Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Thursday, 17th August, 1978

[Euphadora Parkinson]

You’ll deal with it later. Just get out of here and then... Then, what? Dora had no plans for how she was going to proceed following this news. She had fought to hold back tears as she left St Mungo’s, not wanting to draw any attention to herself, which was simply unheard of for the pureblood. Attention was like a drug and Dora had an addiction, but if anyone caught sight of her true emotions after her appointment, it would have been a clear giveaway to what the witch was dealing with. Instead, she had kept her head down, lips pressed tightly together, and tears pooling but never quite falling from her eyes until she made it home. Once in the privacy of her own flat, it all came out.

Her chest hurt from the deep, shuttering breaths she took between bouts of tears which were only interrupted by the periodic, urgent need to expel sick into toilet before crawling back into her bed. For the first time in years, Dora longed for her mum, wishing for some comfort she logically knew the older woman would be unable, and likely unwilling, to provide. Hidden under the safety of her blankets, Dora sobbed until she felt as though there was nothing more left inside of her. 

The morning had come and gone, despite her early start to the day, and by the time she emerged from her cocoon of blankets and tissues, she realized it was nearly time for her to leave. Berating herself for shortsightedly scheduling a healer’s appointment on the same day that Cissa had planned for her and Vi to come for drinks, Dora took a deep breath and headed to the toilet to get ready. Her girlfriends would hopefully have some sage advice to give on the matter, though how much of the details she was willing to share was still to be determined.

Puffy eyes hidden behind a glamour charm, Dora arrived later than intended and followed Dobby into the lounge where Narcissa and Violet were already enjoying themselves. “Pardon my tardiness, lovelies,” she said with as casual a voice as she could muster. Dora was practiced at hiding her feelings and pretending things were lovely, but the news of an unplanned pregnancy was still horribly fresh in her mind. She sat in the nearest available seat and smoothed her skirt over her legs. "Do fill me in on what I've missed."

Tagged: Narcissa Malfoy  Violet Fudge

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Narcissa paused her chatter, hand delicately raised as she tilted an ear towards the open doors to her favorite airy lounge, and burst into a grin as Euphadora joined them. She gave a clap and rose to her feet in her excitement, for now their trio was complete. She did enjoy whatever one-on-one time she had with friends, but evenings like these were for three, and she could continue giving Violet the latest gossip from the Apothecary in even greater company now. "Make yourself comfortable, doll, we are just getting started. I have a whole evening prepared for us, you'll see. The theme," she continued, hand at her hip and giving a pointed twist at the waist to gift the girls the best angles of her in her dress, "is peach. All of the fruits are from our trees, I just couldn't help myself from celebrating them before the season is done! We have Bellinis in the pitcher, made with freshly pressed juice - bar cart at your disposal if you'd like something else, of course - and bruschetta for a nibble before dinner. What can I get for you, Dora? And let me freshen that up for you, Vi, I will not abide an empty glass."

In any other company, she'd leave such little duties to the elf. But it was nice to play hostess with her dear school friends, and so few people allowed her to take care of them that Narcissa did quite eat up the rare opportunity. Crafting a menu, setting the perfect scene, giving her girls a treat - this was just the sort of thing she had imagined would transpire as she'd envisioned becoming Lucius's wife all those years ago. The grand windows and doors were open to the warm summer evening - the frames were charmed to keep the insects outside, naturally - and the sweetness of end-of-season flowers flew in on the breeze, the sun just started to dip below the trees, bathing the faces of her beautiful guests in the most exquisite soft light. While Narcissa knew that she, objectively, had very little to complain about - airing grievances to those outside of her family was important. She could hardly air everything, of course, there were limits to how loose her tongue would be - but she could never complain about any members of her family to any of the rest. Complain to Bellatrix about Lucius being absent, and she'd lord it over him for eternity. Complain to Lucius about catching Rodolphus leering, and she'd risk landing her husband in St. Mungo's. Complain to Rodolphus about any crass comment from Alecto, and Bella would hear of it within the day. No, there were certainly some things that were best discussed with friends.

