Toujours Pur.

Narcissa Black.  Nineteen. Slytherin

[nar-cissablack]

Another day, another disappointing potential match. It seemed her only plans besides her charity work were meetings. This one had been going well. At least at first. He was French and from a good family. They had a large ancestral home and good positions in the French Ministry. Everything seemed just fine until he started speaking about his potential mistresses. Plural. That was enough for Narcissa to find a reason to quickly leave. She wound up at the Leaky, not wanting to deal with her mother just yet. She took a seat at the bar, ordering a drink. Luckily, it quickly came and she took a sip before taking a look at the room around her. 

@mxrsmxrdrestarters​

[nar-cissablack]

siriusbx·:

Not that he was looking forward to it, but it was definitely time Sirius had a talk with Madam Rosemerta.  He’d started doing so many hours at the Ministry that he didn’t particularly need the extra money anymore, but mostly he was worried that she was going to kick him out of the spare room if he quit.   He’d walked past the three broomsticks around three times now, each time getting closer to the door, but walking away again.  She had been so good to him that he was feeling so guilty over quitting, but he just couldn’t stretch himself that far anymore.  Sighing heavily, he turned on his heel for the fourth time, he was going to go inside this time.  Completely lost in his train of thought about how he was going to word it, he didn’t realise that another person was walking towards him and he bumped right into them pretty hard.  “Ohh sorry, I was away in my own thoughts there, you alright?”

Narcissa didn’t come to Hogsmead often. Usually she was quite content with Diagon, if only to get to visit the flower shop and bring home a fresh bouquet. But if her supplies of candy got low, she made a special trip to Honeydukes. Today was one such occasion. She hadn’t taken more than a few steps after her appiration when someone ran into her. She had to catch herself on the wall as to not fall. Her mouth was open to begin telling the other person off when she saw who it was. “Sirius,” she said with a small nod. She still missed her cousin terribly, even if it had been some time since she was considered family. “I’m alright. Are you okay?” 

[nar-cissablack]

black-heiress·:

The Leaky Cauldron was easily one of Bellatrix’s favourite destinations in Diagon Alley, though that wasn’t really saying much. It wasn’t world class, nor was it without it’s need for improvements, but the food was good, the drinks were good, and with so many people passing in and out every day it was an ideal place to learn information. 

Stepping inside the familiar pub she made her way over to the bar, taking a seat on one of the stools there. Given that no one came to serve her immediately, she realised that it must be one of Tom’s days off and she sighed. The people who worked for him were so often sub-par in terms of their speed and service, but she supposed it was better than nothing.

“I hope you’re not in a hurry,” Bellatrix quipped as she sensed someone take a seat on the stool next to her, though she didn’t bother to turn and see who it was. “They seem inclined to take their time with things today.”

“Really? I would have thought my time in the bookshop would have been plenty to get our order in.” Narcissa sighed as she took a seat next to her sister, bags going to the empty seat next to her. “There really should be more people working here. If Tom is not here, it’s all but a season until someone is served.” 

[nar-cissablack]

nottevie·:

“Ah yes. Bella mentioned something of that nature occurring at your household as well. What is it with our mothers? It’s only been a few years out of graduation… my mother is making this gala an entire meat market and I really don’t care for it. Only your and Bella’s company will make it tolerable,” Evie sighed. “I’m sure you’ll get the spot. I mean you’re Narcissa Black. Name recognition on top of your reputation should be enough to get you in.”

“I believed my mother hoped I would leave Hogwarts engaged or close.” She sighed softly, shaking her head. “Now she’s almost apoplectic. Both of us must be engaged as soon as possible. I believe mother is worried people will wonder if something is wrong.” She leaned against the counter once more. “I would hope I could get it on just that. There’s a good chance not be married will hurt.” 

[nar-cissablack]

nottevie·:

“That makes one of us. I still have to pick up my dress,” she sighed. The purist galas were an absolute bore and she hated the nature of them. But Evie was grateful for friends like Bella and Narcissa to help distract her from it all. “Oh, just some light reading. Nothing too serious. I’ve been spending way too much time reading medical journals and textbooks that I figured that I needed a little more fiction in my life.”

“One of the few benefits are the new dresses. That’s what gets me through.” She couldn’t help but smiled at Evie. “I wish I had your resoluteness. I’ve been doing nothing but trying to get a good spot on the charity boards and avoiding all the men my mother keeps parading in front of me.” 

