Narcissa Black

1977: 6th year Slytherin at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

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Narcissa & Regulus || This Side of Paradise

[arcturusreg-blog]

Silence was not something Reg was used to in the company of Narcissa. They’d exchanged a few fairly casual questions, remarks, and laughs, but as they circled farther on around the wide lake, the conversation had come to a rather abrupt stop and Regulus began to realize there wasn’t something quite right with his cousin. Reg watched his shiny shoes crunching across the autumn leaves for quite some time before he pulled his gaze away from the ground to look at her. It was immediately evident in her face that his presumptions were correct. The way her lips were tucked away so that her mouth formed a thin line and her eyes were fixed on something unknown in the distance were a dead giveaway.

As she offered him the sweets, he gave her a wary look before plucking a cherry lollipop from the bag. Narcissa wasn’t one to keep secrets from him, but she was clearly holding something in. It had to be bad. Maybe he would have to do a bit of digging to get inside her mind… he was ready to speak when she cracked at last. Regulus settled down on the log next to her, stretching out his legs and unwrapping his sweet. “I’m listening,” he urged, internally readying himself for the oncoming storm.

A delighted smirk played on his lips as Narcissa spoke of her encounter with James. There wasn’t anyone else in all of the world Regulus would rather see a fool made of than the pretentious Gryffindor who walked the halls like Hogwarts was his personal playground. And who stole his brother away. “He didn’t get a fraction of what he deserves.” Reg broke in, hatred evident in his voice. “That arrogant prat needs to learn that his place in the world is nowhere near the top. You did well to give him a taste of that.”

Facing potential reparation for cursing Potter was just the tip of the iceberg. When his cousin leaped from her spot next to him in a fit of rage and ranted about her marriage arrangements, a cloud of dead leaves fluttering about, the situation was comedic for a moment before his mind actually processed what was being said (screamed, rather). His smirk faded as the news soaked in and Narcissa’s voice became pleading.

Narcissa Malfoy. The two words didn’t go together. Narcissa was Narcissa, and Lucius Malfoy was a self-centered, stuck up boy who cared too much about himself and achieving perfection in the eyes of his peers to ever give his beautiful cousin the love she deserved. But surpressed deep down inside him was the knowledge that this day was coming- that she would all be handed off to another Pureblood in order to keep the family ‘Toujours Pur’. It happened to his parents, his grandparents, it would probably happen to him too.

“I…Cissy,” Regulus began, his voice small, “of course I didn’t know. Of course I didn’t.” He’d wager Bella kept it from him because she knew he’d spill to Narcissa immediately. How could he be expected to withhold that from her? He’d want to know if he was being shoved off on someone he barely knew. “When is this supposed to happen, anyway?”

“Maybe I can do something to get you out of that detention…or at least make sure nobody finds out about it. My shiny Prefect badge might come in handy for something other than fancy bathrooms at last,” Reg offered, in a feeble attempt to make Narcissa feel a little less dejected.

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Seeing Regulus wear nearly the same expression she had after learning about the engagement brought Narcissa more relief than she could ever imagine. She was damn grateful that it was news to him. It would have hurt her deeply if he'd been keeping such a huge secret all summer long.

Narcissa also recognized that Regulus was the first family member to appear alarmed by the news. Time and again, he was the one that she could count on to understand her.

"Ugh, I can barely think of this mess with Malfoy." Narcissa admitted in a calm voice. Clearly, her tantrum had been therapeutic. She felt at ease for the first time in a good while. "When I told Andy..." 

Narcissa shook her head in disapproval. "Andy said something like 'Malfoy isn't the worst to be engaged to' ... I mean, that's it? That's all my sister has to say? How is she not concerned that I haven't even turned 16 yet?" She shivered in digust. "I put an end to the conversation when she mentioned the House of Black needing grandchildren." She shivered again. Andy had said all the proper things to say, but none of them were the right things to say. She hardly felt like the 'baby' sister anymore.

"I don't know anything, Regulus." Narcissa informed him sadly. "Malfoy doesn't even know when we're getting married. It was bizarre talking to him... I would ask him questions and I just, umm, didn't get the answers I was looking for." She was still incredibly bitter that he hadn't explained to her what qualities he expected in a wife. 

