n. black

*

A book club had been the bookshop owner’s idea to try to give people a reason to come together, and more importantly (according to him) to give them a reason to buy books.  Greta was more than happy to supervise, she was always ready to talk about books, and it was the potential to put herself out there and meet some new people, which she was starting to actually enjoy.

At first, when Greta noticed Narcissa Black enter the backroom, she was a little shocked.  But then she remembered Narcissa coming into the bookshop and all her knowledge and enthusiasm about novels.  The one that they’d been reading for the week seemed like it would be right up her alley, even if secretly Greta hadn’t enjoyed it all that much.  There was something about reading a romance novel that made her heart hurt, even if she couldn’t quite place her finger on why.

Maybe Narcissa was hoping to branch out her circle a little bit, just like Greta was.  Smiling brightly at her, trying not to remember how much of a fool she’d made of herself in front of Narcissa’s sister, she nodded.  “A little bit of both, I think.  I’m hoping it can be a bit more self directed, but I’m sure I’m here to jump in if need be.  I did read the book though!  I’m not really sure what we’ll be talking about, I’ve never been in a book club before.  Have you?”  She paused to take a brief glance around the room, “I’m honestly not even sure if anyone is going to show up.  But I’m really glad that you came!”

-

Greta is just as bright and enthusiastic as she was the first time they crossed paths. Narcissa finds her genuineness to be refreshing. So many in her circles are snarky for the sake of it; Narcissa longs for pleasant company. "I can't say that I have, unless you count discussing the latest Witch Weekly in the dorms as a book club." In school, Narcissa had struggled to find anyone who shared in her passion for the written word. At the time, Narcissa had also been very concerned with ensuring no one found out that she took her greatest enjoyment from muggle novels. Perhaps she could have looked harder, and outside of her house, and would have had more luck.

She glances around the room. It doesn't seem like anyone else has shown yet. "I'm sure we'll find something to discuss, even if it's just you and me." She smiles kindly and adjusts the bag on her shoulder slightly. "What did you think of the book?" Maybe they should save their opinions for when the discussion begins in earnest, but Narcissa is willing to admit to herself that she's eager to discuss the novel with a fellow book lover.  

…

“The best nights often end up like that.”  There were plenty of nights in the height of the war where she found herself out quite late, looking for a bit of trouble with Bella or Will.  It was during those years she found herself switching from tea to coffee, needing the extra bit of caffeine it had to offer.  “And I’m of the opinion that it is perfectly fine to overindulge the morning after as you work on getting your mind back on track.  Perhaps I will have another cup.”

“She does.  I’m glad I had her growing up or I’d be throwing the sort of parties that require store bought cakes and paper hats.  And those party crackers.”  Not that she was the type to orchestrate balls the scale of last night’s.  But she’d get closer to it than her mother would.  “Not particularly.  I’ve just been living at work.  I’ve got to get all the face time I can if I’m going to take over the department in the next ten years,” she laughed.  Despite the laughter she was serious.  A position like the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement?  There was power there, but it was the sort that didn’t pull her from the action.

-

Narcissa can't help the small laugh at the image of Freya near such a lackluster party. There's something to be said about the merits of the simplistic things, but a party is a party. If you're throwing one, there must be something worth celebrating. Why wouldn't you give it your all to make it a notable celebration? Even if just a few people are coming, a home-cooked meal and a thoughtful gift can go a long way.

"Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement?" Narcissa raises a brow, her smile genuine. "That's quite ambitious." She wasn't nearly close enough to the Death Eater's inner ranks to know Freya's standing, but she had to wonder if it was high enough to put her in such an important position.

"What obstacles do you see in your way?" Narcissa can't help but press. It's advantageous for her to have a good grasp on where her family is headed, what success they might bring her by connection alone. She finishes off her cup, glances around at the elves to make sure they're doing as they should, then beckons Freya to follow her. "Come, let's get you a warm cup of coffee."

