. “You’re right, they will all be livid. But perhaps if they were better people they would have received their own invitation. I doubt it though, none of them have what it takes.” Her roommates were already planning their weddings, their life with children after graduation. But Bella didn’t want that, she never had. She wanted to do something to mold the future. “Let’s start with an owl to the Rosier’s, let it spread from there. Oh Cissy, you are going to love Hogwarts. You’ll be in Slytherin with us, of course, and the castle is magnificent. What are you most excited about?”

[Narcissa Malfoy]

"I do have a few favorites," Narcissa admitted with a coy smile, toying with the end of her braid as her keen eyes found her sister's. Walden had beautiful eyes, and the Yaxley boy was so tall, and Lucius's hair was just like hers…But she'd only ever seen the pureblood boys of their society at public events. How would they behave, how would they present themselves, when they were not under their parents' watchful eyes? She was her best self in and out of the manor, in and out of the eyes of loved ones, but she could hardly expect every boy to take that same care. "I want to know them at school before deciding anything. Away from their families, the Ministry, the fanfare of our events. I would hate to end up with someone who - who - I don't know - doesn't brush his teeth without his mum's insistence!" The young girl had to laugh at the thought, for surely there were more than a few frogs at Hogwarts that she would learn to steer clear of or stomp on. Her future husband would not be so lax. "Once I know, I will surely tell you and Daddy! Mother and Andy too, of course, we should all be in the know. I'm going to have a lifetime with him, and that lifetime will begin soon, I can feel it." There was more to life than securing a suitable partner - there was protecting her family's legacy, determining her special talents and honing them, finding joy and entertainment and beauty in sisterhood, in friendships, in the world around them. But wouldn't all of that be so much sweeter with a soulmate at her side?

Bella had caught her tell about Rodolphus and she found herself biting back a retort - I always find him fascinating. What’s not to like? - in favor of listening. Because what was Bella on about? She'd overheard Daddy and the others, just bits and pieces, about this world-changing endeavor. How she and the other purebloods must band together against the threat that was the mudblood epidemic. But was the world not perfect as it was? She couldn't imagine her family doing any better than they were, unless they took the throne from those hoity-toity muggles in London. And those not born into magical families, it wasn't as if they could do any damage to the likes of the Black family. "Bella," she began in cautious curiosity, not wanting to be thought silly, "how much changing does the world need? We're not in any sort of danger, are we?"

As Narcissa heard of this Dark Lord and his cold hands, pale skin, inhuman aura, she began picturing a grotesque half-breed that most certainly involved Grindylow parentage. Her face showed her distaste briefly, for she worked to put her features to rights in haste so to not displease her sister, who seemed to like the man despite his physical failings. When she met him, in time, she would have to suspend her disbelief and lay on the charm flawlessly so he would not know that one of her first impressions of him had been...unsavory. "Oh, yes," she agreed quickly. "Perhaps next summer Andy and I will receive our invitations!"

Thankfully, talk was turning to more splendid matters, and Narcissa moved to rest her head in her sister's lap as Bella laid truths and returned her excitement about the coming fall. She got comfortable and closed her eyes as the lateness of the hour crept up on her. "To not be separated from you and Andy, I believe," she began with a small smile. "I am ready for challenging classes as well, I've been terribly bored at the etiquette school. There are only so many times I can recite Pratt's works before never wanting to hear poetry again, which would be a true tragedy."

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

Bella wanted to know who Narcissa’s favorites were, but she also knew her youngest sister well enough to know that Cissy wouldn’t give in even if Bella prodded. While Andromeda had never really given her future marriage much thought - and they had talked about her indifference at length - Narcissa was always the one to give things more thought than perhaps needed. But this was something that was worth thinking over, because there were some pretty poor choices out there for pureblood boys she could be paired up with. There were some that she could easily imagine Narcissa with and some that she would hate to see her paired off to. Amycus was significantly older, but he was too harsh for her delicate sister. Lucius would be a smart match, but she was almost positive that her father was in talks with the Malfoys already to match Andy up. That would not be a good pairing, in her opinion, but before today her father had never cared much about her opinion. Maybe now that the Dark Lord had made it known that he valued her thoughts, her father would too. And she could get Andy paired up with someone more reasonable for her, perhaps the Avery boy.

She laughed at Narcissa’s reasoning, reaching for her sister’s hand to give it a squeeze. That was an important factor in choosing a partner for sure, just not the first one Bella would have thought of. She felt quite glad that she had never had to question if Rodolphus brushed his teeth or not. In all honesty, she’d never questioned much about her match to him, they had become friends and now partners, and they both knew what they wanted out of their marriage. And it was relieving to know she would be allowed her dalliances, and she would allow him his. Smiling at her sister, she leaned back against the pillows on her bed. “Once you are at school with us, you will find him. I’m sure of it. I’m excited to see who you choose, and I will make sure Daddy pairs you up with whoever it is. Pinky promise,” she said, holding her hand out to lock pinkies with her sister.

The question posed by her sister came from a place of genuine concern, that much Bella knew. She was shielded from the conversations of her father and his cohorts but had enough years at Hogwarts to know what they talked about behind closed doors. Narcissa had yet to join them, which meant she was in the dark. Bella had made Andy promise not to tell Cissy until she was ready to hear it, they didn’t want to scare her. “Come here,” she said, motioning to get Narcissa to come sit next to her. Bella wrapped her arm around her sister's shoulder, resting her cheek against the top of Cissy’s head. “Our world is almost perfect, but this Dark Lord and his followers, they want a pure world. One where only those from families like ours can learn and practice magic, and one where we don’t have to hide our abilities from muggles. It’s us who should run the world, not them. We aren’t in any danger, because they don’t even know what we can do to them.”