She rolled her eyes while searching for a dark chocolate in the bag. "I'm all too anxious to keep the engagement a secret." She muttered, unwrapping the next delicious item. "I want to keep things simple at school." She knew it was unlikely it would remain a secret for long, but she'd rather worry about 6th year problems, not planning a wedding!

Narcissa remained quiet for a second looking out onto the lake. There weren't any other students around but them. If only the feelings of peace could last longer. That's all she needed in her life. No party or material possession could ever replace this calmness that currently swept past her.

"As far as the detention goes... I'll get back to you on that. I'm serving the detention for the Potter incident." She explained. "Maybe I'll need 'help' from you. Maybe I won't."

Thinking of Potter actually cheered Narcissa up. A smug and rather sinister smile spread across her face. Her heels clicked together due to the adrenaline rush. Nearly seven days had passed since the incident and she never confided to anyone. No one was worthy. When she told Lucius (since she had to), he hadn't asked for any details and let it pass. 

While with Regulus, she knew that he'd appreciate more of the story. "I'll never forget Potter's reaction." She laughed looking satisfied. "I can't even describe it, but it was perfect."

"With the whole calling us degenerates, pathetic, wishing your mother dead, so on and so on, I just lost it." Narcissa explained, pouting in annoyance. "What kind of person would I be to walk away?"

"So when Potter said that not everyone bowed to us... Well, he kinda set himself up for it, didn't he?" She snickered shaking her head. "The Sponge-Knees Curse worked wonders for his bad attitude. A little shove and presto! Bowing Potter." 

Narcissa turned to Regulus with a playful 'oops' expression on her face. "I got lucky, I think. He could have hurt me. But, hey, what do you know, looks like I have a whole new respect for Gryffindork 'chivalry'."

[narcissa1977]

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Narcissa & Lucius || We'll Always Have Detention

[lucius1977-blog]

It wasn’t as if manipulation of staff was beneath Lucius Malfoy.  In fact, he’d always lived by the assumption that the more he was able to sway figures of authority, the better.  So long as he kept face and his typically selfish motives remained hidden, who would he be to turn down an opportunity for personal gain when the only price was a bit of smooth talk and schmoozing?  Narcissa Black’s punishment was no exception.  Had it been any other two students involved in the event he likely would have reported the incident directly to the Headmaster, earning favour in the lunatic’s eyes for his quick enforcement of the rules.  Narcissa and James, however, were in a league of their own.  His tentative fiancee cursing the Head Boy, whom Lucius himself held an eternal distaste for, was certainly cause for an exception, was it not?  He held the opportunity to shine in the eyes of his future wife, all while relishing in the fact that James Potter’s attacker was getting away as close to scathe-free as possible.  Every way Lucius looked at it, he won.

Sliding Narcissa’s deed past authority had been much easier than the Slytherin had anticipated.  If there was one thing Lucius appreciated about his Head of House, aside from his notorious dimness, it was the fact that he’d earned a position in the man’s esteem long ago.  All it had taken to get Narcissa her minimum sentence was a few choice words outlining to Slughorn that a member of his house appeared to be having trouble adjusting to their return to the castle and had acted out as a result.  That, along with a strong suggestion that a minimal punishment would ease said student’s apparent anxiety, had all sat too well with the old Slytherin head, who’d nodded enthusiastically along with every word that slithered off of Lucius’s tongue.

Of course his motives had been selfish, but why wouldn’t they be?  The opportunity was far too convenient for him to allow it to slide by.  He’d already saved her once, gotten her off far easier than any other Prefect or Professor would have, and yet with such a simple-minded detention he was almost positive he’d have the chance to play knight in shining armour once more, perhaps even thaw a layer of the ice that surrounded the youngest Black daughter.  Lucius had been almost certain that Professor Slughorn wouldn’t take it upon himself to supervise the girl.  The man appeared to put far too much trust in people, specifically those with promise - pureblooded Slytherins had as good as a free pass with the man, and with Narcissa’s lineage on her side Lucius would’ve bet his best galleons that Slughorn would be curled up safely in his office rather than scrutinizing Narcissa’s manual labour.  As he strolled out of the Slytherin common room and through the dungeons, past Slughorn’s office, he proved himself right; a quick glance into the man’s office showed Lucius all he needed to see - that his Head of House was curled up comfortably in his chair, with his nose just above a glass whose contents he didn’t dare fathom any guesses about, rather than pacing back and forth in the potions classroom like any responsible supervisor would.

If there had ever been a time to strike, it was then.

