A Proper Match - Narcissa Black (Malfoy) | Madame Puddifoots

[Lucius Malfoy]

17 September 1972

Of all places to have a first date, this is hardly the proper place.

    Well it can't exactly be helped, now can it? Keep your head together. This is for your future.

Lucius stared patiently at the entrance to Hogsmeade from Hogwarts. After leaving the school last year, this was the last placed he expected to be in September of this year. But after the terrible events of this summer, he needed to do everything in his power to make sure his affections were well received. This wasn't only the future of the Malfoy family on the line, but the future of the Black family as well. And after Andromeda had run off and left the family, they really couldn't deal with any more embarrassment.

Which meant that Narcissa and Lucius had to be married. Not only married, but date publicly. While his betrothal to Andromeda hadn't been set in stone yet, her decision to leave him for a muggle had not been well received by his parents. While the Malfoy's were certainly not facing public humiliation as the Blacks had, the disappointment from his parents had been enough. Even though he had been incredibly thankful. Andromeda had never enjoyed spending time with him, even though he considered her a friend.

But Narcissa, no. She was quite different from both of her sisters. Young, beautiful. She was the ideal match for him, she had been from the beginning. He'd been annoyed with the idea of marrying her older sister, but now things were perfectly falling into place. He would have had Narcissa in his bed at some point, regardless of his alliance with Andromeda. This simply made it a whole lot simpler.

As the first set of Hogwarts students began to trickle into the town, Lucius made sure to stand taller, make sure that everyone knew just how important he was. And with Narcissa on his arm today, he'd simply be looked upon with such favor. He could hardly hide the smirk that formed when he thought about his play things and how jealous they would be when they found out he was properly courting Narcissa Black. They'd practically be falling all over him. But that was not the time for that.

Now was the time to woo Narcissa, for one day she would be his wife.

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Today's date was exactly what Narcissa Black needed to cheer up. The past few months had been absolutely dreadful, and it was difficult to look unfazed by it at all waking hours. Because Annie had left her and the rest of their family, running away with - of all people - Ted Tonks. The young blonde had never felt so hurt, so betrayed, in her life. They were sisters, she and Annie and Bella, and she couldn't see how Annie could just abandon her like that. She'd tried to take solace in her eldest sister's strength on the matter, mimicking the coldness with which Bella spoke of Annie whenever she was brought up. But layering icy words atop the wound her sister had left upon her when she chose Ted over her...it was hardly helping her to heal. She missed her sister, even though she could never admit it.

As such, while although her return to Hogwarts brought more than its fair share of distractions, it had not been so simple a transition. This was her first year at the school without her sisters, and it was an interesting burden to bear. The three had been a beautiful and formidable trio not so very long ago, and shouldering their legacy - and having to make up for her sister's transgressions all on her own - was no easy feat. Narcissa was doing her best, though, to be the best model Black that she could. She turned her nose up at whispers that her family was failing, while carefully spreading hurtful gossip about the whisperers. She knew that had Bella been with her the punishments would be much more severe, but the fact of the matter was that she was on her own. And she was at school - this was hardly the place for drawing her wand and publicly hexing another student, or to be caught sneaking Veritaserum into drinks so that her adversaries dug their own graves. No, no - she would have to handle this herself, in her own ways.

But today - today - was a long time coming. Narcissa had been chomping at the bit, as it was, to be set up with one Lucius Malfoy. She'd had her eye on him for years, as many girls at Hogwarts had, but she'd known that one day he would be hers. Her parents had made excuses at first, claiming that she was too young or that he wasn't good enough, but her pleading and pouts had finally paid off. She was meeting the Hogwarts graduate at Hogsmeade to spend an entire day of his company. Although they hadn't known each other well while at school, being a few years younger than him and him being so busy with his important duties, Narcissa just knew that he was her match. He was gorgeous, and so intelligent and well-connected - what more could she rightly ask for, and who in the world could give her more than he could?

No, no - this was it, what she needed to get past Annie's betrayal and move forward without her.

And so she had dressed carefully, needing Lucius to think her to be just perfect. His standards had to be just as lofty as her own, after all. She'd taken the walk to the little village with a few girl friends, who could not have been less discreet when Lucius came into view. He was waiting for her at the village entrance, just off the path, and the girls were giggling, one even daring to give the man a little wave as they got close. Narcissa bit back her ire, giving them looks to go before turning her attention fully on Lucius as they flitted away.

