June: Don't Let Me Down: Lucius

[Narcissa Malfoy]

locations: The Cygnus Black household, Wizarding restaurant

Even after her seventh year closed, Narcissa Black was still entirely Narcissa Black. The lack of a diamond encrusted ring on her left hand was a weight in and of itself, and as her schooling at Hogwarts came to a close, the stately young woman became less and less subtle about the expectations she had of her boyfriend.

As well as what she was willing to do once he truly committed himself to her.

The blonde had, with difficulty, held off from letting herself get fully swept up in the seductive manners Lucius had. She had long seen how his hands wanted to rove over her body as freely as his eyes did, and she was longing for that uninhibited time. She’d let some intimate moments between them happen, enough to keep him interested and to tend her own inner fire, but she was entirely ready to do away with any reserve…once her conditions were met. Although she would never admit it, Narcissa did worry that he sought out other company because of her unwillingness to give in to him completely. But she was resolved to hold out - and hold him to her standards of propriety - until their engagement. She hoped it would speed up the process, for she felt as ready for their life together to begin as one could be. And then he would publicly be hers, and anything that may or may not have happened before then between him and anyone else - it would obviously be done, in the past, and never spoken of.

At their last substantial time together - over the Easter holiday, ages ago now - she thought she had made herself abundantly clear. (She’d learned a thing or two from Bella, as her older sister tried, in her way, to help her. Honestly, there were more things she wanted to forget than she cared to remember, but certain ways of manipulating a man had stuck in her clever mind.) As the young woman fussed to fit herself within the immodest neckline of today’s dress, she thought back to that day, wondering how that hadn’t made him speed things up. (Because their life together was as inevitable as the sun rising in the morning, and all knew it.) She’d been everything he should’ve wanted, everything that should’ve had him on a knee then and there, begging her to take him so that he could take her…

Since then, each Hogsmeade visit or other stolen time had her on pins and needles of anticipation. Even now, when nothing had happened on any of those occasions, as she readied for the lunch out he had arranged, Narcissa couldn’t contain her excitement of seeing him. For once they rid themselves of this formality, the future was theirs - and their future was to be glorious in every respect.

Lucius was waiting for the perfect moment to propose, that was now clear to her, after so much time to think; it was now clear to her that while she was still at Hogwarts, that just wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t an ideal way to begin an engagement.

Now, however, she was a graduate of Slytherin House, and ready to take on the world with him at her side. She was walking away from this lunch as an engaged woman, it just had to be today.

And if it isn’t?

Clear blue eyes shot to meet their reflection in the gold framed mirror, icy anger marring their previous dreamy look. While she was trying to be understanding of his delay, she was rapidly losing her patience with him. The worst part was, though, that Lucius knew it, and had seemed amused by her hints at graduation. She loved him, she did, but that didn’t mean he didn’t do things that riled her up. She did the same to him, after all, but couldn’t he just let them move forward already? It would be to the benefit of them both…She deserved to be out of the room of her childhood, to take her place with him at Malfoy Manor, to finally feel secure down to her core about the two of them...

If it isn’t today… she considered, conspicuously ring-less fingers working the delicate clasp of a necklace, he’ll know my displeasure. Give me what I want, I’ll give you what you want…isn’t that how this is supposed to work? Evidently, Lucius hadn’t yet learned that making her happy was the surest route for him to come by his own happiness. Perhaps he needed to see that her unhappiness was the key to his own. That thought in mind, the young woman determinedly pushing her girlhood aside took her time descending the steps to meet him after he arrived. Neither of the future Mr. and Mrs. enjoyed being kept waiting, but she wasn't about to let him be the only player in this game.

"Oh, darling," she crooned, contriteness incarnate as she met up with Lucius and her parents. The blonde met his eye with the flicker of a smirk before moving to give him a chaste kiss on the cheek. "I'm sorry if I've kept you waiting, I didn't hear you come in."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Narcissa was taking her sweet time getting ready for today's lunch, a most displeasing action. He knew his - betrothed? girlfriend? - was getting ancy about the fact he hadn't proposed. On top of that, she had made it very clear that he wouldn't be getting any of what he wanted until she got exactly what she wanted. It was a foolish move really, he could easily get that sort of thing if he needed it. Her anticipation, however, was turning out to be quite fun. He'd dropped to his knee on two occasions now, and come up with an excuse for each time instead of proposing. If she was going to pull such a low stunt, it was only natural for him to do the same? Both of their families were eager for them to marry, and forcing him to wait for her with her parents was almost torture enough for him to consider forgetting his entire plan.