Lucius surely didn’t feel the need to prove himself to Narcissa Black.  If she wasn’t aware of his nobility and desirable traits by that point, she had to have spent the past sixteen years of her life oblivious to her family’s social circles.  No, his feet weren’t carrying him towards the potions classroom because he felt compelled to reiterate his worth.  Instead, he was driven by the will to surprise her, to break her shell, perhaps even to help her if he felt horribly inclined.  With the rest of their lives as good as dictated for them it appeared the reasonable thing to do.

He pushed the door open forcefully, taking strong steps into the room, making his presence immediately known.  Momentary fright graced the girl’s delicate features as he nodded towards her in greeting, quickly striding across the stone floors towards her.  ”Evening,” he hummed, attempting to repress a smirk as he examined the startle across her face and the wideness of her eyes, though his lips still instinctively began to curl at the sides.  His eyes slowly scanned the classroom as he paused just feet away from her, darting between the girl and the two piles of cauldrons - one dirty and one clean.  ”I felt it safe to assume that our Head of House wouldn’t exactly be attentive in regards to your supervision,” he began carefully.  ”It only seemed natural that, being the one to issue your punishment in the first place, I paid you a visit to check in.  Have your fingers begun to prune yet?” His smirk began to expand as his eyes flickered back to Narcissa.

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As Lucius stepped closer to the table, Narcissa became increasingly uncomfortable about her husband-to-be seeing her in such a disheveled state. She greatly valued her appearance in day to day life, it usually motivated others to do her bidding. Her beauty also caused people to overlook her intelligence, which she often used unsuspectingly to secure the upper hand in a conflict. Looking down at her gloved hands, she suffered a momentary lapse of insecurity until she was mentally kicked by her mother's commanding voice. Any girl with a pretty face could pretend to be worth something by playing dress up, while only girls of a historic pedigree such as the House of Black were actually worth something; regardless of their appearance. Greatness came from within. The pulsing blood running through her veins was built to shine and no one could ever make her feel inferior.

With high society on her mind, Narcissa of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, instantly adjusted her posture. Her stance was regal, as if she wore a gorgeous gown and ready for the usual paparazzi. Okay, so, maybe she was better off without the ridiculous goggles on her face, she conceded in her head. She gracefully removed the tacky gear to finally examine Lucius without the obstruction. 

Narcissa's nose crinkled seeing the smirk on his face. He had real nerve showing up to see her in this condition. How could he be so smarmy? Did he enjoy seeing her in such a low situation? She hated him. Even his beautiful face did nothing to help him. In the midst of her fury, she tasted a bit of blood in her mouth from biting down on her tongue. She was restraining herself from lashing out at him. There were all sorts of things that she wanted to say to him, wanted to ask him. She would have loved to known what he'd be doing around this time if she weren't in detention. He'd be doing something boring like homework or Quidditch-related, she guessed. Unfortunately, it wasn't proper for her to speak up to confirm her suspicions. The irony of the situation wasn't lost on Narcissa. The person she was obligated to spend the rest of her life with was the one person she couldn't be herself around. Regardless, she refused to make any 'rash' moves until she knew what type of wife he wanted. Acting like a docile lamb was exhausting, but she couldn't mess up their engagement. Since Lucius came from an ancient family, much like her own, insulting him could cause irreparable damages to their alliance. Her life at home would never be the same, even if she managed a way out of their union.

Hopelessness was a terrible feeling. She wanted it out of her heart.

"Why, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy what bad eyesight you have..." Narcissa retorted cheekily as if she were scolding him. 

"I'm wearing gloves." She said dryly, free of any amusement, holding her hands up. "I'm prune-free, I assure you."

Lucius's words repeated in her head and they didn't sound quite right. Like a true Slytherin, she could practically smell a hidden agenda and the curiosity was killing her. What was the real reason for his unexpected visit? Either he didn't understand how she would feel degraded or he just didn't care. Honestly, couldn't he have asked her to Hogsmeade or lounged with her in their common room? 

"You said it was 'safe to assume' that I would be alone?" Narcissa tapped her fingers softly on the table. "Why would it matter to you if I'm alone or not?"

She felt on edge while waiting for his explanation.

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Narcissa & Alastor || Wednesdays With Moody - Part 2

[thathufflepuffkid-blog]

Alastor looked back up when he was reminded of his original intention behind this conversation. Advice, to turn his life around, live a little and enjoy his last year. 