But before she could do anything but smile as she subtly looked him over, she heard...ugly noises. Foul noises. As if children were vomiting. Her nose crinkled as she looked about, and saw...her cousin and his deviant best friend just outside one of the nearby shops, where presumably their other little friends were. Oh, this was just horrible! The last thing she needed was her family getting in the way of this date - she already had an uphill battle to fight, what with the rumors about her family going soft. But this was just like Sirius, he never could keep himself out of her business. Angry was the last thing that she wanted to be today, but the feeling was threatening to fully disrupt her calm, her excitement. Persevere, Narcissa. She shook her head, letting out a chuckle, and smiled up at her date as if the interruption hadn't happened. "It's wonderful to see you, Lucius," she said, extending her hand for a kiss from the gentleman. She wanted much more of her than her hand to have his kisses, but for the sake of propriety...baby steps. "How strange it must be for you to be back here! Or, being graduated, is it new again, having fresh eyes?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Everything about this day had been planned down to the finest details, as his mother had requested. She'd wanted to know his plans, demanding that he treat Narcissa properly. Just because one Black sister had been a fool, did not mean that Narcissa would be. And his mother would not have his son treating the youngest daughter as anything less than perfect, even with her lingering doubts. She had no reason to be concerned though, as Lucius had no intention of being anything but perfectly charming to the future Mrs. Malfoy.

Still, he had followed her instructions and suggestions. He was to take Narcissa to the tea shop, a place many couples frequented. And while it seemed like it was going to be an absolute bore, he'd at least be in the eyes of everyone with a beautiful woman on his arm. So he could only complain about it a little. Besides, her mother had promised him that Nariccsa would enjoy it. After that, he hadn't exactly figured out his plans. At least not any he would admit to his mum.

It wasn't long before Narcissa came into his view, and she looked stunning. As she always did. And the stares and giggles coming from her friends were also a boost to his ego, a charming smile being sent in their direction as flitted away and Narcissa approached him. But there was a distraction before he could properly greet her, two little snot nosed boys. One of which he recognized as her younger cousin Sirius.

"It's absolutely wonderful to see you as well, Narcissa," he replied with a smile, taking her hand and placing a kiss on the back of it. "It is a bit strange being here, but I must admit it is nice to return. Of course, that could just be because I have the pleasure of your company today." Ah, how charming he could be. It would be no time at all before the youngest Black daughter was falling for him.

Extending his arm to her, he gave her a smile as she took it before heading them toward the shop. "Would you fancy a cup of tea? I've had a special table reserved for us at Madame Puddifoots so that we won't be disturbed."

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Thankfully, Lucius was willing to overlook her cousin and his friend, and Narcissa was incredibly grateful. She wanted this day to be about the two of them starting something magnificent, and if that didn't happen...good Merlin, I can't date a child again. Standing here with the Hogwarts graduate, a man in all ways, it was nearly impossible to believe that not so very long ago she had been forced to date a distant cousin. A distant cousin younger than herself. It had been embarrassing enough to be dating Frank, but being out with him in public the few times it happened? As ridiculous as a match they were, they looked ridiculous together, and it had been humiliating. It wasn't her fault that she was tall! And that he wouldn't do a thing to tame his hair or dress well to look her age!

But that part of her life was well behind her now, she thought excitedly as Lucius did the proper thing and laid a kiss on her hand. She and Lucius simply looked the part of a proper pureblooded couple, and Narcissa didn't know why it had taken so long for this to happen. She'd been bloody impatient, honestly, and it'd taken some of her best work to arrange this. And now that he was here with her? She would not be letting go.

That in mind, she gently took his arm for the first time.

"Tea sounds lovely, and you did well to take care of that," she said, falling into step with her date after a smile up at him. Her ego had been properly stroked by his words, but she didn't doubt they were true. She was delightful company, after all, her sisters always said. And his planing ahead would help them so - there already were eyes upon them as they did nothing but walk down the busy street, and gossip would start today about what Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black were up to together. He had done right to secure them a private spot - true, it was in a public place, but what was one to do when this was the only place they could have a date? For as gimmicky as the tea shop was, it was better than joining the plebeians at the Three Broomsticks - and if he had suggested the Hogs Head? She would have had to quickly reconsider accepting the offer to join him. No, no - Puddifoot's was the best he could do for her here, and he was doing it.

He really did show promise.

