Woah. It's been a long time friends. I've had writers block after the death of my friend, and then I got loaded with schoolwork. I'm hoping to write more often again though, I've missed it. I put quite a bit of time into this chapter to make up for my long absence :)
Chibi-lil, your reviews, no matter how long or short, never cease to amaze me. I smile every time. Thank you.


"What the ruddy hell is Rita Skeeter doing here?" I hiss.
"She works for the Daily Prophet now. Not very high up, however the reporter assigned to tonight's party fell "mysteriously" ill last minute, so Rita gets to fill in. Be nice, she's writing an article about the entire party and your family." Lucius says.
"We'll have to keep her far from Bella." I say. Bellatrix and Rita hate each other.

Lucius an I have been dancing for awhile. We move as one, effortlessly; my flowing gold dress sparkling in the light of the many chandeliers.

"Watching those two makes me grateful for being an only child." Lucius comments. I turn in the direction he's looking.

Regulus and Sirius.

"They weren't always that way!" I snap.
"No need to get defensive." He snarks.
"Those are my cousins you just insulted!"
"Okay, you're right, I'm sorry. Can we just enjoy the party now?"
I know that's the most remorse that you can get out of Lucius. After a lifetime surrounded by Slytherins, I'm used to it. We can be insensitive.
"It's true though. Sirius was so excited for his little brother to start at Hogwarts. He wanted Regulus to be placed in Gryffindor with him, but Regulus was sorted into Slytherin instead. Sirius still hasn't forgiven him for it." I sigh.
"Shh, they're fighting. Lets hear what they're saying." Lucius shushes me.

"Sirius, come on! It's Christmas! Why can't you get over it?" Regulus pleads.
"How did you get sorted into Slytherin?" Sirius demands.
"If I chose Gryffindor, Mum would kill me!"
"No she wouldn't! I survived! I already did the hard work of going first! I made it easy for you! Mum would've treated us both better if we were both in Gryffindor! You're just as pathetic as the rest of them! I miss Andromeda!"
"Sirius! We're not allowed to talk about her!" Regulus hisses, looking over his shoulder for anyone listening.
"I don't care! She's my cousin and I like her more than anyone here! She's the only thing that made the stupid Christmas Ball bearable! Now I'm stuck with you! Well, from this day forward, we are no longer brothers!" Sirius cries before stomping off.

"That kid is really bitter." Lucius remarks. He then sees my face and changes tactics. "Have you heard the rumor? Your parents are making a big announcement tonight."
"What announcement?" I question. What the ruddy hell is he on about? I haven't heard anything about a big announcement.
"No idea. But they invited the press. It must be important if they let Skeeter in here." He says.
I hope he heard wrong. I've had enough excitement in my life this year.


"Ladies and gentlemen! Your attention if you'd please!" The entire room looks up from their dancing. Father is making a speech on the small, round stage in the center of the room. "Good evening friends, we of the Black family are so pleased to have all of you present for our little get together during this holiday season." Bullcrap. Whatever.
Father drones on about Purebloods for awhile, then, Mother ascends the two stairs up to the stage.
"And now, dear guests, my wife, Druella and I, along with our dear friends, the Malfoy family, have an announcement."
Wait, what?
Lucius and I share a confused, almost frightened look.
"We are delighted to announce the engagement of our children, Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black!"

What kind of joke is this?
That's all it is, a weird, sick joke.

The crowd lets out a collective gasp, then erupts into murmurs and whispers, like "That'll never last!" "They're still in school." and "She's not even of age yet!"

Suddenly, Bellatrix is beside me. "What are you two doing? They want you onstage! Go with it! Just pretend! We'll sort this out later!" She hisses before pushing us towards the center of the room.

Bella's voice has brought me back to my senses. I can't say the same for Lucius, who still looks lost. I take his hand and climb onto the stage. The murmers and troubled glances are swiftly traded for false smiles and too-loud applause.
I smile politely at the crowd. I'm a born actress, I know I'm doing a very convincing job of looking happy. It's a good thing we Blacks are born with a survival instinct, Lucius is absolutely clueless on what to do.

"Smile." I hiss between my smiling teeth. "We'll sort this out later."
I link my arm in his. He relaxes at my touch.
After a tremendous amount of effort, my best friend manages a smile.

I mean, it's not like this is really happening anyway.
Just a sick joke.
Just a sick joke.