Narcissa Black

6th Year. Slytherin. Head of the Beautification Committee. "Family is everything."

[black-heart-narcissa]

Does anyone know

[emmeline--v-blog]

Really? Every single one? That takes dedication, Narcissa, you have to admire that. I mean, if it wasn’t such a, erm, horrible thing to do. Of course. Vandalizing the toilets with candy. The sheer audacity….

[black-heart-narcissa]

Honestly, Em, if I didn't know your sweet nature so well, I'd be apt to think it was your dedication that was applied so thoroughly. And I know you might think it's unimportant, but the appearance and atmosphere of our school does matter, and I just.... I thought we were past all this silliness in second year. Is it really so much to expect people to live by a certain set of standards?

[howl-at-the-moony-blog]

I don’t mind being passed over. It is a lot of responsibility, and I think it’s better for me to devote my efforts to being a great tutor. I think it’s much more gratifying to help someone one-on-one than all the duties of being Head Boy. 

My love life? Oh, no, it’s nonexistent. I’m sorry, it’s disappointing. Uh…. erm, I’m not certain if I should ask about yours. I’d heard from someone you were engaged? But, of course, no one should really pay attention to the gossip around here.

[black-heart-narcissa]

Well, I have heard very favorably things about your tutoring skills, and there's certainly no doubt that you lavish those you care about with a quiet sort of affection and dedication. They're quite lucky, your friends. I wonder if they know that.

Nonexistent? My goodness, that is terribly concerning. Luckily you have the entire year to make a suitable match, hmm? My own suitable match is.... wonderful, of course. It's really-- it's perfect, on paper, we're just so-- right for each other. And his family and mine have known each other for ages, it was inevitable, really. And maybe's he not-- Well, but everything worth having is worth working for, right? The struggle makes the wine taste all the sweeter in the end, don't you think?

[black-heart-narcissa]

Does anyone know

who put fizzing whizbees in every girls' toilet on the first floor? I'd like to personally make sure they understand how uncomfortable of an experience that was.

[coffeecharmsandcroaks]

Oh. Um, sorry, just...

[coffeecharmsandcroaks]

Oh, it’s not that I actually want them to sit near me— and not that I don’t want them there, of course, but— I just don’t expect anybody to be there. And I’m okay with that. 

Well, can’t you? Based on the 100% approval rate of your previous outfits, it seems that it’s so. I’m sure one of the Ravenclaw boys must have a chart of it somewhere. I, um… as in, it’s not something the student body has consciously agreed to? There aren’t any meetings titled ‘Those Who Want to Destroy Narcissa’s Wardrobe’ going on. Because that would be dumb. And a complete waste of budget. 

[black-heart-narcissa]

You.... like being alone? Terribly sorry, but I'm just having a hard time following you here.

Of course it would be a waste, an absolutely horrid idea, and not just because my wardrobe is flawless and to destroy it is to detract from the aesthetic of this place. Your wardrobe, on the other hand... Well, not that it isn't lovely in it's own way, but.... How do you feel about makeovers?

[howl-at-the-moony-blog]

James will, I’m sure of it. It is a lot of responsibility, I know, but Dumbledore selected him for a reason. I know, it has been quite…. quite tense, but I know he would want nothing but for everyone to feel safe. And if he forgets, I’ll be sure to remind him. Or Lily will, heaven knows she knows exactly what she’s doing.

You’re welcome, I know it’s very important to you. It’s nice, that someone is looking after this old castle. Well, as long as all the members are as devoted as you are, I’m sure the smaller numbers won’t make any difference, right? That’s great. Good.

[black-heart-narcissa]

Thank you, Remus. I feel much better, and quite reassured, just from talking to you. I have to confess that I did wonder a little bit why Dumbledore didn't choose you for the position...

But enough talk of committees and tensions and responsibility... Tell me about the current state of your love life. I do love a good romance.

[theweakestlinc]

I— Oh, um, I wouldn’t say all nervous. A good percentage of this is just poor social skills and the inability to listen to the wise voice in my head telling me to be quiet. Which… I’m going to heed now. 

It’s what’s on the inside that counts. And according to most, I’m full of non-funny dragon dung on the inside. But if it’s any consolation, there’s no bad way to take the word ‘focused’. It’s an admirable trait all around. 