[Violet Fudge]

Violet loved evenings like these, catching up on gossip with her dearest friends. While she’d never aspired to be a housewife like Narcissa - she did love to hear about the latest gossip. Narcissa was perfect in her role as housewife and head of the Malfoy apothecary. While Lucius might have been the face of the place, he left all the work to his wife. Which Violet loved, because her best friend deserved to be able to show the world how brilliant she was. And running the business also allowed Cissa to know some of the best rumors, overheard from customers in the shop we didn’t think to check who was listening. While it would be foolish to ever speak down about the Malfoys in their shop, there were those who went to the Bobbin’s apothecary, and then came to the Malfoys to clue them in. It was baffling, to Violet, that someone would detest the Malfoys in any capacity. Lucius was a good man, and he took good care of her best friend. And Narcissa was sharp, kind, and really the best sort of person anyone could ask for.

Although, she wasn’t the only one with good gossip. Yes yes, she could gossip about the happenings at the Ministry for years now, which was especially fun to do during work when she would go and visit Dora at the reception desk. It was a good way to pass the time and get away from Vance, the boss she still couldn’t believe was in charge of her Obliviator team. But these days she had extra gossip, ever since Evan had graduated. She wouldn’t call him her boyfriend, by any means, but she’d taken him home from Dora’s housewarming party over the holidays, and since he was out of school their occasion sex was happening on more than just an occasion. And she liked hearing about his work, it felt good to be connected to the COO of Rosier, Inc. His other work, well, she felt that she and Narcissa were similar in how they handled it. She sympathized with the cause, but she wasn’t signing up to join the Dark Lord and use her fantastic abilities for his cause.

She looked to the door as their third arrived, and smiled happily. Dora seemed to be in good spirits, but living with the girl for seven years meant that Violet could tell when something was amiss. It wasn’t the time to pry though, and surely Dora would fill them in if she deemed it important. She happily passed her glass to Narcissa for another Bellini. “Don’t worry love, you haven’t missed anything. I was filling Cissa in on the latest Ministry gossip - the fresh batch of Auror recruits is absolutely dreadful. The tour they took of Obliviator office was enough for me to see how they let anyone into the program these days it seems.”

[Euphadora Parkinson]

Thank Merlin for Cissa's flair for theatrics. Dora always adored the way Narcissa made every occasion into proper event, and no more than at this very moment. What the brunette needed was an escape from her bleak reality, and a peach themed evening of posh food and drinks paired with Cissa's superb hosting skills was sure to hit the mark. "A Bellini sounds smashing." Perhaps if she drank enough she could drown out the details of her earlier appointment. "Did you buy that dress just for us? I'm definitely nicking it from your wardrobe next time I have peach-themed soiree to attend." The threesome had very different tastes when it came to fashion, and Narcissa was by far the more glamourous of the trio, owing in no small part to her husband's grand fortune. Violet was always fashionable as well, but it was often a more practical look than Cissa's, and more covered up than Dora preferred. Not to say that Violet was a prude, more so it was Dora that yearned for outlandish styles that showed as much leg, chest, or skin in general as possible. Usually. In periods of melancholia, her attire was more subdued, and it was perhaps today's reserved outfit that caused Vi to look at her with a slight questioning look before starting in on tales of the Ministry disappointments.

"Oh yes, they're all so bland looking, as well. Perhaps I have simply been graced with chatting up only the more handsome of the Aurors, King and Bones both spring to mind quite easily," she said with grin, " but it really ought to be a requirement that they be attractive. Who wants to be rescued by that Longbottom fellow? If I was ever kidnapped by a dark wizard and that bloke came to save me," Dora rolled her eyes, "I'd tell him to just leave me. Oh, thank you, love." She happily accepted the flute glass from Narcissa and sipped on the refreshing drink slowly.

[Narcissa Malfoy]

"Well spotted, Dora," she preened, hands gliding on the shimmering dress, "an occasion dress for this very occasion. It's yours when you have need, you will look divine in it." While no amount of pretending could take away the hurt at not being able to share such evenings together with Bella and Andy, having women around was something she craved when it had been too long, and was grateful for in ways she didn't quite know how to express beyond such pampering. She loved her husband dearly, of course, but for so much of her life, "home" was where her sisters were - or at the very least, the girls in the dormitory. There was a particular elevating vibrancy Narcissa felt with their presence around her, and if their schedules would have allowed it, she would insist on a weekly catch-up.

