The airy quiet of the Almqvist's temporary residence was a beautiful contrast to the claustrophobic cacophony that was Black Hall. Nicklaus being nearly twenty-one (and a male, for Narcissa knew it definitely made all the difference), his parents felt little need to monitor his every move, and highlighted this fact by leaving him and Narcissa alone in the house while they went off to meet with their English friends.

The pair was sprawled on the white duvet of Nicklaus' bed, Narcissa highly unused to the freedom she was currently enjoying and jumping at every noise, much to Nicklaus' amusement.

"Relax, Narcissa, you are not in trouble."

She smiled apologetically, embarrassed at her inability to be comfortable. "I'm sorry, Nick, I just keep picturing your mother walking in as your hand is running up and down me like this."

The man chuckled. "You are so closeted with your sexuality here. Class is one thing, but you are only human. A woman, not a child."

Narcissa shrugged. "I suppose. It is just in our nature – my nature. I am more comfortable when keeping my feelings very private, for the most part."

"I know. I don't mind," he paused to kiss her languidly. "It's hard to gage what you really want, that way, but I think I have somewhat grown to understand at least part of your mind."

"Oh?" Narcissa quirked an eyebrow. It was true that they had discussed a number of their opinions and aspirations with each other over the past small while, however she doubted he knew her as entirely as he thought. "Tell me then, oh wise one, what do I want most in life?"

"Well," he shifted so that he was propped up on his elbow. "Sometimes it is not about what you think you want. That can be… misleading. You may not agree with my view of what you want."

Curiosity peaked, she raised herself on her arm as well. "What do you mean?"

"I mean… Do you know fate?""

Narcissa smiled, brushing her fingers though his trim beard. "Not personally, no."

Nicklaus laughed heartily, always finding her funnier than she knew she was. "But do you believe?"

She furrowed her brow, shifting her gaze away from Nicklaus. "I don't know… Can't we all make our own decisions, and mold our future? Surely it changes every day, with every little choice made."

The man shrugged his broad shoulders. "Perhaps. But – how do you say – in the end, there may be someone or something you are meant to be. Someone… you are meant to be with."

Narcissa looked back to Nicklaus, wary of where he was going with this. She wasn't sure if she was ready for either direction he might take. She was suddenly very aware of their age difference.

"I do not love you, Narcissa, but I could, someday. I like you very much. I think you would love my country – you would fit in with the snow." He ran his hands over her pale cheeks and hair and she gave a small smile before be continued. "If – later – you wish to come visit, please do. Then maybe we will love. But… whether you know it or not, I think you belong to Lucius Malfoy."

She startled at his, then slowly sat up. "…Lucius?" She hadn't said his first name aloud since the ball.

"And he belongs to you."

When she continued to stare at him in silence, he continued. "As you say, you can change that. You can not follow this path. Maybe our fates will cross later. But I will not get in the way of fate now – it is not right."

She looked away from him, shifting to swing her legs off the edge of the bed, where she sat and stared off into nothing in particular.

"Narcissa?" Nicklaus prodded after another small moment of silence.

"Sorry, I… hm." She finally looked back at him and was horrified by her sudden urge to cry. What was with her. "What brought this on?"

He smiled softly. "Well, we were talking about what you really want. Also I am having to leave soon, and would either have to convince you to come with me or end what we have here. The friendship you had with him, from the little you have said… it seems important. More than friendship, and greater than me. I must bow out."

"Oh Gods, I'm horrid, I never meant to make you feel like that, like you were less important or that I didn't care for you – "

"Narcissa, Narcissa, I know. You never did, and I care for you too. But you cannot help what you feel. As I said, you may not have even known it."

She shook her head with a shaky laugh, her next words tumbling forwards almost angrily. "Well, I'm sorry, but it's still too late for this 'fate'. I definitely made sure of that at the Solstice Ball with you. He's with someone else. He messed it up, and I messed it up, and – "

"And if I am right, and it is fate, then he will eventually make his way back to you," Nicklaus said calmly. Narcissa was astounded at how assured he sounded over the exact same affairs of the heart that terrified her.

