Je Suis Pur

Born as the youngest of the noble house of black. Known to be beautifully imperfect - she is Narcissa.

[rcquicm-blog]

“Surely a Black girl would be far too well educated to be so clumsy,” he assured her, though there was a degree of warning in his voice. Desperate he may be, but he was not here to be any more embarrassed. 

Rodolphus knew better than to take his too far away from the here and now, and concentrated on keeping his feet steady and the pair’s movements graceful. It was all about the spectacle, even if nobody was paying them any attention.

[blxckfleur-blog]

“I’m flattered you think so highly of me, it’s quite the honor.” Cissa replied, though there was an underlying sarcasm hinted - there was also sincere thanks. She wasn’t the most prominent sister and to be given a praise on occasion was something she enjoyed. 

It was quite a disappointment as the pair seemed to fade away into the shadows. Everyone else was far more occupied with themselves. They were not the couple to be observed. Perhaps she should have been thankful for the peace. 

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[celestepxrkinson]

“My dress is just absolutely lovely, is it not?” Celeste chirped, an innocent smile on her face, doe-eyes wide with wonder. She absolutely loved balls, especially during Halloween. “And I’m sure that I compliment my brother, we’re like a matching set. Isn’t that neat? Merlin, I’m sorry, I’m rambling your ear off aren’t I?” 

[blxckfleur-blog]

Narcissa bit her lip as she thought out the possible replies she could use. Though at the mention of the Parkinsons brother, she scrunched her nose. The infamous brother was notorious for shagging purebred girls. “A bit,” she murmured before her attention was refocused on Celeste. “Yes you do look quite lovely, far lovelier than your brother.”

[haoxavier-deactivated20171003]

It was sad, how true Narcissa’s words rang against her ears — Her marriage would be ridiculous. Lucius, oh Lucius. A Malfoy, in Bella’s opinion would never be good enough for her beloved sister. How could anyone be? Her dazzling future, however, was another issue entirely. The dark haired sister simply nodded her head, bringing the glass up against her lips and downing the burning liquid. It appeared to ache all the way down to her stomach, insides twisting and turning as the disastrous taste lingered upon her lips. A huff followed the action, an attempt to keep a cough from slipping past her lips – she would not show such weakness. Teeth gritting against one another she felt herself growing weaker– the fire-whiskey made her feel weak. “Again?” A slight smirk curled across her lips, as the dark haired Black eyed her sister. 

[blxckfleur-blog]

Even though Bellatrix attempted to paint a perfectly flawless image of herself, Narcissa could see past it. Bella was still mortal and sculpted of imperfection much like herself. But she didn’t dare voice it. Bella enjoyed being revered as the greatest and so she’d have it. “Again,” she nodded her head boldly. She clinked the glass against hers as she took another gulp of the alcohol. Her eyes fluttered as it burned just like before. But she was growing used to it, she was learning to tolerate. “I want to drink until I forget it all,” Cissa said softly as her nails dug into her own skin. She was so exhausted, she just wanted to let go. “Would you join me on this endeavor dear sister?” she raised a brow.

[feminavirum]

This entire interaction was a mess, and if the ground could have opened up to reveal a massive hole, Ariadne knew tin that moment she would have jumped in quite happily. Taking a deep breath, Ariadne dampens her lower lip with her tongue before attempting to find the words to patch up this situation, knowing that she needed to act fast if she wanted to avoid having someone like Narcissa Black view her as weak, or pathetic. “I am not worried about a lack of offers; I am simply not yet in the mood to dance. I have plenty of confidence and pride, I can assure you.”

[blxckfleur-blog]

Like a childs fairytale book, the girl was terribly easy to read. Ariadne was quite horrid at keeping her emotions to herself. It looked like she would break and crack within seconds. All that she said sounded like a lie - most likely was a lie. Narcissa had been aware of the young Greengrass’s reputation, for being soft and gentle. She was far more suited to be in the other houses. “What a shame, you’d look quite pretty on the dance floor,” a shrug and a casual tug of a frown graced the young Black’s face. “In my own experience, those who are - well they have no need to reinforce their capabilities publicly.” It was yet another dig at the poor girl. Perhaps Narcissa was enjoying this too much. 

[bravestghost-deactivated2019070]

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[xeniaadair-blog]

The youngest Black was, in many ways, an opportunity for Emma. As the most approachable ( at least, in emma’s mind ) of the three Black sisters, she was the easiest to befriend. An ally in the Black family, or at least someone she was on good terms with, was incredibly useful for a girl trying to climb the ranks of the pureblood hierarchy. Plus, there was something about Narcissa that intrigued Emma, like a puzzle she wanted to figure out. Emma was no stranger to wearing masks, adopting a persona to hide one’s true self. It was common enough amongst the purebloods she was raised with, but there was something about Narcissa’s that captured her interest. Spying the younger girl standing alone, Emma knew an opportunity when she saw one. She didn’t hesitate to take it.

