One for Sorrow
I. Light, airy silk slid over Narcissa's shoulders, hugging very slightly to her curves, flowing over her body in endless, endless peals of white...
"It's not right."
Narcissa let her arms fall limply to her side before turning slowly to face her mother. "Not right?"
"I think it's wonderful," sighed Bellatrix, who was watching somewhat enviously.
"It may be wonderful, but it's not for Narcissa." Mrs. Black tugged at the bit of extra material hanging loosely at her daughter's waistline. "I mean, look --- it does absolutely nothing for your figure.
"Now this one over here..."
From her corner, Bellatrix gave a loud, exasperated sigh, while Narcissa allowed herself to be fitted into the wedding dress of her mother's choice.
Mrs. Black steered her into mirror view. "Isn't that a little better?"
"Mother! She'll blind half the ceremony with that thing on!" Shielding her eyes from the glimmering decor of her sister's dress, Bellatrix side-stepped to the closest mannequin. "She'd be much better off with one like this---"
Narcissa had to smile. Both her mother and oldest sister had always looked out for her, sometimes a little overprotectively, but ther was some wisdom in their words...most of the time, anyway.
Sometime later they left the shop, still without a wedding gown, Mrs. Black still grumbling about poor selection.
"I still can't believe you're getting married Cissy," said Bellatrix for what seemed like the tenth time. "Isn't it a bit early?"
"She's perfectly fine."
"She's hardly even 20!"
"I was 18 when I was married," said Mrs. Black firmly, pressing a square container into Bellatrix's hand an bringing an abrupt end to the argument. "And don't forget---6:00 tomorrow. Both of you. Your wedding's in five days, Narcissa, and you still haven't chosen a good enough dress!"
Narcissa kissed her mother on teh cheek before leaving for home. "I will."
"And make sure that sister of yours comes this time around!"
In a flash of emerald both sisters had vanished.
Narcissa was expelled onto a rich, hall-length carpet, landing at Bellatrix's feet. Bellatrix lent a hand, continuing the conversation as if nothing had happened in between.
"Where is Andromeda anyway? She said she'd meet up with us two hours ago..."
"I'm not sure."
"And she's been distant for so many months now. Do you think we should pay a visit or something?"
"Mmm," shrugged Narcissa, thoughts for no one but herself, inagining the feel of snow-white silk and lace over her body over and over again...
slow start, short chapter, but it will get better.
