Title: Marks
Author: Kleine Snowdrop
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Summary: Narcissa's reaction to Draco's dark mark
Marks
Narcissa Malfoy heard her son's bedroom door slam shut. She knew he was upset about his father. She had given him a wide berth since he'd come home from Hogwarts. She walked through the cold, silent halls of Malfoy Manor and paused before her son's room. Hearing movement from inside, she gently pushed his door open.
Draco looked up when she entered and their eyes met in the mirror. Her icy blue eyes narrowed as he hastily pulled his sleeve down.
"Draco," she said, walking into the room.
"Mother."
"What did you do," she demanded standing directly behind her only child. When he refused to answer, she frowned, intuitively knowing what he had done. Her eyes flashed as she grabbed him by his left forearm. Her thumb dug into his arm where she knew that brand was. She easily spun her son to face her. She shut her eyes as she saw his flinch. "What did you do?"
"What father would have wanted…"
"Your father, you foolish little boy," she hissed, "Your father was blinded by his ignorance and hate."
"My father…"
"Your father bound himself to sever a master," she sneered, "one that was so far beneath him, he threw everything away and jeopardized his family to be a brainless minion to his master."
"How dare you speak of father like that, I am honored to serve the Dark Lord."
Narcissa bristled and slapped her son across the face. She pulled her hand away and watched, almost detached, as the red mark faded.
"That mark will fade," she said softly, "but the one branded on to your arm will always taint you."
"You know nothing about this mother, you should be proud that you son is doing the work of the Dark Lord."
"Proud, I should be proud that my only child is as stupid as your father, that your life is forfeit to the whims of a filthy…"
"Silence mother," Draco snapped.
"How dare you speak to me like that," she whispered dangerously, "I am still your mother."
"Mother…"
"Be quiet," demanded Narcissa before glancing at her son one last time before leaving his room. She couldn't cry, not this close to her son, she couldn't show her weakness, not as she stumbled to her room blinded by her unshed tears.
The End