"They've grown desperate, clearly," Narcissa chimed in with chipper confidence as she took up Violet's glass. "All this messy business will be over soon enough." Her husband and his comrades had long outmatched the others in every way that mattered, using all skills at hand - enchantment, bribery, wordsmithing, and yes, uglier means of force when necessary - to dwindle down the mediocre rising stars of the MInistry, to the point of them taking anyone into the Auror program. She had long committed to putting on a polished brave front to mask her concerns, naturally, and rarely failed to fool even herself into believing that all was well. But a long-awaited exhale was coming, and it would all be worth it, because soon - soon - Lucius would be at his proper place by the Lord's side - in the light of day, with her on his arm, safe at last from the ugliness of these years. It was then that their children would come, Narcissa was certain of it, once this stressful time was behind them. 

She giggled along with Dora's commentary as she filled the charming little flutes, enjoying the turn the young witch took them in. Looks could very well correlate with confidence, something absolutely necessary in the event of a rescue. And with wee Frankie Longbottom forever following along in the footsteps of more impressive men...well, he could never hope to fill their shoes, not the boy she remembered keeping to his father like a clumsy juvenile hippogriff before its first flight. In fairness, the Head Boyship could only be passed down to lesser young men after Lucius held the title. But for another pureblooded wizard to fall in line with Kingsley Shacklebolt - another disappointing pick for Lucius's final Hogwarts role as well - and devote himself to a life against what was for the good of his people? An even greater tragedy than whatever he apparently lacked in looks these days, something she would have to keep an eye out for when she next visited the Ministry. 

She passed out the glasses and joined her friends with a smirk and a fresh one herself, still heartily entertained at Dora's trail of thought as she took a seat at the table. The three of them had all engaged with men that those in the "light" would label as "dark," and she had no doubt about their abilities to deal with them, should an impossibility like a kidnapping occur. Dora had far too many friends of status to worry about such things - however, if she stayed too long even at Rabby's, those imbeciles always looking for an excuse to snoop around could use that to show up in her "defense." "If you were ever kidnapped, darling, you'd have your captor wrapped around your finger within the day."

[Violet Fudge]

It was with a smirk that she listened to Dora discuss the new recruits, inclined to agree with her. The new recruits had been bland for years, and not nearly that exciting to talk to. Particularly the Longbottom fellow, who was soft-spoken and all googly eyes for Alice Fortescue - or was it Alice Longbottom now? At least the two of them weren’t obnoxious and had listened intently to her words when she was filling them in on the procedure for calling the Obliviators or Accidental Magic Reversal squad. Unlike the year before, where the boys had been so busy staring at her that they’d missed everything she had said to them. Except for Kingsley, who it was a pity to see join the Auror department. He would have made a good ally if he’d chosen the right side of things. It seemed the recruits got worse every year, and knowing that this year classmates of her brothers would be joining the department was almost laughable. She couldn’t imagine anyone that Rufus was friends with being a decent spell caster, her younger brother never had been good at school. Which had left her to do all the hard work of making something of their family name. Even Charlotte brought little to the table, although the youngest of her family was loads better than their brother. Not that she associated too much with them all these days, the girls she was in the company of were far more like sisters to her than her own.

Violet hoped that Narcissa was right and that all this would be over soon. It was exhausting having to hear about the war, something that was talked about over the water cooler all too frequently. She’d never publicly picked a side, but she’d aligned herself with those who were fighting for a better society. One where they wouldn’t have to hide from muggles, and while she didn’t think she wanted to be feared by those without magic, she did want to have their respect. Witches and wizards in charge of the politics of the world could only be a good thing and would eliminate so many of the problems that muggles faced on a daily basis. She wasn’t a fool, and she knew of the extremists they had all aligned themselves with. But surely people like the Lestranges were not the norm in this fight. She chose to believe there were more “dark” wizards like Lucius fighting for a better society. “Oh most definitely, no one can resist your charm, Dora. Besides, we all know that those who might be deemed our captors are far better looking than those who might rescue us,” she said with a laugh. “How are things going with Rabastan? Thinking about making it official?”

[Euphadora Parkinson]

Once upon a time, not even that long ago, Dora had held grand plans for her future. She would become a model, walking the runways in Paris and Milan for brands that her friends had coveted since their days in Hogwarts. As a back-up for when she eventually began to age, she would fall back on her skills as a designer, still occupying the runways albeit in a different capacity, and continuing to be the envy of her peers. Euphadora Parkinson was meant for greater things in this life beyond what her family could have even dreamt for themselves, yet over her few years since graduation she felt her dreams drifting further and further away from her. There was no time to seek out modeling opportunities if she was going to earn enough gold to afford her tiny apartment. Her initial position at the robe shop, a steppingstone to the fashion industry - she had been certain, ended unceremoniously and swiftly. A quick sidestep into working at the bookshop was meant to only be temporary as she sought another position that could better hoist her back into the world of couture, yet when that fell apart, she had nothing in place to fall back on. Her only option was to take a position at the Ministry of Magic building, an opportunity provided out of the love of her father and accepted graciously, yet it was further from her plans than she had ever been before. Her prized future was dying right before her eyes and now this parasite inside her belly would surely drive the final nail into the coffin of what she could have become.

