Puer Natus Est Nobis—Chapter 10
A/N—This chapter is rather long as it has a lot in it. Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, favourited, or followed this story. I really appreciate it. Happy reading!
A week later. It is Graduation Day at Hogwarts. Lucy Malfoy is a week old.
The sun shines through the master suite window and Narcissa awakens, her eyes fluttering open. She sits up and stretches her arms overhead. Expecting to hear Lucy cry, she turns toward her bassinet to see Lucius rocking their daughter.
"Father's got you," he coos as he rocks. "Mother will awaken in a little while. It's just you and me right now." The baby opens and shuts her eyes, as she peers at her father. "You are so beautiful! You look just like your mother. I hope you grow up to be as lovely and kind as she. I want to give you the world. I hope your childhood will be easier than Draco's. He only knew of war, of threats from Voldemort, and pure-blood supremacy. I wasn't always there for him, and I regret it. I promise that things will be different this time. I love you." He feels a tear welling in his eye and wipes it away.
"Lucius?"
"You up?" He sniffs, not realizing he's been crying.
"It will be different this time," she assures, as she puts her arms around her beloved, resting her chin on her shoulder and looking at their baby.
"How can you be sure?"
Narcissa moves from behind her husband, kneels beside him and kisses Lucy on the top of her head. "Because we've been through just about the worst things can ever get and survived. We'll work hard to make the Wizarding World a better place for our daughter than it was for our son." The baby begins rooting. "Pass her to me. She's probably getting hungry." Lucius places the baby in her mother's arms and kisses the top of the baby's head before ceding the rocker to his wife. "You hungry?" she coos, as she unbuttons her nightgown and guides the infant to her breast.
"Speaking of our son," Lucius states, "It's hard to believe he graduates today."
"It seems like yesterday when we put him on the train his first year." She looks off, dreamily. "He was so young then! And now, he's graduating and I have a feeling he'll be proposing to Astoria soon."
"Why do you think that?" Lucius asks, amused, as he begins changing out of his night clothes.
"Have you seen how he acts around her? He's just like you were when we were courting."
"Really?" He asks, amused.
"Well," she plays, "He has the same swoony look in his eyes that you had."
"Swoony look?" he scoffs, putting on a white button up shirt and black trousers.
"Yes, Darling! Your eyes would sparkle when we were together. They didn't have the same sparkle if you were hanging out with friends."
"Oh yes! I swooned at the very thought of Invictus Crabbe."
Narcissa giggles. "I'm serious. You did! You had a swoony look to you and Draco looks at Astoria the same way. He never looked at Pansy Parkinson like that."
"No, I suppose he didn't. He usually looked at Pansy with disgust."
"Can you blame him," the blonde witch queries. "She's awful!" Lucy finishes feeding and unlatches. "Can you take her so I can get ready?"
Lucius walks over to his wife and receives the baby. "Come here, sweets." He puts her on his shoulder and pats her back.
Narcissa rises from the chair and chooses a dress for the day. She begins changing out of her night clothes.
"What time do you want to leave for Hogwarts?"
"Graduation starts at two, so if we leave by one, we'll be able to apparate there in time." She sits at the vanity, brushing her hair.
"Are you sure you don't want to take the train or floo over?"
"No. Lucy's so young. I don't want to expose her to others any longer than necessary and she's too young to floo."
Lucy lets out an audible burp. "Good one, child." He retrieves a diaper and changes her. "Are you sure it's safe to apparate with her?"
"I wish she wasn't so young," the Lady of the Manor states, "but it's the safest mode of transport. I'll have her in my arms and that reminds me, can you fetch me the concealing shawl? It's over there by her dress."
"Which one is it?"
"It's black. It matches my robe that I'm wearing today."
He takes the shawl and Lucy's dress. "Ah! Found it!" He begins dressing his daughter.