"But what if you aren't right?" She found herself asking. "What if he's not to be mine?"

Nicklaus sat up at this, wrapping his large arm around her comfortingly. "I think… for something so strong and important… that is a chance you must take."

Narcissa made herself nod slowly – she perhaps didn't agree with the man's holistic view of the world, however she found her pesky heart eager to hear his words of encouragement. The idea of the universe having a plan took too much weight off ones own shoulders for her to find it legitimate, but it sure was tempting. She leaned up and gave him a chaste kiss. "I can't make any promises. I don't… I don't know what I'll do. But thank you," she murmured. "For your honesty. I think this will… force me to consider my emotions, which I would not have done otherwise. You've become one of my good friends, Nicklaus."

Nicklaus smiled and kissed her forehead, content now that he had told her what he thought. He hoped that she would be honest enough with herself so that she could see her emotions for what they really were. "As have you, Miss Narcissa."

This conversation with Nicklaus was how, two days later, Narcissa somehow found herself standing outside the formidable fortress that was Malfoy Manor.

Merlin help me.

Numbly she walked up to the large, wrought-iron gate. She had side-along apparated with Bellatrix for the outing, and informed Bella that she would simply floo back. Bellatrix had left upon dropping her off at the end of the long drive, leaving Narcissa alone in the fog between tall, trimmed hedges.

Bellatrix having left meant, of course, that Narcissa was forced to enter the house to floo home lest be left stranded in Wiltshire to freeze. This fact alone propelled her forwards, physically jumping in fright when the gate morphed into a daunting face and a voice boomed forth, "State your purpose."

"I am here to speak with Lucius," Narcissa said, trying her hardest to keep her voice strong and clear. "I am Narcissa Black."

At the name Black, the gates swung open on well-oiled hinges, and she stepped into the property as it shut with a soft clang behind her. She hadn't walked a metre forwards before a screaming squawk sounded from beside her, and she drew her wand swiftly only to find it aimed at a large peacock, it's pure-white feathers blending in with the snow. "What in the world," she muttered aloud once she found her breath, quickening her pace until she reached the front door.

And this is enough, her inner voice said meekly. Enough progress for one day. Surely I can go home now. But the only way home was inside, she thought somewhat miserably. Besides, she came here for a reason. She came here to see Lucius, to set things straight at least. Nicklaus had left the day before, and she had told him she'd at least try.

Taking a deep breath of painfully cold air, she lifted the heavy, snake-headed brass knocker and let it fall twice.

The house-elf who answered bowed low to her as she entered. "Miss Black!" it squeaked. "Welcome, what an honour. May I take your cloak?"

"No, no," she said, nervously looking around the deep-purple of the foyer. To her dismay, several portraits had looked over at mention of her name, and were eying her with interest. She spoke quietly, hoping they couldn't overhear. "I'm not sure how long I will be staying. Show me to your Master Lucius, please."

The elf's large eyes widened even further at the addition of the 'please' and bowed low once again. "Yes, Miss Black, of course! Right this way, miss."

He led her from the entrance hall and out of sight of the large portraits, to Narcissa's relief. The manor was as quiet as it had been when she had snuck away from the party with Nicklaus, the only sound her and the elf's footsteps.

"Master Lucius is just in here," the elf said cheerily. "I believe he has a visitor at the moment, however I am sure he would love to see you as well, Miss Black!"

"Another visitor?" she asked apprehensively. "Do you know who – "

The came up to a large pair of glass-plated French doors, and through them she could see the back of two figures sitting on an antique settee. Her stomach hit the floor at the sight of the other visitor. An auburn head was next to Lucius' blond one. "Oh no," she muttered, backing up quickly so she was not in sight from the room. "Oh no oh no."

"Miss?" the elf asked, concerned. Amelia Selwyn laughed girlishly and Narcissa winced.

"No, I can't, I – I must leave. Don't tell him I was here, alright?"

"Are you feeling well, miss?" the elf looked honestly worried about the poor girl.

"Yes, yes," she lied. "I need a fireplace to floo home, show me – "

"Narcissa Black?" a soft voice came from down the hallway. She whirled around to face Yvette Malfoy, looking small yet regal in a simple maroon gown.

