a flower amongst the stars

“If you attack my son again, I shall ensure that it is the last thing you ever do.”

       It was a risk taking Cedric with him, but it was one he didn’t dwell on for long, not when the boy was clamoring for his attention and he’d been so caught up with work and the Order that he’d barely had the chance to spend much time with his son. Perhaps it was a sign that he trusted people far too easily, but he was utterly convinced that Narcissa wouldn’t do anything to place him in harm’s way, especially if he brought Cedric. With her discovery of having a niece herself – she’d shown a softer side than Amos had ever expected from the blonde. One that’d certainly taken him aback, but had made him reevaluate his perceptions on the woman. Perhaps she was cold to most people, but if he had been asked to make an assessment of her character now, it would have been that she cared deeply about those she loved, and that at heart – she was similar to so many he chose to call a friend. 

       Spotting her looking slightly lost in the crowd, footsteps hurried to catch up with the blonde, slightly more aware of the baby in his arms as he approached and a sheepish smile crossed his lips. “Sorry – Merlin… didn’t want to bring him but he was causing a fuss and I didn’t want to leave you waiting.” Besides, the bright grin that always crossed the little boy’s features whenever he met someone new left Amos incapable of being truly annoyed. Perhaps it was even a fairly decent way of blending in. There was no reason for two people and a baby sitting in a muggle cafe to look suspicious to anyone, no matter the gravity of what they’d end up discussing. “Ced – this is Dora’s aunt, Narcissa.” Bouncing the little boy in his arms, an amused smile crossed his lips at the curious eyes of the little boy settled on Narcissa and a mumbled but chirpy hello was voiced, along with a jumbled attempt at the name. “He’s still learning how to master the whole talking thing, isn’t that right, Ced? – But… do you want anything? They have some nice pasteries here.” Jumping straight into anything serious seemed slightly tactless, and it was still more of a struggle to know how to behave around the other woman than it was with those friends he’d had for much longer.

Narcissa tucked a stray lock of blonde hair behind her ear, mainly so she would have something to do instead of bitting her nails. A habit that she had only picked up briefly, her mother had saw to that. But right now she was nervous, why was she so unsure, everything had been so carefully planned. Maybe she was not nervous about the plan, but about what she was going to say to Amos once he showed up. She had been so sure before, and when he had agreed to help she had been ready to go, leave everything behind. But now. It was true her talk with Alastor Moody had helped, even when his suggestion had been to wait, it had calmed her, to know there were people out there who believed in what she was saying, doing, was not a lie, a scheme, but that she truly cared for the safety of her sister, that she wanted a way to fix all of this. With Rodolphus announcement of rebuilding St. Mungo’s, Alastor advice had come with the perfect timing, if she had a way of knowing all the inner workings, a way of getting involved, keep an eye on things, then she had to stay. 

Before she could allow herself any more thoughts of doubt she heard a voice talking to her in rushed tones, her worry dissipated at the sight before her. Amos Diggory and his little boy. Narcissa had an excellent memory, and she remembered the name of Amos’ kid, but maybe she’ll play it as if she couldn’t remember, after all it would be weird for her to store that kind of information. In this little muggle cafe she wasn’t Narcissa Malfoy, so instead of her typical stoic look, she gave Amos a warm smile, ❝it’s alright, if I had a baby I wouldn’t want to be away from him...❞ she restrained herself from reaching out to touch Cedric’s adorable cheeks, ❝thank you for coming❞ the most sincere thing she had said all day. ❝Well if you are as smart as your dad you’ll master that soon enough❞ Narcissa said turning her attention to the baby, ❝in the mean time you can call me Cissy❞ she tried not to dwell much on Amos calling her an aunt, she had dreamt of a time where her children and her sisters’ children would play together, maybe she could still have that. ❝Yes, that’s a good idea, I- I think we’ll blend better, besides it’s been a while since I had coffee❞ tea was more her thing, her mother insisted that’s what lady’s drank, ❝and I love a good pastry...❞ it seemed almost surreal, having coffee in the middle of a war.

48% Tastemaker

The Tastemaker is always on top of the trends—or starting their own. Their sense of style is second to none and their taste, impeccable.

Archetype Family: Fashion

Other Expressions: Host, Stylist, Goddess, Diva

Life Journey: To become comfortable in my own skin; to derive power from self-esteem rather than the clothes I wear.