By the time they dressed, ate breakfast, and got Lucy ready, it was time to apparate to Hogwarts. Narcissa is excited to see her son graduate, and is very proud that he is the class Valedictorian. She bundles Lucy into the concealing shawl and the three apparate just outside the castle grounds.
Graduation in the Quidditch Field
It is a beautiful day; a perfect day for such an occasion. The sun shines, the sky is a deep blue, and small white, puffy clouds dot the sky. Graduation has always been held in the Quidditch Field, as it's the only place in Hogwarts that can hold all the graduates, current students, family and staff. As per tradition (although it was not one that was started intentionally), the audience is segregated by houses: whichever house the graduating student belongs, that's where the audience sits. Banners of each of the four houses grace the stadium. In the distance, one can see the Castle, standing in all its glory, despite its scars from the war.
Parents and other family members and non-graduating students begin making their way from the Castle to the field. A pop sounds near the Castle's entrance gates; Lucius, Narcissa and the baby appear. Because Lucy is only a week and a half old, the couple felt they should not stay longer than necessary. Narcissa is still healing and the baby is quite young. The Malfoys make their way through the grounds and arrive at the field. Most of the audience had already arrived, and the ceremony would start shortly. Narcissa can see the students and faculty queued up, ready to process in. She strains to find her son, and soon, she spots the blond young man. He meets her eye and smiles at his mother. She gives him a smile and nod before joining her husband in the stands. Normally, it would be difficult for late-comers to find decent seats, or any seats, at graduation, but the war decimated the wizarding world's population. Lucy is in her mother's arms, wrapped in a concealing shawl, and Lucius keeps a protective hand on the small of his wife's back. The Malfoys make their way into the Slytherin stands, to the hisses and jeers of some of their former "friends."
"Oh!" Ms. Nott sneers, "they brought the latest Malfoy out for the whole world to see. It's absolutely disgraceful!"
"It's scandalous!" Violet Parkinson jeers. "Being out in public with a baby that young! It's just not proper. Bet they parade her around like a prize."
"You know Narcissa is such a tart!" Adrienne Pucey spits. "She slept with every Tom, Dick , and Harry whilst she was in Hogwarts! You wouldn't believe all the stories Bellatrix told me when we were room mates."
Another Slytherin parent joins in the jabs, "I still can't believe they're out of Azkaban! My son's dead and my daughter's lame whilst their son's free and healthy. I don't know what kind of life she's going to have after today. I bet Malfoy's got a cushy job all lined up. Just awful!"
Lucius pauses, glares at the gossip-mongers, and leads his wife to vacant seats beside the Greengrasses.
"Lucius!" Adrian calls, "over here!"
The Malfoys join the Greengrasses. Calista leans close to get a good view of the baby. "Oh Narcissa! She is just lovely!"
"Thank you," she beams. "She looks a lot like Draco did when he was a baby."
Before they can converse further, the school orchestra begins playing the processional anthem. The audience silences as the faculty processes in first: Headmistress and head of Gryffindor House, Minerva McGonagall leads, followed by the heads of Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff: Horace Slughorn (who was appointed this position after Snape's death), Filius Flitwick, and Pomona Sprout. The rest of the faculty and staff follows.
"Please rise!" the Headmistress calls, as she lifts her hands. The audience stands as the students enter. Unlike the audience, they are not segregated by house. Instead, they process alphabetically. The students finish their procession and the Headmistress silences the orchestra. "Be seated!"
"Students, family, and friends, welcome to our Commencement ceremony. We all have endured and come through many great challenges, heartaches, and successes due to the rise and defeat of Lord Voldemort. I'd like us to have a moment of silence for those who have fallen." The audience bows their heads in reverence.
"I will not spend the time going on about the hardship this class has endured as we all know what the last year brought us. Instead, I want us to focus on the present and the future. You're looking at the future: these graduating seventh year students, wearing their graduation robes, sitting in chairs, waiting to receive their diplomas and get to the reception." Some of the audience chuckle. "On behalf of each of the heads of the four houses, I want to express how proud we are of these students and to commend the parents in raising such a fine group of young lads and lasses. I would like to recognize a few outstanding students. Please stand when I call your name. First, our Top Ten Honour Students:
Our Valedictorian for this year's class is Draco Lucius Malfoy of Slytherin..."
