"Mother," Quick footfalls could be heard outside the parlor. "Motherrr," The voice grew closer, and at last the door burst open, revealing Terentia. "Mother! Oh, mother, it's December first, and father is going to be home tomorrow, and I've been discussing with the elves, and oh mother, can't we start now?" Her grey eyes were wide and pleading, and she hopped from one foot to the other in agitation. Mrs. Malfoy sighed.
"Calm yourself, Terentia." Immediately, the young woman stilled. "Go get your sisters; bring them in here."
Terentia turned and waved her waiting siblings forward. Beatrice was grinning, and a faint smile lit Adina's features as well.
"Let's see… Since it is Adina's last Christmas at home, I believe it only fair that she lead the decorating. I shall be around in three hours to check your progress." Mrs. Malfoy's words were detached, but her eyes sparkled as the girls scampered off. Narcissa half rose as well, but a sharp look from her mother-in-law quickly made it clear that she would not be joining in the festivities.
"I think it best if you do not participate this year; you wouldn't understand how it was to be done."
Narcissa lowered herself back in her seat and lifted the book she had been reading once more: The Lady's Handbook: A Manuscript on Proper Etiquette for Pureblood Wives and Mothers.
Mrs. Malfoy had recommended it.
As they sat in silence, Narcissa could hear the sound of carols coming from whatever room the three sisters were preparing for the holiday season, often punctuated by delighted shrieks and laughter. Narcissa shifted, thinking longingly of her own home, where her mother, father, and Bella would most certainly be beginning their decorating as well.
"Do stop fidgeting, Narcissa. It's most unappealing. Surely Druella taught you better?"
"I- my mother-"
"Although, what with the behaviour of you other sisters…" She shook her head and tutted softly.
"I have only one sister." Narcissa replied tersely, fingers tightening on the edge of the rulebook that had been forced upon her.
"Any more, of course. You know what they say, gone but not forgotten…"
"Andromeda made a mistake that had nothing to do with the rest of us!" Narcissa cried, leaping up. Mrs. Malfoy arched one brow disdainfully.
"Take a seat Narcissa, and please do not shout. I wish not to ask you again."
Positively quivering with rage, she forced herself back down.
"And the erratic actions of that Bellatr-"
"Aethel?" The door to the study opened suddenly, and Mrs. Malfoy leapt up with a gasp.
"Abraxas," She hurried over to greet her husband with a chaste peck on the cheek, but she silently glowed as he gave her hand a brief squeeze.
"Aethelfled, are the girls decorating already?"
"They wished to surprise you tomorrow… But you're home early?"
"I am indeed, and it's an excellent thing to be so, my dear Aethelfrith. Tell me, what-" He paused, eyes coming to rest upon Narcissa at last.
"Little Miss Black?" He seemed briefly surprised, before giving a self-depreciating laugh. "Or little Mrs. Malfoy, I suppose I should say. How are you, Narcissa?"
She rose quickly, and wondered briefly if she ought to curtsy. "I'm quite well, Mr. Malfoy."
"I must insist that you call me Abraxas, for it might become confusing as there are two Mr. Malfoys residing here."
"Of course, Mr. M… Abraxas."
"Now, Narcissa, why don't you go help the girls with decorating?"
"I…" She glanced uncertainly at Mrs. Malfoy, but she hadn't taken her eyes from Abraxas since he had walked into the room. "Alright, then." She put her book down, and slipped quietly from the room, hearing Abraxas ask as she closed the door,
"Now, Aetheldreda, what happened while I was away?"
Narcissa followed the sound of the festivity to the family dining room. She wasn't immediately noticed by the sisters or assisting elves, as the dashed about levitating candles and garlands, wreaths and colorful bows. A radio in the corner piped out Christmas music, and Beatrice sang along in a sweet, almost angelic voice. Terentia was louder and horribly off key, and Adina simply hummed along as she opened a box of live, glittering faeries.
Quite suddenly, Beatrice fell silent, causing Adina to pause.
"What is it, Tricey?"
