Oct. 7 '79: I'll Put My Future In You: Malfoys/Lestranges

[Narcissa Malfoy]

"Lucius?" Narcissa called from the front parlor, where she was overseeing Dobby's preparation of their tea from the comfort of a chaise lounge. "Would you be a love and fetch my shawl? The green silk? It's rather chilly in here." At the criticism, the elf sprang away from aligning the finger sandwiches in the patterns she liked to take care of setting the fire, which meant that while the space would shortly warm, now he'd need to clean up before continuing. Which could make the preparation incomplete by the time their family arrived! With a slight huff, the blonde rose to take care of things herself.

Although...she couldn't remain peeved at the elf's inability to feel temperature for too long, not with the reason why they were having the family over. Any moment, surely, Bellatrix Rodolphus, and Rabastan, they would arrive for afternoon tea. It wasn't entirely unusual for the Malfoys to host such events, but this Sunday they had some incredibly special news to share. Since last seeing her sister, Narcissa had realized her slight illness was not due to her monthly reminders of her failure to conceive a child, but rather...her success. Not in her memory had she ever been so happy, or so cared for. Her husband was proving himself even more perfect for her, as Lucius was taking care of her every need, as a dutiful father-to-be should. After years of struggles and feelings of inadequacy - not that you could tell by looking at her, but the fear that she couldn't bear a child had weighed on her as of late - all was finally at rights within the Malfoy home.

Yes, there was still this blasted war to deal with. This war that her husband and much of her family was involved in. But it was...temporary. Adding a new life to their clan? This was a permanent victory, a permanent celebration, that she knew would bring joy to them all.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius had dreaded this day for years now, the announcement to family that they were expecting a child. Just the idea of being a father made him want to cringe, but a Malfoy heir was required. His father had long since started breathing down his neck, demanding that Lucius let go of his frivolous life style and actually settle down with his wife. But what did his father know? Just because he had raised such a brilliant and attractive son didn't mean the man had a single smart thought about being a parent. Lucius stared into his drink, shaking his head as he heard his wife's voice. "Of course, my darling." Narcissa had simply been so happy lately, he almost was beginning to feel guilty for the way he viewed the idea of having a child. She had wanted this for so long, and she was truly much happier than he had seen her in a while.

Could always just hire someone to look after it

The thought had crossed his mind more than once, but considering the sad excuse of an elf they already had around for help, he didn't need another disaster around. Plus it was their child and was bound to be beautiful. A perfect specimen of two astounding pureblood lines. Obviously, their child would be smart, would get the same education they did. A better education, because Lucius part in this war wouldn't be for nothing. If they were going to bring a child into the world, it needed to be a perfect world. He smirked to himself as he grabbed the shawl, humming as he returned downstairs to find his wife. "Love, you are supposed to be resting. Let Dobby take care of that," he frowned upon entering, pulling her away from the mess and back to the chaise. He gave a stern look to the elf, who was quickly moving away from the fire back to the sandwiches, fire not even lit.

Moving from Narcissa, he knocked the elf out of his way to the fireplace, quickly lighting it with a wave of his wand and a murmur under his breath. "Useless creature," he hissed, before turning to look at Narcissa with a smile. "Anything else you need?"

[Deleted]

Rodolphus didn’t know what to think as he fastened the bowtie around his neck with a brisk flick of his wand, checking for any imperfections as he stared into the mirror. The Lestranges and Malfoys have been living in peaceful coexistence…with as much distance as their ancestral houses permitted. Suffice to say, it was an extremely rare occurrence that the Lestranges were invited over for a family gathering. The Black sisters were family, but the male in-laws were on less friendly terms with each other and preferred to pretend that the other did not exist, except when society demanded it of them.

Rodolphus was ok with his wife’s sister really, as Cissa had always been a polite and well-bred pureblood heiress that has never made the foolish mistake of crossing him, though he had always had a feeling that the blonde didn’t much approve of him as a match for Bella. Not that the head of Lestrange family gave much thought to his sister-in-law’s opinion of him, Bella and him were perfect for each other. That he was sure of.

