Title: The Wrong Idea
Summary: Narcissa catches Lucius having a late night meeting with another woman.
Pairing/Characters:
Narcissa/Lucius
Rating:
K
Warnings: N/A
Notes:
N/A


The house was quiet. The house elves were asleep as was his wife and son. Lucius stepped over to the fireplace and threw some floo powder in.

"Pearl Parkinson," Lucius said clearly while keeping his voice low. It would not do for Narcissa to wake up. She was the one person that couldn't find out about this. The fire glowed green for only a moment before a face appeared. So focused, he didn't notice the woman standing by the doorway with a suspicious glare.

"Is she awake?"

"No."

Lucius smiled when Pearl's face showed profound relief. "Are you coming over?"

Lucius smiled and started to nod when a voice shrieked from behind him.

"I knew it!"

Lucius turned around and stared with wide eyes at his wife. She was standing in her dressing gown, as beautiful as ever, even with her hair in disarray and no makeup on. He flinched at the rage and hurt he could see in her usually well-guarded eyes.

"I was starting to suspect but I didn't want to believe it. You were becoming so secretive. How could you . . . why would you. . . I thought. . ." Narcissa threw her hands in the air and stalked to a nearby chair. She threw herself down and brought her hands up to cover her face.

"Narcissa," Lucius began. He glanced towards the fire only to see it empty and he glared. Coward, he thought.

"Don't talk to me." Narcissa raised her eyes up and glared at her husband. Her mask was back and, other than anger, no emotion could be seen.

"You don't. . ."

"I said don't talk!" Narcissa was standing now. Her back was straight and regal. The only sign of her anger was the clenched fists and tight jaw line.

Lucius fell silent and waited. He wanted to explain but he knew it would be better to let her gain control again. He learnt that the hard way.

"Why would you cheat on me?"

"I would never." Lucius' voice was strong and unwavering.

"Don't lie. It's unbecoming."

"I'm not. Pearl is helping me but I would never cheat on you."

Narcissa lost her glare as she stared. "What is she helping you with?" She was still suspicious.

Lucius winced. She had to ask the question I can't answer.

"What. Is. She. Helping. You. With?"

"I can't. . ."

Narcissa's glare returned. "Then you can leave." Narcissa turned and started to walk away but Lucius wouldn't let her. He grabbed onto her upper arm and spun her around to face him.

"Please, trust me? I will tell you when I can, I promise."

Narcissa's glare lessened as she studied Lucius. "Fine," she said. Lucius started to smile but she didn't let that last long. "Until you tell me you can sleep on the couch." With those words she turned and disappeared, leaving Lucius gobsmacked in the centre of the living room.

Well, he thought, at least she didn't kick me out.


(w.c 499)

WolfWinks-xx-