[black-heart-narcissa]

Don't heed it; I like the babbling. Makes me feel better about my own silly comments and remarks.

Well, that just means you need to practice more. That's the path to perfection, isn't it? You're very sweet, thank you. So tell me-- how's our quidditch team looking this year? If we lose the cup again, I'm pretty sure I'll actually cry, and I am not a pretty crier.

[coffeecharmsandcroaks]

Oh. Um, sorry, just...

[coffeecharmsandcroaks]

U-Um. I don’t think so, at least not officially, but then again that would contradict with the notion that there isn’t such thing as coincidences, and… and I’m really very sorry, Narcissa, but I’m sure you could pull off any trend whether it’s actually trendy or not. 

To do so inside the castle would’ve subjected a good portion of the student body to possibly dangerous fumes. I’m sorry, I really should’ve put a sign but I didn’t think anybody would… sit. There. Near me. 

[black-heart-narcissa]

Well, if you want more people to sit by you, maybe you should start with not damaging the seats. Do you really think I could pull off any trend? 

Wait. What  do you mean by 'not officially'?

[howl-at-the-moony-blog]

It’s preferable to having a muddled pile of clothing where you can’t tell whether it’s clean or dirty, which I’m sure is a popular system. I’m sure you’re right, an organized wardrobe might increase potential. But I’m not sure I have the time. Uh, thank you. That’s, uh, kind of you to notice.

My plans? Oh, I’m sure our antics will be a bit different this year, James is Head Boy this year, so he will have to be a bit more, erm, responsible than he has been. I like to think me being a Prefect rubbed off on him… At any rate. I’m only planning to pass my NEWTs, be the best tutor I can be, and help plot out some charming and good-natured pranks that won’t get any of us in trouble. But how about you, Narcissa? How is the Beautification Committee shaping up? 

[black-heart-narcissa]

Oh, goodness, I don't know if I can even stomach the thought of such a system. Of course, that would explain why so many of our fellow students arrive at breakfast looking-- and smelling-- like they've just emerged from a potted plant.

I do hope he will take his duties seriously. It's such an important role, you know? And I confess to being a bit... well, a bit apprehensive, especially when there seems to be so much extra... strain, this year. It's very important for students to feel safe in their school, you know, and I just.... I just do hope he knows what he's doing.

But, anyway, how kind of you to ask about my committee, thank you. We've started the year off wonderfully, of course. We've made several suggestions which I'm sure Dumbledore and Mr. Filch will get to as soon as they have the time. And while the committee might be a touch smaller this year, that's really only because we're holding higher standards for membership, so... Yes, everything's wonderful.

[howl-at-the-moony-blog]

You’re right, I have no idea…. I suppose it is? I tend to just sort by dirty or clean, in all honesty, I tend to focus my, er, organizing attentions on my class notes.

You’re welcome, it’s no problem. Like I said, I didn’t have much of anything planned anyway. That sounds perfect, actually. Lead the way, Miss Black.

[black-heart-narcissa]

Oh, that's.... well, that's certainly one way to do it, although I would think it would tend towards a certain.... lack of maximum potential? But then, your schoolwork is generally flawless, I must admit.

And speaking of school, why don't you tell me of your plans for this year as we walk? I do hope you'll be going out with a different sort of bang than your crowd usually enjoys.

[coffeecharmsandcroaks]

Oh. Um, sorry, just...

Pardon me? Hi. Lovely weather today, huh? Anyways, um, I was just wondering if you could maybe get out of that seat as soon as possible, because I might have just spilled a solution of phenol and doxy venom on it a couple minutes ago… You know, if you wouldn’t mind. 

[black-heart-narcissa]

Excuse me? Does the entire castle have some secret plan to ruin my wardrobe this year? What made you possibly think that the courtyard-- the public courtyard-- was the place to demonstrate your carelessness and ineptitude?

[howl-at-the-moony-blog]

Yeah, shoe closet reorganization sounds…. stressful, yeah.

Oh, really? That’d be… that’d be quite pleasant, thank you Narcissa. I’d love to.

[black-heart-narcissa]

Oh, you have no idea. There's just so many options-- do I organize by occasion or color or heel height? Some people might not consider it very important, but having a well-organized closet is the first step to having a well-organized life, don't you think?

Oh, wonderful. And thank you for joining me. How do the study couches in the library sound? They should be quiet and peaceful at this time of night, most amenable to good conversation. 