“Bella darling, we should leave before dear Cissa and Lucius throw a fit about our tardiness and sends that demented house elf over to fetch us.” Rodolphus called out to his wife, already adopting his charming social persona for the occasion. Although the dislike was mutual, Rodolphus was still a gentlemen of the highest order in pureblood society, and it would not do to show such distasteful behavior in public, especially in front of family. He dropped his pet name for his wife, as he always did when in the company of others. It was private, and Rodolphus would never let anyone else call her that.

“I shall wait for you on the other side.” deciding to be dazzled by her presence later, when he would help her out of the fireplace, as was protocol for pureblood men. He had found it more than a little bothersome when he was a child, but he didn’t mind so much, now that he had Bella on his arm.

Why not apparition you might ask? Wasn’t it a much easier and classier way of transportation? Yes, Rodolphus’s would agree with you, but seeing as he and his brother had not been included in their wards, they would no doubt have bounced off rather painfully -and embarrassedly- had they attempted to apparate into the Malfoy’s foyer.
Rodolphus took a pinch of floo powder and tossed it into the fireplace. With a quick shout of his destination, the pureblood was engulfed by emerald flames before taken to Malfoy Manor in a whirl of fire and soot.

Whatever the man had been expecting to face on the other side, it had not been the platinum blonde hair of one Lucius Malfoy. But it was too late when the momentum of his arrival had him stumbling into the blonde bimbo, dashing any hopes of avoiding contact with one of the least favorite people on his list.

f*ck, who the hell stands in front of the fireplace when they’re expecting visitors?

The tall man quickly reached out to pull his brother-in-law upright, both annoyed and embarrassed that he had caused such a scene already. Thank Merlin Bella hadn’t been here to witness it. Casting a quick scourgify on both of them and straightening out his black silk robes, the Lestrange bowed his head slightly at the happy couple in greeting, apology and pleasantries flowing easily from his tongue.

“Please forgive my rudeness Lucius, I’m horrified that I had caused such a scene. But I’m delighted to find you both in such excellent health.” Rololphus smiled charmingly at his in-laws before he reached down to take a hold of Narcissa’s hand, placing a soft kiss on the back of it as he brought it to his lips. “And you look as radiant of ever, Cissa. I’m so very pleased that you had thought to invite us over for tea, it's been too long.”

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

It was only two days ago that she'd watch the life drain from another's face. Death was fascinating, especially slow ones like poison. All it took was the slip of a vial into a teacup and the woman's fate had been sealed. For a muggle, it wasn't Bella's preferred way of killing. They weren't even taking credit for the death, allowing it to be brushed off as nothing. That part of the mission had been dreadfully boring, and almost as unbearable as having to work with Alecto. Bellatrix had groomed her for years, set her claws in the other woman when she had been nothing but a mere girl. Yet the ungrateful little snake had gone and gotten pregnant, and had ruined everything between them. Carrow hadn't graced her room for quite some time, not since she'd admitted to be carrying the spawn of Aaron Crabbe.

Her husbands voice cut through her thoughts, and set her empty glass down on the vanity in front of her as she responded, "I'll be just a minute." Oh, how her husband positively loved the fact that Alecto wasn't a fixture in her bed anymore, his company being the only real company she'd had in months. She was beginning to lose her sanity, being stuck by herself when he wasn't him. Bella was almost looking forward to the fact that her sister had insisted on having the family over for tea. Not just her and Rodolphus, but her brother-in-law and his wife as well. Considering all the careful planning that went into the families not associating outside of required occasions, this clearly meant something more than just a nice day together.

Picking up her ring from it's place on the vanity, she slid the heirloom on her finger with a smirk. Mrs. Lestrange was no more than a part she had played for years now, the ever beautiful arm candy to her perfect pureblood husband. A husband who wouldn't want to be kept waiting, and so with one last look over herself, it was off to the fireplace. Honestly, Narcissa, just convince Lucius to let them apparate already.

Rodolphus was there to meet her, taking her hand as she exited the fireplace. It was a quick flick of her wand that cleaned her dress, and she gave her husband a kiss before turning the Malfoy's, "Oh Lucius, wonderful to see you. Cissa, you look absolutely darling."

