bittersweet and delicate

You see, all the wisеst women Had to do it this way 'Cause we were born to be the pawn In every lover's game

[nrcissasblack]

Character Basics

Character name: Narcissa Isadora Black Age & Birthday: 24 & January 15th Zodiac Sign: Capricorn Gender & Pronouns: Cisfemale & she/her Occupation: Socialite Blood Status: Pureblood Previous House: Slytherin Previous Affiliation: Neutral with a Death Eater lean Wand: Hawthorn Wood with a dragon heartstring core. Rigid. 9 1/2 inches long.

Biography

Another daughter of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, Narcissa Isadora Black was the third disappointment for Cygnus Black, but a triumph for Druella Black. With her blonde hair and blue eyes, it was clear from the moment that Druella laid eyes on her youngest that Narcissa would take after her side of the family rather than Cygnus’s and that alone cemented Narcissa as her favorite. She didn’t feel the need to hide it either. Narcissa was the baby of the family, after all, and her mother often spoke of her as if she was a delicate china doll that would shatter at the smallest touch. Narcissa wasn’t a delicate flower ready to break, but she adored her mother’s attention so she played along. While she longed of playing with her sisters and cousins, roughhousing in the garden, she often sat out, afraid to get her dress dirty or ruin her pretty ribbons that her mother insisted she wear in her hair. She loved her older sisters, but it was a lonely childhood. She was keenly aware that her father had dreamed of a son, an heir, and she had been their last chance. Narcissa knew that her father loved her but she would always be tinted with failure.

An already lonely childhood got even lonelier when Bellatrix went to Hogwarts and then Andromeda followed soon after. During those months while her sisters were at school Narcissa spent even more time with her mother, being groomed into her mother’s perfect daughter. It was easier to go with the flow of her mother’s desires and become her ideal daughter instead of fighting back to be the person that she thought she wanted to be. It was easier that way because Narcissa never had to figure out who she was or what she believed in. She followed in her family’s footsteps when she arrived at Hogwarts and was quickly sorted into Slytherin. She created a group of her own, girls that were just as Pureblooded as she was, but never prettier than her or more accomplished than she was. The boys called her haughty and cold, but Narcissa didn’t care. She had been betrothed to Lucius Malfoy when she was young, and she only had eyes for him. What other choice did she have? Narcissa was used to doing what she was told. 

While the war waged around their society and the people closest to her picked sides, Narcissa looked ahead to the future, to what her life would be like once she graduated. She knew that she was not a soldier, and even if she wanted to be, her mother would never allow it. Narcissa wasn’t like Bellatrix, or even Andromeda, who had surprised them all when she turned her back on their family. Narcissa hated the way that the war had destroyed her family, and maybe for a moment she had wondered if she was on the wrong side of things when even Regulus turned traitor, but Narcissa had never been taught to think for herself, and she listened to the people around her, even while she wondered. Those wondering thoughts had to be banished though, to a place that she never thought of again. 

Whenever they asked her about her thoughts on the war, she would blithly reply that the war had stopped her wedding to Lucius, but they would be married soon of course. She was sometimes there when the Dark Lord would hold his meetings at her family’s manor or Lucius’s, and she would listen, but nobody expected Narcissa Black to participate in something so dangerous and unseemly as a war. So Narcissa spent the war planning a wedding that kept getting pushed back and watching as things fell apart. 

And things fell apart. The fall of the Dark Lord had not been expected, just as the betrayal of Regulus hadn’t been expected. Who could have seen it coming? With the Dark Lord dead, and society returning to ‘normal’, Narcissa doesn’t entirely know where she fits in to this new world. Her family managed to escape facing the consequences for their actions because money always talks, but things aren’t the way that they were before the war, and Narcissa doesn’t know how to handle that. Narcissa just feels like she is planning a wedding that will never happen, and she worries that the war took more than she ever thought it could. 

[elodierosier]

Elodie floated her way about the reception after letting Regulus mingle with others for a while. She wanted to make sure she found Narcissa before the end of the night. Her goal was to just make sure she was on top of the moon, and well she hoped that inviting Regulus wasn't the worst move.