[nar-cissablack]

black-heiress·:

“That is an understatement,” Bellatrix sighed, shaking her head as she took a sip of her drink. “They like to act as if we’re meek, and need to be protected and taken care of, when the truth is quite the opposite.” Oh, some were stronger than others she was sure, but there were also a great deal of them who simply got by in life because they had a family fortune and an ego. “I am glad to hear you say that though, Cissa.” The idea of her baby sister bowing to a man was not one she cared to entertain. “Although I think finding a man to be your equal will prove to be a challenge. You are quite brilliant, and many men don’t appreciate women for anything more  than our looks.” 

A smile played at her lips at the thought of having a real holiday away with her sister. With every day being one Bellatrix needed to face head on in order to achieve her goals, it had been quite some time since she’d had an opportunity to just relax and unwind. “Maybe we should do it, then.”

“I wouldn’t mind being taken care of. But on my terms. If my husband wants to fund me getting a new wardrobe every few months....I’ll allow it.” She couldn’t help the smile on her face. Narcissa was tough, tougher than some people wanted to admit. But that didn’t mean she didn’t want to be taken care of. She was human, after all. “I know none of them will be on my level. It’s finding the one that’s closest to me, really. Hopefully only a few levels below, not the entire ministry.” 

“We should. Though we would have to sneak away from Mother. She would never allow it. I bet Father would help us.” She knew their father would help them. Even if it meant an angry Mrs. Black. “I may not want to come back. Mother will all but drag us to a marriage ceremony once we’re home again.” 

[nar-cissablack]

mcrbldgrce·:

The woman sat on a bench just outside of Hogsmeade, a delicate hand rolled cigarette laid between her fingers as she flipped through the pages of the book sitting in her lap. She wasn’t much of a smoker, just a little nasty comfort habit she picked up when she traveled to the muggle world the summer after graduation. taking a quick puff she exhaled, noticing the shadow that cast over her. “I must say, you’re parents were better at making a door than window as you’re blocking all the sunlight. Is there something I can help you with?” she asked, her eyebrow perking as her eyes trailed up to the figure before her.

@mxrsmxrdrestarters·

“Our parents were quite content to make us doors,” she said with a chuckle before sitting down next to her sister. “Or rather art pieces. At least that’s what it feels like in this meat market known as marriage.” She let her purse drop beside her. “I didn’t know you’d be here today. I would have come and found you sooner. Mother arranged for a meeting at Broomsticks and I need to wait another hour or so. I can at least look like I tried if there is a decent amount of time between the meeting and arriving home.” 

[nar-cissablack]

nottevie·:

Evie hooked her arm with the blonde’s and shook her head. “I’m in no rush to get anywhere in particular. This just gives me more time to browse the bookshelves. Take a breath and visit with me while we wait for the shopkeeper,” she urged her friend. “Are you coming to my family’s gala? Please say you are. It’s going to be so boring if you don’t show up.”

❁

“Of course I’m coming,” she said with a bright smile. “There’s no place I’d rather be. I’ve already got my dress and everything.” She sighed before looking at Evie. “So what books have you picked up? Anything I should be reading? It does aggravate my mother so when I’m reading something that isn’t about homemaking.” 

[nar-cissablack]

wildheartmarls·:

Marlene raised a brow slightly in amusement, biting back any form of witty remarks about purebloods and their sense of privilege. Instead she kept her polite smile whilst she shrugged slightly. “They generally like to trust their clientele.” Did the elite of pureblood society even know how to trust anyone other than themselves and their immediate family, she wondered? “But I think they have some pretty decent security charms on the door just in case.” 

❁

Narcissa couldn’t help but huff at her words. Trust should only be reserved for those who earned it. The general public did not earn that in her opinion. Part of her wanted to grab something and run just to prove her point. But she was not going to let fools ruin her public image. “Charms can be broken. Or avoided if one knows what they are. It’s quite simple, honestly.” She sighed, leaning on the counter. “They really should have a bell or something.” 

[nar-cissablack]

black-heiress·:

“I know that she would be keen to marry you off regardless of my marital status,” Bella shrugged. “And I’m sure if we were to compare lists, some of the same names would feature. But it does feel like she grows more desperate every day.” Shoulders sagged as she sighed in frustration, finger running idly around the rim of her wine glass before she took a sip. “I don’t know why she finds it so difficult to understand that I don’t just want to be someone’s pretty little baby-making wife. I want more than that.” Had Druella truly never wished to do something else with her life? Or was the fact that she had wished for such a thing and failed to achieve it the reason she was so committed to her daughters following the path society expected them to? 