"Mrs. Malfoy," she said in horror, curtsying low. She had hardly ever spoken to the woman, and especially not in this intimate and uncomfortable a situation. "Ma'am, I am so sorry, I was just leaving."

She was too flustered to notice that the older woman was smiling at her, and only realized she was not angry when she spoke. "Narcissa, dear, no need to look so afraid. I really don't bite. Have you come to visit Lucius?"

The woman gestured to a small study of sorts down the hallway, dismissing the elf. Narcissa followed her and was grateful when the door was shut behind them, although still nervous around the graceful woman. "I – I did, yes, ma'am. I didn't realize he was with company, however, and once I saw he was otherwise preoccupied I made to make my leave."

Yvette sat and motioned for Narcissa to do the same. "No need to call me 'ma'am' dear, it's a holiday and I am in no formal mood. You are welcome to wait until he is free, if you do not wish to simply talk to him while Miss Selwyn is present."

Narcissa had to stop herself from squirming visibly, shaking her head. "You are too gracious, especially to someone who suddenly appeared in your house without invitation. But I believe it would be best if I simply leave."

She nodded, not pressing for details or reasons as to why. "Whatever you wish. Your family welcomed Lucius into your home, which I know he very much appreciated, as did I. You are welcome here whenever you wish."

Narcissa was momentarily at a loss for words, feeling entirely unprepared for a one-on-one conversation with Yvette Malfoy about their interpersonal relations. "My family loved having him over," she finally said truthfully. "Both my parents were thrilled, and my cousin Regulus found a new idol, I believe."

"Goodness, well I hope that your cousin admires his idols with a grain of salt."

Finally smiling, Narcissa replied with a laugh, "I believe he does, what with my sisters and his brother to look up to otherwise."

Yvette laughed too, nodding. "A family of characters, you Blacks. I believe such an atmosphere is good for Lucius, as this house is so large and him an only child." She paused a moment before continuing, looking quizzically at the young girl. "He has been acting rather down since his return, actually. Would you know why that is? I wish to help him, however there is only so much a teenaged boy will tell his concerned mother."

"He has?" Narcissa found herself saying a little too eagerly before tamping down her foolish excitement. "I'm sorry to hear that. I do not know what could be concerning him, surely."

"No bother. He will either tell me eventually or it will fade away on its own. I only wondered if you knew seeing as the two of you had become so close over the last couple months. He mentioned that you are extremely successful in your school work."

Narcissa blushed slightly, not realizing that Lucius had told his mother that they had been friends at all, let alone about her studies. "That was kind of him to say. I do very much love learning. And yes, we had become very close friends."

If Yvette had noticed the past-tense of Narcissa's words, she didn't mention it. "Now, Narcissa, would you be able to stay for a spot of tea?"

Narcissa actually found the idea a lovely one, rather than daunting, now that she had seen how kind Yvette was. However, she had no idea as to how odd it would look to Lucius if he walked in on her and his mother chatting over tea when the two of them hadn't talked or even seen each other since he had barged in on her with Nicklaus. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Malfoy, however I should really be getting home. My sisters were reluctant to let me go at all, seeing as I'm off at Hogwarts and don't see them most of the year. Is there somewhere I could floo home from?"

"Certainly, I will show you," she woman said graciously as she stood and led Narcissa from the room.

Before entering the fireplace home, Narcissa remembered something vital and turned to the older witch. "Oh, Mrs. Malfoy, you've been so kind to me, but would you be able to do me one last favour?"

"Of course, what do you need?"

"Would you please promise to not tell Lucius I was here? It would just be uncomfortable, seeing as I never spoke to him and all."

Yvette considered her for a moment, thinking, before nodding. "Alright, Narcissa, I will not tell him you came to call. This visit will just be between you and me. Give my regards to your family, however. And I hope that I will see you again soon."

"Thank you," Narcissa sighed with relief. "And I will. Happy New Year, and thank you again, Mrs. Malfoy." She then stepped into the fire, declared her destination, and the world of Malfoy Manor and its Mistress spun out of view.