Because of course he had a plan. He'd decided ages ago how he was going to propose to her, had a ring and everything. She deserved something extravagant (he wanted something extravagant), and so that was what she was going to get. If they could actually make it to lunch on time, the woman would get what she wanted. And after, she'd get to enjoy a glorious party at the Malfoy Manor, her family and friends all invited. All except Annie of course. He could only silently hope that Bellatrix hadn't drank half the liquor by the time they got there, and that she had left Alecto at home. Rodolphus wasn't much better, but at least the married couple could act somewhat normal in public.

When he felt like he couldn't take another second of waiting, he heard her voice and she was there, smirking at him. At least you're wearing a dress that will be easy to get off. After the engagement, and after the party, she was bound to give him what he wanted. He heard an uncomfortable cough from her father as Lucius' eyes roamed Narcissa's figure, before took her hand gently and pressed a kiss to the back of it. "No worries my love, you are right on time. Shall we go? My parents are quite excited for this lunch." She didn't need to know their excitement had very little to do with her, it was more based on the fact he was getting married at all. Hopefully they would avoid any talk of producing an heir, however. He was not ready for that.

Saying goodbye to her parents, the door to the Black house closed behind them and he let Narcissa walk ahead of him, clearing his throat as he got down on one knee. "Oh no, thought I dropped a galleon here. Appears not. Well, shall we?"

[Narcissa Malfoy]

It was with much satisfaction that she felt her partner's eyes on her every inch; Father had told her to get rid of the dress as soon as she'd gotten back to the estate after purchasing it, but who was he to argue with these results? I'm not sorry, Father, she said with her eyes, giving the dear man a preening smile as Lucius kissed her hand. "Yes, Lucius - of course," she said, giving her parents swift embraces before heading out the door with him at her side. "It will be good to see your father, actually. I did some reading up on apothecaries recently, and I've got some ideas on how to grow the business - " The eager girl cut herself off at hearing Lucius' cough, and turned to see him...on a knee. All at once, Narcissa's heart began to race, her smile was in place, her practiced excited-but-not-absurdly-so yes was at the ready...

It's happening. It really is, this time! The timing is perfect, you'll be introduced to his parents as the future Mrs. Malfoy and -

The beauty's face fell from a beaming smile to a full on glower as soon as the man opened his mouth. Enough was enough. "Lucius!" Narcissa exclaimed rather shrilly, blood boiling hot in her veins, turning her back to him and stalking down the drive towards the apparition point as quickly as she could without tripping over her heels. She took her wand out of the hidden pocket of her dress, positively fuming. "It's not funny anymore! You are being absolutely horrible about this." She had only been dreaming of her marriage with Lucius for years, building up their perfect engagement for the whole of the time. And an engagement was supposed to be a joyous affair, but her beloved was insisting on making it an utterly terrible experience for her. And for what reason? Did he simply enjoy seeing that he could get under her skin? Was he wanting to delay their nuptials for some Circe-forsaken reason? Was he truly upset with her? Did he not want to be with her forever?

So much for staying calm.

    He's being awful.

[Lucius Malfoy]

His soon to be fiancée was speaking of ideas to grow his families business, and he had to admire her spirit. He was sure his father would be quite impressed with her knowledge, and perhaps some of her ideas could even prove useful to the business. A woman could always surprise you when you least expected it. But it was such fun to tease her, he couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped his lips at her exclamation of his name.

She was stalking angrily down the drive and he stood to chase after her, grin still on his face as he reached her. Oh she was so sour about his little prank, but he intended to give her what she wanted soon enough. If only she could just be patient for a little while longer she would see that. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close to place a gentle kiss on her lips.