But Beatrice didn't reply. She simply stared at Narcissa with such loathing that she nearly ducked back out if the room. Terentia turned, and made a sound of disgust.
"What do you want?"
"I- your father told me to come in here and help decorate."
"Father is home?" Adina sprang up, and the girls dashed from the room without another glance at Narcissa.
Dinner that night was cheerful and festive, a large, delicious spread to celebrate Abraxas' return home. The girls chattered away incessantly, Lucius said little and smiled not at all but seemed to be in a generally better mood than was his norm, and Mrs. Malfoy positively shone with happiness. Narcissa sat rigidly in her chair, carefully ate only half of what was placed before her, and was sure to be seen and not heard. She'd always imagined Abraxas Malfoy as a fearsome man, and she supposed he cold be if he so chose, but in the comfort of his own home, with his closest family, it became evident why they all adored him as they did. He was clever and witty, and his easy smile charmed anyone it was directed at. When she'd caught glimpses of him before the wedding, Narcissa had thought him to be similar to her son, but the two couldn't be more different. While nearly identical in hair, build, and facial structure, Abraxas' grey eyes had a liveliness that was completely absent in son's cold stare. It took her only one meal to decide that the Malfoy patriarch was undoubtedly her favorite member of the clan, far surpassing her own husband in likeability.
Narcissa retired early that evening. She was perched at the window seat when she heard Lucius knock softly twice, to announce his presence, and quietly push open the door without further invitation, as he did every night.
"Lucius?" She asked, gathering the nerve before he summoned her to bed. Still gazing out the window, she rushed on, "Lucius, I was wondering… May I go home for Christmas?"
He didn't reply for several seconds, and she was about to repeat her query when he at last responded, "You are home."
"You know what I meant. My real home, with my parents and my sister."
Again, a pause. "If you'd like."
She hopped up and turned to face him, grinning. "Splendid. I'll owl them tomorrow telling them I'll be spending the season, and have my things packed and ready as soon as they respond! Or," She strode over to her desk. "I'll owl them now!" She pulled out parchment and a quill, and hastily scribbled:
Dear Mum,
I'll be coming to visit for the holidays. Expect me as soon as I get your owl back! I miss you all so much!
Love, Narcissa
Ignoring Lucius, who was standing uncomfortably in the middle of her room, she woke her caged owl and tied the letter to its leg.
"Now, I know you're sleepy, but do fly quickly!" She encouraged, flinging open a window and tossing the disgruntled bird out. "Go on, then!"
Once the owl had disappeared from sight, she turned around, still smiling to see Lucius was still there. Immediately, her good humour evaporated, and she glanced sullenly towards the bed. However, she knew better then to complain, though every night she performed a quick, hopeful pregnancy indicating charm. And besides, she reasoned as she climbed unwilling beneath the sheets and flicked out the lights, she would be able to spend the entire holiday in her own bed, alone. She smiled into the totally blackness at the thought, and withdrew inside her mind, trying to be totally unaware of her body.
At least it didn't hurt anymore. Not after the first couple of times, though it was uncomfortable and embarrassing. He treated her like something terribly fragile, and at her repeated insistence, touched her no more than was physically necessary. Still, she hated how close he was. She'd never wanted anybody but Mort so near to her, and before she'd met Rodtimer, Narcissa's family had teased her about the way she'd shied away from hugs and such, even from her parents.
When he was finished, Lucius didn't move away to the other side of the bed, as he ought to have done, but kept one arm around her waist, and his forehead rested against her shoulder. She wriggled slightly, hoping he'd get the hint, but he didn't move. She tried shifting away, but he was far too strong- she doubted he even notice her struggle. Finally, unable to tolerate another second of his warm breath on her arm she begged,
"Please Lucius, let me go!"
He immediately complied, drawing away as if she'd burnt him, and Narcissa scrambled up and darted to her bathroom, eager to shower away his scent on her skin.
"Mipsie?" Her house elf appeared with a pop. "Go put fresh sheets on the bed, won't you?" With a nod, the elf vanished again, and Narcissa stepped under the jet of steaming water.