Narcissa Black, was to be Malfoy but apparently soon to be Lupin. I think I'll be keeping my maiden name in marriage.
Twenty years old, youngest daughter of the prestigious pureblood Black family.
Tagging: Remus Lupin, Narcissa Black, James Potter
Date: November 14th, late at night.
Notes: Going to the Chapel and we’re gonna get marrrieeed. Remus and Narcissa show up late to James’ house, asking if he’ll witness their shotgun wedding.
"Short is just—" Remus couldn’t help but eye just how much smaller in stature the ministry official happened to be, and paired with his poor word choice, Remus couldn’t help crack a smile despite his nerves and himself. "Just fine. Sir." He cleared his throat and wiped the small smile from his face, trying not to glance at James’ whom Remus was sure was thinking the exact same thing.
He couldn’t help but smile wider at James’ excitement and winked to him with a ‘Thanks mate’ before walking over to Narcissa to stand with her. Where he’d learn to mask his nerves during school with humour, he knew the blonde was making herself a mess with hers. His hand found hers and gripped it tight, looping her arm into his and giving her an encouraging smile before turning to the official again. "I think we’re ready to get started… the sooner we get this done, the better, yeah?"
The official nodded abruptly and headed towards the window, dragging his feet along making it terribly obvious that the pair had horribly inconvenienced him. The owl perched itself on his arm and ruffled its feathers again, keeping the Ministry sealed papers firmly between its beaked until his stubby hands carefully grasped the parchment. "Here I have the documents that will need four signatures. Obviously two from the matched as well as mine and the witness’s." He turned to James reluctantly, eyeing the man down and silently judging his choice of attire before looking back to the papers. "You two, here please." He said pointing to the open area directly in front of him.
Remus could feel his heart rate pick up and squeezed Narcissa’s hand tighter into his and he took the lead in walking them to their positions. The man’s nerves had breach beyond the point of being culled with humour as their marriage was at hand. He swallowed hard in an attempt to moisten his quickly drying throat, thankful that the blonde to his left was or at least appeared to be keeping herself together far better than he was.
James Potter:
James had to hold back a snicker at the sight of the Ministry official, and when he caught Remus’ eye and heard his best friends words to the man, he almost lost it. Clamping his lip between his teeth, he took a moment to compose himself and then returned Remus’ wink.
The brunette seemed pre-occupied already, though, and James smiled, moving to stand behind him and giving his sleeve a tug. "You got this, Moony." He murmured. He felt that he should say something to Narcissa, but then the official had begun to instruct them on signing papers and was giving James a rather disapproving look.
He should have changed, honestly.
Resisting the urge to glare at the man, James went about unpacking the rings from the ministry parcel, thankfully without making too much noise. Rings in hand, he watched Remus and Narcissa move to their respective positions and took his to the side to wait until he was needed.
Narcissa Black:
She caught the cut off joke the boys shared, even though Remus made the effort to stop himself from laughing openly and only caught his friends eye for a second. Her lips pursed slightly at the thought of him upsetting the official and having him leave; the jokes could've waited until after they were husband and wife but just as they were about to exchange rings and vows was not the time to tell either of them off.
Again she allowed Remus to take her hand and walk to the pointed spot they were wanted, her cheeks still coloured from the last show of public affection he had given her. Her mind was a mess and her nerves were shot as she realised in the next five minutes she would no longer be Narcissa Black. She would be kissing the man clinging to her hand in front of his best friend and signing a piece of paper that would declare them each others. It was enough to make her stomach tie itself into the tightest of knots and yet, as always, not a single bit of her anxiety crept through the perfect mask she wore.
She wasn't sure why she felt a longing for James to acknowledge her the way he was Remus, after all the two dark haired males were as close as brothers and Narcissa had ended whatever 'friendship' between herself and Potter long ago, but when she saw him tugging on the sleeve of her husband to be the blonde couldn't help but feel just a little left out. It was her own fault and James was obviously not giving it a second thought as he rummaged with the box, unwrapping it and revealing the two white gold wedding bands.