“Come now darling don’t be cross,” he whispered to her before placing a second kiss on her cheek, “I will see you outside the restaurant my love.” He pulled his own wand from his walking stick, stepping away as he apparated to pureblood only establishment.

As soon as she appeared, he extended his arm to her with a smile on his face, leading them inside. “I am sure my father will be most eager to hear your ideas for the business.”

[Narcissa Malfoy]

While she could hear Lucius' laugh, his feet racing after her, Narcissa only walked faster. How could he still think that this joke was amusing - that anything to do with their future together was a joke?! She'd always thought that she was smart for pursuing someone older than she was, for surely he would be more mature than the boys she was surrounded by. But something was making Lucius revert from man to boy, and it worried her immensely, whenever she thought about it. It was one thing to have a laugh, it was another entirely to make a laugh out of their engagement. Couldn't he see that? Wasn't he as invested in this relationship as she was?

He caught up to her, for even with her long legs and being accustomed to walking in heels, the gravel drive wasn't the easiest terrain to traverse; Narcissa stopped and met his grin with a frown, but let him pull her in and kiss her lightly. At least the boy was starting to realize his mistake, although insisting that she change her mood was as likely to cheer her up as telling her to smile more. I will be cross if I want to be, the young woman thought fiercely, still absolutely unamused by Lucius as he disapparated alone. At least he was recognizing that she needed a moment's breathing room from him, but it was still most ungentlemanly.

Narcissa took a few more moments to try and get herself into a better headspace, seeing as she really should be on her best behavior around Lucius' parents. If lunch was just involving Lucius and herself, it would be different, but as it was...at least they love you. The blonde beauty disapparated, appearing at one of her favorite restaurants...still simmering inside. Hold yourself together, Narcissa. Lucius came to her and she took his offered arm with a forced smile, matching his steps as they headed into the pureblooded establishment. "He should be," she replied under her breath, smoothing her smile into something more natural as she spied his mother and father, even as she continued. "I'm not sure if I should share, though - I know how particular he is about the apothecary being a family business." The recent graduate let go of him as soon as they were at his parents' table, exchanging kisses on the cheek with his mother, his father, always the gentleman, giving her extended hand a kiss.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Narcissa was still cross when she arrived, he could tell that from the smile she forced upon her face as he approached her once she arrived. She really needed to relax, she would be his wife sooner than she knew. There was no need for their engagement to be prolonged after all, now that she was done with school. And it was about time Malfoy Manor was his home, and not the home that he shared with his parents.

He lead the future Mrs. Malfoy to his parents, both who were just as impatient as she was for him to be married. At the very least they had yet to turn their talk towards that of producing an heir, something he was absolutely dreading. The last thing he wanted was to be a father, and have to deal with the drama that came along with that. He forced his own smile as they approached, her comment getting under his skin as he gave his mother a kiss.

With a nod to his father, he pulled out Narcissa’s chair and waited for her to sit before taking his own. “You look just lovely Narcissa,” came the compliment from his father. Lucius gave the girls hand a squeeze, looking over to her lovingly. She was a sight, one he was eager to see more of. You’ll both get what you want soon enough.

“She’s the most beautiful woman in the world, isn’t she father?” Lucius chimed in, hoping she would at least keep her cool for just a bit longer.

[Narcissa Malfoy]

My happiness is your happiness. My displeasure is yours.

Why did the heart work in such impossible ways? Why did she love a man as obstinate as she was so stubborn? Why did she need to teach him such basics as: If you are in love, and available to wed, then wed you should! It was true that their time together in this past year had felt strained at points; Narcissa's eyes were on the future, and it was hard to place where her beloved's were. But from the start of their relationship, hadn't Lucius realized, just as much as she, that this was coming? The Malfoys and the Blacks made more than a smart match - it was perfect. And luckier were they for having fallen for each other. Even if his affections weren't always up to her high standard.

We could be the family we both deserve, if you let us.

