A/N: Written for Making a Potion 101 (Prompt one: Lavender: Write about Narcissa Malfoy)
Narcissa raises her brows when Astoria turns. She is absolutely beautiful in white, and her dark hair, curled and pinned back, lends her an air of elegance.
"You look lovely," Narcissa says softly.
The young witch blushes and bows her head briefly. "Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy."
"Narcissa, dear. You will be family in an hour."
"Narcissa," Astoria repeats, nodding.
"Now, why did you call for me? I'm sure it wasn't just to hear how beautiful you are. You have elves for that," Narcissa says, tipping her head slightly to the side.
"No, ma'am," the girl confirms. "I- Well, I was hoping that maybe I could ask you for advice."
"Head high, back straight, don't turn around, and for the love of all that is good, if you feel the urge to vomit, don't do it halfway down the aisle."
Astoria gives a nervous laugh. "Not that sort of advice. Marriage advice. You and your husband have been married for quite some time. And I know it can't have been easy at times, with-" She trails off, clearing her throat. "With certain things."
"There are bad days," Narcissa agrees. "And there are days so dark, I forget that light exists."
"How do you do it? How do you stay? I love Draco, but I worry."
Narcissa moves forward, patting the girl affectionately on her cheek. "You are far wiser than I was. I believed it would be nothing but good when I married Lucius," she admits with a small smile before dropping her hand. "That's a good start."
"Thank you."
Narcissa purses her lips, tapping a perfectly polished nail against her chin. "Marriage advice? I have never given any, to be honest."
"Surely you can tell me something," Astoria insists.
"Why do you love my son?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Why do you love Draco?"
"I- He's amazing. I always fancied him at Hogwarts, but he seemed a bit cruel. Now, he's changed, and he has grown warm and kind. Whenever I'm with him, I feel as though my mind and heart can truly find peace."
"My advice is to remember that. Remember it well whenever you two may fight. Remember it on the dark days, and let those feelings be your light. It's all about your staying power. A weak love will break at the first sign of conflict, but strong love can withstand it."
"I want to stay with him until my dying day," Astoria says.
Narcissa smiles. She'd had some doubts about the girl in the beginning. Astoria had been so quiet, so flighty. Now, she sees the passion in her eyes whenever she talks about Draco, and it warms her heart.
"You will make a fine wife, dear," Narcissa assures her.
"Thank you, Narcissa," Astoria says brightly before taking a deep, shaky breath. "Is it normal to feel nervous?"
"Very much so. Bellatrix had to give me a calming potion before my wedding."
Astoria giggles. "I can't imagine you being nervous."
"Keep your head high, dear. You'll be a Malfoy soon. No slouching, no doubting yourself. The moment will pass, and one day all of this will be a memory."
Narcissa reaches on the table and hands Astoria her flowers. "I'd better go. It'll be starting soon," she says, starting for the door.
She pauses with her hand on the knob, turning to glance over her shoulder at the young bride. "I couldn't have asked for a more thoughtful daughter-in- law," she adds quickly before pulling the dooropen and hurrying to take her seat beside Lucius.