"That's my boy!" Lucius proudly declares. Narcissa smiles and gently pats her husband on the forearm.
"Our Salutatorian is Hermione Jean Granger of Gryffindor. You will hear from them in a few minutes.
Third: Leif Ian Sommerby of Hufflepuff,
Fourth: Neville Longbottom of Gryffindor,
Fifth: Harry James Potter of Gryffindor,
Sixth: Pansy Parkinson of Slytherin,
Seventh: Millicent Bulstrode of Slytherin,
Eighth: Helen Burke of Ravenclaw,
Ninth: Jason Xavier Borgin of Hufflepuff,
and Tenth: Tom Liam Smythe of Ravenclaw. Let's give them a round of applause!"
When the crowd quietens, she continues, "Now, for the students with the highest rankings in each class. These rankings span from first year onward. Again, when I call your name, please stand:
Muggle Studies: Hermione Jean Granger of Gryffindor.
Divination: Luna Poppy Lovegood of Ravenclaw.
Care of Mythical Creatures: Jason Xavier Borgin of Hufflepuff.
Charms: Helen Burke of Ravenclaw
Defence Against the Dark Arts: Harry James Potter of Gryffindor
Herbology: Neville Longbottom of Gryffindor
History of Magic: Hermione Jean Granger of Gryffindor.
Potions: Draco Lucius Malfoy of Slytherin
Transfiguration: Pansy Parkinson of Slytherin
Study of Ancient Runes: Hermione Jean Granger of Gryffindor.
and Arithmancy: Tom Liam Smythe of Ravenclaw."
The audience applauds. "Now, I want to introduce to you our Head Boy and Head Girl, and the Prefects of each house:
Head Boy: Draco Lucius Malfoy of Slytherin
Head Girl: Helen Burke of Ravenclaw
Prefects of Gryffindor: Ronald Billius Weasley and Hermione Jean Granger
Prefects of Hufflepuff: Leif Ian Sommerby and Sofia Imogin Watts
Prefects of Ravenclaw: Tom Liam Smythe and Luna Poppy Lovegood
and Prefects of Slytherin: Blaise Xerxes Zambini and Pansy Parkinson"
"Again, we are very proud of each and every one of our students. Now, we will hear from our Salutatorian, Hermione Jean Granger. She possesses a brilliant academic mind and proved to be a gifted student. During her fourth year at Hogwarts, Hermione became an advocate for the better treatment of house-elves, forming the association S.P.E.W. In her fifth year, she was the driving force behind the creation of Dumbledore's Army. Her goal is to secure employment with the Ministry of Magic, furthering the cause for the better treatment of house-elves, through the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Welcome, Hermione Granger!"
Hermione takes the podium as the applause dies down. "Thank you, Headmistress McGonagall. I will be blunt: no advice will be given in this speech. Alas, many people can give better advice, people who are older, more educated, and more experienced than I. It is neither worth your time nor mine to hear the ruminations of an nineteen year old. Instead, read books, listen to music, play quidditch or bocciball or any other sport, or just do something fun, all activities more worthwhile than listening to my advice. Maybe when I'm 60 and, hopefully, rich and famous, I'll be worthy of giving advice. This speech shall be short..."
The students chuckle, for they know she tends to be a bit long-winded.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, teachers, students, and most of all Graduates of today's class. It is an honour to speak to you on this special occasion. Alfred Lord Tennyson ended his poem "Ulysses" with the line "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." Indeed, we have done so. We are graduating today..."
She spots her parents, seated with the Weasleys, and smiles.