Growing up in the Black household hadn't been as simple for the blonde as one might think; the golden child, truly, the youngest of three girls, she often did get what she wanted from Mother and Father. But the bonds of sisterhood she never thought could break - had. Annie's choice in marriage had driven a divide through the sisters, and while she visited her sister and niece when she could - being part of their lives was secret. They could never publicly be friendly; quite the opposite, they had to be downright nasty to each other to keep up appearances. And keeping the secret from Bella, who would hate her for it, weighed too heavily on her surprisingly large heart...For Lucius' part, an only child with demanding parental figures, home hadn't been a place of more than material comfort either...

I need you to do this with me. We can do this properly, I know we can.

Kisses exchanged with the Mr. and Mrs., Narcissa gave her partner a small smile at his return to gentlemanly behavior, sitting in the offered seat. She tucked her short dress under her legs politely, a simpering smile thrown to both of the men at their compliments. "You two, always the charmers," she commented, giving Lucius' hand a squeeze back. She returned his stare coyly before, ever the innocent, turning to his mother and father. "Tell me, is that a Malfoy man trait? Will I need to worry about our son talking up all the pretty girls? And oh, Mr. Malfoy, I've been dying to chat with you about something. It may just be rumor, but have you heard what the Bobbins are up to? Dreadful, isn't it, for such a low family to break ground on - what is it? - their third apothecary?" The young woman shook her head sadly, letting out a sigh. "Certainly they could not be trusted by any respectable witch or wizard, but they must be up to something special to warrant this. But then again, what do I know?" Narcissa shrugged lightly, smiling wanly as she took up her goblet and drank.

[Lucius Malfoy]

So far things were going smoothly, whatever agitation his soon to be fiancée was feeling tucked away for later. Not that he would let her take it out on him, not with the grand surprise he had prepared for her. Before long Narcissa Black would be Narcissa Malfoy, and would be getting whatever she wanted. But as they took their seats, she shot him a look that filled him with worry. It seemed that woman could simply not hold her tongue.

She was throwing a lot his way with her words, and he needed to figure out a way to recover. But - our son - the words caught him off guard. He was the family heir, the one whispering into the right ears at the Ministry, and he was not about to stop living his life simply because his chosen partner was finished with school. And if she was thinking about them starting a family - Dobby will be sure to take care of that.

And then bringing up the Bobbins and their expanding business in such a manner, to the who man had invested so many years into the Malfoy family business. Narcissa should be grateful that he and his father had been raised to be proper gentlemen, well aware of the bloodbath that sort of insult would have sat with Bellatrix’s father-in-law. “Yes, Narcissa, what do you know?” he hissed quietly towards her, reaching for his goblet with annoyance. He didn’t miss the look his father or his mother gave him, and what they wanted was clear.

Handle it.

Clearing his throat, he forced his face into a relaxed smile and set the goblet down gently. “You have to admire her passion for the business,” he said with a laugh, “The Bobbins young son thought it was appropriate to mouth off in front of me at Kings Cross, but it’s nothing to be concerned about.” No proper witch or wizard would be spending their money with such a lesser sort of family.

And while he could apologize for one outburst, it was best to handle it fully. After all this would certainly appease her enough to get them through this affair with his parents. “I hate to be so abrupt, but you both know I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” he spoke to his parents, hand reaching into the pocket of his vest to retrieve the Malfoy heirloom his mother had selected for her, before he did exactly what Narcissa had been waiting for.

“Narcissa, you are the most beautiful woman,” he began as he stood from his chair, gently lowering himself to the ground on one knee. “I have waited far too many days for you to be a permanent fixture in my life, and I don’t want to wait any longer. Would you marry me?”

[Narcissa Malfoy]

The hint of fear in Lucius' gray eyes as she met them made Narcissa delight. Life will be so much easier for you if you just make me happy, she thought before breaking his gaze and brought up a number of things to make him uncomfortable. From their future son to his family's apothecary business, nothing was off limits to her in this moment. She knew their endgame, and he did too, as trivially as Lucius seemed to think of it. The how of it hardly mattered to the recent graduate; she wanted the ring on her finger, a public promise of devotion, and she wanted it now. So what if she needed to get a little dirt under her nails to make her future happen today?