Grabbing a flute of champagne she came over to see the bride. She was sure that those words had come out of her mouth more than 50 times now. "I wouldn't miss it for the world," she smiled brightly. "Shouldn't you be dancing with your husband? Why are you over here all alone?"

[nrcissasblack]

"Elodie," she greeted her younger cousin with a smile. It was a relief to actually see someone that she cared for, it did get so exhausting making conversation with practical strangers all night. But she had been raised to be a perfect hostess, so perfect she would be even on her wedding day. "You look pretty," she complimented her.

"I would certainly hope so, I've only been talking about today for years," she teased with a smile. "We will dance soon, he's just finishing up some things with his father," she explained. "I figured I would do some socializing for a bit," she explained. "And what about you? Have you been enjoying yourself?"

[perfecterosier]

“Hmm,” Evan pretended to give a considering eye before spreading both arms in a grand gesture, “But of course, you’re the radiant belle of the ball, inciting love and jealousy in all who lay eyes upon you.” Returning both hands to the top of his cane, “I have two in perfect shape, dear heart, but we know better than most how easily a smile can hide something underneath.” 

He was skirting a little close to unwelcome territory and quickly continued, “Though it seems you’re being quite genuine, how wonderful.” After a short chuckle, he curled his fingers and a glass of chilled white wine appeared between them, “This may be the one day she’ll make such concessions, best make the most of it while you can.” 

[nrcissasblack]

Narcissa was long used to Evan's theatrics, but today she appreciated them a little more than usual. "You flatter me, dear cousin," she replied. His next words were a little bit too true, and they both knew it. But Narcissa was glad that for once, her smile was genuine, and her happiness was as well. "We do," she agreed. "But trust me when I tell you that this smile is not one of those."

"Perhaps one day we will be celebrating your wedding," she teased him. Merlin help whichever person Evan convinced into marrying him. She didn't think she could live with his theatrics. "I don't think that I should push her too far, it will probably backfire horribly. We all know how she is."

[pandoragreengrass]

Pandora thought the two made a lovely couple and that their wedding was beautiful. The Malfoy manor was something to talk about. She wasn't one to spend too much time inside, but tonight, she could make an exception and she didn't want to deal with her father. It was her mother that pestered her to go talk to the bride and thank them for the invite. Rolling her eyes, she walked away and figured she keep it quick, knowing that Narcissa probably wanted to spend time with her new husband.

"Thank you for inviting me." A smile on Dora's face. "You look lovely by the way. I'm really happy for the both of you." She didn't know what more to say, glancing over her shoulder to find her mother glaring at her. "You must be excited for when this is over and you don't have to continue making small talk with people you probably don't care about talking to." The words all came fumbling out of her mouth before she could stop, looking up at the blonde embarrassed. "Pretend I didn't say that." She could already hear her mother yelling at her later for being rude.

[nrcissasblack]

Druella Black had always had plenty to say about the two youngest Greengrass siblings, and it had never been particularly kind. But Narcissa had always tuned her out when it came to Oz. He was a friend and she had lost too many to turn her back on him. Pandora was a bit of a different story, but mostly because Narcissa didn't know her particularly well.

But she was Oz's sister so she tried to be kind. "Of course. I'm so glad that you could come. Oz did a beautiful job with the flowers, don't you think?" Narcissa asked, figuring that it was common ground for the two. "Thank you, we're very happy together." Narcissa took a sip of her champagne. "Your dress is divine, I so appreciate that you stuck to the color scheme." Narcissa raised an eyebrow at Pandora's next comment and laughed. "Believe it or not this is what I'm good at. But I can't wait to get to dance with my husband and see him. We have had very little time to enjoy each other today, but weddings are like that I suppose."

[r-lestrxnge]

"Of course, Narcissa. I wouldn't have missed it." Leaning forward, he pressed his lips lightly to her cheek and took a moment to study her. "You look radiant. Lucius is a lucky man." Too lucky, truth be told. But Rabastan would have concluded the same about any wizard matched with this witch. There was a protective consideration when it came to her, though he knew that she was more than capable of looking after herself. It was a peculiar instinct.

Taking a champagne flute from a passing waitress, he turned away momentarily to study the ballroom. Many couples were moving across the dancefloor, parents standing to the side beside wallflowers and hopefuls. He was enjoying the day, but these procedures did become wearing after time - and his time was somewhat lengthy. He would be expected to join in at some point, and so he would, though he disliked the sense of expectation that grew with each social event that passed as he grew older.