The official cleared his throat and glanced at the two before pulling out a piece of parchment to read from, it was small meaning his promise of a short ceremony would be just that. "We are gathered here tonight-" he spat the last word out pointedly, clearly still annoyed at his midnight call out for the young couple, "To unite this man and this woman in lawful matrimony." It was blunt and unromantic, no frills or speeches of love like a wedding would traditionally have. It was sadly fitting considering the reasons the pair were getting married and Narcissa could only hope one day the feelings they'd had; the ones that had prompted the shotgun marriage and the previous experience that evening in their living room, would bloom into something so much more and deeper in time.
"Any objections?" the officials voice brought her out of her daydreaming, in unison she turned her head towards James even though she knew he wouldn't speak up. Comically the cat which had been circling his feet meowed softly, though they chose to ignore it's poor timing and proceed with the midnight ceremony. The older wizard flipped through several pieces of worn parchment, clearly skipping from the beginning to the end as promised, and cleared his throat awkwardly again after finding his place. He was tired and grumpy, glancing upwards from his parchment to look at the couple. "Do you know your vows?" he asked, clearly not wanting to prompt them through it.
The blonde nodded and squeezed Remus' hands, smiling slightly in her silent offer to go first. She had had her vows memorised since a child, so even if he wasn't sure of them he could copy her. "I, Narcissa, take you, Remus, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part." Never had her voice shook, only slightly, when she'd practiced them yet in the moment; with all eyes on her, she couldn't help but let the moment overwhelm her.
Date: November 14th, that’s important let’s remember it haha.
Notes: I changed it to be more fitting cause I’m a good girl. Narcissa and Remus agree to a shotgun wedding, things get a little heated during the proposal? So, um, don’t read if you’re innocent? <3
Remus Lupin:
The man was far too lost in his thoughts and awe of his exposed fiancée to notice her hands and fingers moving along his forearms, eventually snapping him when her fingernails threatened to break skin. He helplessly watched and moved freely to her guidance of his hands along her form, letting out a small sigh when she stopped them at her chest. The man was lost in the different sensations running through him from the feeling of new skin beneath his palms, the fire burning him up from the inside out, to the growing ache between his legs, only being snapped from them at the sound of Narcissa’s strained voice telling him to kiss her.
Without needing to be asked twice, Remus leaned down and mashed his lips against hers with the same force as the tone in her voice. He kept his hands and place and kneaded her breasts slowly before letting his hands wander down the rest of her body again, savouring her skin as if every touch were the last. It wasn’t until he felt the blonde pull him towards her that he felt his body sink into hers. Even the feeling of his arousal brushing hers was enough to make him crazy with desire, it taking everything he had inside to not bite down on her tangled lips in his. The sensation was almost enough to dizzy him at what he thought to be the rush of blood south, and in response ground his hips into hers knowing that if what he was feeling between them was anything to go by, that she was clearly enjoying herself as much as he was.
After pulling away for some much needed oxygen, Remus at up again in his previous position with his hands now on either side of him on Narcissa’s knees. Hoping that the disconnect of their bodies would help cool him down as he could in their situation, it didn’t help that his limbs had seemed to have taken a mind of their own running back up along her skin until flesh met the last bit of fabric separating the man from what he wanted. Remus flicked his dark eyes to hers, giving a subtle crooked smile to mask his nerves and eager anticipation as he rolled her knickers down her legs and tossed the delicate fabric into the growing pile of clothing.
Without prompt or another order from her lips, he reached his own hands around his waistband and sat up taller that they’d be easier to remove. A thousand different things rushed through his head before letting go of the last bit of cloth keeping him from her. Things he knew an instinctual and more forceful side had been trying to keep at bay to help him along. Now that there was nothing left to distract him or for either of them to shed, the reality of what was going to happen oddly set itself at the forefront of his thoughts. Remus looked down and tilted his at Narcissa laying bare on her back, taking the sight of her in all her purity before he’d have it, and she’d have his.