Narcissa, a perfect hostess and adoring wife. Violet, a daring adventurer. Their confidence was well earned and authentic, yet here Dora sat, willing herself to ignore the odor of goat cheese wafting off the bruschetta, praying she could hold back from being sick at least through tea, feigning the confidence her friends exuded in spades as they spoke of her charms. Never before had Dora felt as much of an imposter than at that moment, but she smiled, shrugged her shoulders delicately, and glanced to the heavens flattered, knowing her friends, for whatever reason, truly believed what they were saying. It was all so casual and loving, with a question posed by Violet with the utmost sincerity in the hopes that Dora might one day settle into something more respectable than what was due to her. Were it any other day, Dora would have waved away her friend’s question, she would have given a retort worthy of the charms she and Cissa believed her to possess, and the subject would have moved forward to include details of the latest patrons of the Malfoy’s apothecary, or salacious exploits of Vi’s latest romp with a new beau. Were this any other day, Dora might have been able to hear Rabastan’s name without every single emotion churning dangerously inside of her and bursting forth in an explosive reaction that she could no longer disguise behind glamour charms and frivolous conversation. The words had barely left Violet’s lips when Dora burst into tears and buried her face in her hands.

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Laughing with Violet on the virtues and looks of "captors" and "rescuers," the young Mrs. Malfoy did wonder what her husband would make of such talk. He was a devoted and dutiful partner, to be sure, and attended many more teas and pleasant society events than she imagined he had in his bachelorhood - but it was laughable indeed to imagine him and his fellows speaking amongst themselves so! Not that Lucius was involved in anything so murky as kidnapping, or that the others were kidnapping for sport instead of on very strict orders - but they held little humor in their work, those Lucius could stand anyway, and certainly that was for the best. To keep it work, serious...

Dora was oddly quiet, a pretty smile on her face but an unusual lack of quips to add to their amusing chatter, and as Violet asked after Rabastan, the lovely brunette collapsed in on herself.

"Oh! Dora, sweetheart," Narcissa lamented gingerly, uncertainly, as the witch burst into sobs, exchanging a worried look with Violet at the sudden change before taking out her wand. She swiftly transfigured a cloth napkin from the table into a softer, smaller, and more delicate handkerchief - keeping it peach, of course - and pressed it to Dora's clenched hands. The "unofficial" relationship between her friend and her extended family member was one that she had long tried to have patience with, as Dora seemed to be at peace with the arrangement. But it was all too easy to imagine the toll that such circumstances could take, and while she and Bunny had their differences, Narcissa didn't know him to be cruel. If that were the case, she would have made far more of a ruckus about it an age ago. Unobservant of the feelings of others, however... She rose from her chair to envelop the girl in her arms, whispering fiercely into her soft hair. "Tell us what he's done, that fool, and we'll make it right. I promise you."

[Violet Fudge]

They didn’t often talk about the work that their counterparts did. Mostly because it wasn’t proper, even if sympathizing with the cause was something discussed in many political settings. She had never discussed her opinion publicly, but given the company she kept it was probably rather clear. She knew her parents disagreed with it all, which was precisely why she never spoke with them about it. Or told them she was casually seeing Evan. Not that her parents had anything against the Rosiers, but if they knew then so would her siblings. That was what she wanted to avoid because she knew the two of them would have an opinion. She didn’t want to hear it, because they’d always forced her to be the perfect one and carry the weight of making something out of their family.

Violet had not been expecting Dora to burst into tears, and she looked at Narcissa, worry evident on her face. She had shared a room with Dora for seven years at school, and Violet was sure she’d never seen Dora cry like this. Their host was quick to transfigure a handkerchief and wrapped Dora in a hug. Violet was on her feet, blood boiling as she thought through the possibilities about what Rabastan had done. She crouched down, placing her hand on Dora’s knee. “We absolutely will make it right,” she added to Narcissa’s words. “Even if it involves maiming or injury. We have the connections to make him regret what he did.” While she had never used magic against others - besides the dueling club - she knew she was capable of it. And her job at the Ministry gave her connections. Whatever the foolish Lestrange has done would be dealt with.

