Author's Note: Just a little Lucissa drabble that takes place during the Death Eater meeting in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The beginning dialogue comes from the chapter "The Dark Lord Ascending." This drabble is from Narcissa's point of view.
I really see Narcissa's quiet strength as being the balance to Lucius's more dramatic personality.
"Your wand, Lucius. I require your wand."
"I…"
Narcissa suddenly felt Lucius's eyes on her, and she knew that he wanted to fight this. However, he wanted to consult with her first. He wanted to ask her if he should fight or if he should submit.
Oh, her sweet, brave Lucius. Despite everything, he still wanted to be the family's protector.
But there were times when it was not wise to fight, and right now it was one of those times. The Dark Lord was too strong, too powerful. And the Malfoys were currently walking on a tightrope.
But Narcissa knew how much Lucius hated to submit to anyone. Anyone except her.
Narcissa reached out beneath the table and placed her hand on Lucius's wrist.
Do what he says, her touch said. I know it hurts, but give him your wand. Don't get yourself killed over this.
For a moment, though, Narcissa was afraid that Lucius would still refuse to submit. Her husband had always been a proud one, one of his many traits that she usually liked about him. But now was not the time for pride. Now was a time when pride could get you killed.
Lucius was smart, too smart for most people to keep up with. And his cunning could only be matched by few.
But there were times when Lucius could be a bit of a hot-head. Most of the time, he had a tight control over his emotions. But when Lucius Malfoy lost his temper, it was wise to evacuate the area.
At the moment, however, it would not be wise for Lucius to lose his temper. Especially with the Dark Lord.
After everything that the Dark Lord had put both her husband and her son through, Narcissa would have loved nothing more than to see Lucius do something horrible to the Dark Lord. For a moment, Narcissa entertained in her mind the image of Lucius punching the Dark Lord in his face or even better putting his hands on the Dark Lord's throat and squeezing with all his might.
Narcissa inwardly relaxed when Lucius handed his wand to the Dark Lord. She tried to remain impassive as the Dark Lord began to taunt Lucius and then her whole family. A part of her, though, wanted to join her husband in doing something horrible to the Dark Lord.
But Narcissa knew that would not be wise in the present time. The Dark Lord was too strong, too powerful. And the Malfoys were currently walking on a tightrope.
When the Dark Lord finally told his Death Eaters that they could leave, Narcissa took the moment to grab her husband's hand. In the brief confusion of everyone leaving, they would not be noticed.
Lucius looked at Narcissa with broken eyes. But broken eyes that were still determined to fight.
"There will be a time to fight," Narcissa said softly, so that they would not be hear. "But now is not that time. It will come, though. Just wait for the right moment. Wait for the right time. Please, Lucius. I cannot bear the thought of losing you."
Lucius looked at Narcissa for a moment. Then, he nodded his head.
Narcissa breathed a sigh of relief.
Narcissa knew that some would say that they were cowards for not fighting. But she also knew that she rather have her husband and her son submissive and alive than bold and dead.
Besides, eventually it would be the right time to fight.
And the Dark Lord would be taken completely by surprise.