"...The plethora of achievements of this class would not have been possible without the help, support, and guidance of our parents and teachers, counselors and coaches, and the overall inspiration from the entire school community. To these mentors, I say: Our success is your success, for you have given us the courage to dare, the knowledge to excel, and the belief that we can succeed. You have been there for us with encouragement and care; you have had faith when we doubted ourselves. You have instilled in us the self-confidence needed to reach for our dreams. For all of these things, we thank every single one of you.
As graduates, we face many uncertainties in both the immediate and distant future. However, uncertainty is another word for opportunity. I said at the beginning of this speech that I was not going to give advice. We don't need it. Thank you all for coming to witness this very special day. Congratulations, happy graduation, and best of luck to this year's Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Graduating Class! Thank you!"
She smiles and leaves the podium. Headmistress McGonagall takes the podium. "Thank you, Miss Granger. Now, our Valedictorian, Draco Malfoy will say a few words. In his second year at Hogwarts, Draco attained the position of Seeker on the Slytherin Quidditch team. Draco became a Slytherin prefect along with Pansy Parkinson. He has been a dedicated student, who strove to be the best. He will begin an internship, along with Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley, at the Ministry of Magic this fall. Let's welcome Draco Malfoy!"
Draco takes the podium. "Thank you, Headmistress McGonagall. My fellow students, we only arrived here seven short years ago, and now it's already time to leave. How did it all go so fast? It seems like only yesterday that we were skinny little first years fighting with the castle staircases, trying to figure out where our next class was, trying to avoid getting points taken away from our house (or figuring out how to get points taken away from the OTHER houses, especially Gryffindor), and looking generally clueless to all the upper classmen. Now we are the upperclassmen, the seniors who stand here ready to graduate and move forward in the world. Yet at this seminal moment, we can't help looking back..."
Draco spies his betrothed and smiles. I love you! she mouths.
"...How do we measure the time we've spent at Hogwarts? In the beginning, we measured it in class periods, counting down the day to eventual freedom. As the days and weeks passed, we measured it in semesters, and later in years as we moved from being those clueless first year students, waiting to be sorted into our houses, to becoming second and third year students who thought they had it all figured out. By the time we reached our sixth year, we were confident that we were prepared to take over for the graduating seventh year, and we couldn't wait to 'rule the school.' Unfortunately, our rule got derailed when Voldemort...yes, I said his name, Voldemort...wreaked havoc on our school. Many of us returned to repeat our seventh year, and to rebuild and rule the school. And now here we stand. Our rule is over, and it's up to the next class to step into our shoes and take over. I know that as I look out at all of you, I will measure my time here in a much different way. I will measure it in all the friendships I've enjoyed these last few years. Some were pretty casual and others were much closer, but I'll remember each one fondly, as I'm sure you all will, too. And when many of our Hogwarts memories begin to fade, that's how we'll ultimately measure the time we spent here, not in periods or semesters or years, but in the friendships that we made and the times we shared together. And one more thing, 'Go Slytherin!'"
McGonagall returns to the podium and Draco takes his seat with his class. "Now the moment we've all been waiting for. Professor Slughorn, please join me as we confer the diplomas on our graduates." Minerva calls each student's names while Slughorn presents them with their diplomas. Before everyone knows it, the last student has walked across the stage, received his diploma, and rejoined his class. "Congratulations! You may move your tassel from the right to the left." As the audience applauds, the students move their tassels. The students cheer and throw their caps up in celebration. When the applause dies down, Headmistress McGonagall cues the orchestra, who plays as the graduates recess out.
The reception at the Great Hall and part of the castle grounds
The reception is underway throughout the Great Hall and castle grounds. Parents are taking pictures of their graduates and their friends. It is a festive time. Draco finds his beloved in the crowd of graduates and other students making their way back up to the castle. "Astoria!" he calls, as he runs toward her.
She turns to the sound of her name and smiles. "Your speech was great!" She embraces her beloved.
"Thanks!" he blushes. He looks back at the Quidditch field. "Hard to believe it's over."