[Rabastan Lestrange]

"I don't know why they insist on these things. It's not like we're actually family," Rabastan grumbled to himself, fastening the last embellishments onto his crisp button-down and jacket. The Malfoys were horrible company on the best of days, but if they felt they were being slighted - even by his failing to dress for the "occasion" - they would turn insufferable. Even though he felt slighted by Lucius Malfoy's absurd wards; how paranoid was he, or the wife, to have such stringent policy? Did they not have faith enough in Malfoy's counterparts within the ranks to, at the very least, allow anyone to apparate in so long as they had the Mark?...

He and Rod always had their fun. Surely this wouldn't be too horrible.

After finishing up with his look, Rabastan went to the fireplace, and threw the powder into the fire. He bent his frame to fit into the fireplace and take his place within the emerald flames. Rabastan was shortly on his rocky way, cursing the pair of blondes for their absurdities, and landed hard in the Malfoy's fireplace, sending soot out onto the white carpeting. He smiled stiffly, cleaning up his arrival and his clothing, as he stepped out into the room. At least Rodolphus was already present. And, Rab saw as he looked about, there was plenty to eat. He could suffer through "polite conversation" (It was no secret that Narcissa loved pretending that her husband wasn't involved in the "horrors" the "rest" took part in.) enough to eat his fill, certainly. 

Rabastan reached out to shake Lucius' hand, to kiss Narcissa's and Bella's, and share a small grin with his brother. "To what do we owe the pleasure of this invitation?"

[Narcissa Malfoy]

She couldn’t help but smile as she heard her husband’s reply, and his footsteps and humming shortly coming towards her. Her Lucius was a busy man, one with so many responsibilities, that in their years together there were times when he had failed to meet her expectations when it came to the hat he wore that was most important to her: husband. But since their miracle had started to grow within her, it seemed to her as though he was taking more pride in being a husband than ever before. Even with the strained relationship he had with his father, could he now start to see the possibility of changing the father-son Malfoy narrative? What he had with their child would be his to create, and he would be so splendid…

Narcissa let herself be eased back to the springy chaise upon his arrival and gentle reprimand, wrapping the silk around her as she smiled, watching him. Dobby was failing to meet expectations, yet again, but as she looked up at her husband at his return, she could only shake her head. "I only need you - and our guests," she said with a light laugh, an adoring hand to her abdomen. "I cannot wait to share this with them. They will simply be overjoyed, I know it." While her sister and the rest of the Lestranges were an unusual lot, to be sure, surely even they could be happy for her and Lucius. And yes, there was strain between the families at times, but - but this was a day she had looked forward to since their engagement, and it would not be ruined by any pettiness thrown about in her home.

However, their tea did not exactly get off to the most smooth of beginnings.

Someone flew out of the fireplace and into her husband, sending both of them to the carpet covered in soot, and Narcissa reeled in her wide-eyed shock by the time they had taken their feet. Rodolphus was - deservedly - embarrassed and cleaned up as she rose to greet him. She exchanged a look with her husband - Are you quite all right? - while extending her hand to her brother-in-law, smile in place by the time he finished. "We shan’t let so much time pass again, Rodolphus," she assured him, mollified slightly by his compliments. She was radiant, and the reason would be clear to them all soon…