Watching Narcissa’s face as she described the Dark Lord was amusing, so much so that she didn’t chastise her sister for whatever it was she was thinking. “Oh, I do hope so! It would be perfect if we were all there!” she said, encouraging Cissy even though she was sure it would be years before the youngest of them was invited to dine with Lord Voldemort. It was easier to bring up school to distract Narcissa, and she waited until her sister was comfortable in her lap before she stroked her hair. A soft knock at her doorway drew her attention, and she looked up to see Andromeda. She motioned for her to join them, and soon both of them had their heads in her lap. “Perfect timing, Cissy was just telling me what she’s looking forward to at school. It will be nice for us all to be together there. What are you looking forward to about your third year?”

[Andromeda Tonks]

Tonight had been a momentous event for her older sister, and Andromeda was buzzing with excitement all evening. It was just what Bella had been wanting, to receive an invitation to have dinner with their father and his colleagues. And in the presence of the Dark Lord! Andy had her own opinions about him and his followers, but those thoughts were best kept to herself, and never considered around her older sister in case Bella was in a prying move. Still, she wanted details of how the night had gone, because she loved Bella and she wanted her sister to be happy. Bella was already matched to the perfect person for her, all she needed now was to be recognized for the powerful witch that she was. While she wanted to sit on the steps or wait with Narcissa, Mother had decided tonight was a good night to discuss marriage options. They had yet to match her with someone and wanted Andy’s opinion, although she was sure it wouldn’t matter in the long run.

When she was finally allowed to leave, one of the elfs told her that Bella had arrived home sometime again. She hurried to her sister’s room, finding the door slightly ajar. She could hear Narcissa talking and knocked quietly on the doorway as she opened the door. Bella waved her over, and Andy made herself comfortable on the bed, laying her head near Narcissa’s in Bella’s lap. She smiled as Bella brought her up to speed, grateful for the calming touch of her sister's hand in her hair. “It will be nice for all of us to be together. It’s been so hard being away from you Cissy,” she said earnestly. “I’m looking forward to taking my elective classes. I opted for Ancient Runes instead of divination. And I think care of magical creatures will be fun! Although I’ve heard the professor is missing some limbs.”

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Narcissa felt destined for a great love. Someone was out there in the world, at this precise moment, preparing to meet her just as she was preparing to meet him. Perhaps they had already even met, and not known what was coming for them! It was of great importance, as she'd been taught, to be a proper wife. She would always support her husband, run their home and provide them with children, love and dote on and protect them all as they deserved. She would bring beauty and joy to his life, and be provided for in return. The rules of her mother, aunts, and teachers were absolute; by abiding by them, she would make herself indispensable. She would have security. And, Narcissa was adamant - she would be loved. Assurances that betrothed couples "grew" to love each other, or that the love of their children made up for any lack of affection between a husband and wife, or that ensuring a pure line was most important - they all fell flat to her ears, as valid as any claims may be for others. She would have her love, and not settle for less. And so, the youngest Black sister locked pinkies with Bella with love in her eyes, kissing her thumb to secure the promise. "Whoever he is, you must love him too, you and Andy both," Narcissa implored, for there would be nothing more devastating than falling in love with someone who her family did not love just as much.

Rod and Bella were going to change the world with this Dark Lord, and from her own vantage point, the world was quite rosy just how it was. But she had dared to ask, and she would dare to listen, and Cissa slipped over to her sister's side at her gesture. She was tucked into Bella's side like they were all small again, and her sister's arm was strong around her as she spoke. She closed her eyes in determined focus, the warm light of the room's candles fading to soft glows behind her lids. As she felt, and Bella confirmed, their world was almost perfect. Almost. But to live in a world where they could use magic freely, always? She would have thought it an impossible dream!

"I wish this had come to be sooner," she sighed, turning her eyes up to Bella's. "I'm expected to room with girls who have never even held a quill. Daddy says the governors don't listen to him, but I've begged him to keep writing." Rumors abounded at school about the disastrous unpreparedness of mudblood students, and, truly, it was an insult to all of them who had already dedicated so much of their lives to learning how to be successful in their society, to have to go back to square one with people who wouldn't even know what end of a wand to hold. "This is what he is all about, then? The Dark Lord?" she asked, wondering just how Bella fit into the picture that was, most assuredly, an evening of much more than dinner and dancing. "And what he wanted to hear your opinions on?"

With any luck, and recommendations from their father and Bella and Rod, their whole family would join in on such important dinners soon. She beamed as Bella agreed, and shortly had laid down with her head in her eldest sister's lap. Bella's hands were gentle in her hair, and she would rather hear more about the exciting night than be lulled into sleep, but she might not have as much choice in the matter as she would have liked. She stirred at the knock at the door, a sleepy smile spreading as their trio was complete, and let loose a fit of giggles as Andy snuggled onto Bella's lap as she had. "You two have no idea what it's like without you here," she lamented, despite how lovely it was to hear Andy's kind words. "We're meant to be together, it's as simple as that." That Bella was nearing the end of her Hogwarts years as she began hers was a worry for another day - for now, she would hold onto the fact that they would be down the hall from each other always. Her delicate face soured, however, as Andy spoke of this professor. "Missing limbs? Whatever for? If it's from the creatures, surely they can't expect us to learn from someone who has shown, repeatedly, that he cannot safely care for them."