unforgettable

He watches as his wife moves across the room, peering over his glass of wine as she takes a seat and crosses her legs. She was graceful, almost intentional and noted with her every move. Lucius felt this was a testament to being raised in a proud Pureblood household - he moved the same way. It struck him as odd that her sister didn’t exhibit the same level of class.  

The hiss in Narcissa’s tone when she mentions her sister’s Mudblood husband excites him. He’s not used to hearing her talk this way. “What on earth did he stop you for? What makes him think he can even approach you?” Lucius scoffs, making a mental note to confront him the next chance he could. 

He crosses his legs, holding his glass of wine, lazily, between two fingers at his side. “You know you didn’t owe him conversation. As far as your sister goes, keep responding to her letters.” He mocks in his tone and smirks. “I wonder how much she’ll tell you if she thinks her little sister wants to crawl back into her life.” He takes another sip of wine and chuckles. “Play it up, will you? Tell her how dreadful of a husband I am.”

“I have no idea.” She sighs, tired just remembering the exchange. “Wanted to ask why I’d stopped writing Andromeda. He didn’t seem to understand the role he plays in the whole thing. He couldn’t understand why I can’t just be happy for her; as I could celebrate her supposed love when she lost her entire family as a result. I refuse to believe that she’s truly happy without us.” Perhaps it’s petty and shallow, but the understanding that Narcissa had once had for her sister and her desires has long since faded with age and a pureblood education. 

Narcissa tilts her head slightly, considering Lucius’s words. She doesn’t know if she can keep up the contact -- it’s painful. “I don’t believe she’ll respond to me again -- not after my conversation with her husband. Nor do I want to extend that olive branch, however false it may be.” Narcissa hasn’t really ever told Lucius no before, and she’s nervous to do it now. “I’m not confident that my feelings won’t get in the way again.” It’s difficult to be this honest, but better this than get deep into things with her sister and remember that she can’t just shut off the love she feels for Andy. “It’s pointless anyways -- I doubt I could get a scrap of intel out of her.” 

“Well Mum and Dad won’t let me in if they knew.” Andromeda said looking at her sister now. There was no way once the rest of her family would allow her back Narcissa was the only one she had hope for. That’s why she was here now talking with her. “I know it sounds sudden but I’ve been with him for years now, he’s…” Andromeda almost said my best friend but reeled back when she realized how hurtful that might sound. “I love him.” 

“You’re my sister of course I want you to come.” It was true, she wished her whole family would come but that was so far-fetched.  “You don’t have to go back either Cissy, we’ll find a house or something. We’ll figure it out.” 

“You love him?” Narcissa couldn’t help the betrayal in her tone, the shock that raised her voice above a respectable volume. She quiets herself down by taking a deep breath, leaning forward somewhat after a quick glance around to make sure no one was listening in on their conversation. “Andy you can’t just -- you can’t say things like that.” Narcissa’s face is pinched with worry, more expressive than she’d normally ever allow. 

“That there is, it gives me plenty of time to attend to my- hobbies.” Hobbies, of course, meaning missions and work for the Dark Lord. Briefly, she imagines a world where her and Rodolphus’ son had been born, where he would have livened up the place with small pattering feet and sticky hands, but she quickly brushes it to the back of her mind. “He’s is to return late next week and will return with a sizable reward for his troubles. After we catch up, perhaps some shopping is in order for us.” 

Bella might not enjoy parties, but she enjoyed her aesthetics, as evidenced by the very well-tailored black and red dress she was wearing to the soiree. “I miss you, too, of course. You’ll come to tea soon and we’ll share all, but you mustn’t worry about me, little sister, especially not now.” She smiled at Narcissa fondly. “It’s your party, you should enjoy yourself.” 

Narcissa has never much cared for dedicating her life to the Dark Lord, nor does she plan to anytime soon. However, she’s happy that Bellatrix has found a path in life that makes her happy. Truly, that’s all she wants for her sister. She doesn’t stop her laugh as Bella mentions shopping. “You know I love a good shopping trip.” Narcissa is a fan of the finer things in life, in all forms those things take. 

Bella looks fantastic, as she always does. She knows how to dress herself well and sticks to a dress code that’s always flattered her. Narcissa’s smile softens at Bella’s encouragement. “Thank you. I suppose I should.” She glances around at all her happy guests and sighs softly. “I should probably go find Lucius. We ought to at least share once dance tonight.” 

“I’m not marrying Rabastan Lestrange, he’s a cunt, Ted and I we meet at Hogwarts he’s a muggleborn.” She said trying to hide the pain and coming across more sure as she spoke. “I love him.”  Though her sister’s big eyes might just break her. “I can’t come home, I’m not doing what Mum and Da say anymore. I love Ted, he’s a muggleborn but he’s isn’t like they say Narcissa, he so good, he’s the best, kindest person I’ve ever meet. He loves me.” 