His hands found hers, and lightly kissed her palms before guiding her hands over his shoulders and around his neck, leaning down and kissing her softly while running his fingers lightly through her soft blonde hair. He took into account that despite his want to have his way with her, the man would first need to make sure she felt as safe with him as she did with her. Remus carefully positioned himself between Narcissa’s legs so their pelves were aligned, not wanting to make another move despite the still growing ache he felt threatening to burn him up. The man pressed his forehead against hers and let out a laboured sigh against her lips and rested his hands on her waist. "Are you ready?" He asked in a ragged but soft voice. There was no doubt he wanted her desperately, but even in their intense heat and passion Remus wanted to be sure Narcissa felt safe with him.
Narcissa Black:
A soft moan filled the room when his hands brushed over her skin, goosebumps ran along wherever he touched despite the heat that was building rapidly within her body. The warmth between her legs was becoming unbearable and Narcissa was more than relieved when he ground his hips into hers; the brushing of Remus' arousal against hers elicited more moans of relief from the much wanted contact. The blush on her cheeks came from her embarrassment from the noises she couldn't help but make in the heat of the moment, not from how hot she was feeling.
The blonde opened her eyes slightly as a whimper of disappointment followed Remus pulling away and breaking the kiss, and their intimate contact, only to be silenced the moment she felt his slightly rough hands pulling down the last bit of fabric on her body. Anxiously she licked her lips, lifting her hips to allow the underwear to come off for him easier, and watched the male add it to the now complete collection of their clothes on the floor. Instantly her eyes were brought back to him, unable to find the will to move them away from his body. Evergreen eyes followed the fabric as it was yanked down from his hips to reveal the last inches of his skin to her. Another shiver, both of anticipation and nervous energy, rolled through her body to see him stood to attention.
The moment they shared, both drinking in the others naked form in silence, was broken when he grabbed for her hands. Instantly she gripped onto him and her fingers stroked along his palm affectionately; it was slightly more than just a need to fight the loneliness at this point but now was not the time to put a label on what exactly she was feeling for Remus - now was the time to focus on how much she wanted his body pressed against hers.
For the umpteenth time, despite how their evening had started, his caused the blonde to smile sincerely when his lips trailed lightly along her hands. Despite the urgency and need of the act, the brunet above her found the time and sense to be soft and caring with her and it meant a lot; they were not lovers to be married in the traditional sense. Their relationship was not built upon solid foundations of feelings and love; there was something there but it wasn't nearly strong enough to be deemed love. And yet, through the intense desire to do nothing more than give into the most primal of instincts he took the time to make sure she was ready instead of thinking of himself. The smile reached her eyes as her hands found their way into his hair to stroke it softly, something Narcissa knew he liked, before mumbling the softest of yes's.
As if to prove her point further the blonde started to move his hips back towards her with the legs that were slowly wrapping tighter around his form. Her lips were parted as she sucked in a breath; preparation for the pain she knew was to follow upon losing the innocence she was taught to cherish, and again Narcissa licked her lips when she finally felt him against her. In the exact same position as he had been grinding his hips into her but it felt entirely different without the layer of fabrics between them, it was an effort to be patient and give Remus the chance to decide when he was ready enough to move but the blonde exerted all self control she had left; which wasn't much considering how badly she felt she needed him.
Date: November 14th, that’s important let’s remember it haha.
Notes: I changed it to be more fitting cause I’m a good girl. Narcissa and Remus agree to a shotgun wedding, things get a little heated during the proposal? So, um, don’t read if you’re innocent? <3
Remus Lupin:
He smiled before dipping down to kiss her in agreement to her statement since now was the time for him to get more lost in what would do rather than what he was thinking. Remus moved his hands from keeping himself propped up to moving down her sides, his eyes following the trail while trying to decide what to remove first and how. He was after all feeling much more exposed than she was and figured the fair thing to do would be to level the playing field in his favour.