"You must catch me up on what's been going on with you since you left," Narcissa said playfully, giving his muscled arm a light squeeze as she did. "I cannot wait to be out in the world, but for now I'll have to live off of your stories." The undercurrent of so make them good ones was quite loud, but this was the day when she found out if her suspicions were correct, or if she would be sorely disappointed in putting him up on a pedestal next to her own! For what good was a wealthy, intelligent, and handsome husband if he couldn't entertain her at all? Not that she doubted herself and her observations of him, but she did need to put him to the test...

[Lucius Malfoy]

Narcissa took his arm, and suddenly everything was perfect. Here he was, the most promising bachelor in their entire world, with Narcissa Black on his arm. There was no better match for him in looks and class, at least not as far as he was concerned. From everything he had seen of her in the past years and growing up, she also had the proper attitude for a lady of her standing, which meant that her personality might not be completely intolerable. Of course, she was the younger sister to the dreadful Andromeda, whose personality had been barely able to keep his interest. But Bellatrix was almost perfect, so there was hope.

A hope that grew as she showered him with praise for scheduling their date. If she continued to lavish him with such things, he’d absolutely have to make sure his parents were convinced that she would be his wife. Especially with the amount of heads turning and whispers spreading as the two of them walked down the street. Narcissa would be sure to set the record straight upon her return to school, and by the end of the night their courtship might even land him an interview with the prophet. How fascinating would that be, to be the talk of more than just this dreadful school and pureblood society. Even those of lesser status would be envious of him.

It was perfect.

And Narcissa was yet again proving that she would be a capable wife, as she lightly squeezed his arm and asked him a question. A chance for him to brag – always pleasing – but with an obvious undertone that he understood well. She was just as concerned with how people thought of her as he was, it would seem. “Well don’t worry beautiful, you’ll be out in the world sharing your own magnificent memories with me soon enough, I promise. And I will do my best to make sure I have plenty of stories to entertain you with each chance that we are together,” he boasted loudly. With his other hand, he flipped his hair gently before smiling down at her.

“In fact, I happen to have just come from breakfast with my father and the Minister, she personally stopped by the estate today.”

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Narcissa could not have been more pleased.

Well - she could if she was a Hogwarts graduate like her date.

Because being on the receiving end of compliments from Lucius Malfoy was a wonderful thing, and his promise of providing her with stories was just as wonderful...but it was a reminder that she was only in her sixth year. Although she felt ready to graduate and leap into the world with him at her side, in reality it was ages away. And although she knew she was a catch for him, he was an incredible catch as well. They would have to make their relationship incredibly public, because if this worked out as she felt it would, she would not be losing him to another girl. There had to be other pureblood families in talks with the Malfoys, there had to be halfbloods or even muggle-borns foolish enough to try and seduce him...but as she smiled back at him, Narcissa felt like the only girl with a chance at keeping him for herself. And unlike school, which she didn't put forth much effort, this was something she would work hard at...and do anything for, she thought with a coy smile. She'd never had the opportunity to walk with him like this, and he was just as enchanting up close as she'd hoped he would be...

"The Minister?" Narcissa exclaimed before she could stop her obvious excitement - it wouldn't do for him to know just how well he was doing so early on, it could make him think she was too easy to please, which she assuredly was not. But how could the aspiring socialite not be impressed by such news? She'd known the Malfoys were well connected, of course, but to be on breakfast-at-the-estate terms with the Minister of Magic...

Lucius was going to open up a whole new world-within-a-world for her, and it was a marvelous thing.

"Believe it or not, I haven't had the honor of meeting her," she admitted as they approached Madame Puddifoot's. "What is she really like? Just as pompous as the Prophet makes her out to be?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

He couldn't help but give a light laugh at Narcissa's excitement. While it certainly wasn't everyday that the Minister stopped by the manor for breakfast, it was hardly news worthy. It was quite endearing, how pleased she seemed. Andromeda had hardly cared for any of his stories, let alone shown interest in him like this. He was enjoying her company, and was eager to see exactly how well this first date of theirs could go.

"Well," Lucius said, stopping to turn towards her before they reached the door. "She’s certainly got an air about her, but she does have sides that the Prophet is incapable of seeing." Leaning down towards her, he lowered his voice so only she could hear him. "You'll have to come and meet her during the holidays this year."