[Euphadora Parkinson]

For the second time today, Dora wished she were invisible, as a handkerchief was pressed into her hands. If only they both could simply ignore her presence altogether, pretend as though she had nothing of value to add to any of their conversations and just carried on gossiping and laughing amongst themselves. Perhaps then Dora could have managed to laugh alongside them, to add a witty jab here and there as she saw fit, and she might have actually been able to find something enjoyable in this disgustingly horrible day, but she was not as strong as she needed to be.

Narcissa and Violet were at her side immediately, comforting her for something they clearly did not understand and making threats against Rabastan for an insult that had not occurred. Dora shook her head, sobbing too hard in that moment to speak his innocence but needing to correct them before idle words became action. “No, no,” she managed, turning into Narcissa and allowing her embrace to bring her some mild sense of peace. Dora took a deep breath, wiping her face unladylike with the peach cloth before pulling herself away from Cissa just enough to explain. Merlin, she felt like such an embarrassment,. Her mother would be furious right now if she could see this display her daughter was putting on in front of a Malfoy.

“No, Rabas- he didn’t do anything.” Tears fell as she tried to explain herself, pausing every few words to wipe her face or catch her breath. “I just- I spoke with a healer this morning and-” If she could only keep the words to herself, perhaps then it would all turn out to be a silly mistake. Or a nightmare. She could blink and open her eyes and see that she was in her bed in the cozy little nook of her studio flat, safely back in Cardiff with the buzzing noise of the busy city outside her window. If she focused very hard, perhaps she could force herself to wake up from this surreal dream. Another bout of tears poured down her cheeks, cementing her in reality. “I’m pregnant,” she sputtered, and turned back into the safety of Narcissa’s arms, weeping heavily.

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Narcissa did hope that whatever the situation was, it could be resolved without wands. For whatever connections her dear Violet was thinking of, Rabastan had his brother and her sister, immediately. Even in strained times, if Rodolphus heard of an attempt against the life of his little brother (for it could only be an attempt, Rab had not survived this long without learning to defend himself)? There would be more than hell to pay, and Narcissa was not keen on needing to get in between him and Violet, should he get to the bottom of things. With any luck, this outpouring of emotion meant one of two things in regards to Rab - Dora was done, or was ready for something real. Either way, she would be out of this purgatory, and have clarity, certainty...

Dora shook with sobs until she didn't, breaths ragged and eyes red, unable to string her words together until -

Pregnant?!

Dora could hardly speak, and when she did, she all but fell back into Narcissa's arms. The blonde caught and held her on instinct, even as she couldn't keep just as automatic of a response from her face. At least the crying girl couldn't see her, and she hoped Vi would keep it between them - but Cissa felt like she'd just been thrown from her mare. Euphadora was pregnant. Possibly with Rabastan Lestrange's baby. And, if her reaction was any indication - Dora was terribly conflicted about it. When she herself was supposed to be the one among them to go through the firsts, first. When she had spent the last four years trying everything imaginable to be the one to share this news, which would be so wonderfully joyful when it finally came.

It will happen. But perhaps it's finally time to call on Andy...

She'd thus far avoided bringing in her sister, for if she was getting evaluated by a Healer? It would only confirm that something was wrong with her, and then what was she to do? How could she tell Lucius and his family that she was unable to give them the heir they needed? Was their love strong enough to withstand such a blow, would his family demand that he find a new wife? Even without the threat of losing her security - she had wanted to make a family of her own for as long as she could remember. She wanted their child, she wanted to become a mother, she wanted to experience this with Lucius, to see him grow a new love for their child, with her...

Collecting herself as well as she could, she tried to return to the immediate. Her own jealousies and insecurity about her inability, thus far, to do what Dora hadn't even tried to do - they made her vulnerable, and they could not show, not now. Dora had come tonight, having had to know she wouldn't be able to keep such news to herself, and had still come. She came because she needed them, and while Narcissa wanted to make a scene at the injustice of it all - she gave Dora a final, for now, squeeze, and pulled her own chair closer to sit facing her. "Such news to receive on your own, love, it's no wonder you're overwhelmed," she said with a gentle, practiced smile, patting streaks of hot tears from the girl's face and from her own shoulder with another cloth. If it was Rabastan's baby, Dora had an opportunity that others would kill for, and Narcissa would be damned if she didn't get her to at least consider it. But gently, gently, easing them forward, not assuming too quickly (although it certainly appeared, from the outside, that Euphadora hadn't been seeing others this summer)... "You did the right thing by coming and telling us," she assured. "Have you seen him yet?"