Her blouse would be the first to go, carefully tugging at the fabric and lifting it over her head and tossing it to the side to start a pile. He realised that he’d never seen the skin he’d exposed before. Not that he was surprised in the least that Narcissa’s figure was comparable to a goddess’, nor did the man expect anything less. Remus just had trouble keeping his excitement in check from his new discovery, but knew in order to keep from ending thing prematurely, he’d have to move a little slower from that point on.
Remus couldn’t tell what had even come over him anymore. Even when the two had found themselves in a similar situation before, he had his wits about him, but now was completely different. Now he’ been acting almost purely on instinct and passion and the extent of his rationality was how to practically remove the rest of her clothes or what position to keep them in that they were both comfortable.
Even though the two were quickly- and very intensely- heating up, one thing the brunet didn’t want to lost sight of was the fact that the two were still taking baby steps. As clearly stated and evidenced by their last heated moment, neither of them were very experienced and knowing what that meant as far as Narcissa was concerned, Remus didn’t want to handle a delicate situation too roughly. After all, making sure Narcissa felt safe with him was far more important than anything else. Remus leaned down towards her again, kissing the side of her head softly in hopes that the blonde would understand his priorities in their heat.
After briefly meeting his lips to hers after kissing her temple, Remus started trailing smaller ones down her jawline to her neck then down her chest, reaching around underneath her to rid them of the last layer keeping him separated from her exposure. The man continued down his path, letting his hands retrace any areas his lips may have missed until he reached just below her navel. Slowly he sat up straight and placed his hands on her knees, doing his best to shut out any of the nerves he felt in knowing that he would be exposing more new skin. He caught her eyes and took a deep breath before pulling off her shorts and tossing them to the side, thus evening out the playing field for both of them.
He let his eyes rest on her for a few moments, completely drinking in the sight of her on her back, almost completely bare in front of him. It wasn’t surprising that she was so stunningly beautiful and even in his already limited verbal communication, was rendered speechless aside from a soft wow leaving his lips.
Narcissa Black:
She fluidly moved as he need her too, more than happy to comply when she felt his hands tugging on the fabric of her blouse; shifting upwards slightly and bowing her head as Remus removed and threw the garment to the side in one movement. It was rare she had found herself in a position that she wasn't covered in front of someone, though she'd never been in one such as this before. A shiver ran along her body as the cold air hit her now exposed skin, she wanted to pin the blame on the change of temperature but knew what was effecting her came from within.
Narcissa, with her lack of experience, wasn't sure exactly what she should expect after he'd begun to undress her however a light kiss to her temple was certainly not it. The fact he was taking time and effort to be gentle and comforting to her, a feat that wasn't easy she would assume from the heated look he'd fixed on her, made her stomach flutter. A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips as her fingertips ran through his hair, she knew the man liked when she played with the short strands and it was her way of both saying thank you and to tell him he had no reason to be cautious. She had no reason not to trust him.
Her breath hitched as his kisses began to travel down; her skin tingling and remembering the pathway he took as he inched closer to her chest. Automatically the blonde arched upwards to assist Remus in removing her bra, pulling her arms through the straps and tossing it as close as she could towards her dishevelled shirt. Still the man continued his journey south along her body and slowly she could feel herself burning up, the heat growing intense with every soft kiss he placed lower down on her bare skin.
Narcissa watched the brunet through half lidded eyes as she sat back and ran his hands up her legs before he began to removed her shorts. There were no words to describe the sensation that coursed through her as he stared down at her, now bare in all the same ways he was. It made her feel alive and vulnerable, safe and valued all at the same time. Another blush found its way across her cheeks at the absent-minded thought that if she had her way, Remus would only ever look at her like that again.
She gave him his moment to revel in his first sight of her bare body, taking the time in exchange to glance over the torso she'd been pawing at in approval, before shifting herself. Her hands lazily travelled down his arms, stopping briefly for a moment to drag her nails happily along the toned muscle, before reaching his wrists. Like a puppet the blonde moved both of his hands from her legs back up along her body to rest on her chest; the younger woman wasn't exactly sure what to do but she knew the best course of action was to follow what she wanted.