“I want you to come Narcissa, we could get robes today.” There was a desperation in her voice that Andy hadn’t meant for, but it was impossible to fight. 

Narcissa’s whole body froze when Andromeda revealed that she was marrying a muggleborn. It was only her training in pureblood etiquette that kept Narcissa from causing a scene. Oh, how her family was going to hate this. “You’re leave?” Her voice is soft and fragile, eyes welling with tears despite her desire to will them away. 

“Thank you.” Maya says, distracted for a moment by the dancers.

“You do as well.” She says without looking at her friend before turning to face her and laughing.

“Oh! You really do, I don’t even have to be false.”

“I’m…well, I’m actually having a grand time. But I-” She lets her voice catch, hoping she’s believable despite the amount she’s been drinking.

“I keep forgetting myself. Thinking Archie will be here…I’m wracked with guilt, Cissa. Over a good time.”

She sighs, hoping it sounds wistful instead of irritating and looks back out at the dancers.

“I don’t know what to do.”

Narcissa smiles despite her flare of annoyance at Maya. At least she’s being pleasant today. There’s only a peak of the rudeness that normally clings to her associate like the plague. She gives a small hum and takes a sip from her flute, looking out at the dancing crowd as she thinks of the best way to respond to Maya. 

She turns towards her eventually, wondering how much truth there is to Maya’s words. She sounds believable, but Narcissa has found it hard to trust most of the Death Eater crowd. She decides that, for now, she’ll believe her. Tonight is meant for celebrating new beginnings and fresh starts. 

“I think you should do your best to enjoy your night. If he really loved you, he’d want the best for you.” Narcissa watches Maya’s profile. “Besides, we’re celebrating spring. Spring is new beginnings and new hopes. Enjoy your night, Maya. I think your husband’s death teaches us that we truly do not know how much time we have.” 

“I’m…” She cleared he voice a bit doubling down in her thoughts. “I’m not going home Cissy.” Looking her sister in the eye she didn’t want to turn away she didn’t want to seem unsure of her decision. “Ted asked me to marry him, and I said yes.” Andromeda felt tears staring to well in her eyes but an undeniable resolve in the pit of her stomach.

A lot ran through Narcissa as soon as Andromeda uttered those words. She didn’t really know who Ted was, and she was afraid to ask. If Andromeda wasn’t going to be able to come back home, Ted was someone likely not approved by their parents for marriage. Narcissa wondered if Andromeda had even told them yet. “What do you mean you’re not coming home?” The young girl looked absolutely shocked and the hurt was clear in her features. “You -- you always come home.” 

Sheltered under the overhang above the entrance of the Prophet office, Pandora stares into the dark, empty street, a cigarette in her hand. She doesn’t like to smoke, but she picked up the habit from Sawyer at some point and sometimes, when she’s stressed or stuck like she is now, she doesn’t stop herself. The rain is pouring down, but she pays little attention to it, lost in thought. 

Diagon Alley, as it turns out, isn’t as deserted as she thought and she’s startled slightly when a figure joins her under the overhang. 

“Good evening,” she says. 

Narcissa had been out most of the day, enjoying the weather that had been sunny. There’d been things to do and people to meet, and until she’d come across Ted Tonks it was all going quite well. Now she was in a foul mood that was matching the weather. As it started to open up, she’d sought shelter under the nearest awning, which had happened to be the Daily Prophet’s doorstep. She muttered a quick drying charm, almost embarrassed for having been caught in the rain. 

“Oh. Good evening.” She glances at the other woman. She’s not exactly sure who she is just from a look. She looks out at the rain, wondering if she should just apparate home. “Do you have any idea when the weather is supposed to clear?” 

Bellatrix straightens after their brief moment of affection. They’ve done this enough that she’s quite certain nobody should have observed it. “If this is the thing that goes to your head, I really must have a talk with Lucius,” she replies, frankly. She expects nothing less than her sister being worshipped, of course, despite her teasing tone.

Bellatrix grabs a glass of champagne from a passing-by house-elf. “Well, he’s off on one of his trips, so it’s quiet,” she responds. He was away more often than not, ever since the- incident. “His absence doesn’t cause much of a difference in our lives,” she admits. She sounds confident, but she shoots Narcissa a look that conveys ‘I worry about how that doesn’t bother me’.  