[theweakestlinc]

No, no pretending here, ma’am. I mean, sir. I mean— … Yeah. But no pretending. After all, underestimating a Black in any way’s a pretty stupid mistake to make, isn’t it? 

Um, yeah, but Gladys tells me that my sense of humor isn’t all that humorous to begin with anyways. So I’m guessing that copious amounts of glitter has been vetoed this year, then? 

[black-heart-narcissa]

Has anyone ever told you how absolutely adorable you are when you're all nervous?

With a smile like that, how could you not have an excellent sense of humor? Don't worry, I'm sure it's me. I get a little... what's the polite word for it? Overly-focused?

[howl-at-the-moony-blog]

Well, until everyone knows said absolute certainty, how can we be sure it exists? Anyway… Well, if you haven’t figured out how to please everyone, Narcissa, it seem like we might never achieve that. 

I think tonight is dedicated to a bit of relaxation. I don’t have any tutorees to help, no homework due tomorrow, and my friends are hopefully entertaining themselves in a way that won’t earn them detention. I think a cup of tea and a nice book is perfect for tonight. How about you, how’s your evening shaping up?

[black-heart-narcissa]

You know, that actually does sound like an excellent plan for the evening. I was thinking about reorganizing my shoe closet-- I'm just not happy with the initial setup I chose for this year-- but your plans sound so much more relaxing. 

My mother just owled me some of my favorite English rose tea, if you'd care to try a cup? I promise, it'll be the sweetest thing you've had all week.

[aliceroars-deactivated20150707]

Honestly.

[aliceroars-deactivated20150707]

…Are you… offering to give me wardrobe 101…?

The answer to that in reference to the Holyhead Harpies sweater is probably a no, but on the other hand it does make me feel comfortable. And I aim to be comfortable much more often than I aim to be beautiful.

[black-heart-narcissa]

Well, no, I was being a touch sarcastic, but.... Do you want Wardrobe 101? You know my good heart would never let me turn down a student in need.

.........That.... explains so much about you. Unfortunately. The pursuit of comfort leads to so much wasted potential.

[theweakestlinc]

There is a beautiful opportunity for a remark about it not being able to contend with your sparkling personality in there somewhere, but I’ll graciously refrain. But only because I don’t think I can survive a glare from a glittering fairy. 

Afternoon, Narcissa. Hey, you never know, maybe they were just trying to support the mission of the Beautification Committee? 

[black-heart-narcissa]

If only everyone could be as sweet and courteous as you, Linc. And how adorable of you to pretend my glare is actually threatening.

Well, then, they should know that all Beautification efforts must be approved by the committee president and a majority vote of... Oh, goodness, I'm sorry, you were just teasing, weren't you?

[howl-at-the-moony-blog]

Mhmm, and a nice break for the rest of us.

I suppose…. Well, it’s difficult, Narcissa, isn’t it? Right and wrong is difficult because of how everyone has a slightly different view of what is really important. I mean, there’s major wrongs, like murder, using the Unforgivables… But for the more minor stuff, like little white lies and procrastination, people are more apt to disagree, which makes right and wrong so uncertain with those. It seems like with those, whatever you choose, there will be someone who thinks the choice is wrong. I try to make everyone happy, but I can’t always manage it. I don’t think anyone can.

[black-heart-narcissa]

Just because people disagree doesn't mean there isn't an absolute certainty out there somewhere; it just means they don't know it. But as far as making everyone happy goes... I'm afraid I have to agree with you, at least for now. I've been working on the magic formula to pleasing everyone, but I haven't quite perfected it... yet.

So who are trying to make happy tonight? Working on some homework for the professors? Spending time with your friends? Or maybe just taking a little time for yourself?

[aliceroars-deactivated20150707]

Honestly.

There is nothing harder than convincing yourself you really don’t need a third Holyhead Harpies sweater especially after they totally killed Puddlemere in the quarter finals not two months ago…

…I mean, it’s just a backup. What if I lose one and accidentally incinerate the other in a fit of rage? Then where will I be?

[black-heart-narcissa]

In need of Wardrobe Care 101, apparently. 

But, honestly, the only question you really need to ask yourself is: Will it make you feel confident and beautiful when you wear it? And if the answer is anything other than an unequivocal "absolutely", don't buy it.