“Yeah? Out with it then.” Alastor mirrored her body language, exaggerating his interest in what she was about to reveal, although he truly was learning a lot from her today. He absorbed what she was saying, secretly trying to work out how it effected her actions, and not just how it could influence his own.

“Time.” He repeated, mulling the word over. “Well, whilst thats a little morbid thinking with every passing second you’re closer to your death bed you… yes. It’s true. And perhaps it’s something I need to work on.” Alastor pondered, humoring her just a little bit. Alastor was well aware he may have already wasted a lot of time, stressing over small things and applying himself to thickly to activities that would never be memorable or exciting. 

Alastor returned her wink with a small smile before looking down and sweeping the hair from his eyes. “So am I worthy of your time?” He joked, laughing and trying not to notice Narcissa’s saddened statement and glance sideways. He followed her gaze though, towards the window. 

“I don’t think that’s an immature concept at all. I think it takes a great deal of maturity to accept that everything ends eventually.” Alastor sighed. His gaze again returned to rest on Narcissa, not in a weird way, he just looked curiously as if maybe if he stared long enough he’d finally be able to figure her out. This conversation may have been enlightening, but it offered far more questions than answers in terms of the curious Slytherin girl sitting opposite him. 

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"Obviously, I deemed you worthy of my time." Narcissa's head snapped back to answer. "I don't break my rules. What purpose would they serve?" 

Suddenly, an all too familiar nagging feeling was pulling at her heart. A nag so strong that she couldn't ignore because it wouldn't go away, as if she was being ordered to say more. Was the feeling related to remorse? She didn't know.

"I will be honest and say there is a disclaimer for my rules." She stiffened and adjusted her posture in her chair. It never registered to her how fast she could shift back to ice. There were many versions of Narcissa Black, from daughter to sister to society girl to mean girl.

"Although, I'm sure, given who I am... Given who your parents are..." Narcissa locked eyes with Alastor. She stared him down, challenging him to look away. "You've already guessed what I'm about to say."

"At times I break my rules for the House of Black. Family always comes first." She informed him in a monotone voice, hoping that she didn't come off as too threatening. That was not her intention, she had no reason to 'scare' him off. No reason for now.

She sighed and opened her student schedule and planner to take out the note she had written for him. "Here.... just so you won't forget." She said in the same voice, holding out the pocket sized piece of parchment in her hand.

"We better get out of here." Narcissa remarked, seeing other students shuffling past their table. 

[narcissa1977]

Narcissa & Alastor || Wednesdays With Moody - Part 2

[thathufflepuffkid-blog]

Alastor sat in silence for a few moments, wondering if it was comforting Narcissa needed, or to simply move on from the subject. Knowing her any attempt to ‘comfort’ would result in something disastrous and painful for Alastor so he kept his mouth shut for a while longer, letting her words settle like dust.

“I’ve always known you were an opportunist, Narcissa, that part is obvious, but we’re all allowed to dream…” He said in a quiet voice, and gulped as the girl seemed to let her hard exterior withdraw for a stolen second or two, as she spoke about travelling and of Regulus. Alastor tried his best to formulate something in his head that sounded both wise yet non condescending. He opted for a small, but genuine smile, leaning in closer than before to meet her eyes.

“Things often have a way of working out, if not always in the way we expect.” Alastor half-whispered, he too was quoting a book, although couldn’t remember the title. He straightened again. Narcissa was hard to read, disconcertingly hard infact. 

“And I hope it does work out, you know? You deserve it. Just don’t…” Alastor cringed as he felt his father’s words creeping up inside him as if they’d been planted there for this very moment. “… well, just, don’t sacrifice too much of yourself, okay?” 

It wasn’t cryptic enough for Narcissa not to understand the meaning behind his words, the rumors of the Black household were known by too many not to be at least a little bit true. And Alastor felt hopelessly torn now, between this girl who sat opposite him, wicked and ruthless but honest and true and he did care about her, and she obviously trusted him at least a little bit to indulge in this sort of conversation. But his father’s pre-term warnings to steer clear of the Blacks and everything else that was going on left Moody thoroughly confused and not at all comfortable with the situation. He shifted again in his seat. 