As the couple approaches their favourite tree, the Malfoys and Greengrasses find them. "My baby boy!" Narcissa coos, as she embraces her son. "I'm proud of you!" Lucy awakens and begins wailing.
"Oh!" Draco gasps. "I'm sorry!"
"It's all right," reassuring her children, rocking the baby in her arms.
Nearby, Astoria hugs her sister. "Congratulations, Daph!"
"Son, you've done the Malfoy name proud." Lucius takes his son's hand, and pulls him into a light fatherly embrace.
"Thanks, father. I hope I continue to do so."
"You will. You'll do well in your internship because you always do your best."
Adrian and Calista congratulate Draco as well. "Your speech was very good," Calista compliments. "Astoria told me about your internship this fall. I am relieved that you have a job and a place to live, and will be able to take care of my daughter," Adrian adds.
"Yes sir," the young man answers, shaking his hand. "I will take care of her."
"...And I will take care of him," Astoria finishes, wrapping her beloved in a side hug.
"Speaking of taking care..." Draco takes her hand and leads her to their tree.
"Draco?" she laughs in surprise, "What are you doing?"
"Astoria," he begins, "I love you with all my heart. We've been with each other for years and my love for you grows more each year. You are a beautiful and caring person and have always been there for me 100% through the bad times and also the good times. My family adores you and I cannot imagine my life without you in it. I hope you will say yes and make me the happiest man alive."
"Dra..." she chokes, as tears flow down her cheeks.
Narcissa melts into her husband's embrace as they watch their son. Daphne grins from ear to ear, while Adrian and Calista watch in shock.
Draco sticks his hand into an interior pocket in his robe, drops to one knee and pulls out a box. "Astoria Jade Greengrass, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" He opens the box and reveals the ring. "Will you marry me?"
"YES!" she shrieks, as she places her left hand in his hand. Draco slips the ring on her finger and whispers, "I love you!"
"Yes! Oh yes!" She embraces her fiancé, estatic.
A week later, at Malfoy Manor
It is the day that Narcissa has anticipated. The day she and Lucius formally name their daughter. Although this ceremony won't be as big as when they named Draco, they are anticipating a good crowd. Andromeda arrived a couple hours before the guests, so she could help her sister with the final preparations.
"Lessee," Andromeda begins, checking the list of preparations, "the elves have the meal all prepared, the tables have been set, and everything in the garden has been taken care of. Can you think of anything else, Cissy?"
"No, I think that's all of it." Narcissa looks around the gardens and sees that everything is prepared to her liking.
The sisters relax in the gazebo before Narcissa has to get the baby ready for her debut.
"How did Lucius take it when you showed him the Weasleys' RSVP?" Andromeda asks with a wry grin on her face.
"He almost had a stroke over it." She thinks back a few days previous:
-Flashback Sequence Begins-
Lucius is sitting in his office, going over the latest figures from Malfoy Holdings. Narcissa, smiling, enters the office, carrying the baby. "I've got the latest RSVP's for this little one's naming ceremony."
"Oh? Who from?"
She walks to his desk. "Will you take her?"
"Come here, Luce," he directs as he stretches his hands out to receive the baby.
Narcissa pulls up a chair and sits by him. She begins opening the parchments and sorting them into categories. "These have declined: The Parkinsons, Puceys, Crabbes, and Macnairs..."
"Figures!" he spits.
"Never mind them," she dismisses, "They're not worth it. We don't have any in the 'maybe' pile. The rest have accepted: The Greengrasses, of course..."
"I should hope so," he chuckles, "since our son is marrying their younger daughter."
"Yes," she raises an eyebrow. "Like I said, these have accepted: The Greengrasses, Zambinis, Headmistress McGonagall, Professor Slughorn, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and..." She grins from ear to ear, "...and all of the Weasleys."
Lucius's eyes widen in horror. "The Weasleys?!" He chokes. "Arthur Weasley and his...uhh...his band of...oh...his family accepted?"