Opening the door, he held it open for her with a smile, and then quietly followed her in. It was merely seconds before they were being seated at the table he had requested, a small private area near the back where they wouldn't be disturbed. Taking a step in front of Narcissa, he pulled out her chair and waited for her to take a seat before he sat down across from her. "And as charming of a person the Minister is, I'll have to admit I was quite distracted this morning. I couldn't get you off my mind, Narcissa."

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Narcissa smiled up at him at his laugh - he had a good laugh, and she didn't feel it was directed at her, but rather he was laughing with her - and nodded at his remarks. To him be on breakfast terms with the Minister, why, Narcissa was delighted. That meant the Malfoys were even better connected than she had thought, and privy to inside information first. Not a bad quality for her future husband to have. Her smile grew, her insides glowing, as Lucius leaned towards her and spoke in a low voice that made the hair on her arms stand on end. She just wanted to turn and kiss him, but she couldn't, not yet, no matter how gracious and handsome and alluring he was. And referring to the holidays already? It was only September! Someone's making the same long-term plans you are...

She entered the cozy tea shop - made cozier, tighter, due to the influx of her fellow students, many of which were giving her and Lucius looks she very much approved - and was glad to be whisked away to the private area Lucius had arranged for. Gentleman that he was, her date pulled her chair out for her, and she smoothed her dress as she sat, wondering what they should talk about first. They had so much in common, after all, and an entire day for him to realize it! But then, as they waited for their server, Lucius said the sweetest thing to get them started.

"You were having breakfast with the Minister and thinking of me?" Narcissa looked at him playfully, resting her chin on her hand as she gave him a smirk. While it may very well have just been a line from the bloke, it was flattering, and the young woman wanted to believe him, and didn't know him well enough to call him out for a white lie if it was one. "I hope your father was none the wiser, I wouldn't want to be known as just a distraction for you." While she meant it, it was also another little challenge to extend to him, and Narcissa hoped he wouldn't think she was being too forward. Before the day was done, they needed to be on the same page, after all!

[Lucius Malfoy]

Narcissa was far prettier than both of her sisters, something that was perfect for him. Andromeda had been pretty in her own way, but she couldn't compete with him. In comparison to Narcissa, Andromeda was nothing more than a plain Jane. He felt a sense of accomplishment as she smiled up at him, and he fought the urge to close the distance between their lips. Because while it would be perfectly acceptable in a few dates for them to show affection in public, the kind of affection on his mind right now was not the kind he could suggest at this point. He would get it eventually, of course, if Narcissa wanted to keep him around. He'd simply have to drop vague hints of other inquiring minds while showering her with affection and compliments. It was a disappointment that she was still in school, it limited the amount of time they could spend together. But it would be simple enough to find someone else to occupy his time while she was busy with her school work.

He gave her a smile once they were at the table, letting himself laugh. "Oh trust me, Father thought I was quite attentive to the Minister's words. But how could I not think of you? I've had my eye on you for quite some time, and Father finally saw my wisdom. Knowing that you would let me spend the day with you was far better than whatever the Minister's business was," he replied, looking up as a waiter approached. "Ah yes, thank you." He took a single rose from the waiter, passing it carefully to the woman across from him. "Do you now what a yellow rose with red tips means, Narcissa? And don't worry, I made sure this rose had no thorns. Wouldn't want to any pain to come to you." If this didn't make her positively swoon, he had no idea what would.

"I'll have whatever this beauty is having. I'm sure her tastes are the same as mine," he then said to the waiter, giving Narcissa a nod to go ahead and place her order.

Yellow rose with red tips signifies falling in love, and a thornless rose means love at first sight

[Narcissa Malfoy]

As Lucius spoke, the warm tone of his voice heating her more than the autumn sun, Narcissa wished she could write Annie about all of this. She could write her eldest sister, naturally, but Bella - for all of her lovely qualities - wouldn't have the same advice or insights that Annie would. This was huge for her, and she wanted the two most important people in her life to know everything that was happening, from how much he was smiling at her to all of his compliments to his stories - everything. But she was too proud to contact Annie, even with such wonderful news. The middle Black sister had chosen to leave them, so how could Narcissa extend an olive branch?

Bella will be pleased, at the very least.

How could she not be? The Malfoys were an esteemed family, and Lucius was one of the most sought-after bachelors in their world. If Narcissa could entrance him, she would be set for life!

And so it was with some bitter-sweet feelings that she settled in with him at Madame Puddifoot's, trying to shove unwelcome thoughts of Annie from her mind.