"You should be dancing. It is your day, after all. Are you not yet done with meeting and greeting?" With a smile, he took a generous sip and slid the glass onto a nearby ledge. He was pleased to see her so peaceful. The last time they'd met had worried him, her unhappiness weighing on his mind long after they'd parted company. He'd been willing to ease her discomfort, though in truth there had been a selfish streak to his generosity - the attention had distracted him from his own disturbed thoughts. He would not tell her that Andromeda was here. He hoped she had heeded his warning and left of her own accord, though he had also taken matters into his own hands and set someone to watch her and prevent her from approaching Narcissa.

[nrcissasblack]

"Rabastan," Narcissa greeted her friend warmly, returning the light kiss to his cheek. What a change it was from the last time that she had seen him. She had been a mess that day, and she was grateful that she had been able to put that out of her mind. "Thank you. Lucius is a lucky man," she agreed with a smirk. "But I feel just as lucky. I am grateful that today has been perfect."

Months, no years, of planning had paid off. She was pleased with how everything had gone. Her mother was going to find no fault in her today or in the day. The Malfoys were pleased, Lucius was pleased, and so was Narcissa. It had been a long time coming, this day, and she was glad that things had gone so well. She had enjoyed her day, and she thought that she was fulfilling her duty flawlessly.

"I think that my mother would say that the meet and greet will never end," she teased lightly, lifting her flute of champagne to her lips. "Lucius and I will take to the dancefloor shortly, he just has to finish up a conversation with his father. I promise I am enjoying myself," she told him, reaching out and gently touching his arm. "And are you enjoying yourself?" Narcissa questioned. "Which witch has the pleasure of your company tonight?" She asked curiously. She was certain that Rabastan hadn't come alone, but she hadn't heard who he had come with. Men had it so easy, they could attend a different event with a different witch each night, but if Narcissa had ever dreamed of doing such a thing she would have heard about it for a year.

[lucimalfoys]

Where: Sitting room in Malfoy Manor When: Post-ceremony, pre-reception Who: Narcissa @nrcissasblack

Adjusting his cufflinks, Lucius entered the sitting room outside the main ballroom. With the binding ceremony already officiated, and hundreds of guests situated on the other side of the wall, all that was left to do was for them to celebrate. Unable to hide the seemingly permanent grin on his face, he spotted Narcissa on the other side of the room, near the door they'd cross over once it was time for them to be announced.

"Mrs. Malfoy," he teased, powerless to help himself. As if subconsciously, he adjusted his boutonniere, naturally made out white narcissus, and strode toward his wife. "Apologies for keeping you waiting, love." Reaching out a gloved hand, he closed it around her own, lifting the back of her hand lightly to his lips. "You can blame my father for the last minute wedding paperwork." His eyebrows raised lazily. "I told him that signing it tomorrow wouldn't be the end of the world, but..." he trailed off, eyes searching his bride's face.

She was a stunning bride, as he knew she would be, and he felt nothing but adoration in that moment. Potentially some pride, sure, but he was genuinely happy for the first time in many years. It seemed like the world had dangled the possibility of their union in their faces for years now. Whether it was either of their parents, Narcissa's sisters, or the events of war, obstacles seemed keen on halting them. They'd made it to this day, though, despite the hectic path they had to travel. "Funny that we've had no time alone today. I hope you know how unbelievably beautiful you are." He heard his words come out a lot less smoother than he'd expected, and it was likely the wide smile on his mouth to blame. "You are the perfect bride," he mumbled lowly, lowering his head toward her, eyes alight.

[nrcissasblack]

Today was a day that Narcissa had long dreamed about and worried that it would never happen. When she had woken up that morning she had worried about every single different detail, but now that the binding ceremony was through, she felt much more at peace. There was no going back. They were married and nobody could take this day from her.

Mrs. Malfoy. It sounded just right when he said it, and she turned to face him, a smile on her lips. "Mr. Malfoy, fancy seeing you here," she teased him. She didn't mind that they had kept her waiting, she was privately glad that the paperwork was finished and nothing could change this for her. "It's quite alright, I was enjoying the quiet," she admitted. "There's something peaceful about this room. Is that crazy?" She asked him.