"Yes," she giggles, enjoying his discomfort immensely.
"I can't believe you actually invited them."
"Of course! You said that you would try to get along with Arthur and the best way to start is to have them over for Lucy's naming ceremony." Lucius pouts. Narcissa plants a soft kiss on his lips and breathes, "Would you rather have Arthur and Molly over for tea, just the four of us?" She caresses his cheek.
"Merlin, no!" He holds his daughter close.
"Then, it's settled."
-End of Flashback-
"That's funny!" Andromeda chuckles. "I would have loved to have seen his face!"
"Oh, he hasn't stopped talking about that. I did have to tell him last night that he has to be nice to them for our daughter."
"He's done well with me," the elder woman confirms, "so I have faith in my brother-in-law."
Narcissa looks at her timepiece, "I'd better get this little girl dressed." She rises, "It's almost time for her debut."
"Aren't you going to give me a hint on her name?"
"Nope! You'll have to wait until the ceremony like the rest."
"But I'm your sister," Andromeda plays.
"Yes you are, but dear sister, you still have to wait. Even Draco doesn't know her name, and he's her older brother."
Draco, Andromeda and Astoria serve as hosts, welcoming the guests while Lucius and Narcissa prepare themselves and the baby. Harry Potter walks in with Ginny Weasley on his arm. Ron and Hermione follow.
"Potter," Draco mumbles, part in mock disgust and part in jest.
"Malfoy." Harry returns the favour.
Andromeda greets Arthur and Molly, "So good of you to be here."
"So good of Lucius and Narcissa to invite us," Molly smiles.
"Yes," Arthur adds, "and I must confess, we were rather surprised to receive an invitation."
"Lucius and Narcissa wanted to begin the process of making amends and healing rifts," Andromeda states.
"Just between you and me," Molly whispers into her friend's ear, "I have a feeling it was more Narcissa's idea than Lucius's."
"If you repeat this, I will deny it," Andromeda whispers back, "you're right."
The guests gather in the garden and wait for Lucius and Narcissa to arrive with their daughter, and Kingsley Shacklebolt. Although the Prime Minister has stated that he has wanted to "throw the book at them," he has been impressed with the strides the family has made to heal the rifts caused by the Dark Lord.
Astoria sees the four from the corner of her eye and calls, "All rise! Let us welcome Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy and their daughter."
The audience rises as the Malfoys, followed by the Prime Minister, process through the garden, to the gazebo. With a nod of his head, Lucius cues Andromeda, holding Teddy, Draco and Astoria, to join them under the gazebo.
"Be seated," Shacklebolt calls, as the audience does as directed.
Narcissa unwraps the baby and presents her to the audience. "Oooh's, Ahh's," and smiles abound! Lucius looks at his wife and daughter with pride.
Shacklebolt begins the ceremony. "Welcome!
You have been invited here today by Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy to celebrate the naming of their daughter, to welcome her to the family and to pledge your support for her well-being as she grows.
I am Kingsley Shacklebolt, Prime Minister of the Ministry of Magic, appointed to conduct this rite of passage ceremony. May I ask the name of the child?"
"We will name her Narcissa Lucine, but we will call her Lucy" Lucius states , proudly.
"Welcome, Narcissa Lucine Malfoy! Welcome, Lucy Malfoy!" the Prime Minister announces. "In welcoming and naming a child with this ceremony, we celebrate one of life's continuing miracles, the birth of a human being and the continuation of humankind. We rejoice that this child has been born into the concern and care not only of her parents, but also of this gathering and community. Above all else, this naming ceremony is about the expression of joy, the joy of Lucy's life. It is also a time to consider our responsibilities towards her and all the children among us. In formally naming Lucy, we mark her individuality and uniqueness as a person.
The phrase "it takes a village to raise a child" is true. And you are here today representing the larger community in which this child will grow up, and be known by her name. It is through you that she will come to know her community and her world. By your support, example and encouragement you have a part to play in the development of this child to her fullest potential.