“Can a girl not approach her fellow Slytherin without having an ulterior motive?” Emma asked lightly, raising a brow at Narcissa, though a smile played  on her lips. “I just wanted to tell you that your dress is stunning – a pleasant change from some of the more questionable choices I’ve witnessed this evening. Though, naturally I expected nothing short of beautiful – you have quite the reputation for impeccable taste in clothing.”

[blxckfleur-blog]

It wasn’t hard to recognize who the girl was. In fact, one didn’t even have to see to know her voice. Narcissa had seen her everywhere, with many of the other Slytherins. And her name was Emma Vanity, notoriously known to be a Quidditch star as well as a self proclaimed princess. From highly merited praises to dark looming gossip, it whirled around the blonde like a tornado. One had been particularly nasty which started with the Captain’s close relations with Lucius. And so, Narcissa had kept a distance, remaining in her own circle of protection. But it seemed like it was getting popped. 

“There’s always one, whether it’s acknowledged at the moment or later, it is inevitable,” she said softly. It was the mere truth. That was simply how life worked, people chose to act upon their desires - for something, it was how they drove their lives. At the warmth of her compliment, she smiled, “thank you, and yes. I wonder how some have the dignity to appear without a single ounce of humiliation. However, you look impeccably classy as well.” It was the typical polite spiel, she was unsure how to carry on the conversation. 

[lvcius-blog]

It was during times like this that Lucius was almost thankful that he wasn’t arranged to marry anyone else. It was true that Narcissa wouldn’t be his first choice and that there were perhaps one or two other who he would rather marry had he been given the choice, — namely, a certain Belladonna Burke who he knew would be able to handle him at both his worst and his best — but seeing her keep up with him made him think that he could’ve done worse. The youngest Black girl was at least capable of matching his strides, not seeming to set him back in the slightest just so that she could become the perfect pureblood wife. Lucius supposed that it was more than he could ask for. Or really, it was the most his father could’ve done for him, and he was going to take it as it was — considering that being arranged to a Black also meant a strong alliance that would come with the union of their families. And the fact that Narcissa was capable of keeping up with him made him thankful that the arranged marriage he had wasn’t completely not in his favour in terms of everything other than power. 

Which was what caused the expression on Lucius’s face to grow a little more genuine, more like the expression one would see him wearing when he was in the company of his parents of Belladonna and Emma. A small smile flitted across his lips briefly at Narcissa’s words, noting how it had sound almost teasing than mocking to his ears. “Doesn’t it?” he countered. “My father taught me that all politicians must be capable of utilising flattery to get them far. Perhaps I was merely practicing the theories he had imposed on me.” The lightness she had held in her words was returned with one that accompanied his own. For a brief moment, he let himself relax into the dance, tearing his gaze away from his dance partner to once again made an observation of their surroundings. This time, though, he did it out of mere curiosity as opposed to the practiced movement that he had pulled earlier, the condescending air he usually carried replaced with something a little less arrogant ( of course, it was still present, but just not as much as it was a few moments ago ). The gazes placed upon them seemed to blur a little more now that he was capable of losing himself further into the rhythm he and Narcissa had fell into. “I must say, I’m pleasantly surprised that flattery happens to suit you well, though. I’m delighted to hear that you’re enjoying this time.” Once again, his head was dipped in a brief nod of acknowledge, lips pulling into half a smile a second time when he brought his gaze back to her face.

[blxckfleur-blog]

Her father had promised her off against her will. He had it engraved into her mind that her existence was for the Black name. But it never came to their discussion that her being had been his own doing. Master Black believed himself (like his forefathers) to be almost righteously godly, he did no wrong. Not in the eyes of society, and certainly not in the eyes of family. Narcissa had known of this fated encounter and she had dreaded it. An invisible anvil had always rested on her pale shoulders, weighing her down. The fear of being flawed and intolerable always echoed at the back of her mind. In her head, she had created an image to loathe. But it wasn’t aligning to her original thoughts. He wasn’t as two dimensional as she had invented him being. In fact, there was something almost refreshing. A claim that Narcissa could rarely make. Her life had been held by chains, the key controlled by her father. This was one of the very glimpses of hope that she could taste. Life didn’t seem as unbearable ... almost. 