Recently, Narcissa has made a greater effort to venture out of her flat and into the world. Today, the weather had been pleasant, so Narcissa had taken a book with her and found a nice sunny park to read in. She'd mercifully been able to avoid anyone she knew, and if anyone recognized her, they had the good sense not to stop her. After spending an afternoon stretched on a picnic blanket while reading in the sun, she was in a rather good mood. Perhaps that's why she doesn’t immediately flee when she spots Will making a b-line towards her on her walk home.  Instead, Narcissa keeps walking and only stops once he’s close enough to greet with a small smile. 

"Mister Mulciber. What a surprise. Is there something I can help you with?" She adjusts the canvas bag on her shoulder, hoping whatever request he's stopped her for isn't too difficult to fulfill.

Where : Random Street in London Who : @nblcck​

Andromeda had running around London, a nice habit that helped her keep a clear head and give her a nice break from the reality of the world.  While running through the crowded muggle streets, it was almost as if her world was still spinning.  On her back toward Diagon Alley, she couldn’t help but feel reality returning. The streets became less crowded, the world grew just a little bit more silent and only a handful of people were moving around.  Purebloods and Half-blood sympathizers felt comfortable to be out and about just because.  

Muggleborn seemed to only venture when needed and other half-bloods who lived in tentative fear carried themselves the same way.  The Wizarding world was in a quiet panic and only the chosen few seemed to carry on as if life hadn’t changed.  Andromeda slowed her run into soft pace, a finger pressed into her pulse for a moment before letting out a sigh.  

Her eyes were looking around when she caught her younger sister walking out a store with bags in hand.  Catching up to her, “Hey… need a hand?” Andromeda offered kindly, “I didn’t expect to see you out and about this early.” She half teased.

-

Getting out of the house was something Narcissa attempted to do every few days, even if she would much rather stay in her flat curled up with a good book. She knew she needed the fresh air and the sunshine on her face. Besides, it was good to be seen in magical London. The Blacks are barely holding onto their power; Narcissa won't contribute to that downward slide. This morning she'd mostly just been walking, but was considering making a stop for some new inks and parchment. While there wasn't a pressing need, Narcissa knew her current journal was rapidly filling with thoughts on the latest books she'd been reading.

After a bit of internal debate, Narcissa decided to just go for it. She slips into the store and doesn't waste any time. She knows exactly what she wants. Her preferred paper weight and ink type have long been cemented in her brain. She pays and steps back into the street, surprised by the sudden voice behind her.

Narcissa turns and offers Andromeda a kind smile. Despite the tension between them, it's nice to see her. Unlike Bellatrix, Narcissa refuses to give up hope on her older sister. "No, I'm alright, thank you." She laughs softly and glances towards the skin to see how far the sun has risen before her eyes meet Andromeda's again. "I know, it's unusual. I needed some fresh air and some new inks though. I figured it'd be best to beat the rush." She shrugs.

∞ • ∞

They had only been in conversation for a few minutes, but it was clear to Lily that Narcissa was the most poised and careful of the three Black sisters. She was difficult to read, very good at keeping the cards close to her chest, so it was difficult for Lily to tell if Narcissa was sincere in her thoughts about the end of the war or just being careful because she was speaking with a total stranger.

Lily turned to look at the crowd, but all the while watched Narcissa out of the corner of her eye. Was she more like Bellatrix or Andromeda? And was trying to make friends with her as Adrienne an endeavor worth her time, or was it just wasting energy that could be spent elsewhere?

To Lily’s surprise, Narcissa’s invitation made that decision for her. Maybe she was just being a gracious hostess, but there was definitely no harm in spending a little more time with Narcissa in order to see if she was of any value in Lily’s plans. “That would be lovely,” she replied with a smile, turning back to Narcissa. “I do plan to remain here for now. We’ll see what comes in the future. But I don’t know many people and I have been terribly bored, so you would be doing me a great service to show me some good spots around.”

