Matters of the Heart

Chapter Eight: The Hidden Powers of the Heart, Part II

R&R!

Thanks 2 my dazzling Beta the-irish-redhead for her marvellous work!!

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Okay, so I have some good news for you people!! Well, kinda. Since I split this chapter in two, there will be more chapters. And unless I decide to cut another chapter in two (Doesn't look like it will be happening though) there will be 6 more chapters. I'm too lazy to check right now TBH.

Thanks 2 all my astounding reviewers - you guys make my day.

XDramione4Lyfx

OH! Soon I will be changing my name from xDramione4Lyfx to x-CailinNollaig-x

I love xDramione4Lyfx, as it was my first penname and I'll always hold a soft spot for it - but it has no meaning to me. I mean, who spells life like that? The only downfall is people won't know what ship I support by looking at my name anymore…

That means I'll have to hint at it in PM's and review's.

Bummer.

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She's gone. I am abused, and my relief must be to loathe her.

-William Shakespeare

To the lovely Narcissa,

I love you. But love is not always enough Black. It takes so much more, more that I'm not willing to give. I'm not sure whether to be harsh about this so that you hate me and it will hopefully hurt less - or break it off nice and easy so you will always remember the good times but understand. I guess I'll do neither. I'll just say it , no poems, no romantic words, just the truth.

I cannot elope with a Slytherin. I cannot marry a Black. I cannot be seen with my best friends cousin. I cannot love someone who loves to mock others downfall.

Was that painless? Because it sure wasn't for me. And , perhaps I'm a coward writing this in a letter… but , honestly, would you rather face- to- face?

We were never meant to like each other Narcissa, we were never meant to kiss or hug , hell we weren't meant to talk. Slytherins and Gryffindors don't mix Black - it's about time you acknowledge that. It's common sense, it is an unwritten rule.

I'm going to marry Lily Evans someday. I know it , I can tell by how she looks at me -like I'm the only one for her. You don't.

And when your old and you're going through a rocky part in your marriage to Malfoy - take out this letter. And think, did Malfoy ever do this to me? I doubt it. He was whipped. I mean, certifiably whipped. I just feel sorry for the son you'll have - he'll be such a bastard. I know already that our sons would never get along if they met.


Well, Narcissa, this is it. I'm tempted to say a string of curses so that you hate me… but I guess that job is done, eh? .. Not a good time to joke…

Don't talk to me in the halls, don't pass notes, don't make eye contact , …. And lay the insults on heavily. Wouldn't want people suspicious. Let's never mention this to anyone. You'll be my skeleton in the closet.

Too soon for jokes?

You were never fond of the pranks. You liked Sirius though - no matter how much you object. He was well better than Regulus though, he's a wanker.

Oh, this was supposed to be a nice break-up letter.. .Shit! ... What's that spell to make the page clear again? I bet Lily would know if she were with me..

Anyway, I guess this really is goodbye.

At Least as 'Lovers'

Goodbye Narcissa, have a nice life, marry Malfoy, and become filthy stinking rich,

Yours Truly,

James Potter.

Narcissa felt the anger pumping through her veins as she read the words , though they were already committed to her memory. She had spent oh so many nights in school reading over the last letter he sent to her. And no matter what way James Potter had tried to phrase it, he had broken her heart. He had carelessly strewn her heart away. Narcissa didn't love James anymore, and perhaps she never had. He was something that she could hold onto - proof of hope. Maybe, he was a glimmer hope that the war could be prevented. Maybe he was hope that the Slytherins and Gryffindors would band together and defeat You-Know-Who.

Perhaps Narcissa subconsciously thought, if Narcissa Black - pureblood, Slytherin, prejudice and snobby - could love James Potter - pureblood, Gryffindor, warm and loving, joker - then there was hope for everything. It really was false hope though, because in the end, they retreated back to their respective houses and eventually spouses.

She shook this from her head, she had loved James. That damn 'love Necklace' heirloom had said so! It had illuminated in red that night with James! It had just pro- She halted in her thoughts as she remembered Andromeda's letter.

Racing to her drawer, she looked through the recent letters from family, friends and her company.

Her eyes finally lay on the letter she had gotten the night after she found Lucius and Bellatrix together.

'My dear Sissy..Cissy'

'I am terribly sorry over what has happened Narcissa. He was outright vile to do that. I hope you taught him a lesson, and knowing you, you would. He does love you Narcissa so don't give up...or necessarily give in. But that is your choice, but believe me when I say that he'll be back.

We didn't end on the best terms, did we Cissy? I didn't mean for it to happen like that I just want my sister back. Could we not ignore the past? And move on with the future?to put aside our old differences and become the friends we were?.. and I read your book. So, when I say old differences, I mean it. You're not a prejudice pureblood so stop pretending to be Cissy.

