Narcissa is fairly certain she's never been more terrified in her life. In a sense, the entire future of everything revolves around how the next few moments go. Despite having worked for this for years, she has never felt more ill-prepared. She has five minutes, perhaps, until Cygnus comes to escort her downstairs, and she tries to remember every piece of advice Druella has ever given. While breathing at the same time. Shifting nervously, Narcissa fixes the white satin gloves that reach her elbows and examines her jewelry in the mirror. The necklace is the most important; her first diamonds, a present from Cygnus and Druella. And there's the dress. A Parisian confection of silk and embroidery in five shades of white, only to be worn once.
"The only debut that matters is the first one of the season," Druella had informed them smugly. That's why she and Walburga had waged a war against every other family planning a debut this summer. And as usual, she won. Mr. and Mrs. Cygnus Black's cordial invitations to the debut of Miss Narcissa Cassiopeia Black had gone out promptly, and the ballroom downstairs was now packed with everyone who was anyone. Despite the humiliation the family had suffered two years back, there was no denying the Blacks had power and prestige.
Cygnus taps on the door once before pushing it open, his dark hair and robes a stark contrast to his daughter's paleness. The warmth in his face is apparent as he surveys Narcissa, and presses a short kiss to her forehead before offering his arm. "The first dance is mine."
"Of course," she replies, managing a smile back. The first dance always goes to the father, but in reality, most of the other dances on her card are already full as well. "It's because we have too many uncles," Bella had sniffed. Uncle Orion, Uncle Alphard, Uncle Graley, Great Uncle Arcturus... and Grandfather Pollux, and Rodolphus (who is as much an uncle as anything). "So I hope you're saving the second one for someone good looking; the relatives will be too busy congratulating mother to dance with you for that one."
They pass portrait after portrait towards the room of noise and light, and words race through Narcissa's mind. Chin up. Back straight. Small gliding steps. Eye contact. Somewhat demure smile. But it's Cygnus who sums it up best as they step in to the ballroom with a murmur of "Remember you are a Black, and bow to no one."
The hush in the room as they enter is collective. Narcissa is truly a natural at this, gliding in and smiling as though it's something routine. Only the vise-like grip on her father's arm betrays nervousness. Suddenly, roaring starts in her ears and she knows people are applauding. Welcoming her entrance into the adult world. And it becomes apparent that no one is going to remember any of the other debutantes from the summer of 1974. This is the one that will go down in legend.
It's easier to pick out faces, now that she can breathe a bit easier. Bellatrix - Rodolphus - Druella - Uncle Grayson - Mr. Avery - Roman Selwyn - Rabastan. And then Lucius Malfoy, standing with his parents. She feels a catch in her thoat, seeing him after such a long time, and can't help but hope he's admiring her; admiring how perfectly her gown fits; admiring her hair. And will ask her to dance soon. Preferably the second one.
As the music begins and Cygnus leads her to the dance floor, Narcissa feels an overwhelming sense of belonging. She belongs here. Right here in this room of glowing chandeliers and expensive champagne and rustling silk and whispered gossip. A one way ticket to the upper echelons of society is the real present from her family, not a diamond necklace. And she will do whatever she must to make them proud of her.