Just as skilled with language, he brought forth a strong rebuttal that amused her. The young girl was starting to loosen at the threads, feeling more like herself. “But I believe you have no need to get far,” in her head, he already had what he needed without any effort attached. “Although, you may practice as much as you please. After all, a king is not made in a day,” a clever analogy which fell from her lips with a faint coyness interwoven. Narcissa was never truly outwardly blunt, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t capable of being bold. There was something quite refined yet playfully witty which gave her a dazzling spirit. The harmonies and melodies were droned out into the background. Her attention towards the others occupying the ballroom had waned from their initial dance. The nerves that had rooted her down in pessimism seemed to fade. Instead, her head was slightly adjusted up (with an air of confidence) and her movements were less perfunctory. Narcissa was finally enjoying herself, finally relaxing. “You mustn't shower too many compliments,” she murmured lightly, “it could easily result in unintended desirability,” a faint whisper escaped her lips. She was challenging him to say no, to deny all of this. A part of her would expect it, but there was something girlish and childish that wanted to hear otherwise. “I do hope I’m not the only one enjoying these passing minutes.” Her unhindered gaze matched his. 

[feminavirum]

The blush that appeared on Ariadne’s otherwise pale cheeks was magnificent, her embarrassment clear as Narcissa appeared to put her down. To be corrected in such a manner made Ariadne feel entirely irrelevant, and it was against her better nature that the girl found herself anxiously nibbling on her lower lip, worried by the view Narcissa might now hold of her. “Oh, of course. I didn’t mean to say that to stand alone was a bad thing, simply not my preferred method of entertainment. It was a bad choice of words.” She was flustered now, tripping over her words in an attempt to make things better, to make herself seem more likeable to the youngest Black sister.

[blxckfleur-blog]

Thick eyelashes lingered on the blonde’s face, deciphering the emotions that glimmered transparently. From the hesitant tone laced in her voice to the slight motion of her lip, Narcissa could see her wearing her shame with embarrassment. Sometimes, she’d pretend to be merciful. Coolly, she nodded her head, “All is well, but I’d take careful notice of the words you choose. Sometimes when strung together, they create an awfully terrible misconception.” She merely smiled ( a distantly fraudulent smile.) “You needn’t look so downtrodden. I’m sure any gentleman here would be glad to dance with you if you share a bit more confidence. A bit of pride.” Narcissa remarked, wondering how a Slytherin like her was so soft spoken.

[lvcius-blog]

Indeed, he did know that there were eyes on him as there were eyes on Narcissa. That, however, did not mean that he paid them any mind. Besides, Lucius was fully aware that a lot of the attention that he was receiving came from being the Malfoy heir, and the young prince had no time associating with people who were desperate for power, vying for his attention for that very reason. They thought themselves subtle, perhaps, but he knew better. At least he knew that Narcissa wasn’t in his company for that reason. If anything, her lack of will of being in his presence was almost refreshing. It was almost as if the two of them had an unspoken agreement of some sort, that they both knew that this was just for the show and nothing else. There were no lies, except the ones they sold to the public’s eyes. “I’m afraid that I can’t say the same about them,” he mused lightly, not missing a beat as he fell into another dance with Narcissa when the next song started. He noted that she fell right into step with their banter, and felt somewhat triumphant about this. He would rather have this than a dry conversation. At least his future wife was capable of keeping up with him. “I’d very much rather bask in the jealous eyes of others while I dance with the flower that they’ve been waiting to dance with all night. Unless, of course, you’d rather dance with them instead rather than appreciate all these attentive gazes that they seem to giving us?” It was a question that both of them knew didn’t need to be answered.

[blxckfleur-blog]

Her footwork was precise as usual. At this time she felt more comfortable since the first dance. One hand rested on his broad shoulder as the other, gripped tightly to his palm. The way their hands intertwined together intrigued her. Her slender and narrow fingers carved to statuesque proportions were quite small in comparison to the wideness of his own. Yet they interlocked like a puzzle piece - as if it was meant to fit. The sound of his voice echoed to her ears as she resisted the tug of her lips.“Flattery, well this doesn’t fit the characteristics of the picturesque ice king.” A light observation she made out loud. Through her mask, her mahogany eyes glimmered in curiosity. There was no point in being so kind. Therefore, what was his motive? She wanted to laugh, he had picked up on her academic reflection, it almost made her think he gave a bloody damn. But that would be idiotic, all of this was to speed up time. Dancing in silence, now that was misery she didn’t want to bestow neither upon him nor herself. “Of course I wouldn’t dare refuse a dance with you, I’m quite sure I could appreciate no other.” Head tilted she paused to see what kind of response she’d garner.“Perhaps another suitable synonym for appreciate is value. I must admit, I have started to value this time more than I thought I would.” It was a understated comment that meant more than it seemed. Of course, Narcissa had been interested in Lucius Malfoy. But she had never voiced it as boldly. Even now, she was carefully treading on water, each syllable had been enunciated with tangled nuances.