Unique Challenge: To cultivate my individuality; to form a stylistic point of view that reflects my whole being.

Lesson To Learn: To recognize when I’m being judged superficially.

Defining Grace: Exuberance

Challenge To Self: I will create an authentic life that reflects my individuality and empowers me as a person.

28% Caregiver

Friendly, sincere, and compassionate, the Caregiver finds their reward in helping others. No one could ask for a better best friend.

Archetype Family: Caring

Other Expressions: Nurturer, Mother, Lover, Sister, Teacher, Rescuer, Homemaker, Heroine, Best Friend, Companion

Life Journey: Care for others in ways they are unable to care for themselves.

Unique Challenge: Fear of being thought of as selfish.

Lesson To Learn: Learning to help when it’s really needed.

Defining Grace: Compassion

Challenge To Self: How can I dedicate more time for myself so I have more stamina to care for others? Can I give myself the freedom to explore what truly makes me happy?

24% Royal

When the Royal walks into a room, they command attention. They are the one in charge, and they enjoy reaping the rewards of their hard work.

Archetype Family: Royal

Other Expressions: Executive, CEO, Leader, Chief

Life Journey: To learn to use power wisely, productively, and responsibly

Unique Challenge: To identify the causes in which to invest my power and influence

Lesson To Learn: To differentiate between authentic and illusory power

Defining Grace: Generosity

Where The Clouds Gonna Clear, There’s No Way But Up From Here (feat. @always-pure)

Having five older kids, all very much like their father, and being pregnant Molly needed to get out of the house. She wasn’t sure how much more she could take of her kids fighting with each other, screaming and running around. Even going outside seemed to have lost her kids interest, as they were constantly fighting who could fly which broom. Even Percy was getting cabin fever, a feat not often achieved as he was usually happy when he was at home reading his books.

So Molly decided to take them to the Wizarding London. She wasn’t entirely sure what they would do once they got there, but she needed the time out of the house as much as her kids did. For once, since she had become pregnant, she was up to the task of taking five boys (however, that could quickly go downhill very soon - morning sickness had a way of sneaking up on her when she thought the worst was over).

Packing the essentials and making sure she brought extra jackets just in case her boys got cold (which she knew they probably wouldn’t because they were always running around), Molly flooed herself and her five kids into The Three Broomsticks. Had she not been pregnant, she would have apparated, but she found apparition made her nauseous (and being nauseous quickly led frequent trips to the loo) and that was the last thing she wanted outside of the comfort of her own home while she had to wrangle five kids and make sure her newborn was comfortable.

Molly quickly fell into a comfortable pace as she watched her kids run this way and that way as they headed to their favorite park. Bill and Charlie quickly ran out in front of her other boys (Percy being the exception, having stuck by his mother). “Bill, Charlie,” Molly yelled out, catching their attention. “Don’t go too fast, the twins can’t run as fast as you.”

After that disappointing experience Narcissa needed to clear her mind, relax for a minute -which was hard during these times- so she decided to head for her favorite park. It was quite some distance away, but it was worth the trip. Narcissa apparated at the designated area and began walking towards the park. She was glad for the weather that the universe had provided. It was a nice change in the usual rainy London weather. There was even sun to be enjoyed, Narcissa would not wait to get to a park bench and soak in the warm rays. People seemed happy, everyone going on about their days, kids running around, their mother chasing after them. 

Narcissa had barely registered the scene when two of the kids slammed against her, having looked back towards the mother calling out their names. Looking down Narcissa was more than ready to give them a smile, and then she realized who their mother was. ❝Molly...❞ she said with a dignified smile, she had been so close to getting caught in a moment of weakness, ❝I- I didn’t know you were still able to go outside... with so many kids...❞ 

It wasn’t fair, Narcissa thought, she had found herself thinking that more often as of late. Nothing in life was fair. If anyone were to hear her thoughts they would do as they always do, and paint her as a selfish self-absorbed person. But how could they not see it? Molly had everything and could’ve had so much more, but she had traded everything for mudbloods and muggles. ❝Need help keeping an eye on them?❞ Narcissa regretted the words as soon as they left her lips. Stupid. Why would she say such a stupid thing?