We therefore begin with serious questions - for those who will take an active role in this child's life and those who will be part of her circle of support - at the ready should the need arise ...
First, to everyone, family and friends, gathered here today. I will ask you all a question and we hope and trust that you will signify your commitment with one hearty affirmative response.
Will you all give this child a heart-warming welcome - and will you accept the privilege and the responsibility of nurturing the freedom and spirit of this child? All respond" ...
"We Will ..." the audience responds.
Shaklebolt addresses Draco and Andromeda, and Teddy, "Being a brother, aunt or cousin, is a joyful, tender and solemn duty. Will you agree to share your wisdom and will you respect, befriend and love Lucy?"
"We will" Draco and Andromeda answers.
"Lucius and Narcissa have chosen two very special individuals whom they hope will help shape their daughter's life. Children need role models who are not their parents."
He looks at Draco and Astoria, and addresses the couple, "Lucius and Narcissa recognize that there will be times when they do not have the answers. Their hope is that their daughter will be able to turn to Draco and Astoria for guidance and support.
A mentor is a wise and trusted guide, an advisor who has nurtured a special relationship with a protégé that allows for the free exchange of ideas and advice. A mentoring relationship is meaningful and deeply rewarding to both child and mentor.
Draco and Astoria, will you look upon this child with affection and will you give to her your guidance, friendship and inspiration?"
"We will," they declare.
Kingsley acknowledges Lucy's parents, "We give the child a name in this ceremony, and by doing so we declare that the child is an individual, a unique and a separate person with a dignity and a life of her own. A name once given will be associated forever with a face, a voice, a walk, a laugh and all the other idiosyncrasies our families and friends recognize that reflect this child's individuality. This child's name will be spoken, whispered, shouted, cried, sung and written – thousands of times, impersonally and meaningfully – by family, friends, neighbors, teachers, doctors, colleagues, loves, strangers, and maybe by children and grandchildren. It will define her identity.
Narcissa Lucine was given his name because Lucius wanted to name her after her mother, and Narcissa wanted to name her after her father.
To become responsible, productive and caring people, children need the freedom to develop their own unique talents, interests and capacities. Parents hope that their children will lead happy and satisfying lives, respecting the needs and interests of other people, and develop, to the extent they are able, an ability to see the two sides of every story, to think critically, to love passionately.
Lucy will need a supportive environment in which she can learn to appreciate the value of love, friendship, compassion, and cooperation. Lucy will need a stimulating environment where she can develop the ability to ask questions, seek rational answers, and make thoughtful decisions.
Lucy will need to be loved and respected for her unique qualities; not for what we think she should be, but for who she is. Creating a home where a child can develop a strong positive sense of self is one of the greatest gifts parents can give.
Lucius and Narcissa, will you do all that you can to help Lucy become a responsible, caring and thoughtful person?"
"We will."
"Will you love and cherish her uniqueness and help her develop a strong sense of self?"
"We will."
"Will you commit to recognizing Lucy's feelings, giving her opportunities to be
curious to explore the world and discover how she can make it better?"
"We will."
"Will you commit to
listening rather than lecturing; praising, rather than punishing; encouraging?"
"We will."
Kingsley picks up a cedar box and holds it for the audience to see, "Lucius and Narcissa have decided to start a memory box for Lucy. Throughout her childhood they will place cards, documents, letters and other items, which will remain special memories for all of them. We initiate this activity today by placing in the box, the written wishes offered today by family and friends. They will add to this very special memory box throughout Lucy's early years. Later, she can add to the box herself." He opens the box and pulls out the Certificate of Naming.
"As Lucy grows, may life be gentle with her. May she take her place as a useful, caring member of society, and appreciate all that is good in the world. We wish her good health, and a happy and fulfilled life and we wish for Lucius and Narcissa patience, understanding and perseverance as they try to be the best possible parents for her.