"Remus, kiss me" she murmured forcefully, eyes dragging themselves away from his body to meet his own dark pair. Her hands still over his as she guided him to where and how she wanted him to touch her chest and her now bare legs parted to be either side of him; one wrapping themselves around his waist to pull him closer to her. There were a million different thoughts running through her mind, most too fast to make sense of, but the one constant was that she needed him to stop moving so slow.
Tagging: Remus Lupin, Narcissa Black, James Potter
Date: November 14th, late at night.
Notes: Going to the Chapel and we’re gonna get marrrieeed. Remus and Narcissa show up late to James’ house, asking if he’ll witness their shotgun wedding.
James appreciated Remus dismissing his clothes in favor of his presence, but he did not miss the way Narcissa’s eyes scanned over him. She kept her mouth shut, however, and James knew that she must really care about her and Remus’ impending nuptials if she let his wardrobe go uncritiqued.
He also noticed the way Remus leaned into Narcissa, lips brushing her temple, and the way Narcissa’s cheeks colored at the gesture. The scene was a painfully familiar one that he had been apart of in another life, but the sight still made him smile, and he was sure to meet Narcissa’s eyes as he did so. Was the blonde actually nervous?
"Oh, all right," James conceded, though he really thought he should go change into his day clothes at least. "When do we start?"
A tap at the window and a knock at the door answered his question, chasing any thoughts of changing away. There would not be any time to do so, apparently. Remus jumped in surprise at the sound of their new arrivals, and James gave him a knowing look. “Easy, Moons,” he said lightly, as he went to the window. “Answer the door, would you, mate?”
The ministry owl stuck out its leg when James opened the window, and the raven-haired man took the package from it and went back to the waiting group.
"Best-man-ring-bearer James Potter at your service," he said, grinning.
Narcissa Black:
The blonde watched as the pyjama clad man made his way across the room to answer the owl and found herself moving at his prompt to Remus; if she had something to do the nerves would not eat away at her. Pulling out of his embrace and risking a quick glance at his still somewhat startled expression, Narcissa made her way towards the door and answer it to the official who was there to marry them.
He was short and old, with frazzled gray hair pointing out in more directions than any combination of Remus' and James' hair could dream of, and tired looking. A small frown was on his face, no doubt annoyed at her late night request for a wedding; but given the law, the Ministry were in no place to say no to a couple wanting to go through with their match. They were at the beck and call of those who were getting married and fulfilling the duty handed to them.
"Narcissa Black?" he asked gruffly despite not needing the answer, he was just following procedure to make sure he was indeed marrying the correct people. She curtly nodded and stepped aside, letting the short wizard into the Potters home before shutting the door behind him. The wind was picking up and raising goosebumps against her skin. Shivering was not a look she wanted as she was married, despite the lack of event or crowd to watch and judge her.
"Remus Lupin..." his gaze dithered between the two males before settling on the one dressed in a shirt and not pyjama bottoms. "Given the circumstances upon which you've requested my presence, I shouldn't think you'll have objections to having the shorter version of the ceremony."
Green eyes searched umber from across the room before she nodded towards the official, there were no need for anything but the essentials for the ceremony to be binding. James returning with the package in hand made her smile slightly, his grin had always been contagious despite her best efforts to fight if off but for once the blonde found if ever there was a time she appreciated his enthusiasm - it was now. Even if it was just aimed at Remus because of their bond, it helped with her nerves too.
Shaking his head in exasperation, James circled the blonde’s wrist and pulled her into Dorcas’ room, pulling the door half-way behind him. Her cryptic attitude was beginning to unnerve him. The fact that she was eluding to a ill-formed friendship that had ended in the spring of 1976 worried him, sickened him. It had taken him a long time to write that relationship off as a fluke, a sham. It took all of his effort now to be considerate of Narcissa’s unspoken wish that they never be friends again. What was she playing at?