Xen had to admit, they rather liked the looks and air of this new persona. It was always nice using a Polyjuice potion and getting to be someone new for a change. It was however becoming a bit unnerving settling into the skin of a Pureblood, Slytherin from a Death Eater family. Purebloods alone they had nothing against, nor Slytherins really even if they did have a tendency to be on Xen’s bad side. Death Eaters though, being someone who’s family was so deeply tied to them, it always made Xen’s skin crawl well and they were certain the feeling wouldn’t leave even after they were back to being themselves

It didn’t help being surrounded by Death Eaters either. Everything about it was rather unnerving and they didn’t exactly know what the plan here was, but someone had to do something. Somehow this all had to be put to an end. A little time in someone else’s shoes, surrounded by less than tasteful company was a small price to pay really.

And then they caught an all too familiar blonde head from across the way. Narcissa. They had been friends what. Xen had never been sure exactly what had happened or how she had managed to change so much. They did have a tendency to lie a rather large portion of the blame squarely on Lucius’s shoulders, whether it was his fault or not. At least that way he had someone beside Narcissa to blame. They made their way toward her casually–Antion would certainly feel at home here, even if Xen didn’t. But they couldn’t keep the disguise up for long once they were alone.

“I don’t understand it. One evening with this crowd and I’m crawling out of my own skin.” Xen looked at Narcissa, eyes regretful and shook their head. “How can you did it Cissy?” he asked, using the nickname he always had when they were young. “How can you see that you’re better than all this?”

She had danced with everyone who would be considered appropriate for a married woman to dance with. She had congratulated Natalie and Reg on such an amazing job. And she had made sure people were giving copious amounts of money to the cause, she had been of the first ones to give a donation, setting an example. Narcissa would also talk about how noble it was of Rod to being all the restoration efforts. Narcissa was the perfect pureblood lady, and unbeknown to most of the people in the room, the perfect Death Eater. 

Heading for her table for a much needed respite, Narcissa was approached by a familiar face. ❝Antoin it’s been so long sinc-❞ Antoin Jameson was a former classmate, a fellow Slytherin. While they had not been exactly friends, there was an unspoken bond between housemates, Slytherins were loyal to their own, and will always do everything in their power to protect one another. As children of pureblood families they had grew up together, and when the rumours about Antoin family began to circulate Narcissa did her part to make sure anyone who repeated them regretted it. And then one day Antoin had just disappeared. Seeing his face again had been a pleasant surprise, until his words did not match the person she used to know.

❝What?❞ maybe the time he spent away had turned him into a different person, the stars knew just how much she had changed, she was so different from the girl who went to Hogwarts. Still something didn’t feel right, or felt more than right. The answer right in front of her. A loud gasp, followed by her hands covering her mouth. There were only a handful of people who would call her Cissy, and she could see them all scattered across the room. All except one. ❝Are you out of your mind?❞ she said in a rushed angry whisper, ❝I mean I know you are crazy, but have you finally lost it?❞ Narcissa tried to keep her voice down. 

Lestrange Manor ballroom

29 July, 1979

@always-pure

Marrying Bellatrix Black had been a whirlwind; she was very much the opposite of what he had come to expect from a pureblooded woman and nobody knew that better than her younger sister. Rodolphus had bonded with Narcissa from the beginning and had come to find in her a worthwhile companion. In a lot of ways she was a female version of himself and that led him to think of her as more of a blood sister than a sister-in-law. He held a strong love for her and it was truly heartbreaking to think that she had lost any faith in him. Narcissa had always been one of his top supporters-truly convinced that he could restore the wizarding community to its former glory-and disappointing her hurt him deeply. In fact, she had been part of the reason that restoring St. Mungo’s was so important to him. 

Thankfully, it was his stance on that particular subject that brought her back to his side and allowed her to once again share his worldview and see the bigger picture. Truly all Rodolphus wanted to do was create the perfect society for the future of their families and nobody understood that better than Narcissa. She had taken everything in her stride and helped to plan his younger brother’s engagement party; an event to bring their community closer. Rodolphus admired her handiwork whilst sipping from one of the many crystal champagne flutes set out on silk tablecloths. No expenses were spared for the event of the season. Lost in thought, he nearly missed Narcissa as she walked past him, dressed elegantly as ever. Gracefully, he caught her by the elbow before someone else could occupy her time. 