[Violet Fudge]

Injuring Rabastan was not high on her list of things she would enjoy doing, but if he had harmed Dora she would make him pay. She would deal with the wrath of Rodolphus and Bellatrix later, because while they could be intimidating, Violet knew she was a force to be reckoned with. Besides, she wasn’t going to kill Rab, just make sure he knew exactly who he was messing with when he hurt one of her friends. It seemed as the assumption she and Narcissa made wasn’t correct though, as Dora struggled with her words through her tears. Violet waited patiently, one hand finding Dora’s as she cried. The affair between Dora and Rab had been ongoing for years now, and never anything official had come of it. Frankly, Violet felt that Dora deserved more, especially seeing as the ridiculous engagement to the Greengrass girl had been called off quite some time ago. Finally, through deep breaths and sobs, the truth came out.

And Violet was glad Dora had fallen back into Narcissa’s arms and was unable to see the look on both of their faces. Because it was shocking, yes, but Violet instantly felt protective of Narcissa. Because her best friend's face wasn’t just one of shock, but also one of hurt. Narcissa had been trying ever since she had gotten married to get pregnant, and Violet had been there every time it hadn’t happened consoling her friend. Narcissa had been the first of them to be paired off, to get married - this was also supposed to be a first for her. Violet didn’t particularly want children of her own, and she didn’t think that Dora did either. So neither of them could have expected that this would be the conversation that they were having today. With her free hand, she reached out to Narcissa, knowing that they would talk about this development later, just the two of them. And maybe it was time to get a Healer involved, although Violet wouldn’t be the one to suggest it.

Letting go of them both, Violet pulled a chair closer, still unable to find the proper words. Was Dora upset about this because she didn’t want children, or had she told Rabastan and he had reacted poorly? She could see that happening, the younger Lestrange was not exactly the first person she would have picked to ever want to be a father. No matter what though, they would get through this together. “It’s quite daunting news to have received without someone else there, Narcissa is right. You did the right thing coming to us about this,” she said as she reached for Dora’s hand once more. “If you haven’t seen him yet, you really should know what you want from him before you do. Do you want this? To be a parent?”

[Euphadora Parkinson]

Cheeks flushed with heat and soaked by tears; Dora again allowed Narcissa’s embrace to soothe her slightly. It felt as though she had electricity coursing violently throughout her body, but the release came slowly with each calming breath as Cissa righted herself and gently forced Dora to collect herself. Dora remembered, embarrassingly, feeling the desire to have her mother with her at hospital, as if the woman would have given her any comfort, but Narcissa was right; it was too much to learn on her own. Attending this evening was a risk, she knew as much in her current state, but the affection Cissa and Violet gave to her reinforced in Dora’s mind that she wasn’t alone. If she was to go through this, regardless of which direction she took, her friends would be there for her. But none of the options were pleasurable.

Again, dabbing her face with the peach handkerchief, Dora squeezed her eyes shut and inhaled deeply. She shook her head at their questions. “You’re the first I’ve told.” She had spent the whole of the day between hearing the news and arriving for drinks completely alone, and it had not occurred to her for even a moment that she would have to speak to Rabastan about her situation. It was most definitely his, all others on her rotation had fallen to the wayside over the summer despite their resolution that neither of them wanted anything more than fun between them. But including him in her sorrow, what would have been the point? Rabastan could not have a bastard child. Dora would not bring that sort of shame upon her friend. It was not necessarily a secret among her closest friends what she and Rabby got up to, but it most definitely was not something shared with the general public. Whether he cared for it or not, the Lestrange family was always in the public eye, and a scandal such as this would have ruined Rabastan’s standing. If she was to become a mum, she would not bring Rab down with her. “I don’t want anything from him. I’m not even sure it’s his. There’s loads of other possibilities,” she lied, wiping away trickles of tears that continued despite her efforts to control herself. She looked between the women, hoping for some guidance or, better yet, some clear instructions on how to proceed. Dora wasn’t ready to be making any of these decisions. She could barely be trusted with keeping herself alive, how was she supposed to look after a baby as well? “I just… I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Not for the last time that night, Narcissa wished for her husband.

