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Inspired by the crossgendrabble community on LJ; prompt - "If women believed in their husbands they would be a good deal happier - and also a good deal more foolish." Henry Louis Mencken
"It is my experience, Astoria, that we are much happier when we have faith in our husbands," Narcissa Malfoy said, plucking her delicate ceramic tea cup from the table between them and bringing it to her lips. There was a quiet clink as she replaced it on its saucer and turned her eyes back to the younger woman before her. "We are also a great deal more foolish."
"How do you mean, Mrs. Malfoy?"
"Do not play games with me, Miss Greengrass," Narcissa warned, her gaze turning icy although her tone maintained its pleasant lilt. "You know as well as everyone the history of our family." Astoria had the grace to flush, her cheeks tinting with pink as she averted her eyes towards the caramel-colored tea in her cup.
"Are you saying it was your faith in Mr. Malfoy that caused you to..." Her voice trailed off, the awkwardness of the conversation finally rattling what confidence she had had when she entered the sitting room. Narcissa had invited her to tea in an effort to get to know her only son's fiancee, likely in hopes of forging some kind of congenial relationship with her.
"Join the Death Eaters?" Narcissa supplied. There was no shame in her voice, and when Astoria glanced up at her smooth features, she saw none in her expression, either. "What are reasons were, dear Astoria, they are our own." If she had thought Narcissa's attitude towards her was icy before, it had become absolutely frigid now. In the back of her mind, Astoria had the distinct impression that perhaps the Malfoy family was a bit more of a snake's den then she had at first believed.
Gathering what little was left of her composure, she nodded briskly to the blonde woman, meeting her eyes determinedly. "Of course." For a moment longer, their eyes remained locked, and Narcissa seemed to consider her rather thoroughly before returning her attention to her tea cup and taking a sip.
"But do remember my advice, should Draco's behavior ever become suspect."