Narcissa thought that Lucius looked exceptionally handsome today, and she was quite happy that they were finally married. So many things over the years had tried to stop this day, but they had made it through all of it. They had come out the other side of the war, and deep down, Narcissa was glad it was over. She didn't have to share her husband with the cause, she didn't have to worry like she had to during the war. Each time he was late to an occasion she worried that he was dead or in Azkaban. But here they were, ready to move forward with their lives. "That's alright, we have the rest of our lives to be alone," she reminded him softly. "I'm glad we have now, though. Even if it's just a couple of minutes." Narcissa smiled. "You are quite the dashing groom."

[nrcissasblack]

When: Lucissa wedding ceremony Where: the gardens, after midnight Who: Narcissa & Micah @micahmulciber

It had been a perfect day. The ceremony and reception had gone beautifully, and every single detail that Narcissa had planned had gone off without a hitch. She was happy. Truly. Lucius made her happy and finally getting to say that she was his wife made her happy. And yet as the night had gone on a sense of melancholy had taken over some of that happiness. She had spent so long planning, so long waiting that she wasn't...quite sure what she would have tomorrow. Things were going to change for the better, but still...she was allowing herself a few quiet moments away from the well wishers and prying eyes.

Glancing up when she felt a presence approaching her, she was surprised to see Micah. She hadn't seen them since before they had been sent to Azkaban. She had been meaning to reach out, but what did you say to someone that had provided her with certain...potions that allowed her to get through her most difficult times? It was complicated. It made her feel guilty and less than, even though she told herself there was nothing to be ashamed of. And yet...here she was.

"Micah. Thank you so much for coming. I hope that you are enjoying yourself."

[perfecterosier]

Ahh, a wedding, it was one of those rare events where people seemed to smile almost as much as he did. Honestly, he struggled to see the appeal, but even the idea of love in itself held little interest for him; Narcissa seemed happy though, and it was a good Pureblood match. In the end, his cousin could have come out of things much worse.

Lifting a glass of white wine elegantly to his lips, Evan waited for the busy bride to have an unoccupied moment and stepped in, “Well, look at you,” he grinned, “A vision in white and a true delight,” chuckling musically at his own rhyme he tilted his head at her slightly, “And, happy too, I take it?”

It would be a shame if Lucius proved lesser down the line but, for the moment, he would trust his cousin’s judgement on her own affairs. “I must say the ceremony went off beautifully, though I did wonder if dear Bellatrix would hex the groomsman walking alongside her.”     

[nrcissasblack]

Narcissa was glad to see Evan. For a moment, she was reminded of cousins that weren't there, couldn't be there, and a sister that had been missing today, but she let none of those thoughts show, and instead she smiled at her cousin. He was there to celebrate her day and she was glad for it.

"What do you think of my dress? Do you approve?" She asked him teasingly. "Thank you for coming." At his question of her happiness, she nearly rolled her eyes. Hadn't he paid any attention these last few years? "The happiest. Lucius makes me happy. This makes me happy. It was starting to feel like today was never going to happen," she admitted.

At his comment about the ceremony, she smiled. "It went perfectly, don't you think?" She paused. "I think Bellatrix knows that if she upset me today than she would have hell to pay. She would never hear the end of it. So I appreciate her being on her best behavior during the ceremony."

[nrcissasblack]

When: Lucissa wedding reception Where: the ballroom Who: Narcissa & Open

Narcissa didn't think that she had ever felt peace until this moment. She had watched as the ink dried on the marriage certificate and she had known that for better or worse, she and Lucius were married. Together they could weather whatever was thrown towards them. Suddenly she didn't care so much about what her mother had been fussing about as they got ready, she didn't care about who was at the wedding.

All she cared about was that Lucius was her husband. She could be happy. There was a slight twinge when she thought of the people that were no longer a part of her life that she had always thought would be standing by her side but none of it mattered. She was married.

A glass of champagne in her lips, she surveyed the dance floor and locked eyes with Lucius across the room. She lifted her glass in acknowledgement before someone stepped into her line of vision.

"Thank you so much for coming! I'm so glad that you could share this day with us."