-

Narcissa lets her smile get a bit broader, a bit sweeter. "London is a lovely place once you get familiar with it. I'd love to give you a tour." While Narcissa is an introvert through and through, she has long learned to put aside those tendencies and force herself out into the world when it might be advantageous.

She needs to get back into the crowd. As much as she's enjoying their conversation, Narcissa knows that it's important to speak with as many of their guests as possible tonight. "Why don't you write me when you've got a bit of time? My schedule is decently open, and I'm sure we could find a time that works for both of us."

Someone calls Narcissa's name and she glances around, confused about where it must have come from. After a moment of not being able to locate them, she sighs softly and offers Adrienne an apologetic smile. "You'll have to excuse me. I look forward to receiving your letter!" With that, she steps away to go find whoever demanded her presence so rudely.

-

Its no true surprise to hear Narcissa agreeing with her, for all she may pretend and persuade, she was loyal. She had found her own way to navigate her life in that of smiles and piercing wit, and though Bellatrix had found herself going quite the opposite direction, she knew it was a harder skill than most expected. Andromeda was splitting, she could see it in every move she made, could see it in who she was speaking to at this party. 

Though her glance is passing, Bellatrix knows to follow it and finds the man eyeing the two of them. Automatically, her posture straightens and her expression hardens, lips pressed together disapprovingly as her eyes make contact with him. She gives him a scathing look that his head whips away to avoid as if she might turn him to stone and Bellatrix smiles a bit, patting Narcissa’s hand. “I’m sure that I haven’t,” She replied, practically laughing at the idea. They both knew Narcissa was the one with the misfortune to have the eyes of the hopeful suitors. “Shall I stay a while longer?” Bellatrix murmured, her eyes going back to the crowd in case she needed to glower away another idiot man.

-

Narcissa always finds it so amusing that her sister can so easily scare off any number of individuals. Bellatrix is known for her harsh stares and sharp edges. Narcissa is grateful to not be caught very often on the receiving end of Bellatrix's ire.

She hums softly in response, taking another glance around the ballroom. Narcissa knows that she should return to the floor. There are people she's still failed to greet and she knows it will only be a matter of moments after stepping onto the floor that someone would attempt to grab her attention. She's not ready to face it all again just yet. Surely a few more moments wouldn't hurt?

"Please." Her eyes fall on her sister again, a gentle smile gracing her features.

…

Waiting patiently at home for excitement to find her had never been her style, no that she expected to find any grand sort of experience at Elle’s house.  When she walked in she hadn’t expected to see anyone up and about beyond the usual scurry of house elves.  She had always been an early riser.  Sharing a room for seven years with Narcissa should have prepared her for some human company, however.  “Oh no,” she shook her head.  “I’m perfectly content.  I had a few mugs of coffee before coming here, and if I indulge in anymore I might begin to vibrate,” she laughed.

Leaning against the wall, she was silent for a long moment as the pair of them watched the elves work to clean up the main room.  “I came by to see if you all needed any help tearing things down, but it seems like you’ve got that under control.”  She stood, smoothing down her slacks.  “I would get out of your hair, but I promised my father I’d stop by his home once leaving here and I need to give my mother a bit longer to sit with the fact that Elle throws a far better party than she does before I can stomach it.  Do you mind if I stick around for a bit?  I’m happy to help while everyone else is having a lie in.”

-

Narcissa grins a bit and glances at her own mug. "I'm headed that way myself. This is only my first cup, but considering how late I was up last night, I'm sure I'll need another before the day is done." Narcissa avoids taking naps to prevent disrupting her sleep schedule. Perhaps today she can make an exception if the elves get done soon enough.

Her gaze returns to Freya as she asks to stay. "Yes, Mother has always been gifted in organizing events." A talent Narcissa believes she's inherited. "I don't mind if you stay at all. I'd appreciate the company. Besides, we didn't get a chance to speak last night. It's been ages since we've had a proper chat."