[rcquicm-blog]

Rod allowed her acquiescence - his first proper success of the night - to stroke the ego of his that had been so damaged this evening. Yes, Narcissa was fifteen and the wrong Black sister, but it felt right that he would dance with a pureblood at least once this evening. 

“How tremendously generous of you,” he replied with a grin, offering out his hand for hers. The gentle music of the last dance was drawing to a gradual close as they spoke, allowing other pairs about the room to invite one another for a dance. 

[blxckfleur-blog]

“Yes, I know, I’m quite kind,” she murmured with a faint smile as she took his hand. “Excuse my clumsiness if I do manage to step on your foot,” Narcissa warned in advance, a light laugh escaping her lips. He’d know that the royal house of Black rarely ever did make mistakes. But when they did, it left a gaping hole much like the antics of her sister. 

The melodic tunes began to play as the pair began to twirl about on the floor. In her mind, she was still distracted by a million other things. It probed her head and caused her worry. 

[lvcius-blog]

It was to the least of Lucius’ surprises that he and Narcissa had gathered an audience ( not that they had been subtle at all about watching their pair glide across the dance floor ) while he twirled her in his arms. He muttered a low hum in response when she uttered the observation, nodding his head and letting his lips quirk into a tiny smirk that only his dance partner could see. “I wouldn’t be surprised,” Lucius replied smoothly—almost as if he was doing this in one practiced movement. “After all, you seem to be one with quite a few admirers.” Though he knew that Narcissa wasn’t the only one that the others were eyeing, Lucius also knew that there were a number of people out there who would be glaring at him with envy for being the lucky bachelor arranged to the flower of the Black family. Had he been one to express his emotions more, he would’ve snorted at that and welcomingly let others try to take the youngest Black girl from him. But he knew that he had a game to play, and that game included marrying whoever it was that his father thought as most suitable for him. Dipping his head a little as a sign of politeness, he went on, “If you don’t mind, a second dance would actually please me. Don’t you just love the obvious jealous stares we’ve somehow attracted?”

[blxckfleur-blog]

Alternating between his countenance and those around her, she caught a quick flash of prominent Malfoy arrogance smothered upon the corners of his lips. “I wouldn’t say I’m the only one, I’m sure there are others who would adore to be in your company,” there were a certain few that came into her mind but Narcissa knew she had little interest in making their small talk even more, awkward. One didn’t need to hear to know about Lucius’s lady friends. Despite the stubborn nature within her, waiting to submerge to the surface and break away - she couldn’t help but indulge just a bit in the attention. It was almost natural (almost) to smile but it was barely seen. The girl forced back a stoic expression where she reminded herself of her original intention: to look elegant, composed and sophisticated. “A second dance? I never knew the famous Lucius Malfoy would dare ask for another,” she murmured, humoring herself. The movement of her arched brows paralleled with her eyes - revealing a rather beguiled and sarcastic reaction. “Love, a strong word used to describe a passion. No, not quite love. Perhaps appreciate is a better term. It is far less sentimental.” At this moment, Narcissa had realized she had been rambling like a ninny, “pardon my nonsense.” She wasn’t per-say embarrassed, but nonetheless she felt vulnerable. Rarely would she speak so openly about her thoughts. “But if you wish for another dance, then I shall accept.” She tilted her head ever so slightly. The longer their time progressed together, the quicker her nerves were reacting to the build up of her body temperature. Intimacy with another had been rarely prolonged for this long. It was frighteningly new. 

[grcengrass]

To actually get to one of the Black sisters, it was difficult, that was for sure. Paris could not help but feel bad for the poor souls who were to go into the bond of marriage with either of the three. He could hardly restraining himself from scoffing as he realized he felt bad, he never felt anything. Which added onto the fact that this must have been a joke, another lie put on by his self, another role he was slipping into. Nodding his head ever so slightly the young man glanced away from Narcissa and towards the crowd before him, “It reminds me of Odette, in a way– though, I would never dare to compare you to a muggle lore, miss Black.” 