[nrcissasblack]

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Narcissa Black to Lucius Malfoy

[rosmertaofthethreebroomsticks]

Rosmerta was in Diagon Alley, picking up some supplies for The Three Broomsticks and taking a moment to browse the various shops. As she passed by a stationery store, she popped in to get new parchment for the menu. She noticed Narcissa, who appeared to be deep in thought over a selection of elegant paper.

Seeing the woman’s uncertainty, Rosmerta couldn't help but offer a friendly smile. “Those are both lovely choices. The gold and white has a classic, timeless feel, while the sage and silver might give a more modern touch. It all depends on the kind of impression you want to leave,” she said, her tone warm and encouraging.

[nrcissasblack]

Would it be easier to deal with her mother when she wasn't living with her? Or was her mother just going to start spending all her time at Malfoy Manor? She didn't even want to think about how her mother would behave when she learned that Narcissa and Lucius were having her first grandchild.

Glancing up, Narcissa recognized Madam Rosmerta, although she hadn't been to the Three Broomsticks in years. She listened to her opinion and nodded her head slightly. "That's the problem, I can't decide between the two. I know what my mother would say, and that would probably be the best choice. But I am partial to the sage."

[lucimalfoys]

While it was typical for the brides to be in charge of the wedding decisions, Lucius still felt a bit ashamed that he’d been so left out of the loop. It certainly wasn’t that he didn’t care, but he was busy, and Druella seemed to have a knack for keeping the process traditional. When Narcissa extended the invitation to be part of their flower arrangements, he’d been all too happy to say yes. Though he wasn’t exactly a flower connoisseur, Lucius was willing to hire Oz, especially if it made Narcissa happy.

Adjusting his cufflinks, he entered the shop, brightening at seeing Narcissa already inside. “Ah, it is actually. Thank you, love. You’re a vision yourself.” He kissed her briefly on the top of her head in greeting, and he felt his heart speed up a bit at their closeness. “Good to hear.” Lucius smiled a bit sheepishly, and he only hoped the girl behind the counter wasn’t witnessing it. “I do hope you haven’t been waiting too long.”

@ozsflowergarden

[ozsflowergarden]

Since the shop was closed for the day he had incited both Narcissa and her fiance, Lucius, to come talk about the wedding. He was in the back while his assistant was up front getting things sorted. He had her let them in as he gathered the last of the paperwork and samples to bring out. Hearing them he headed out, adjusting the hearing-aids to make sure he could hear them both clearly. Oz smiled brightly, and came out from behind the counter to greet them both. "I'm so happy you both could make it. I have tea ready and several samples to show you both. Would you like to stay out here in the main shop or do you want to come to the seating area in the back?"

[nrcissasblack]

Narcissa was going to be glad when the final touches on wedding planning were through. She felt the weight of everybody's expectations on her shoulders, and she was afraid of it all falling short. The papers were saying that their wedding was going to be the wedding of the century and she wasn't about to let her family or Lucius down.

When Oz appeared from behind the counter, she smiled. There was something nice about letting a friend take care of such an important part of her wedding. "I can't wait to see what you've come up with," she smiled. Narcissa glanced at Lucius. "I think that we can come back, it will be more comfortable that way, I'm sure. And you won't have to move things around. What do you say, Lucius?"

@lucimalfoys

[deartheodosiax]

Theodosia loved the flower shop. Flowers and herbology were her favourite thing. Or one of them anyway. When she'd been at school she had mostly been found in the greenhouses. And so, it had made sense that she had eventually ended up working at a flower shop. Oz was lovely too It was generally a great time. There was nothing like doing something that one loved. Theo got to spend her day growing and arranging flowers. It was perfect.

She'd heard the door open, and gone to investigate, finding Narcissa Black stood in the shop. She didn't know the woman, but did recognise her. Who wouldn't. "Oh. cool. I'm sure he'll be around soon." If not she could go find him. "That's a good idea. Anything I can help with? Any flowers in particular you are looking for?"

[nrcissasblack]

Narcissa had never thought much about flowers outside of being beautiful decorations. She had hated herbology and getting her hands dirty, and she hoped that Lucius's elves would continue to take care of his garden once they were married. But she did have strong opinions on the flowers for her wedding. Everything had to be perfect. Every last detail.