I now ask Lucius and Narcissa and Draco and Astoria to join me at the table to sign the Certificate of Naming."
Narcissa passes the baby to the Prime Minister and signs the certificate. Lucius, Draco and Astoria sign after Narcissa. Shaklebolt passes Lucy back to her mother, signs the parchment, rolls it up, seals it and places it into the box.
"May I present to you Narcissa Lucine, Lucy Malfoy! Congratulations all of you!"
The audience breaks out into applause.
Reception
Draco, Astoria and Andromeda host the reception in the garden. Guests approach Lucius and Narcissa to admire the newest Malfoy.
"Congratulations," Minerva McGonagall states, admiring Lucy. "She is beautiful."
"Thank you," Narcissa smiles, "we think so too."
"We're hoping she'll follow in her brother's footsteps and be sorted into Slytherin," Lucius boasts.
"Perhaps she will be," the Headmistress replies. "Congratulations, again." Another family wants to express their regards, so she moves to talk to Andromeda.
The Lady of the Manor sees Molly and Arthur Weasley approaching, and grins.
"What?" Lucius whispers.
"Behave," she whispers back as she indicates, with her eyes, who is about to greet them. "And, smile!"
"Narcissa! Lucius!" Molly greets, as she admires the baby. "She is just stunning!"
"Thank you for coming," Narcissa grins.
"Lucius," Arthur grunts.
"Weasley," Lucius utters.
"Arthur Weasley," the Lady of the Manor addresses, "thank you for coming."
Mr. Weasley nods in acknowledgement, as he leads his wife toward the crowd.
"See?" Lucy's mother indicates, "you could do it."
"Bah!" he harrumphs, as she pats his forearm.
The reception finally ends, and the guests leave. The baby begins wailing. "I need to feed Lucy."
He kisses his wife on the cheek, "I'll finish up here and join you in a few minutes. I've got a few invoices to review"
"All right." She looks at her daughter, "You hungry? Let's get you fed." The baby continues to fuss as Narcissa goes into the master suite and nurses her child.
Lucius joins his wife after he finishes his work. He sees her burping the baby. "How are you?"
"I'm tired," she yawns, "but this was a good day. Thank you for being on your best behaviour."
"Me?"
"Yes, you. Thank you for trying to be civil to the Weasleys. It means a lot."
"Why does it mean so much to you?" he queries, puzzled.
She explains as she rises to look out the window. "It's not the Weasleys, per se, but we need to try to get along with more families. We've lost most of our friends and associates, and in order to help achieve peace, I believe we at least need to form some sort of a truce with the families we have normally thought as undesirable." Lucius raises an eyebrow. "Look, we got all caught up in all this pure blood supremacy nonsense, and it cost me a relationship with my sister. Also, we lost so many potentially good friendships and alliances by rejecting Muggleborns, Half-bloods, and so-called 'blood-traitors.'"
"I think I understand," he relents, gazing at his daughter. "I'll do it for her. We failed Draco, but we can start afresh with Lucy."
"Exactly!" She gives her husband a quick peck on the lips. "She spies Draco with Astoria at the front steps. Lucius," she directs.
"What?"
"I can't get over what a good couple our son and Astoria make."
He joins her at the window and observes the couple. "That they do."
"I hope their marriage is as happy as ours has been."
"With the Dark Lord out of the way, perhaps theirs will be even better," he muses, "and perhaps their children will grow up not knowing of war and conflict, as he and Astoria have known."
Narcissa smiles, "And that's why we need to call a truce and make new friendships and alliances...not just for Lucy or our future grandchildren's sakes, but for all of our sakes."
"Enough of all this talk," Lucius states softly, as he plants a soft kiss. "Let's just celebrate what we have today: two healthy children, a future daughter-in-law, and I have the most beautiful woman in the world, for my wife." He kisses her again. "I love you."
"I love you too."
-End of Chapter 10-