His attitude made it impossible for her to play everything off as cool, her nerves were already making it hard enough. The constant worry that someone, anybody, would find out at the dinner party about what happened the night before had been eating at her the moment she'd arrived at the dinner party. Narcissa blinked in surprise at the force he showed her as he pulled her into the suggested room. James seemed annoyed, though she could hardly blame him - considering how much she, and Remus, had asked of the dark haired wizard. She understood there was more to it, more to how he was treating her, but it was easier for Narcissa to pretend she knew nothing; it never happened, than deal with his confused frustration on top of everything else.
...I want to-just ask...request, that you don't mention last night to anyone. Not yet-not here...Tonight isn't about Remus and I, if I wanted the attention on our...our marriage then I would've waited and gone through with the ceremony and event. It's her birthday...I don't think she'd appreciate the news for a number of reasons.
I know I've asked a lot of you already, and I am grateful for what you did last night for Remus. I hope you don't mind me asking this of you too.
I'm sure you'd be exceptional but you're a guest and I couldn't ask you to do something you're uncomftable with. Are you sure? Would he want to do it? I'm under the impression that he still hates me. Of course if he is fine with it I'd be more than happy to take his help.
I think you'd be more than perfect Narcissa. I've only ever been close to Marlene so I don't really need ant more of the order as bridesmaids. Do you not want to?
I doubt he still hates you, like I said he's more annoyed with others and it's been long enough. It's your birthday, he wouldn't be coming to be spiteful. I'll ask when he arrives, we would've come together but he had to go back to school to teach today after last night...-
...It's not that I don't want to, I just...it's a very big honour to be in someone's bridal party that's all.
Notes: A little drabble headcanon for Jamissa school times.
The blonde girl sat facing the castle as she rested herself against the tree trunk. She was always on time and he was always late, it was a constant in their meet ups and the 13 year old had long ago given up getting mad over it. Narcissa let her eyes shut as she relaxed herself under the heat of the mid-July sun. School would be over soon and they would be leaving Hogwarts for another summer at home; this was their chance to say goodbye since they understood it wasn’t possible to do so on the train like so many other friends.
Friends, was she allowing them to go under that description now? They had liked the idea once, that time on the stairs on their way to sorting, but as soon as they were separated into opposing houses the idea of walking around so open and amicable was all but impossible. Narcissa remembered how relieved and proud she had felt, taking her seat next to her elder sisters at her house – there was never a doubt in her mind she would be anywhere else but Slytherin. It was her birth right to be sorted where all other Blacks had been before her. She also recalled the sense of overwhelming disappointment she’d had when her cousin had been sorted into Gryffindor; it had quickly turned into insulted anger as his happiness. He was never a Black, not truly, but she had still hoped that Hogwarts would change that.
Then her friend, the boy who had walked up to the sorting ceremony with her was placed on the stool in front of the school. Young green eyes had been so focused, so determined to will the hat from a distance; he would make a good Slytherin – they could be friends. When James Potter had taken his seat next to her cousin, Narcissa couldn’t remember a time she’d felt as deflated.
The girl had assumed it was the end of whatever potential bond they could’ve made, but it turned out the boy was persistent and loyal in his first assessment of liking her. While the traditional differences and rivalry lived on between their houses, James Potter somehow made an effort to see past the lines he was often guilty of following. Prank after prank was pulled by him, her cousin and their two best friends, and almost everyone in her year and house had suffered in some way at their hands. But never her. Narcissa was smart enough to know it wasn’t a coincidence or by luck and so when a girl only two feet behind her had her hair dyed green for a week by a bucket of an unknown potion that just happened to not fall on her she had sought him out. It was the confrontation that had started their friendship; at least if that was what she was inclined to call it.