Shaking off the melancholy, Bellatrix mustered a smile for her youngest sister. “I have definitely seen wizards from abroad on the lists Mother has presented me with,” she chuckled. “But perhaps we could see about venturing there anyway. Tell her we are going in search of fine men whilst really just taking a much needed holiday to enjoy ourselves in the sun?” 

❁

“Our society is still scared of strong women,” she said as she took another sip of her wine. “Even though we’ve had to be strong for centuries. Truthfully I think it’s because the men knew if we could have power, we would be better than them. The fact that we can not only have children but easily rule the world? That terrifies them.” She wouldn’t dare talk like this to many people but Bella was different. “I think we have the same problem. I am fine to be a wife but I want to be equals. I will not bow down to a man just because I’m expected to.” 

Her wine glass was refilled and she was thankful she never had to ask for it. It annoyed her to no end when an establishment didn’t pay attention to things like that. They ordered a bottle for a reason. “That does sound lovely. It’s been too long since I’ve been able to sit in the sun with a good book.” 

[nar-cissablack]

black-heiress·:

“In all fairness, Cissa, I don’t think there are any options for people who aren’t below us.” A blessing and a curse of being Blacks, and therefore among the most elite of society. Certain other names may have gained notoriety in years gone by, but the Black family had done a remarkable job of maintaining their top spot regardless of a few ‘black sheep’ which they had been quick to cast out and distance themselves from.  “I have to say though,” she continued. “The fact that the suitors she has on your list seem subpar may be partially my fault for having not married yet.” As the eldest, it was expected that Bellatrix would marry first. Should already have married, really, not that she particularly cared that she hadn’t. “The ones she has on her list for me have been of suitable enough standing, but unfortunately I find them all rather insufferable, misogynistic bores.” Which really wasn’t that surprising given their society, and was undoubtedly part of the reason she was so disinclined to wed. 

❁

“There are options. Just not good ones.” The waiter came by, filling her glass with wine. She all but immediately took a sip, needing it if she was to deal with another tea with a mother who’s son she wouldn’t marry in a million years. “I do not think that we will ever have to worry about that. Even if Mother has yet to make any truly good matches.” 

She shook her head, giving her sister a smile. “It’s not your fault. Truly it’s not.” If anything, it was Andromeda who was the problem sister. Bella not being married didn’t help but Narcissa knew her worth. She was a good match. It wasn’t her fault if she wanted someone deserving of her. “I don’t want you to make yourself miserable for the rest of your life. You deserve a good match as much as I do. We’ll hopefully figure it out. And if not, we’ll start looking somewhere else. France, Italy....they have Pureblood families, too.” 

[nar-cissablack]

wildheartmarls·:

Having taken time off work for the first time in forever while she recovered, Marlene had found her pile of unread books slowly dwindling until she had just a few pages of one final book left. Needing a change of scene anyway, she had headed into Diagon Alley where she quickly made her way to Flourish and Blotts, avoiding the area she had encountered Mulciber that night

After browsing the shelves for a few minutes, she selected a few interesting sounding novels and took them to the counter. A voice caught her attention as she reached it and she turned, recognising Narcissa Black immediately. “They wouldn’t be open if no one was working,” she pointed out with a chuckle, though she was careful to keep her tone polite and a smile on her face. “They’re probably just busy or something, they shouldn’t be too long.”

❁

She knew Marlene from school. She knew most people in the year above and below her at school. From her own house, it was different. She made it her mission to know them every year she was at school. The other houses were only close to her in age. “It has already been five minutes,” she said, checking her watch once more. “Anyone could have waltzed in and taken something by now. I have half a mind to try and find my book and leave.” 

[nar-cissablack]

nottevie·:

Everleigh couldn’t help but chuckle at her friend. The blonde was much too dramatic and impatient. “Oh come now, Cissa. It’s a large shop. I’m sure that someone is here,” she said as she walked up with her own books in hand. “Are you in a terrible rush to get to somewhere? Or to someone?”

❁

“I’m always in a terrible rush. At least when I’m trying to spend money in a shop.” She really did hate having to wait. She was giving them her money, the least she could do was be respected. “It’s bad for business. Honestly.” She gave Everleigh a smile before leaning against the counter. “And with you as well. You’re here to buy something and yet you cannot.” 