"Alright," she nodded once at the explanation that Oz would be around soon. Narcissa had arrived early on purpose, wanting time to take in the vibes of the florist shop and make sure she was making the right choice in using Oz. So far she hadn't been disappointed. "I am still debating on which flowers will be best. I know that I want white roses, they are a must, but I am going for a pastel color scheme and we are marrying in the Malfoy's Orangery so I am looking for flowers that would compliment the trees growing there already."

[rblcck]

Are you? Those words hurt more than he ever could have prepared himself for. He knew that repairing things with Narcissa wouldn't be as easy as it had been with Andromeda and Sirius, but he never expected her to not believe him. Regulus wouldn't lie, not to Narcissa. Not to the person he once felt so close to. "Of course I'm sorry, Cis-" He cut himself off from using her nickname. He knew she wouldn't appreicate it from someone that was no longer in her inner circle. "Of course I'm sorry, Narcissa. I wouldn't be saying it if it weren't true. I hope you know that." Regulus Black was not a liar, that was something he could say with pride.

His head shook, eyebrows furrowing. It wasn't that he hadn't trusted her, it was everyone else around her that he didn't trust. Narcissa could keep a secret, he was sure of that much. But Regulus knew first hand how awful Death Eaters could be, and he didn't want Narcissa to have any information that might put her at risk. His eyes raised up to study her face at her question, and his shoulders shrugged slightly. "It was a bit of a split decision. Only a couple days to plan faking my death before going through with it. Kreacher helped me…"

[nrcissasblack]

It was difficult to feel like the person sitting across from her was a stranger when he had once been the closest person to her. Narcissa knew who Regulus was but she couldn't say that he was the same Regulus that she had grown up with. The Regulus she grew up with...she had a hard time imagining him doing the things that this new Regulus had done. She frowned when he said Narcissa. It sounded wrong coming from him, but would she have allowed him to call her Cissa? She wasn't so sure. "It's just hard to know if the old Regulus is in there after everything. I knew that Regulus. He never lied. But this new one...I don't think that I know him."

It was an impossible situation, if he told her what he had been planning he was opening up to being stopped. If she had known would she have told Lucius? Or Bellatrix? Narcissa wasn't sure. Things had been so chaotic during the war. She didn't bear a mark but her entire social circle did. Narcissa hesitated for a moment. "I...was glad that you weren't really dead," she finally spoke, her voice soft. "I was glad it was fake."

[r-lestrxnge]

Rabastan had felt the shift in his home's security, as his carefully constructed spells adjusted to permit a visitor. There were only a few who had the privilege to enter the house directly; the rest, were forced to stand on his doorstep like common muggles until his elf answered the door. Narcissa Black was welcome, but he had not expected to see her. Dismissing his elf after he'd delivered the information, Rabastan paced downstairs to the sitting room.

"Hello, Cissa," he greeted, after pushing open the door and allowing it to thud shut softly behind him. Through force of habit alone, he roamed his eyes over her appearance, seeking the reason for this unorthodox visit as though he might find some visible tale to read. Nothing struck him of particular note, except perhaps an increased solemnity. "You would never disturb me, my dear. I was just speaking with Rodolphus, that is all."

He had calmed since both brothers had returned. His sense of urgent vitriol had simmered to something less stringent, but it still remained potent. Though his focus was temporarily on Rodolphus's recovery, he thought nonetheless of vengeance and the resumption of war. He would not submit. His meeting with Andromeda had unsettled him, but only by a measure; her stubborn assertions had left him more determined in his own path.

Pouring himself a drink, he then offered one to his guest. "What would you like? You do not look yourself. Are you unwell?"

[nrcissasblack]

As Narcissa waited for Rabastan she hoped that she hadn't made the wrong choice coming to him. What if he was busy and he got annoyed with her? Since the war her circle of people that she trusted and counted as people she could be vulnerable with had shrunk and now that things were rocky with Bellatrix she worried about pushing Rabastan away as well.

When he appeared in the sitting room, her concerns washed away some. This was Rabastan, after all. She was certain that he would understand how she was feeling. He had been close with Andromeda as well, and she had long suspected there had been something deeper than friendship between the two at least at a time. Now that was off the table, considering Andromeda had married a mudblood. The thought still left a bad taste in her mouth when she thought of her middle sister with him.