Thankfully, her date gave her much more to think about than her disappointment of a sister.

To hear that Lucius Malfoy had been wanting to pursue her for a time was just remarkable, but Narcissa supposed she shouldn't have been so surprised. She was beautiful, intelligent, and from an important family - why wouldn't he be interested? And while the rose had clearly been planned and was a bit over the top, Lucius had planned it. He had wanted this to go as well as she wanted it to, so much that he was already professing love. She was positively beaming as she took the stem from him, twirling it in her hands as she admired it, and him. She ran her hand along the stem, playfully checking his promise on the thorns. "Yes, I know what it means," she said happily, setting it delicately on the table between them. She met his eye to continue, "I cannot see you causing me any pain, Lucius." Don't prove me wrong.

At his leave, Narcissa ordered a pot of tea for them to share, along with a small selection of scones to accompany it. After the waiter left them, she leaned forward slightly, reaching across the little table to lightly touch his hand. "It's only fair to tell you, since you told me, that I've been wanting this to happen for some time as well," she admitted, a rush of excitement flooding into her at the simplicity of the touch. "It's the perfect moment for someone like you to properly come into my life."

[Lucius Malfoy]

So far everything was going according to plan. Narcissa was clearly pleased with his gift, the way she smiled at him from across the table. Wooing the youngest Black was going to be the easiest thing he had done in a long time. He was charming, attractive, and from a quality family. A priceless catch, really. She would be completely dedicated to him in no time at all. And while yes, chasing after a relationship with her did mean he still would have the Lestrange's in his life by marriage, but they could deal with that at a later time. He highly doubted that Narcissa and Bellatrix had a close relationship. Age difference aside, the oldest Black daughter had lost her marbles ages ago, unlike her level headed sibling that he was sitting across from.

It was also quite flattering to know that the girl had been waiting for him, and he brought the hand she had placed on his to lips to give it a kiss, his ego expanding by the second. It was only natural that she desired him, he was desirable. And having the prettiest girl as his wife was important, as whoever stood by his side needed to look just as good as him. "It's the perfect moment for you to come into my life as well, Narcissa. I know we've only had the briefest of interactions so far, but it feels like I've already known you a lifetime." He was going to bore himself if he kept this up all day, they needed something else to discuss. "But please, tell me more about your life. You must be tired of my stories already, they can be quite a bore."

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Lucius was just the perfect gentleman, wasn't he?

As if she wasn't pleased enough, her handsome date took it upon himself to kiss her hand, which sent a ripple of goose flesh up her arm. And he was going on to say things that she thought! Narcissa was beaming, not knowing how this could go any better. Her instincts were always so incredibly right; she'd known since her fourth year that there was no man worthy of her but the one across the table, and while being patient had been trying, all would now know that she was the appropriate match for the impressive man.

"I couldn't agree more," Narcissa replied steadily, lightly holding his hand. But as the dear man went on, she had to laugh politely. "I don't think I could find you boring if I tried. But if you insist..." She took a moment to think and enjoy her view before replying. While she needed to swallow some words - she'd used to love sharing this hobby with Annie - she was curious to find out Lucius' take. While they were, obviously, going to have a fulfilling marriage, Narcissa needed to know what experiences they could enjoy together. And if he wasn't already a fan...you will be. The mares are coming with me. "One of the hardest things about being here has always been being away from my horses. I've ridden have since I was a child - Bella never took to it, but she doesn't have the temperaments, if I'm being honest. They're the most marvelous creatures, so much better than the ones we're forced to learn about in class."

[Lucius Malfoy]

One of the biggest problems with Andromeda - besides the rest of the flaws - was that they had nothing in common. They’d connected over school, at least, but he’d always found himself eager to spend time away from the middle Black sister. Andromeda wasn’t fearsome like her eldest sister, and she didn’t have the grace and poise of Narcissa. Lucius counted himself lucky that the Lestrange family had an interest in Bellatrix before he had been born, to have to deal with her would have been his worst nightmare.

As she spoke of her horses he had to smile, the love for the creatures in her voice getting to him. He loved his horses, his stallion a longtime friend to him. If she loved horses as much as he did, it would mean their summers together could be full of adventures, and how thrilled would she be if he bought her a horse specifically to stay at his stables? Oh the possibilities were endless. “I couldn’t agree more. They’re such wonderful creatures, you will have to come by the manor this summer and meet the horses. What is your favorite breed? My Friesian is an absolute beauty.”