When you first met my dear Ted, you showed nothing but kindness and warmth towards him. That is until, mother and fathers presence were known. You always put up an act around them Cissy, why?

It feels great to call you Cissy again, I miss my sister so much. Especially when she's going through such a hard time. Dora and her little boy would love to meet you. Dora is your niece, regardless of how you feel about it. Draco was downright pleasant when I met him. Even though you were not there.

Draco's a lovely boy, I'm proud to call him my nephew. I just hope he can forgive himself for past mistakes. He needs to let go and move on, tell him I forgive him. For whatever part he had in killing my deceased son-in-law. I doubt very much that Draco had part in that. I don't think he is capable of such a thing.. he isn't a killer ,Cissy. Don't listen to the Daily Quibbler is quite good actually. I don't know how that Lovegood girl gets time for the paper and her elf rights. Hermione and her are doing a wonderful job. I met both of them a few times. Hermione more so than Luna. Hermione and Harry are great friends. If I didn't know better, I would say they were dating.

But, I am wise, perceptive, do know better, and can safely say they are not dating. I Know my dear sister loves to gossip, and even though this was meant to be a serious letter, I cannot help but divulge. Miss Granger has a love interest. It is obvious from the way she is so happy lately. Probably happier then I have seen her in a long time. Yet, so is Miss Lovegood. Now, I am not jumping to conclusions...but say, there was something going on between the two? They could be homosexual? Afraid to tell the world?I would be in support of them. Luna Lovegood and Hermione Granger. I will have to look into it, as I know you will at those silly tea parties you go to. (That I know you secretly love!)

So, I am going to leave off here. But first, as you already know as you have this letter, I have given you the Black Love Necklace. Bella, the crazy hag(but..she is. My I did love Sirius, I was a lot closer to him than you), has the ring. And now you have the Black earrings and Love Necklace. I trust you know what the necklace does?Yes, the ring and earrings are not like it. Though, the ring is magical too. As you know, the Necklace glows a brilliant white when you whole-heartedly love someone and it's pure and promising. If it is red, you love them, but it is not meant to be.

Perhaps, with the necklace, you may find where your heart truly lies. Alike to the time I lent it to you in sixth year. Obviously, not one of my greater idea's as your heart was broken in the end. Tell me Cissy, is it mended from him? Only to have Lucius break it?

If the Gryffindor hadn't have gone the safe way, would you still be together? I fear the answer to that question. Let it remain unanswered until you are ready to change has asked me how you are, what happened between you two? You used to be good friends. Did Lucius have an interference? I know Lucius was not evil, far from it if you examine is actions closely, but did he keep Severus away? You must answer me Cissy.

Good Luck, my dear and favourite sister. I wish you all the best,

Andromeda x

P.S- My grandson would like to meet his great-aunt....I know you want to be a grandmother, but give it time.


P.P.S- I still love my sisters, even for their foolish mistakes.'

Narcissa fell back onto the bed as she made the startling discovery. Ever since she had gotten the necklace, she had thought red was a brilliant sign. She thought red meant they were soul mates. How wrong was she!

And once again Narcissa felt conflicted with matters of the heart. She felt truly happy around Severus, care-free and like she could conquer the world. But when she was with Lucius, she got this warm feeling that spread all the way to her toes, she felt safe and secure, she felt loved and cherished.

Or at least she used to.

She made a resolve to invite Severus to the Christmas Soiree. Yes, she was mad at him at the moment, but by Christmas – that would be forgotten. This was Narcissa Malfoy's (nee Black), brilliant plan. She would simply wear the necklace to the party , if it glowed either red or white around the men, she would choose. Perhaps it would do neither around both of them, but she would take the chance and see. Narcissa had not worn the necklace since school, and was rather excited at the prospect of wearing it again, even with the memories that went with it.

She quickly placed the letters in their original place, still clinging to James' love for dear life. Because he was right, when she was having a particularly bad day, or wanting some comfort, or needing a smile when Lucius was away, she took out those letters. Not the last letter, as that never gave her comfort and smiles , but the other letters. The letters they sent throughout sixth year, the letters sent in class, at night, during dinner, the letters that had meant so much to Narcissa as a sixteen year old.

At sixteen, you're so naïve, ready to take on the world - when really, you don't know what's in store. Thinking it's all rainbows and butterflies it's devastating when you come to the stark reality that it's nothing like that.

Shaking her head, she closed the drawer and put a concealment spell on it. Those letters were for her, and her only.

"Rolo?"

Rolo appeared in front of her , a smile on the elf's face. "Hellos Miss! Would you be's wantings some tea? Rolo will get some!"

"Yes, Rolo. Thank you. That, and -"

"The Quibbler?"

Narcissa smiled "Yes, The Quibbler… but the Daily Prophet also please"

The elf nodded and apparated off to do her job.

Minutes later, Rolo arrived back with tea , the Quibbler and the Newspaper.