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Narcissa wasn't sure what Alastor was implying by 'sacrifice'. Instead of opting to question his motives for saying such a thing, she chose to move along their conversation. Her list of rules for living a memorable life started out as a light-hearted conversation and her internal compartmentalizing skills begged for it to stay that way. She figured if his 'advice' really mattered to him, then he would breach the topic of sacrifice at another time. And if he didn't? Then she knew it wouldn't be worth addressing. Just like that... she was able to master her emotions.

Narcissa shrugged and drummed her fingers on the table. "You know, I still have one rule left to divulge." She informed him with a coy smile. Her intentions were obvious in her body language. She had plenty of practice faking complacency.

"My third rule is to accept that nothing lasts forever. I know that sounds like an immature concept, but don't write off its importance."

"Take us for example." She motioned her hand between their bodies. "I will never look like this again. I will never be here again, not in this second, or this moment, ever again. Time is just passing us by and we have no way to get it back." 

She rolled her eyes, considering they were wizards; so maybe they could turn back time. But it wasn't of the norm. "Umm, for the most part. I'm breaking this down to regular, every day life."

"As long as you remember that every breath you take is one second closer to your death, then you'll stop waiting around for things to happen."

Narcissa leaned back in her chair, her eyes going up to the ceiling before looking back at Alastor. "Since time is incredibly valuable, you should value yourself and decide who is worthy of your time." She winked at him, just for fun, not so much to be flirtatious. 

"It's incredibly foolish to waste time."  She said ominously and looked out the window as sadness coursed through her for a moment.

[narcissa1977]

[narcissa1977]

Narcissa & Regulus || This Side of Paradise

[arcturusreg-blog]

It hadn’t been his most productive day, Regulus would admit. In fact, his only accomplishments of this particular afternoon were eating a plentiful amount of waffles and wearing out his journal. But after all, it was Sunday and that was his designated day to be, well, lazy. Reg sat at the desk in the corner of his dorm, scrawling diligently in a small black and gold book. Upon glancing at his watch, he hurriedly set down his quill and popped the stopper onto his bottle of ink before waving his wand over the wooden surface. “Evanesco,” he muttered, watching as the objects before him vanished into nothing. He knew better than to keep his cousin waiting. After giving himself a quick inspection in the mirror to ensure his hair didn’t look too disheveled and his collar was in perfect accordance with his tie, he proceeded down to the common room.

A brief scan over the quiet area told him Narcissa wasn’t there yet. He’d bet his broom she was fussing madly over her appearance, and a small smirk twitched a corner of his mouth up at the thought. Like him, she was somewhat of a perfectionist, so to speak.

He’d just taken to examining the various skulls that adorned the mantle above the ever-glowing fire when he felt two small arms wrap around him and nearly squeeze the breath out of him with an immense hug. A smile immediately grew on his face as he turned around to return the favor, hugging his cousin back with equal enthusiasm and resting his chin atop the blonde hair. 

The list of people Regulus was always pleased to see contained exactly one name, and that name was Narcissa Black. Being the same age, and sharing a mutual mindset, it was quite natural that over the years, the pair developed a close bond to the point where in a way, they were nearly inseparable. And it had been distressingly too long without her company. Summer hadn’t presented many opportunities for leisurely visits, as Reg’s father had demanded he enroll in private Quidditch training- and that nearly completely depleted his time and energy. But they were here now, at least.

“Lead the way, m’lady,” replied Regulus, extending an arm toward the door of the common room, still sporting the rare smile.

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As the weather turned chilly, Narcissa had hardy noticed while taking a turn around the lake with Regulus by her side. Their conversation had halted after the usual pleasantries (How's Kreacher? What broom did you buy?). It wasn't that she felt distance between them. She never did. In fact the cousins always resumed an easy intimacy after being separated for long periods of time. 

"Liquorice Wand?" Narcissa offered the concealed bag of sweets in her robes. There were plenty of options inside as she handed him the bag. She didn't know the meaning of conservative spending. Seeing Regulus' eyes narrow at her before he took a look inside of the bag, Narcissa knew that he knew. He could read body language better than the English language. He'd start probing her soon if she didn't speak up.

"I have a lot to tell you." She admitted and took a seat on a log at the edge of the lake. Her eyes were wide with alarm, nearly having an anxiety attack. "Apologies in advance."

Narcissa just wanted the words drained from her body. At last she could speak freely and not worry about sugarcoating any parts. Regulus accepted both sides, light and dark, of her without expectations.