The Malfoys were stiffly unpleased with her remarks of concern, and she kept her composure with slight difficulty as Lucius spat back at her. The blonde met his eye again with challenge, knowing in her heart that this would be worth it, and shot him a smirk. What do I know? Do you really want me to say more? Because she would, if pressed - list how many children they should have and start declaring their names, shout out the Bobbins' annual earnings and the markets they were overtaking. Speak to how her family would have other options for her, if the Malfoys truly were slipping so horribly. The young woman drank, not missing the heavy looks exchanged by the others, and laughed along with Lucius as he spoke for the table to hear. You will take me seriously one day. You will. For now, Narcissa knew that her demands may just be putting her as a thorn in her beloved's side. But he would be grateful for it, in the end. Who else could be a better fit in a partner for him than she was? Do it, Lucius. Stop wasting our time...

She barely listened as the man spoke of the Bobbins, but her heart nearly caught in her throat as he started speaking in such a leading manner. Narcissa set her goblet down, every single bit of attention she could give directed towards Lucius as he took something from his vest and...took a knee.

Finally.

There he was, the man of her dreams, holding the most glorious ring out to her as he proposed. The means wholly justifying this end in her mind, Narcissa was all smiles, laughing in joy as he asked. "Yes, I will," she said, extending her hand so that he could slip the endlessly sparkling ring onto her finger. After a few moment's admiration of it - You did well, darling. - she grinned and, while it may not have been the most proper thing, pulled him to her by the collar. The day's excitement was no where near over, and she hoped that the lingering kiss made it clear that she hadn't forgotten her end of the bargain.

[Lucius Malfoy]

It was quite typical of Narcissa to be demanding, it was something he found endearing. She knew what she wanted, and she wasn't about to hesitate to get it. It was a quality all of the Black sisters seemed to have, but the youngest went about it in a much better manner. Bellatrix was quick to strike, Andromeda had left him for a muggle, but Narcissa was much more cunning. From denying him the intimacy he desired with her, to making a scene in front of his parents, she was not about to let him go about this any other way. While he had planned to wait until the end of their lunch to make his move, it was clear that this part of the afternoon was no longer in his control. Frankly, he was quite positive that from the moment she'd left her room back at her parents household, she was in control of the situation. There was only one thing stuck in his mind, and it was getting to the end of the day so he could have what he truly wanted.

Her.

But there were plenty of people turning to look as he got down one his knee, charm ready and smiles flashing. It was obvious that she was going to agree to marry him, but hearing her say yes did give him an odd sense of satisfaction. While he had never been keen on the idea of marriage, Narcissa truly was the perfect counterpart for him. And if she was as good at pleasing him as she was at teasing him, then there could be many benefits to having such an official label on their relationship. He slipped the ring onto her finger, unable to stop himself from laughing as she pulled him to her for a kiss. A kiss he would certainly keep on his mind, as he pulled away from her slowly and brushed her hair from her face. Narcissa Black would finally be his.

His parents were pleased, Narcissa was pleased, and as everyone around them polite and proper responses to his parents about the engagement, he settled himself back into the chair next to Narcissa. Taking her hand in his, he admired the ring on her finger for a few more moments. It really was a wonderful piece, and it suited her well. "Before the summer is over, you will be Narcissa Malfoy," he said to her quietly, waiting for their parents to finish up their conversations with the pureblood families offering their congratulations. "Although please do try not to ruin any more of your surprises for the day."

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Her fairytale life truly began today.

She had her loyal prince, who would soon swear in front of the world to be hers and hers alone. Surely they would receive the Malfoy’s manor to claim as their own, ousting his parents so that the younger generation could reign. They could be happy together now and forever, with each other and their land and their horses and their children...To be truthful, a devilish little voice in the farthest corner of Narcissa’s mind chose to pipe up about the rising war and Lucius' "unavoidable" part in it, but she did her best to smother the demon. War was temporary, and her fiancè was allying himself with the winning side. It would be a phase looked back on with knowing sighs and rolls of the eye, a necessary evil that they passed through in the exposition of their tale…

And so Narcissa was more than pleased when her man let out a laugh of happiness as she pulled him in for a kiss, and as for the look he gave her afterwards… Just you wait until we’re alone, she thought, meeting his eye with mischief and intent as he fixed her hair. She nodded, an eternal smile on her beautiful face, as those around them gave congratulations, but was happy to return her full attention to Lucius when he took her hand. She watched, heart feeling uncomfortably large in her chest, as he admired the sheer perfection that was that ring on her finger. She wanted to ask about it - was it an heirloom or something he found and picked out for her? - but not now. Now was the time to bask in the glow of her success, the light of which only increased as Lucius spoke.