A true smile brightened the young woman’s face as her sister appeared; Narcissa took her in her arms, forgetting formalities in her eagerness. "I’m so glad you’re here," she whispered before releasing her and taking her place at Lucius’ side. ”Look at you all, so prompt,” she said with a smile, hearing another visitor coming through the Floo. Rabastan stepped out and, after pleasantries were exchanged, asked the question of the hour. Narcissa looked up at her husband, beaming, and put her arm around his waist. ”Besides desiring the pleasure of your company, we do have something to share with you all.” She was champing at the bit to share their news, but she couldn’t do before everyone was settled in. "Help yourselves to something to eat, I insist. How have things been at the Ministry for you both? Were those missing portkeys located, Rabastan?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius smiled down at his wife, the familiar and uncomfortable feeling in his stomach returning as she placed a hand on her abdomen. He’d come around to this - he had no choice, really. But before he could give her a response, he was tumbling to the ground in front of the fireplace. It was so typical of Lestrange to do something like this, Rodolphus running straight into him as he suddenly appeared in their fireplace. At least the man had the decency to help Lucius up, and Lucius nodded to the other man’s apology as Rodolphus properly greeted Narcissa. He shot his wife a look - I’m fine, but honestly? - glad for the distraction that presented itself as Bellatrix arrived. The older woman looked a tad sour, which wasn’t surprising to Lucius. The Black sisters got what they wanted, without fail, and for one of them to be denied that? Lucius was very happy that he wasn’t Rodolphus Lestrange right now. Eager to avoid any further mishaps in front of his guests, Lucius moved away from the fire, pleased when Narcissa joined him after exchanging pleasantries with her sister.

“It’s wonderful to see you both,” Lucius said politely, arm around Narcissa’s shoulders as their fireplace lit up with green flames once more. Rabastan was soon stepping out, which meant they only needed one more guest before they could officially share their news. News that he sincerely doubted their guests actually cared for, and perhaps it would mean that this visit would be cut short. Lucius was positive that Bellatrix Lestrange hated children, and neither of the Lestrange brothers exactly seemed like the fatherly type. Narcissa was itching to share this news, and he held her close with a chuckle as she made small talk about such boring things.

“I’m sure they were, neither one of them is the type to leave anything unfinished,” Lucius added to his wife’s question, knowing quite well the kinds of things all of the Lestranges got up to in their spare time. There was a job, and then there was enjoyment. Lucius wouldn’t say he enjoyed his role in the war, but the three in their house? He’d seen the aftermath of what his sister-in-law could get up to. “How’s your mother doing? I hear France is quite lovely this time of year.”

[Rodolphus Lestrange]

Passing his drunken blunder off as a miscalculated step off the hearth seemed to work well enough on Narcissa, who was probably too concerned with how bloated she looked today to notice the aroma of Scotch that wafted from Rodolphus’ breath as he righted himself. Lucius, unfortunately, was a right bit closer and Roddy was unsure whether he was as successful at fooling the wizard as he had been with his vacuous wife. Having imbibed a few too many glasses of drink while waiting on his gorgeous wife to ready herself for this damned event, and ultimately choosing to leave her behind and arrive first to a soiree he did not want to be at was clearly only something he would do if drunk, but Rodolphus was better than most at handling his liquor. He was, at the very least, better than his dearly departed father had been, may he rot in hell. Nevertheless, the show was to carry on and Rodolphus started in on the pleasantries immediately, willing Bella to appear and take the focus off him.

His wife, true to form, did not disappoint. Neither did his brother; Rabastan stepping out of the hearth only moments after Bellatrix. Thank f*ck the Lestranges at least had their shite together, not like these blonde fools who stood before them. Rod resisted the urge to play up his excitement for his brother’s arrival as a show of mockery at how Cissa had greeted her sister – Rab hadn’t seen it but it’d be funny nonetheless, but he curbed himself. Despite his distaste for his in-laws, he did care about his appearance and his arrival had been eventful enough. Instead, he feigned a rigid smile as the small talk began. Portkeys? Who gave a flying f*ck?! Clearly not Lucius as he shut down that dull conversation almost immediately, but to replace it with talks of France? His mum could choke on a croissant for all Rodolphus cared, but Rabastan had an attachment to their mother that Rodolphus would not soil by speaking his ill wishes aloud. “She fine, probably.” Rodolphus said off-handedly, his gaze scouting the room noticeably looking for the bar cart, instead his eyes landed on sister-in-law's tits. They looked f*cking enormous in that dress. Had she had them enlarged? Was that the big news they’d invited the Lestranges over to share? He couldn’t picture Lucius inviting two blokes over to ogle at his wife’s massive tits, but Rodolphus had to admit they were something to behold. Well done, Lucius.

Outfit: better than you
Tagged: Bellatrix Lestrange Rabastan Lestrange Narcissa Malfoy Lucius Malfoy