“You’re late,” she scaled him softly, eyes closed but senses open to his approaching form. The dry grass crunched under his feet until he came to a stop in front of her, his body blocking out the sun which had been on her face only seconds ago; a frown appeared. “James you know th-“
“I know. I know, Cissa. You sit this side, I sit opposite or above…that way people won’t see us. I was just going to give you an apple I swiped from the great hall; they had red today and I know how much you like them.” She could hear his eye roll as he dismissed her need to keep their connection hidden; he knew the unspoken rules of their relationship and yet felt the need to test her every time. As though winding her up was a game he thoroughly enjoyed, one he made the most of because he couldn’t prank her like everyone else.
Nimbly the boy climbed up the trunk she was leaning against, purposefully shaking the branches so that small twigs and leaves would fall onto the blonde much to her annoyance. His light hearted laugh gave him away and let her know his mischievousness was intentional. Some days the Slytherin found herself wishing he’d just allow Sirius to hex or prank her, she had no idea why he was so protective and even less of an idea of how often they actually bickered over his reluctance to target her.
They filled the time awkwardly, preferring to cover mundane topics and enjoy each others company than focus on the impending goodbye. The pair spent the afternoon by the tree putting it off as long as possible until James jumped from the branch he had been perched on, hitting the ground with a loud thump and bringing down a hundred more leaves and twigs to shower the blonde.
The smile that was almost always a permanent fixture on his face was gone, a hint of sadness in his eyes that mirrored her own despite her attempts to hide it. There was always an unsureness between the pair that went unspoken, wondering just how long they could continue their routine until one of them changed enough into the thing they disliked that they could no longer be friends. Not that they were friends, of course...
"Have a good summer James...try to practice more on your broomstick, perhaps next year you'll win the cup back from us..." Narcissa started slowly, taking the light hearted route to make it easier and less awkward. But she could see in his eyes that the Gryffindor, stubborn and frustrated with three years of beating around the bush, was not willing to play along again.
"I'll miss you Cissa. You know I can write-"
"No you won't and no you can't...James you know that." She cut him off coldly, the young girl frowned growing frustrated with his attempts to get them to admit they were friends. She wasn't brave or bold like him; he could shoulder Sirius' and any other remarks at a friendship with the icy Slytherin Princess but Narcissa did not have the self confidence to befriend someone like James openly. Not when her sister was at school, not when he was a Gryffindor so proud to be doing the right thing by spending time mingling with those pure or not. She would be miserable if people ever found out.
"Right-yeah." The teenagers tone was sour and tired but rather than argue, as they had the same time the year before, he merely shrugged in agreement. "I suppose I'll just see you in September, if you don't decide you're too good for me over the summer then." James was tired of trying to make a friendship work with the blonde girl when she freaked out whenever he so much as labelled them as much; it was too much work and it seemed he was the only one making the effort. Dejected and annoyed he stuffed his hands into his pockets before turned to leave, kicking one of the particularly larger twigs away as he turned on his heel.
"You're so annoying" her curt voice caused him to pause, like a puppy heeling when he's called. If she had wanted him to leave, the blonde would've just stayed silent. It was hard work figuring out the younger girl's cryptic words, almost as difficult as finding the will to pay attention in History, but James had the patience for those he considered friends. The leaves rustled beneath her feet as she strutted towards him, taking a step around his form until she was stood in front of him with her lips pursed in their usual unhappy manner.
"Hold onto this, that way if you decided you're too good for me you still have to talk to me. Second day of term...here as usual. Enjoy your summer..." she was cold and direct, taking the Slytherin pin from her school blouse off and pinning it to the underside of his tie so that no one would see it's place. Her hands moved from his tie towards the lion crest that was on his own shirt but James had beaten her there, already mirroring her gesture and pinning it to the fabric underneath her silver and green tie.
A hint of the smile he always wore appeared back on his face, she had made some sort of gesture it was something at least, as he let the tie fall back into place. "You'd have made an alright Gryffindor I reckon."
"No. I wouldn't have. But you would've done well in Slytherin...you can keep it if you like. Pretend you're part of the house that actually wins things."