She tilted to meet her cousin's eyes and began speaking at rapid pace. "On the first day back... I cursed James Potter because he insulted your mother- our family. To my face! He got what he deserved. And I'm trusting that you'll keep this secret of mine. I haven't told anyone else. Bella and Andy would have a fit."

Thinking of their family, Narcissa remembered to speak about Sirius. She felt her limbs turn to ice. They would get to that topic in a bit. Her nose crinkled as she continued, not allowing Regulus to reply just yet. "Well, I told Malfoy too. I turned myself into him before Potter could sick Dumbledore on me. Potter being the favorite and all." 

All of the sudden Narcissa jumped off the log and kicked at the dry leaves in a moment of unfiltered fury. "Here's the best news of all.... the family has arranged my marriage to Malfoy!" She yelled. Merlin, it felt good to actually react to the news. All this time she'd been expected to stand still and look pretty. Her chest was heaving and it took her a moment to hull all of her emotions back in.

Narcissa resumed the conversation in a regular voice and hardly approved of Regulus' small but visible smirk.

"Please... Please... Regulus. Tell me that you didn't know. Andy didn't. Bella was the one that broke the news to me. I would have trusted you to -warn- me if you had known." Narcissa shot him a pointed look and sat back down on the log. "I cannot, Merlin, handle this rubbish. How will I survive with Mr. I-Never-Break-A-Rule Malfoy as a husband?"

"I have detention tonight." She laughed sadly, hopelessly.

[narcissa1977]

Narcissa & Lily || Let's Be Candid

[lilyevans1977-blog]

Lily could tell when she was being inspected. There was always a sort of tingly feeling at the base of her spine when someone had their eyes on her, which some of her friends referred to as her sixth sense. It came in handy more often than not, and also made it difficult for people to sneak up on her and give her a fright. Which is why even after she turned her back to Narcissa to put her hands under the faucet again, she knew without a doubt that the blonde was looking at her. Intensely. The scrutiny didn’t make her comfortable, but she assumed that Narcissa was simply morbidly curious, probably never having been this close to a Muggleborn before. She was sorely tempted to turn around and challenge her.

But she didn’t. Maybe it was because of the reputation the Blacks had when it came to dealing with Muggleborns…Lily wouldn’t be the first to have suddenly succumb to illness or injury after a one-on-one encounter. Her mind was battling between the need to assert herself and the recognition of the very real danger and threat of being alone somewhere with a blood purist. She tried to remember if she had told anyone where she was going. Inside her chest, her heart was pounding frantically and she took deep shaking breaths to calm herself and focus. Surely if Narcissa had intended to harm her, it would have happened by now. They’d been in the bathroom for nearly three minutes and nothing had come to pass. With a huge lump in her throat, she chanced a glance into the mirror and saw Narcissa looking at her openly, resting against the wall. And she waited. The heaviness and pounding of her heart was so loud in her ears she could practically hearing it bouncing off the tile walls.

She was quite certain no one had ever said her name so strangely before. It was like a foreign creature on Narcissa’s tongue, and those two syllables seemed completely out of place in the air between them. Of course, they’d been classmates for years, but never on a first name basis. They acknowledged each other without referring to one another directly, avoiding the implied intimacy of direct communication. Turning slowly, Lily pushed aside the rising paranoia and braced her hands against the counter, leaning against it slightly to still leave considerable space between them. Wondering? What could she be wondering?

Upon being reminded of the incident on the train, Lily flushed darkly in an instant. Word had apparently gotten out despite her and James’ best efforts…as far as she could remember, Narcissa hadn’t been among the people they’d sent away from the corridor. Luckily, the blonde seemed just as discomfited and mortified by the question, which was a strange sort of relief to Lily, who always hated how easily all her emotions were displayed on her face. “Erm,” she said lamely, stalling for time even though her reaction was certainly all the confirmation Narcissa needed. “I….well, yes. It wasn’t….I don’t want to give details, per se, Head business and all….” Meeting Narcissa’s gave, she gave what she hoped would be an indeterminable shrug. “It seems like everyone knows anyways. Sirius certainly isn’t make a secret of it.” 

[narcissa1977]

The appalled look on Narcissa's face unmistakable with her wide eyes, parted lips and blush that spread across her face. She may have stopped breathing for a few seconds. She felt lightheaded, slightly dizzy. It took her several seconds to shake out of it. 