Narcissa listens to her sister and watches her, looking for queues in her body language that would convey the truth of what’s been going on at the Lestrange household. She frowns for a moment and nods, taking a contemplative sip of champagne while she considers her sister’s words. “Well, there is something to be said about the merits of a quiet household.” That’s not a fantastic reassurance, but Narcissa can’t be detailed in her words given how public the setting is. They really ought to have a conversation just the two of them at some point in the near future. 

Severus bows in response– it was an… odd feeling. This sense of reprieve from the ceaseless stratagem playing in his mind. And he was sure that he was a fool for it. In the game they played, Narcissa was but a pawn, but Severus knew that those moving the pieces had not yet counted him out– neither should he if he wanted to keep his soul attached to his body.  A further foray into platonic intimacy with a married women well… it simply wasn’t done, right? He didn’t understand from his limited perspective, which he knew was not a good enough sight to rely on, but it flummoxed him. 

“I would greatly appreciate the opportunity.” With the people around them, the ballroom had become unbearably warm, and Severus looked towards a chance to breathe fresh air. Extending his arm to her while keeping proper distance, he smiled. “Shall we?” 

Narcissa takes Severus’s arm, heading towards the gardens without any further fuss. “I’ll summon Lottie once we’ve found a decent place to eat for a bite.” It’d be easier than chasing down one of the floating platters with food on it. Besides, Narcissa wanted something a little more substantial than just party snacks, and if Lottie fetched something from the caterer that’d be much better than munching on whatever happened to be floating by at the time. 

Once outside Narcissa takes a step away, unlinking their arms. The air is much cooler, but it feels good against her flushed skin. The heat of the ballroom had started to feel insufferable, even with the cooling charm Narcissa had the forethought to enchant over the room. Lottie comes when summoned, the magic of the bond ensuring as much. Narcissa orders them both something to eat -- whatever the cook feels is best. She disappears with a pop and Narcissa smiles towards Severus. “I find house elves terribly useful. At least now we’ll be able to eat something substantial, rather than whatever’s floating around.” She turns away from him, inspecting the gardens in the darkness. She hears the birds not far off, cawing at each other and prowling about. “The cook is the same from the wedding. I thought it’d be a nice touch.” 

“Yeah the Three Broomsticks would be great.” She said nervously leading Narcissa towards the bustling pub. Andromeda found a table at the side of the room, slightly out of the way, and bit more personal. Taking a seat she couldn’t look her sister in the, she’d hate her for this. They’d probably never speak again after today. But what was Androemda to do? Go back to believe muggleborns were below her? that wasn’t an option. 

The concept of being attached to family was lost on Lucius. He was an only child, and ‘loving’ wasn’t a word one would use to describe his parents. The idea that Narcissa couldn’t simply pretend Andromeda was dead confused him. He listens to her speak, trying to squeeze out the bit of empathy that must’ve existed inside his thick skull. She seemed to be disappointed in herself, ashamed even. He respected that she came to him with this instead of keeping secrets - that was the last thing they needed.

“It’s okay.” Lucius wraps her into his arms and kisses her forehead. “You were right for confiding in me.” He holds her there for awhile, upset with himself for raising his voice at her. There were more civilized ways to handle matters like these. When he finally releases her from his embrace his sighs deeply and takes a seat. “Wine!” The moment he exclaims this one of the house-elves appears in front of him, pours him a glass, and vanishes again. “Andromeda, does she trust you?” Lucius takes a sip of wine, ideas starting to swirl around in his head. “What has she told you about her affairs, her work in the Auror office?” 

Could she be foolish enough to share private information with Narcissa? Information that they could use for their benefit.

Narcissa leans into his embrace, arms coming up to wrap around him as she rests her head on his shoulder. She lets herself close her eyes and have her moment of weakness, knowing that in losing her sister she gained a husband. A great husband, one that will never leave her nor never leaver her wanting. Lucius shares her values and ambition, and what more could she ask for? When he pulls away her expression is somber, but there’s less tension in her shoulders. She watches as he summons wine and thinks. 

His question surprises her, but perhaps it shouldn’t. Lucius is a bright man, always looking to turn a situation to their favor. It’s something she admires about him. Narcissa paces over to the window seat, where she takes a seat. She crosses her legs and sits with her normal straight-back posture. She tucks a stray piece of hair behind her ear and turns to watch out the window, noting the peacocks in the gardens down below. 

“I doubt she trusts me at all, even less so now that I’ve stopped responding and had a run-in with that filthy thing she calls a husband.” Narcissa rarely speaks ill of anyone, but there’s venom in her voice when she references Tonks. She turns back to Lucius. “He had the gall to stop me in Diagon Alley a few days ago.” She sneers and huffs. “Didn’t seem to understand a thing that came out of my mouth.” 