“I must thank you again Narcissia: everything is perfect.” Rodolphus grinned charmingly, bringing her hand to his lips and delicately placing a kiss on her knuckles. “Not that I expected anything less from you, of course.” Flattery it may be, but it was sincere all the same. “I think this is just what we needed.” A light in the darkness-something to show that they had not lost the charm of their society in the midst of war. After the battles ceased, they could continue on as normal.

Having her sisters Narcissa thought she wanted for nothing. Except maybe a brother. And while she had Regulus, and Evan, and Sirius, she would always think about the what ifs of having had an older brother. But then Rodolphus came into her life. Or more like she came into his life. She still remembers fondly how even with a few year on her, he never turned her away when they were children and little Narcissa could be seen an annoying little girl. He had always treated her with respect, looked out for her, like a true brother. And when he had married her sister, well that only confirmed what she had always known, that they were family. Which was why when the attacks happened she was distraught. She had trusted him to bring back the glory of the wizarding community, not turned it into chaos and desctruction. Fear never accomplished anything. She had avoided him for the better part of a month, worried that she would say something and it would jeopardize their relationship. But then a miracle. Her faith in him restored. Rodolphus was really the one to lead them into the future. 

And now as she walked across the ballroom at Lestrange Manor celebrating another right step into the future, Narcissa could not feel happier. ❝Rod❞ she said with a smile if a little surprise, she had being so distracted taking everything in that she had failed to notice passing by him. ❝There’s not need for thanks❞ she said with a sincere voice reserved only for those close to her, ❝you know I love Emma like a sister❞ and while she was not as close to Rabastan as she was to Rodolphus there was still affection, ❝I planned this with all the love in my heart❞ words that to anyone listening in would seem impossible to be coming out of her mouth, but not to Rodolphus, he knew her better than anyone here, except perhaps her sisters. ❝I’m the one that should be thanking you❞ she said reaching to touch his face lightly, ❝for everything you are doing to make this society better. Thank you.❞

❝Aurora❞ Narcissa said with a smile approaching the other bride to be, ❝they look happy. And I’m so happy for her. She’s like a sister to me❞ she said looking towards Emma with love and pride, ❝but what do I have to tell you, she’s your niece now... Things are starting to get better, don’t you think?❞

The Black family heavily impacted the Lestranges. Their clear hierarchy and traditions got exceptionally well integrated into teaching future generations how to live as a pureblood, how to behave as one – and Rabastan especially liked the Black sisters and their father, Cygnus. Rabastan looked up to the man, regardless of his relationship with his daughters or what truly happened behind closed doors. Call it ignorant – but his mind was fixed on worshiping him. Nonetheless his mind returned back towards Narcissa, who’d been the best choice in regards of marriage for him, at least that was before Rodolphus married Bella and he chose Emma. They were family now, more or less, and he was definitely his favorite Black sister. “We should,” he agreed, smirking down and guiding her towards the meeting. 

He’d stopped being nervous the minute his brother entered the room as well. He felt at home as well, just by looking towards the man who’d taught him how to fight, who’d taught him to kill and how to rule. “Do you up to them?” he started asking, again deep in thought “your sisters, I mean.” he explained further as his eyes finally focused on Narcissa again – a much more pleasant face to look at anyway. They hadn’t yet walked towards the center, so he allowed himself to talk a bit more freely until they would join everyone. “You’re not a blood traitor and you’re not insane, or at least not about to act like a bloody lunatic,” he grinned. “So would you ever see them as role models?” It was almost like asking himself, but luckily he had Narcissa to help him answer his inner struggle.

People said that the House of Black thought of themselves as royalty. People often sounded bitter when they said that. Because it was true. Whether they liked it or not, The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black was royalty in the Wizarding World. And there were but a handful of families that were on the same level as them. No, it wasn’t the Sacred Twenty-Eight, for even amongst those of the purer blood and legacy, there was those that were better than others. But the Lestranges certainly were on par with Narcissa’s family. Narcissa now knew, or at least inferred as they all did, that an alliance between he families had been set in motion before any of them -and by them she meant those that would have to live through the fruits or fallout of such alliance- could’ve even dream of having an opinion. Narcissa was glad that they were now family, Rodolphus had always been someone she admired, looked up to, and while she wasn’t as close to Rabastan, she knew that Emma (who was like a sister to her) was fond of him, and that was more than enough for her.