Just when she thought Sirius couldn't be anymore shameless, he continued to surprise her. It wasn't enough to snog a girl in public, but he had actually went a step further. She knew pureblood boys were allowed more 'lenience' in their dilly dallies, but still, this was too much. At least he should have had the common decency to carry on that business in a private place away from prying eyes. Instead he had broadcasted himself, Lily thought so too by her words, as a symbol of hedonism. He'd fallen so far from the 'always pure' House of Black.

Narcissa felt uncomfortable as she fidgeted, uneasy in her high heels. She swayed side to side as she thought of what to say next. "I feel compelled to apologize for your troubles with him, even if it's not my place to do so." Narcissa said in a small, mousy voice unlike how she'd speak to anyone in a classroom.

She paused, looking deeply troubled. "Sirius does not -in any way- reflect my family's values on propriety."

She laughed dryly and forced. It was difficult for her to speak on the subject of losing Sirius. She took a moment to catch her regular voice. "Obviously I was aware that Sirius has strayed from the lifestyle, but still... In public? That's...

Narcissa stood there with a speechless expression and continued to explain the source of her disbelief.

"I know what you think of me. Or what people say to think of me." She remarked calmly. She didn't look offended or snooty in the least while stating the facts. "However, my duties to the House of Black go beyond blasé discrimination."

"I'm part of a culture that's cut off from the rest of the wizarding community. I don't expect you to understand what it's like to be born into an institution with lifestyle restraints."  

Narcissa wasn't sure why she wished muggles and half-bloods knew her strife. Most pureblood wizards wouldn't bother explaining anything to anyone below their blood status. She was simply fueled to continue the conversation, given the allowance of being alone. Any other day, any other time, she would never be this candid with her. Merlin, she would simply ignore the muggle as usual.

[narcissa1977]

Narcissa & Alastor || Wednesdays With Moody - Part 2

[thathufflepuffkid-blog]

Alastor sensed a shift in the mood, and although Narcissa wasn’t giving anything away, he couldn’t help but feel he’d said something wrong. And she’d pointedly avoided the question about the book. Whilst he could have pursued the topic further, Alastor decided that would do nothing to improve whatever relationship they had right now. 

“You’re right. I know, I just…” He rested his elbows back on the desk, finding it difficult to feel comfortable. “… you always seem so confident, sure of yourself. Some people find that harder to do than others.” Alastor’s gaze travelled sweepingly over the library, coming to rest on the girl’s intense and hard, yet somehow warm eyes. 

“Come on then, indulge me, in an ideal future, one without marriages or family or expectations, what would you do with your life?” It was an attempt to lift the mood that probably completely failed, as Alastor managed, yet again, to draw attention to a number of things in Narcissa’s life that she clearly wanted to avoid. Still, Moody was curious, and needed a perspecive on things. He often forgot most people don’t have their career path enforced upon them from the time they were conceived. Admittedly, he’d find it quite disconcerting if he hadn’t had it all laid out for him. His mind darted over things he’d thought about being if he wasn’t practically already signed up as an auror. A teacher, maybe, here at Hogwarts, a writer or perhaps a magical historian. None of them seemed to fit, nothing really seemed that compatible. 

Alastor flicked the cover of his book open, trying to make it seem as if he wasn’t all that interested, just in case Narcissa didn’t want to answer that question either. But the text looked dull and not at all inviting, all cold hard fonts and dreary diagrams. He turned his gaze back up to Narcissa, who looked positively radiant in the soft dusty light of the library. 

[narcissa1977]

Imagining a world where she wasn't Narcissa Black would be a taboo. She didn't like think about another life because it would betray her family. The House of Black defined her fundamentals. Her brows furrowed, searching for words to answer the question in a civil manner. She could have lashed out, saying something general about honor, but it would be futile with someone like Alastor. He wasn't as clueless as others. 

"I'm an opportunist, Alastor." She declared with the utmost confidence. There was no place for shame, she thought waving a dismissive hand in the air. "Optimists focus too much on 'what ifs' while realists tend to be too idle for my disposition." 

"Here I thought that was obvious." She said quietly, more to herself, but he heard her.

"I see daydreaming as a frivolous, not very productive activity. What would I dream about anyway?" Narcissa leaned back in her chair. "I have everything I could ever want. ...Except true love. But not everyone gets that..."

 Although perplexed by her thoughts, she continued, "I wish Bella and Andy would marry well. The duty would no longer default to me."