Bellatrix’ face mellowed ever so slightly at the pleased look on her little sisters’ face. She covertly reached out to link her pinky finger with Narcissa’s. “You know I’m not one for parties, Cissa,” she said quietly, but more genuinely, “But I do so enjoy yours. If only to see everyone turn green at the sight of it all.” 

“Given that you re-hired them, I’m going to say that the food is great,” she replied, as she reached behind them for another one of the shrimp. Just as with parties, her taste in food was- well… she was easy to please. ‘Edible’ being her usual bottom line. “The party’s doing great, stop worrying, it’ll give you wrinkles.”

Narcissa glanced at their entwined pinkies, her smile softening into something soft and genuine. “Thank you, Bellatrix.” She looks back out at the crowd, letting her hand linger for a moment before delicately pulling it away, not because she wanted to, but because it was a crack in the infamous Black family facade. They couldn’t appear to be weak, not even to each other. “I’ve gotten more than a few jealous stares tonight. I’ll have to be careful not to let it all go to my head.” Narcissa’s teasing and they both know it. She gives Bella a small smirk. 

“I’m glad that someone other than myself appreciates the food.” She’d put a great deal of thought into this party. She laughs, lightly nudging her sister with her elbow. “Me? Wrinkles? Never.” 

Severus considers his options– though he did not come to dance, or even think that he would make his way here but once, it’s a new nice feeling to not have to socialize beyond his comfort zone, and he is feeling rather indulgent for himself. “If you would like to keep going I don’t think it’s my place to refuse the host.” 

Though in the back of his mind, as their feet begin to move again, he is cognizant of the company that they are in. How long until a comment? Or a remark? Or another one of those ridiculous presumptions. It was very tiring, and was perhaps one of the biggest issues he had with this entire thing– if you looked at a woman you were shagging her, if you danced with a woman you were shagging her, god forbid you actually did then do it, you were hounded within an inch of your life. What did sex have to do with being a blood Death Eater? As he remains quiet for longer than is expected, he is not sure when the culmination of his thoughts is leading him to. 

She chuckles a bit and rolls her eyes, a genuine smile stretching across her lips. “Alright then, Severus. Let’s dance.” The steps of the dance are comfortingly familiar, and the silence they fall into feels easy. Narcissa takes reprieve in it, grateful for the opportunity to just be the closest thing to herself. They go through a few more songs like that, with the odd comment here and there but overall rather quiet. When she can feel the stares is when she decides to stop, knowing it’d be improper to dance too much longer with Severus. How troubling. She finally finds a willing dance partner and they have to come apart before dancing becomes fun and exhausting. 

“I think I’ve had my fill,” she says eventually, smile smaller than it’d been before. She takes a step back and does a customary curtsey. She straightens and glances towards the gardens, feeling the need for a bit of air. “I’m going to grab a bite and head to the gardens. Would you care to join me?” She steps off the dance floor, not wanting to get in anyone’s way. 

The eyes of Ted Tonks fill with an overwhelming wave of disappointment. In every moment that he wished for peace for his wife, a unification of family for his daughter– he didn’t usually think of this. Mudblood. That’s what he was after all, and how dare Andromeda Black fall in love with someone who’s parents couldn’t summon magic. It filled him with an intense sadness. This woman across from him– she had lost so much, and she would only continue to lose more as every day passed. 

“You mean the fact that she found unconditional acceptance and real love for the first time in her life? I apologize that my love for her is beyond the realm of what you can accept or understand, but I will never get you lot– she is happy, and successful, and so bright and the world’s best mom and this country’s finest auror. What a right shame that must be.” His soft voice is laced with steel– he could be called a Mudblood, for it was no worse than the usual from this crowd, but his wife would be respected.  

There’s something in his look that just makes Narcissa’s skin crawl. While she can’t quite place it, she think it may be pity. She hates being pitied; she’s no damsel in distress. She’s in need of no saving. She likes her life, thank you very much, and she plans to live it as fully as she can. Narcissa still has her family and, honestly, what more could she ask for? 

Narcissa let out a bark of laughter and rolled her eyes. She couldn’t help the display. “She’s wasted potential. You could never give her what we could, Tonks. It’s high time you realized your place and stayed out of our lives.” While Narcissa would never commit to the Death Eater cause, people like Ted Tonks make her want to. What she wouldn’t do to take that smugness away from him. She takes a deep breath and calms herself back down, not wanting to do anything rash. She can feel a few people looking their way; they’ve been talking far too long. It’s time to end this conversation. “I’ve wasted enough time on you and this petty conversation.” She pushes past him, thinking he should be grateful she didn’t do something more.