For Bex. Merry Christmas!
"I'm afraid Bellatrix won't be joining us," Rodolphus announces.
Narcissa nods. She isn't surprised, of course. Even as children, her sister has never cared for the holidays. Now that she has a master to serve, there's little hope of even receiving a quick visit for cocoa. "Lucius is tied up at the Ministry," Narcissa adds with a sigh. "I suppose it isn't much of Christmas if I have to spend it alone."
"A beautiful woman should never be alone for the holidays," Rodolphus says gently, caressing her cheek.
Narcissa shivers in spite of the fireplace's warmth. It's a shiver that she hasn't felt since she and Lucius were younger. "Rodolphus, I-"
He presses a finger to her lips. "I know. It isn't right. We're both married, and yet our spouses have other priorities," he says. "You deserve someone who will love you more."
Narcissa feels tears sting her eyes. She's always felt it. Whenever Lucius isn't working, he's busy with his duties to his master. Too many nights have been spent alone in a cold bed, curled up to a pillow where a husband should be. Impulse takes over, and she throws her arms around him, kissing him fiercely, kissing him the way she once kissed her husband when she was still in love. Rodolphus tangles his fingers in her hair, pressing her against the wall, his free hand trailing down her side.
Narcissa closes her eyes, enjoying the feel of his lips against her neck. "Rodolphus," she whispers, allowing him to guide her to the floor, Christmas dinner suddenly forgotten.