While this was Dora's moment turmoil, she couldn't help the emotions that stirred wildly within her at the news. Lucius soothed her otherwise private monthly distress, as much as it was possible with his other responsibilities, and he knew how to settle her. When she wanted to be held or just to be heard, providing tea that was just as effective as a Calming Draught, as they weathered each lost opportunity together. His steadfast strength in such difficult times only reinforced for her that he had always been the right partner for her, and oh, how she wished for him now.

However secret they were to keep the news, Dora would understand that she had to tell her husband. But for now, Narcissa took the comforting hand that Violet extended, grateful to be so seen by her darling friend. This was something the two of them would have to dissect together, without a doubt, and make a proper plan around for their third. Dora had not gone to her mother, her brother, the father - she had come to them, and they could not disappoint. It was a responsibility she would take on without pause but, given that, would speak her mind. She listened as the others spoke, nodding to Violet's questions and brow furrowing in concern as Dora first asserted that the child was not Rabastan's, and then was so...lost. The poor dear had received news in the morning, and gone over it in her mind all day alone. Cissa could imagine the circles and rabbit holes she must have gone into, and did not envy, at least, that.

"Forgive me, love, I don't mean to overstep or to be crass," Narcissa began carefully, "but it is...believable that the child is Rabastan's, isn't it? He would take care of you and the child, Dora. I cannot promise what would happen beyond that, but he wouldn't leave you to this alone. It is...unorthodox, and may initially ruffle some feathers, but I would help you there, and we would be family. Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?" She smiled, dabbing again at the tears on the witch's cheeks. She hoped that Rabastan would do the right thing and marry Euphadora before she started to show, and if that was not his first inclination, that he could be persuaded into it by his family. But even if, for some foolish reasoning that, surely, only made sense to him - she had the fullest faith that he would support them, at the very least. There would absolutely be a fair bit of grumbling from all sides, but he would not be so cold-hearted to deny his own blood, even if he was reluctant to become a father.

Rabastan, a father...and if the baby isn't his?

Narcissa wasn't aware of who else Dora had let into her bed this summer, but certainly, the best to be convinced of his responsibility would be Rabastan. They had a history that spanned years, and an affection for each other that couldn't be denied, should he get over his apparent phobia of commitment. Forcing them together in this way was hardly ideal, but it would give the opportunity - after the dust settled - for them to see what they could become, while giving Dora the opportunity to a life she deserved. She would not want for comfort, and had such love to give. A child would not only take that love but return it wholeheartedly, and her friend deserved that feeling...

[Violet Fudge]

Violet couldn’t imagine what Dora had been going through all day. She received this news all by herself, and Violet knew Dora well enough to know that her friend had probably returned to her flat and sat in sorrow by her lonesome. There would be things that needed to be discussed, depending on what Dora wanted. Violet had always been able to picture Narcissa as a mother - and they would make sure it happened - but never Dora. Dora wasn’t the mother type, and it wasn’t a bad thing. Violet had no desire to have her own children, not now or ever. Her parents might be disappointed in that, but the days of trying to be the perfect daughter for them were long over. They were adults now, out in the world by themselves. And they had to look after each other, no matter what happened. There were ways to deal with this if being a mother was not what Dora wanted. And Violet was sure that Andromeda, although not publically reunited with her sister, would be willing to help them out.

Violet raised an eyebrow and did her best to not look at Narcissa as Dora told them she wasn’t sure it was Rabastan’s child. No need to lie to us.[/b] Violet knew that whatever was happening between Rabastan and Dora was not exclusive, but she couldn’t remember any stories about escapades with anyone else this summer. Squeezing Dora’s hand as Narcissa spoke, she nodded along to her friend's pointed words. “We will be here no matter what you decide. But, if I may, there’s no need for Rabastan to think the child could not be his. He would take care of you and the baby, and that is what is important. You can’t do this alone Dora, and he would provide for you. And if he doesn’t, well, then we will deal with him. But I think for now we should keep this quiet until you decide. You shouldn’t tell Ender, he’ll just want to fight Rabastan on your behalf.” Ender hardly got angry, but if he saw Dora this upset Violet was sure that he would have a bone to pick with Rabastan, and he would probably not fair as well as he would like in a duel against a Lestrange.