AN: For the Scrabble Challenge (prompt:joyous), the Ultimate Shipping Extravaganza (LuciusAlice), and the Sherlock Competition (Part 1, # 15: write about Lucius Malfoy)
.
"I'll just be a moment," she says, smiling at her now-husband and placing a quick kiss on his lips. "I just need some fresh air."
With that, Alice slips outside, her smile still broad and bright. She can't recall ever being so happy. "Mrs. Alice Longbottom," she says aloud, giggling at how perfect it sounds.
A twig snaps, and she immediately sobers, reaching into her purse for her wand. "Who's there?" she demands, wand raised dangerously.
"Should I be offended? Or was my invitation simply lost in the post?" comes the low, silky drawl that's all too familiar.
"Lucius?" Alice's face hardens, and she grips her wand tighter, eyes narrowing. "What are you doing here?"
"I've come to congratulate you on this joyous occasion," he says, stepping closer, a smirk on his lips as he eyes her wand.
"Sod off."
He grips her wand, easily pulling it away and tucking it into her dress, between her breasts. "I don't think I will. You know, it's funny. You once said you'd never marry. Do you remember? I offered you a life as a Malfoy, and you said you weren't the marrying type."
He's too close, his body pressing gently against hers. Alice closes her eyes, trying to steady herself.
She remembers those days all too well. She'd been young and curious, fascinated by how untouchable Lucius had seemed. Yet he'd allowed her to get close, as close as possible. He had loved her, and she had loved him, but she'd been afraid of what it would mean.
"Things change," she whispers, eyes opening again.
"Clearly."
He presses harder against her, rough fingers caressing her cheek. Alice shivers in response, causing his lips to twist into a wicked grin.
"Though some things don't," he muses, leaning in and kissing her neck. "Look at you. Married only an hour and letting another man touch you. Tell me you don't still love me. I dare you."
"I-"
"Alice?" Lily calls in the distance. "Time for cake!"
Lucius pulls away, straightening his robes. "Well?"
"I should go."
As she turns and rushes off, she distinctively hears him mutter, "I knew it."