[Narcissa Malfoy]

The smile lighting upon Lucius' face was the most inviting one she had seen yet, and Narcissa allowed herself the freedom of composure required to return it. Hopefully his reaction meant that this was a love the two of them could share, for having horses was so much more than a simple hobby! You had to work hard to train them, bond with them, and earn their respect. Her horses had never cared that she was a Black - they were as likely to buck her as they would a muggleborn! Not that any which dared to do so would be kept, Father got rid of any danger to her swiftly, after all. But even though they couldn't speak, it was sometimes so much easier to communicate with them than it was with her fellows; she didn't need to put on a face, she could just be how she was truly feeling, and the freedom that came with that, along with the exhilaration of a ride, was something she hoped her date could one day understand. That is...unless he already did? 

The sixth year was positively beaming as Lucius spoke so candidly about her visiting the Manor and meeting his horses. And she could just see him atop a noble Friesian, commanding the stately horse of war as easily as anything. "I wish we had begun before summer's end," Narcissa lamented honestly, blue eyes meeting his with uncommon warmth. "We will have to ride together as soon as possible, I simply cannot be made to wait too long for this. My Andalusian, Fallon, is simply marvelous. I've found her temperament to be the most complimentary to my own, out of the breeds I've experimented with." How wonderful it was to begin finding commonalities that were more personal between them, besides status and expectation!

A classmate of hers working at the shop came by, shakily dropping off the kettle and cups along with a small plate of scones. The girl had the gall to leave without pouring them their tea, which left Narcissa sharing a knowing look with her date before taking on the duty herself. As much as being a homemaker was part of her destiny...we'll leave this part to the elves. Her nose wrinkled slightly as she looked over the selection; would it kill them to stick to tradition? The blonde couldn't recognize a few of the flavors mixed in with the regulars, and had simply wanted her usual blueberry lemon...At least there was one of those for her to savor, and she claimed it, taking it upon a small china plate. Perhaps it was for the best that there weren't many choices she thought she'd be fond of; she needed to keep fitting into her dresses, after all. Narcissa lightly touched the side of her dainty cup and, finding it too hot to drink yet, looked back to Lucius with a small smile. "What more do you want to know of my life? You know my family," she said, bright smile faltering slightly before she soldiered on, "and Hogwarts, of course..."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Annie had been his friend, and while their families had wanted them to be more - he would never say he had feelings for the girl. Lucius had been upfront with the middle Black sister from the beginning. He’d never been faithful to Andromeda, their secret relationship making it quite easy for him to fool around with other girls. And when she had approached him in June to let him in on her secret? He’d been quite happy to sit back and let the drama unfold around him. He hadn’t planned on the outcome being a very public courting of Narcissa Black, but at least the girl was someone he was interested in getting to know.

So it was with some amusement that he watched her as she spoke of the summer, so obviously unaware of so many things in the world around her. Happily talking about horses and her youthful impatience. It was a nice change of pace from his conversations with new coworkers in recent months. “It is unfortunate that talks between our parents took as long as they did,” he answered her quietly, “But I am interested in meeting your horses, perhaps we could have your father bring one of them to Malfoy Manor for you to ride there?”

Their waitress was arriving, clumsily dropping off their things and hurrying away. Narcissa was quick to pour them both tea, and he gave her a smile as he helped himself to a scone. If things went well, the girl wouldn’t have to pour her own tea as Mrs. Malfoy. He was just adding milk to his tea as she looked back up to him, her pretty smile fading for only a moment as she spoke.

He didn’t miss the way her voice changed as she mentioned her family, and he felt a twinge of guilt. He didn’t have siblings, and so hadn’t considered the effects on either Bellatrix or Narcissa when word had spread about Andromeda running off. Lucius hadn’t known what exactly the girl was going to do, only to wait until July to discuss the end of their betrothal. “Narcissa,” he whispered quietly, reaching out for her hand. “I know what happened must have been hard for you. Andromeda was a friend to me, such an excellent partner as Head Girl last year. I’m sure she’s going to be fine.”

Liar. 

How could the girl be fine? He didn’t know the man she’d run off with, but he had his doubts her sister would thrive outside of pureblood society. He knew he certainly wouldn’t, not with the life he had been given. It wouldn’t do to worry Narcissa over it, however.