[nar-cissablack]

ravenclawspride·:

Avery turned and found a familiar face talking to her. Everyone knew the Blacks and their history in the wizarding world. Not that Avery was one to judge. If they were being technical her family name had been around just as long, if not longer, but it wasn’t always considered a prized profession making wands unless you found yourself in need of one.

“I am pretty sure he’s over talking to some ordery woman. Probably going to be a while.” She pointed out with a frown. Avery needed a few things but she knew it was going to be a while before anyone else helped her. She supposed she could just help herself. Her father was friends with the owner after all.

❁

Narcissa could feel her eyes want to roll. She knew Avery. Or well, knew of her. All the old families knew each other in some way. Even if they weren’t the best of friends. “I was hoping to make this a quick trip,” she said with another few taps of her foot. She had no right to be mad at the other woman. It wasn’t her fault. “One would think a business would at least have someone here for moments like this. If I had ill intentions, I could have done some truly nefarious things by now.” She was tempted to do so just for spite at this point. “It is terrible for business.” 

[nar-cissablack]

Narcissa Black was not one to wait around. That was for people not as important as her. She was at Flourish and Blotts to pick up a book she had ordered. Or attempting to pick up. She was starting to get frustrated, already waiting for five minutes with no salesperson in sight. She sighed, arms crossed around her perfectly tailored robes. She saw someone come towards the counter. “Do you know if anyone is working today? Or did they close and not inform anyone?” @mxrsmxrdrestarters​

[nar-cissablack]

black-heiress·:

@nar-cissablack·

“I made the rookie mistake of still being in the house when mother woke up this morning,” Bellatrix chuckled, shaking her head ruefully. “She practically dragged me to the living room and kept me there for an hour, going on and on about her friends’ eligible sons that I ‘simply just have to meet’.” A roll of her eyes accompanied her words as she took a sip of her drink. After a morning like that, this lunch with her youngest sister was just what she needed to unwind.

Narcissa shook her head, taking a sip of the drink in front of her. “Do you know how many random encounters I’ve had in the past few weeks? Mother really must at least try. Or care to, anyway.” She leaned back in the chair before speaking once more. “Besides....I’ve got my own list I’ve been compiling. Mother is looking too low. I believe there are some more acceptable bachelors that she could at least be trying for.” 

[nar-cissablack]

sonofabraxas·:

“Why does it sound like you’ve already planned at least half of this event?” He laughed, tugging lightly on a blonde strand. Until their wedding, Lu had never been privy to planning of any kind–after all, events and floral arrangements were so typically women’s work. And yet, he could already picture yellow poppies and towering hyacinths adorning their flat’s parlor. Were palm leaves still in season anywhere? Ah, perhaps that was step too close to outright gloating. 

Though the heir had purged the constant surprise that came with Narcissa’s affection, the actual phrase I love you never failed to split his face evenly in to–a grin bursting from ear to ear. “I do not think you know how to be silly,” He said cheerfully, cupping a hand under his wife’s chin. “Playful, perhaps.” His gray eyes dipped downward, watching her hands tug invitingly at his cloak. “Cunning. Undeniable, even.” Lucius murmured, leaning in for a lingering kiss.  Physical intimacy had always been a been rote prior to Narcissa–whose presence now, he would’ve been content to simply bask in forever.  Just then, however, he wrapped his arms around the witch’s waist to close the marginal distance between them, looking at her like an artist might observe the loveliest sculpture in the entire world. 

♕

“I may have had a few thoughts as I waited here for you. And on my way over. And the moment I got the letter.” Her smile was wide as she let herself become wrapped up in her husband. The whole thing was a true win for both of them. It was only natural to throw a party for it. Her mother had a brave face throughout her elopement if only because her now in-laws found it romantic. This was another instance of Narcissa taking her fate into her own hands. “Cunning, yes. I was sorted into Slytherin for a reason. More than one, really. A mistake was not made that day.” 

After another kiss, she got up from her spot. “Come. I believe this has earned me a nice dinner and some shopping for new robes. I’m thinking Paris. We’ve only gone there twice together. That is far too little.” She tugged on his hand, not giving him much of a choice. She was very persuasive when she wanted to be. “We could get a few things for the party, too. It does need to be extravagant since I am to be co-social chair. It was their first offering to me.” The pride was obvious in her eyes. “This gathering needs to prove they did not make a mistake.”