[blxckfleur-blog]

“A fool would know better than to use muggle comparisons, especially for a Greengrass. You should be quite aware, after all, you are a part of the sacred blood, are you not?” Narcissa remarked with a 180 degree turn of her head. It was astounding that he’d attempt to flaunt any sort of muggle knowledge he had. Did he want to get skinned and burned? Her eyes were scrutinizing his facial tics to pick out the little details that revealed any movement of expression. Yes, there was that look. It wasn’t worn to it’s full extravaganza but she saw it. Pity, how dare he. 

[haoxavier-deactivated20171003]

It was odd to believe that something as average as drinking became an obscure and fascinating subject to the two. Bellatrix had pushed the boundaries, many times in her life, but they always appeared to be extremes, nothing as minor as having a glass of firewhiskey or spiked punch. Something so seemingly average suddenly became a mystery – that new challenge which she would deign. Nevertheless her fingers wrapped around one glass and offered it to Narcissa, the next glass quickly found itself in her hands before uttering, “Well in that case— so am I.” 

[blxckfleur-blog]

Fragile fingers gripped the slender spine of the delicate cylinder. Her eyes peered down at the content that sparkled inside of it. “This is for my ridiculous marriage arrangement, for Andy who’s hopefully going to regain her sanity ... and for your beautifully dazzling future,” Narcissa murmured to Bella with the most subtle smile. The glass clinked against her before she swallowed all of the alcohol down her system. “Oh for the sake of pureblood supremacy, this burns,” she mumbled through her teeth. It’s electric buzz vibrated through her veins. So this was why people liked to drink, it was an intoxicating rush of adrenaline, and the flavor rolled about in her tongue. She wanted more.

[feminavirum]

It made Ariadne feel better, to see that Narcissa found herself to be as alone in the midsts of a ball as she was. They were both of high status, after all; Narcissa in fact held a much higher position than Ariadne did, and so the blonde felt infinitely better at the knowledge that someone such as Narcissa Black couldn’t garter the attention of a man anymore than she could. “Oh, I am sure your company will be more than satisfactory; and it certainly beats standing alone.”

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[blxckfleur-blog]

“Standing alone,” Narcissa said slowly, savoring the word in her mouth,·“now I wouldn’t pick those words of any words to use - it’s connotations are rather … pathetic.” She tilted her head, eyes picking away at the visage of the other,·“don’t you agree? perhaps waiting for appropriate company is more suitable.” To be spoken about as if she was nothing was something that always irked her, it reminded her constantly of her birth. Something she looked lowly upon - absolutely despised.

[feminavirum]

Ariadne was beginning to feel rather uncomfortable over the prospect of spending the night on her own; it simply didn’t look right, and she could only pray that so far, no-one had noticed she had been on her own. The sight of an equally alone Narcissa comforted the brunette somewhat, and so Ariadne had approached her fellow Slytherin with cautious steps, a soft smile set in place. “I was hoping you wouldn’t mind if I chose to join you?”

[blxckfleur-blog]

Perhaps her distaste for Ariadne’s brother strong - but for his sister, Narcissa tolerated her much better. But it was a surprise to see that the lovely brunette wasn’t whisked in the arms of some sort of gentleman. The name Greengrass was coincided with royal purity after all. Yet one could say the same about her, but all who knew her understood her societal slave shackles. Only men were allowed to do whatever they pleased. It was absurd. “You are free to do so, though I apologize if I can not provide desirable company.”

[rcquicm-blog]

“No need to fear, Cissa. I was being sarcastic,” he assured her, momentarily resting a hand on her arm as he spoke. The Black sisters were a trio that almost everyone followed with some interest, and he was certainly no exception. He knew what Andromeda had been up to that turned her sister’s expression so sour. 

Rodolphus raised an eyebrow at Cissa’s reply, to a degree genuinely surprised that she hadn’t received any definite offers. Or was it more that she had yet to accept any? “Open to every offer but mine it would seem. You damage my pride, Miss Black,” he said derisively, leaning back against the table once again. “You should dance with anyone that takes your fancy. Don’t limit yourself. Show them all how much better you are than them.”

[blxckfleur-blog]

“And here I thought you were being serious,” a slight smile and raise of her eyebrows, almost satirical. There was an unspoken acknowledgement between slytherin bred elites like themselves, no words were ever needed to explain disgrace openly. 

“Then perhaps I shall defy tradition for just this one instant.” Arms unfolded, her fingers delicately propped up her mask. “If the wonderful and mighty well bred Rodolphus Lestrange wishes, I would gladly be of company just for one dance - because I’m tremendously kind.” Narcissa treated him like a brother she never had (he would be one eventually) but she decided to entertain his request, he had always put up with her complaints after all ... rather it was embarrassing to remind herself of her younger years.