"That’s all I want," Narcissa breathed back with a squeeze to his hand, and in the moment, it was. Again, that devilish voice dared to bring up her Annie before she smote it, for reconciling her sister with her family was a cause lost long ago, and not the dream worth dwelling on such a happy day. Thankfully, her love was quick to give her even more to think about than planning their wedding in less than a handful of months.

"More surprises." Narcissa couldn't keep from smiling if she tried. While the proposal was less of a surprise than an inevitability, the ring itself was a stunning surprise, so whatever he had up his sleeve next surely would do anything but disappoint. "What else do you have planned for me? And what do you mean, ruined?" she added with a lilting laugh, blue eyes shining with mirth as she shifted closer to him so that their legs brushed, lowering her voice as she continued. "I think this is all going very well. We're all getting what we deserve today, my love, don't think I've forgotten."

[Lucius Malfoy]

There had been a time, not long ago, that he had been weighing Narcissa against his other options. While his parents had their own standards they wanted met, his standards were truly the important ones. And truth be told - Narcissa met them all. She was just as attractive as he was, she had similar interests, she wasn't attempting to become a Death Eater. And truth be told, he didn’t care much to run the family business. If that was something Narcissa desired to take over, he would gladly give her the opportunity. He would be the face of the apothecary, of course, as their society deemed appropriate. But there was nothing wrong with his future wife putting her years of education to good use.

Narcissa was happy, and that meant the rest of this should run smoothly. She would be happy with the party he had planned, and he would look ever so amazing for have thought of such a thing. It was much better to have their own party with the proper sort of people than spending their newly engaged moments with strangers at Hogwarts. He chuckled at her smile to him, quite pleased with himself as she scooted closer. And there was no stopping the grin that pulled on his face at her words, “I’m not telling you anything, no matter how much you tease me.”

His parents were rejoining them at the table, and his father was quick to up conversation. “Narcissa, tell me more about this rumor you’ve heard. I doubt the Bobbins could afford another building - have you seen that dingy place in Diagon Alley?”

[Narcissa Malfoy]

"You sound awfully confident - " for someone smiling so much about our knees touching " - about that. You’re certain there’s nothing I can do to sway you?" she asked in an undertone, eyes finding his innocently as she gave his thigh a squeeze. My happiness is your happiness, just as my displeasure is yours. That innocent glint to her eye would be more of a fallacy by the end of the day than it was at present, Narcissa well knew, and she was ready. Her future in-law’s reappearance rather dulled the fun of the tease, however, and she instead slid her hand into her fiancé’s as she looked across at his father, smile quirking.

"I have, sadly," Narcissa replied lightly. "Remember, it may just be a rumor - but if I’ve heard it, you can expect others of our fellows have as well. They would be stretching themselves terribly thin, but reaching new markets with the convenience of not having to go through that horrid pub..." She shrugged noncommittally, much less invested in perpetuating the rumor now that she’d gotten what she wanted out of bringing it up in the first place. "I'd be happy to investigate more into the truth of the matter," Narcissa offered graciously. "Don't let it concern you for one more moment!"

Food was delivered shortly, beautifully plated to the sheer envy of any of their lessers, but Narcissa hardly tasted a bite. The girl woman had much too much on her mind to focus on something as mundane as food. Because what could this surprise of Lucius' be? When would they be allowed their time alone? How would she tell her family the news? It seemed like no time had passed before plates were cleared and her hand was once again within Lucius', goodbyes being exchanged with his parents, and one of her questions granted an answer. For why else would the Malfoys not accompany them to the manor, if not to allow them to celebrate their engagement properly? That in mind, she eagerly Apparated away with her love this time...

▶︎ to be continued