Smiling once more at the elf, Narcissa thanked her. She truly didn't know where she would be if Rolo wasn't around.

Narcissa straightened out the newspaper and read the front page, nothing of interest though. The Daily Prophet was becoming so lackluster, at least Rita had some gossip.

Though as much as she tried to resist, Narcissa was an insatiable gossip.

Her breath caught in her throat momentarily as her eyes scanned through the article on page four. A beaming smile spread across her face, a smile that reached her eyes.

"ROLO!!" Narcissa called out happily

The elf came running into the room, apparently thinking there was an accident and not thinking clearly enough to apparate.

The blonde chose to ignore the Elf's flustered state and shoved the paper unceremoniously into the elf's face. "That article is about me. Moi, yours truly!"

The elf put on a strained smile "That is wonderfuls Miss. Though I was wondering, may I go's back to works?"

Narcissa sighed at the elf's lack of enthusiasm "Yes.."

The Article was praising Narcissa left right and centre! It was fabulous! They were quoting parts of her book, demonstrating what she had done for Knockturn Alley and how her son was getting on.

"Who in the world wrote this?" She mumbled as she looked for the By line. Her eyes zoomed in on the name that glared back at her.

By Pansy Parkinson .

Suck up.

Narcissa sniffed in disdain as she dropped the paper to the ground.

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Narcissa had begun thinking more and more about her son and Hermione Granger. Questions like 'Why didn't they tell me?' 'Is is serious?' 'How long?' were zooming through Narcissa's head. And while she wanted the best for her son, she was worried about how much they fought, because from what she'd heard it wasn't the most infrequent thing in the world.

The Blonde smiled as the owl swooped through the kitchen window and landed in front of her on the table. Smiling, she and pried the letter out of the owls clutches.

Mother,

We will be happy to come over today… well, I will.


Sorry Mother, apparently that line wasn't very polite. We would both be ecstatic to visit for lunch! We'll bring the picnic along too.


Women hit too much these days.

See you in half an hour,


Draco Malfoy

Narcissa couldn't help but grin at her sons words. He had such a funny sense of humour, it was the exact same to hers in ways. Then again, both she and Lucius had a dry, sarcastic sense of humour. He didn't have much chance of turning out differently.

She sat at the dining table half an hour later, poised and elegant, as her son and his girlfriend took seats opposite.

"How are you Hermione?" Narcissa asked politely as she looked at the sandwiches on the platter.

Hermione shot her boyfriend a look and turned to Narcissa "Fine…I'm doing fine. How are you Narcissa?"

Hermione eyed the elf that was carrying in the lunch, obviously displeased with it.

"I'm just splendid. Business is booming and I've never felt better.."

Draco raised an eyebrow, obviously not buying the lie "Have you been alone all the time Mother?" He asked, a concerned edge to his voice.

"No I have friends Draco. Contrary to what you believe, I have plenty of friends"

Her son rolled his eyes and Hermione shifted uncomfortably in her chair. "Hermione darling, are you okay?"

The girl eyes widened as she realised she was being addressed "Yes, I'm fine. Errr … you wouldn't happen to have a glass of water?"

"Of course, I'll just call the el-"

"No! I mean, it's okay. I'll get it myself" Hermione stood, and Narcissa noticed her flushed cheeks against her otherwise sickingly pale skin.

The brunette had just left the room when Draco rose "She hasn't a clue of where the kitchen is. Excuse me mother"

Narcissa nodded "Yes, yes"

She sat a few minutes before she heard harsh whispered from the next room. Intrigued, Narcissa rose from her seat and made her way to the double doors that connected the dining room and sitting room. Against her better judgement, she leaned against the door and rested her ear against it.

"What? So you're never going to tell her?" Narcissa heard Hermione whisper angrily

"Oh come on, when is she going to see you again?"

"So, what? You expect me to stay indoors for months?! The papers will have a field day when they see me in months time!"

"Will you just stop freaking out? There's no rea-"

Narcissa pushed open the door and put on a artificial smile. "Are you two quite finished with your little quarrel?"

Hermione had the decency to blush and nodded, Draco merely rolled his eyes.

The older woman nodded and directed everyone back to the table. Taking a seat, she questioned the couple "So, how long as this been going on?"

They exchanged looks and Draco replied "Well, in seventh year we had to work on planning the 'Last Dance' for the seventh years. We fought and fought at the start, but slowly- very slowly - warmed up to each other. We were barely friends at the end of seventh year, more like acquaintances. Once finished school, we were both presented with working as an unspeakable. You are one of the only people that knows we were unspeakables, so refrain from telling your "friends' about it. We were partners as unspeakables, so a friendship naturally developed. Eventually, it led to more. But once we heard that unknowns are forbidden to have relationships - we quit. And this is where we are now. An Auror and a lawyer in the Law department." He finished it with a smirk

Narcissa blinked "Well, that was quite a story. So, how long are you two together now?"

