Killer Queen

“That generally comes after the heart has started to beat again. You know I’m always happy to see you, Narcissa.”

Narcissa gave a strained smile. ”I do apologize for startling you, but mother and father can’t know I was here...or Bella...” Her eyes grew more apologetic as she finished her sentence.

His ears perked at the sound of a female voice and Rodolphus knew that voice anywhere. It made him smirk as he moved closer to her. “My dear Cissa, is this what Lucius has to look forward to? Constantly reaching for things too high for you? Maybe you should carry a stool with you wherever you go.”

Eyes narrowing, Narcissa scowled as the man spoke. “If you must poke fun, do so while you help. Moste Potente Potions by Phineas Bourne, on the ninth shelf, I need that one,” Narcissa pointed. “And I would appreciate it if you didn’t act as if your friend was marrying some helpless little flower. I may not be Bellatrix, but that doesn’t mean I’ll need my husband at my beck and call.” 

There should have been no hesitation on his part. The two of them had been bound for life, and both had forcibly agreed to it, whether there was hesitation beforehand or no. Before there was a chance for regret, Lucius couldn’t have a new deal remade nor would he, the connection was done. It was less resisted with a heavy hand as the days proceeded, a kinder relationship beginning to prevail. There was an element of comfort in that, the hidden layer of knowledge that the arrangement wasn’t misguided or detached. Still, there was an unforeseen factor that kept him from wholly unraveling; his duty to be fulfilled, one that required secrets and falsehood.

For her entire life, Narcissa had been showered in compliments, on what a charming child she had been, growing into a radiance, and propriety. After a match had been struck, one that she had perhaps been too young to comprehend at the time, she was complimented on what a dutiful daughter she was, on what a lovely couple her and her betrothed would make. Despite her tireless efforts to convey otherwise, Narcissa happened still to be quite young, but she understood their world more--enough to know that her and Lucius might be stuck together, but refused to repeat what Bellatrix and Rodolphus had. Bone-chilling apathy, and one-word conversations was nothing to build upon. Her need to be the ever dutiful daughter may have increased upon the “loss” of Andromeda, but her care for Lucius was not forced as she once believed it would have to be. 

How Strong Do You Think I Am by Alexz Johnson 

Everyone’s favorite, I presume. Just as you are the favorite Black. 

“You’re far too kind, darling. I’m sure there are many who don’t quite share the sentiment, however.” 

“Yeah, they’re not going to hear you.” Her head jerked backwards are the two women who worked here currently engrossed in their conversastion. “You’re better off trying to get it yourself. The ladder is over there.” Her eyes found the ladder and she nodded her head.

“AHEM,” Narcissa sighed dramatically, trying to get the attention of the shop’s employees, to no avail. “Utterly useless.” With a roll of her eyes in their regard, her grimace only grew with Marlene’s suggestion. “The ladder? Oh...oh no, I cannot climb that in these.” She motioned down at her heels, the look upon her face suggesting that the brunette was bonkers for even offering such a suggestion. 

“My dear brother, how kind of you. I hope I can suffice in his place.”

“Of course, Alecto. As much as I like your brother, you know you’re surely my favorite Carrow.” 

“Oh - well, my bad.” He laughed, and the sound resonated throughout the stairway, chilly with the wind. Then, after a slight moment of pause - “Sure you don’t want a smoke before you go on your way? I could use the company.” 

“Oh do put that thing out, honestly, Amycus,” Narcissa wrinkled her nose. “Those’ll rot your teeth and wrinkle your skin. You’re more than welcome to join me, but only if you refrain from smoking in my presence.”