The room was slowly filling up with people, a mix of those loyal to one another, loyal to their Dark Lord, and those wanting to be on the good graces of those in attendance. Rodolphus was there, and Bella had yet to show up, but these people were her people. The one fighting for her future. ❝Sister, it’s just me and Bella now❞ Narcissa corrected him with a perfect smile, even if every night she wondered how different her life would’ve been if Andromeda had not left. Even if she would give anything to see her sister again. But this was Rabastan Lestrange, and they were surrounded by people who hated traitors and mudbloods, Narcissa could not risk any of them thinking she still had any love left for Andy. ❝Bella is... well she is Bella. There’s no one like her❞ she smiled looking around the room for the wild mane of pitch black curls, ❝I am where I am because of her. I might never be like her, because I don’t think she would want me to... but she’s always going to be my big sister...❞ much like Andromeda. ❝You?❞ she asked, ❝look up to Rod?❞ she asked with a much more sincere smile, her love for Rodolphus clear in the way she said his name.

After weeks of feeling as though he had little to do in the wake of the destruction of his place of work and a Lestrange taking control of The Ministry, some of his restlessness and frustration had finally been quieted by the talks that had been taking place between The Order and Aversio. As someone who wasn’t sure which side he was on any more other than he was against the Death Eaters, Ted had been at least feeling like he had something useful to contribute in seeing both sides for what they were trying to decide and trying to accomplish.  Still, there was only so much he could accomplish as himself when he was all too aware of just how dangerous it would be for him to walk the streets when his supposed family in law were the ones in charge. 

Ted Tonks was undoubtedly a face none of them wanted to see and with a wife and daughter the Healer knew better than to risk it. But it was hard for him to remain on the sidelines when St Mungos lay in ruins and his blood had initially boiled upon hearing that a fundraiser was to be arranged by the very same people he held responsible for its destruction in the first place. It had been an event the man knew he had to attend and with the help of Polyjuice Potion, he had managed to walk in unsuspected and with little attention draw his way than a few curious stares.

For a moment he looked around, taking in the event knowing full well that it would probably be the only time that he’d ever be able to see the inner workings of such a thing and be welcomed rather than shunned. There’s a sound of heels on the ground approaching him and he wonders if maybe he’s stood too long. Turning, he’s greeted by a blonde who should be familiar  - family - but instead would always remain a stranger to him. “It’s good to see such a healthy gathering - no pun intended.” He laughs lightly before giving what he hopes is a sincere expression. “I feel congratulations are in order for whoever arranged the event.”

Then the announcement happened, and Narcissa’s faith in their cause was being restored. She was relieved to have Rodolphus in charge of the Ministry, he shared Narcissa’s ideals, the future was in good hands. And with the efforts and fundraisers and galas, Narcissa was beginning to feel more and more like herself, her old self. But if she was to be truly honest... well she had not felt like herself in years. Not since her sister Andromeda left, since she left her behind. But if there was one thing the children of the House of Black were good at, it was lying, or in Narcissa’s case, hiding the truth. She had build herself a wall of ice, it would keep her safe, it had kept her safe. And she also played into the pureblood lady stereotype. That kept her enemies from paying attention to her. 

But this, this is what she had been born into, what she had been raised for. Galas and balls were amongst the few things that still brought true joy to Narcissa, this one specially so, because it was a reminder that they had not lost their way, that a better future was still possible. It was with excitement that Narcissa accepted the invitation, and with pride that she congratulated Natalie upon arrival. Narcissa remembered the first gala she ever planned, it was a true milestone in every pureblood lady’s life. She was busy taking everything in, making mental notes to compliment Natalie later, when she caught a peculiar face out of the corner of her eye. It was peculiar in the sense that Narcissa could not figure out who the man -handsome, proper, elegant- was. She decided to approach him, and was pleasantly surprise by his words. ❝Natalie Dupont❞ Narcissa said politely pointing towards Natalie’s way, ❝and you definitely should congratulate her, she did an amazing job. Are you enjoying yourself Mr...?❞ she asked with a perfectly mastered smile.