Thank you... I'm sure Dorcas won't mind if we borrow her room for a moment of privacy. It's not exactly the kind of conversation we can have in front of other people.
I just want to make sure you're all having a lovely time. If my friends weren't happy then I wouldn't be. I'll keep an eye on him, maybe he'll take pity considering it's my birthday. If not I'll just have to do it myself.
Yes. I won't be offended if you say no, like I said I know we haven't always gotten along but you are Amycus' friend an I think it would be nice to have a choice of his in the bridal party.
I would offer assistance...but I'm even less inclined to that sort of task than your future husband...speaking of-...uh. Perhaps Remus could help if you wanted him too, he is a very good cook.
...Right-...I just, I wasn't expecting...Wouldn't you rather have someone like Evans despite what Amycus wants?
Of course, we have a mixture this evening. We have a chocolate mousse, raspberry truffles and fruit salad, though I’d avoid the last as it’s probably what I’ll be setting Amycus to work on. I promise you, this man will be the death of me.
He thought it better if I were to ask you. You see, I’ve only ever really been close to Marlene so when it came to maid of honour she was the obvious choice and then of course Alecto as bridesmaid because she is his twin but Amycus considers your friendship to him very special. So really what I’m trying to ask is, although we haven’t always gotten along, would you agree to be the third bridesmaid at our wedding?
I know I said to vary the courses so people could choose, but don't overdo yourself Dorcas. It's your birthday, it should be spent slaving over a kitchen to prepare food for others. Amycus is doing the fruit, I'll be amazed if something comes out then...since I can't see him behaving himself and actually cooking. I'll be very impressed if he does.
...I'm sorry...I think I misheard you...you want me to be a-ah...um. Your bridesmaid?
I don’t know how I’ve ever sat at Hogwarts with the boys, most have strange eating habits. I’ll be sure to cook it perfect for both of you, I wouldn’t want anybody to not have a lovely time. After all it’s just meant to be a simple gathering. Please, I’ve already decided that he needs a drinking limit. You know Narcissa, you shall be attending my funeral by the time I’m thirty because there is no way I shall be making it past that age if I am to married to Amycus. He’ll have my long driven up the wall by then.
Speaking of Amycus, there was something he wanted me to ask you.
Have you decided what's for dessert? I know Remus will be asking when he gets here so I may as well know so I can tell him. A drinking limit, for Amycus? You realise we won't follow it, even if he has to start turning his water into whiskey which I know he can do. Oh-what did he want, can he not ask me himself?
Well if you don’t want anything fancy we could just go for lunch, just Alecto, you and I, during our break. Oh don’t boost my ego, it’s only just managed to fit back into my head after all the deflating I need to do to it. Yes, how he eats it I will never know. That’s one medium-rare for Narcissa Black. Well if Amycus is still alive by the time you arrive I would suggest that I am not too stressed at all.
That would nice, thank you Dorcas...I'm sure Alecto wouldn't mind indulging me on that day. It took a while to coax him to cook mine a little more just so I can eat with him, it's only because I like French cuisine that I can stomach it as rare as he has it. I'll keep my eye on Amycus tonight if you'd like, he's known to get a little out of hand at dinner parties in an attempt to 'spice' them up.
Oh don’t be silly, everybody needs a nice little something on their birthday. Well I’m at work but things could be a lot worse, I think Amycus might even cooperate when I try to teach him to cook tonight. After all, it is my birthday. Have you found out if Remus is definitely coming? I only ask because I’m trying to get everybody’s steak just right and I’m sure you’ll figure out in some time that he has a tendency to be picky. Reminding me, what way do you take yours?
I've had enough birthdays with special little something's, I feel this year I'd do better to just stay at home and be quiet. It's a Thursday anyway, so I'll have the cottage to myself-besides the point we're not here to focus on me, it's your day. Remus is, I'm sure - whenever we've had steak at home he has it blue-rare so it doesn't require much cooking on your part. I like mine medium rare please and thank you. Do try to not get too stressed today.