"I was so glad when I heard of his release," Narcissa smiled faintly at him. Had that calmed some of the rage that seemed to be simmering under the surface? Narcissa couldn't be sure, but a part of her hoped that maybe...some of that rage was still there. At least for tonight.

"I'll have what you're having," Narcissa told him. She was usually one for the lighter alcohols, the champagnes, and wines, but tonight...she wanted something stronger. "I saw Andromeda. And ever since I can't stop...I can't stop feeling. I want it to stop."

[lucimalfoys]

He could tell she was distracted, but he wasn’t one to press her. Spending time with Narcissa was more than enough for him, and he was confident she’d tell him when she was ready. She’d been more herself during dinner with him and his parents, but on their walk through the grounds, she seemed to close back in on herself. A small part of him worried it was about him or even their impending marriage. Perhaps she was having second thoughts? If that were the case, Lucius wouldn’t mind being consulted, at the very least, though he’d also be willing to ease any fears she might have. He wanted this marriage, and he only hoped that she did, as well.

Steering their path toward the roaming peacocks, Lucius couldn’t help but glance down at Narcissa, who was staring ahead with an impenetrable expression. If he squinted, it would almost seem as if she were Occluding. What would grab her attention? He thought for a moment while watching the peacocks strut nearby. Clearing his throat, he linked his arm with hers, “and that’s how my father and I got to debating the merits of goblins running Gringotts.” He looked over at her again, fully knowing the topic had the potential to break her out of her trance.

“Terrible company?” His eyebrows raised, a chuckle escaping him. “Come now, love, we both know that’s not possible.” Allowing his words to hang between them for a few moments, he stopped walking, one of the peacocks coming dangerously close to them. Still staring forward, he took the plunge. “Are you feeling alright? You seem a bit distracted.” Turning away from the peacocks, he pivoted to face her, tilting his head down. “Sickle for your thoughts?”

[nrcissasblack]

Narcissa didn't know why she didn't just tell Lucius what was on her mind. She usually didn't hesitate to tell him her opinions, her thoughts, and for his credit he always listened to her and treated her like a person and not a little doll like her mother had always insisted should be the way that they handled her. But there was something terrifying about speaking about Andromeda with him. It had been her biggest fear that he and his father would decide that she wasn't good enough to marry him after Andromeda had left. What if the Malfoy's hadn't wanted to associate with them because of it?

She knew that it was irrational, that Andromeda had left years ago and if they had weathered the storm when Regulus had betrayed the cause then speaking her name wasn't going to undo everything that she had done. But it was still intimidating. It was hard being vulnerable, especially when the people that she had been vulnerable with seemed to always leave her.

"You flatter me more than you should. I know I've been quiet tonight. I've been in my own world." She paused as a peacock walked across their path. They were beautiful creatures, but she wasn't sure she would ever grow used to the noises they made. "I saw Andromeda the other day," she finally said, glancing up at him. "It's caused...a lot of feelings. And I'm not very good at that. Feelings. Dealing with feelings," she clarified. "It hadn't been planned, seeing her. But there had been nowhere else to sit in the cafe so I sat with her and then Bellatrix showed up and it just...it made a mess of it all."

[nrcissasblack]

Where: Scribbulus Writing Instruments Who: Narcissa and Open

With the wedding a little under a month away, it felt so close, and yet it still seemed so far away. She had been having a reoccurring nightmare that Abraxas decided she wasn't fit to be Lucius's wife after all, and the entire thing was called off. She had started having those dreams when Andromeda was disowned, so she blamed their recent run-in for the resurgence of the dreams. Narcissa just had to keep reminding herself that Lucius wasn't going to allow that to happen. It was just easier said than done.

Most of the wedding details had been finalized, and the things that were left were tedious, so Narcissa had decided to go into Diagon Alley to find stationery. Her mother was old fashioned and insisted that Narcissa would have to handwrite thank you's to the attendees of the wedding, so she figured she would find some new stationery. She smiled when she realized she could have it embossed with Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy. Finally. The only thing left to do was to decide on which stationary she wanted.

"Which do you like better the gold and white or the sage and silver?"