"I don't get much of a say. I'm the youngest."

Then for the first time, in a long time, a whimsical expression crossed her face. She was daydreaming against her nature.

"If I could do anything... I'd wander the world with Regulus. Never staying in the same place for too long." She shared a secret smile, the kind that only her cousin deserved. "With people like us, our home is where we are not..." She said quoting her favorite book from memory.

"We have enough fortune to do that, of course." The smile on her face dropped. She turned to ice. "But Regulus and I live public lives. We can't just drop off the grid."

"I do not have an ideal future." Narcissa remained stiff, while internally, a deep depression attacked her. She should have stopped talking yet words continue to spill from her mouth.

"I fear losing him more than I daydream." She explained. "It would ruin me to live without a single person that understands me. I only need the one."

[slytherinandromedablack-blog]

Black Sister's Ritual ¦¦ Narcissa and Andromeda + Sirius

[slytherinandromedablack-blog]

Andromeda pursed her lips at his sarcasm. Before Sirius left and they hated each other, they used to often joke about like that. But there was never real coldness in his voice like the one there was now, icy and hard. The word Godric was like a slap in the face. It came out his mouth so causally, which made it worse because it just proved how much things could change in time. The old Sirius was gone. At least for the Black family he was. Andromeda had often seen him being his usual mischievous  self with his Gryffindor friends but as soon as he even caught wind of them, he turned back to the cold-hearted blood traitor their family had branded him as.Her glare increased as he announced his departure.

Apparently staying in the same room as them for more than a minute was too much for him. “How kind.” She spoke with a lowered voice, as she watched him exit the salon. Suddenly, her good mood had diminished and being at the salon was the last place she wanted to be. Turning to Narcissa, she could tell she was equally as unhappy. Andromeda couldn’t let her get caught up in the drama that was Sirius Black. “Wasn’t that a pleasant surprise.” She gave Narcissa a look, then picked up a magazine and pointed to a dress that she liked, trying to remove any traces of Sirius from both their minds.

[Closed] 

seriously-sirius-black-iii:

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[narcissa1977]

Closed.

[narcissa1977]

Except I was named after a flower instead of a star.

[narcissa1977]

Narcissa & Alastor || Wednesdays With Moody - Part 2

[thathufflepuffkid-blog]

“Falling in love would be a distraction, and a weakness, something for my enemies to use against me.” He explained, a little half-heartedly though, as if reciting something somebody had told him. 

Alastor then shut up obediently and listened with genuine interest, nodding at regular intervals as Narccisa actually seemed to be making sense. 

“You make sense, Narcissa, who’d have thought? You could be a life coach, like that, um, that one with the muggle husband and the bestselling novel, take charge of your life and three steps to magical success.“ Moody thought back to the kinds of books that plastered his mother’s coffee table at home. The ones he mentioned definitely being amongst them. 

Alastor shifted in his seat, pondering on what had just been said to him. “But, how do I know to trust myself? I mean, right now it doesn’t matter so much, the only consequence I might have is making a huge fool of myself, but out there…” Alastor glanced, unncecesarily at the library window, where afternoon light was filtering through the frosted glass. “… a mistake could be deadly. And then I’d end up second guessing the fact I chose not to second guess myself.” 

“By the way… what is that you’re reading?” 

[narcissa1977]

Narcissa wrinkled her nose at the mention of a 'muggle husband'. Honestly, Alastor could still be so tactless in her presence. Her fury flamed once again when he accused her of having 'sense', but she'd remain well-behaved- for now.

"How does anyone know to trust themselves?" Narcissa said flatly with a hard voice. "There isn't an actual rulebook to life. Even when people try their absolute hardest at something, they can still fail. Is that fair? No, because life shouldn't be treated with such terms."

"So... sure you'll make mistakes. Didn't I say that? All of your mistakes will amount to experiences."

"The more experience you gain, the wiser you'll be in the future because you learned from past mistakes. You're in school, so I doubt you'll be making any 'major' mistakes. And... when you enter the workplace, you'll be wise. You'll know what to do in the future, don't worry about that now. Your experiences and memories will show you the way."

Narcissa was a little pissed off at how he was treating her, so she took a breath and crossed her arms. She knew he didn't mean to offend her - at least she didn't think he meant to. Her feelings were truly hurt, but she allowed her anger to pass as she nibbled on her bottom lip.