"One and a half years. I'm twenty and Draco, as you know, is nineteen." Hermione replied

"I see.."

"Mother, we're very serious. In fact…" He trailed off, looking at Hermione for reassurance.

His girlfriend nodded and continued "Narcissa, I'm… well, you're going to be a…" Hermione sighed as she searched for the right words. Shrugging, she simply said "You're going to be a grandmother"

Narcissa dropped her napkin she was wiping her mouth with and her mouth fell open. They were much too young for this! Despite her wanting to be a grandmother, her son was not ready for this. He had his career and his relationship with his girlfriend to worry about. Narcissa concluded that they were definitely much to young for this. And yet.. She couldn't help but be excited at the prospect of being a grandmother. Should she chide the two? Or squeal with joy?

She looked at the two with worried eyes "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"Well, it certainly wasn't on the map for when we're this young - but we're ready. I wanted to pursue my career more, though I'm ready. It's early in the relationship still , but we love each other" the brunette stated simply "It has to work… and I would never kill a living being. I'm against abortion." Hermione finished awkwardly.

Draco resisted the urge to roll his eyes yet again at his girlfriend. "And what of marriage?"

Her sons eyes quickly flew to hers "Well, that's not on the cards Mother. One step at a time.. Maybe in ten years or so."

Narcissa nodded slowly, a beaming smile spreading across her face "When is my grandchild arriving?"

Hermione smiled softly "June"

"Oh that's marvellous! I'm so happy for you! If you're sure this is what you want- then I support it… my husband on the other hand, well.. We can wait a while before telling him" Narcissa winked

The two girls laughed while Draco smirked, everything had turned out for the better after all.

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Narcissa smiled as the two apparated home. She was delighted that she was to become a grandmother! Secretly, she would love a Granddaughter, but either would be wonderful. Narcissa just wondered what it would be like to look after a little girl , after all ,she only had one son. Julian didn't need much looking after anyway - not that she had a chance.

The blonde turned quickly as she heard the elf scurry into the room "Miss! Miss! An emergency letters from Hogwarts!!"

Narcissa's eyes widened as she took the letter from Rolo, the black Hogwarts stamp firmly stuck to the back.

Mrs. Malfoy,

Your son Julian has been a problem of late. His behaviour is unacceptable and his grades are dismal. I need to speak to you immediately at the school regarding this. He has done something that I cannot forgive so quickly. Julian Black is hereby suspended for breaking the Hogwarts Rules and injuring another student.

Please arrive as quickly as you can, the password to my office is Animagus.

Yours Sincerely,

Minevra McGonagall.

Headmistress of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Narcissa sighed as she folded the letter, today was going downhill quickly.

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The fire flickered as it burned brightly, the light emitting from it illuminating her face. Narcissa truly didn't know what she was going to do with Julian. He was currently in Draco's old room- claiming it as his own- confined there until she came up with a suitable punishment. She didn't understand what was wrong with the child, Draco had never been like this. Maybe that was because he had better parents , but Narcissa wasn't going down that route right now. Julian spiked a boy's drink, spiked. What kind of child does that? Luckily, it was just a poorly made Veritasium. What Narcissa couldn't understand, was that Julian was exceptional at potions - and yet, he failed to make the potion correctly. Julian would have known he hadn't made it correctly - but still went ahead with it. Narcissa didn't even know why he would do such a thing, the boy did nothing to him.

The blonde jumped in surprise as she heard that all too familiar crack.

"Lucius" She stated in surprise.

He shook his head "I'm not staying Narcissa, don't worry. I was just dropping this off" He held up an envelope, it was bulging and barely closed. He set it down on the table next to the couch Narcissa was sitting on. "Are you alright?"

She shook her head, finally admitting defeat "You were right. I can't look after this boy Lucius! He is too much trouble - I don't understand him.."

Her husband was silent for a moment before speaking "I'll look after him tomorrow."

"You'll do know such thing! You have your own things to worry about."

"The only thing I have is my job at the Ministry, which I haven't much esteem for anyway. Let me look after him tomorrow, he'll relate to me better."

Narcissa stood and unexpectedly threw her arms around Lucius

"Thank you" she whispered mellifluously

He nodded and rubbed her back comfortingly, savouring the feeling of her embrace.

And despite how grateful Narcissa was, she couldn't help but remember that this time yesterday her lips were locked with Julian's potions professor.

And then the guilt came rushing back.

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Thanks 2 everyone who reviews! Love you guys! Hope you liked this chapter!

My new penname is x-CailinNollaig-x hope you like!

My previous name was xDramione4Lyfx

Read my fic 'The Founders Heirs' - my best writing by far!

Anyway, thanks 4 reading!

x-CailinNollaig-x