A/N: There will be a bit of smut in this chapter, but nothing too explicit :)

Narcissa was like a trapped animal trying to escape its cage. She didn't have a clue how she was going to free herself this time, how she was going to get out of the trap her mother had put her in, but she wasn't going to give up without a fight, she was determined of that.

She remembered what Marlene had said at the meeting, about her tailing Tarquin and Corban, and the moment woke up and threw some robes over herself, pinning her hair up rather carelessly. She went downstairs and grabbed a piece of toast from the kitchen, stuffing it into her mouth as she dashed down the front hall.

"Where are you off to?" said her mother, who was drinking tea in her dressing-gown.

"I'm going to meet Lucius," said Narcissa. She knew her mother would be sending an owl to Abraxas, asking whether she'd been there or not, but she'd figure it out later

Her mother smiled. "Really? Good for you. And when you get back we can start making plans, I thought we'd book Tintagel Castle for the ceremony."

Of course her mother would want the most extravagent location possible for the wedding, nothing less than the birthplace of King Arthur himself was good enough for a Black daughter. And yet, as deeply as she resented it, as much as it scared her, a part of her loved her for it, wanted to please her, wanted to walk underneath the stone archway in a magnificent dress as everyone watched her.

But that woman wasn't who she was anymore.

"That sounds lovely," she said as she pulled the door open. She couldn't bring herself to look at her mother's face.

She thrust out her arms and spun into the air, praying Marlene hadn't gotten started already and gone off without her. She didn't really have any idea what her plans were.

The cottage was quiet, as though it were still asleep, and Narcissa walked up and down the back garden until the door creaked and Marlene stood there in a long black traveling cloak.

She narrowed her eyes at Narcissa. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Narcissa hadn't really expected Marlene to be happy to see her, but she'd hoped for a friendlier greeting than that. "Good morning to you too," she said, aware of the edge to her voice and regretting it.

Marlene made an exasperated noise and made to Disapparate.

"Wait!"

Marlene stopped with her arms in the air. "What?"

"I want to help you." She put a hand to Marlene's arm. "Please. This could save save lives."

That seemed to have done it. Marlene looked out across the garden and back at her. "Fine," she said. "But this is strictly Order business, do you understand?"

"Of course," said Narcissa, but she had to tighten up her mouth to hide her smile. Marlene shot her an annoyed look as though she knew perfectly well what she was trying not to do, and Narcissa was struck with the realization that, after all those years, Marlene still knew her as well as she knew herself.

"So where are we going?"

"Malfoy Manor. That's the place they're using as a base."

"Right," said Narcissa, as if she had no idea, as if she hadn't just been there a few nights before. Marlene gave her a sideways look but didn't say anything.

When they'd stopped spinning they were standing in the front garden at Malfoy Manor, behind a tall shrub, its branches bare of any leaves that could hide them.

"We'd better Disillusion ourselves," said Narcissa, pulling out her wand.

Marlene shot her an annoyed look. "I know that. I'm not new at this you know." She didn't say it, but Narcissa knew what she was thinking. Unlike you.

They tapped their wands to themselves until they blended in with the shrub in front of them and waited.

There wasn't much room for the two of them, and Narcissa was so close to Marlene she could feel the warmth of her body, her breath on her face.

"Don't try anything," said Marlene's disembodied voice.

Narcissa almost laughed at the absurdity of trying to kiss her while she was invisible."What makes you think I want to?"

"Oh come on Narcissa, you're the one who started snogging me yesterday."

"And you gave as good as you got, if I remember correctly."

"Well, I won't do that again," she said, with such intensity Narcissa supposed she meant it.

The morning air was still, the only sound the distant chattering of birds from the garden, and Narcissa nearly jumped when she heard shuffling and rustling and a loud smacking sound. She turned towards the sound and watched as a licorice wand hovered in mid-air and started to vanish. Narcissa remembered the Hogwarts broom closet all those years ago and let out a snort.

"Are you eating a licorice wand?"

"What?" said Marlene through a mouthful. "It's got carbohydrates. We could be here awhile, you know."

"I know," said Narcissa, trying to stifle her laughter. Marlene was so close she could smell the licorice on her breath. "You wouldn't happen to have another one, would you?"

Narcissa couldn't see her, but she knew somehow that Marlene was shooting her a surprised look. "

"Yeah, I've got heaps," she said. "Here." She pulled one out of her pocket and handed it to Narcissa, her fingers brushing against hers as she put it in her hand.

"Thanks," said Naricssa, taking a bite. She loved the taste of licorice.

They stood there for what felt like an hour, waiting, without a sign of life from anyone. The manor was still and quiet, as though asleep, and Narcissa imagined the people inside, still hungover from all the Christmas revelry. There were things that went on in back rooms, illicit potions and wild parties that ended with everyone in bed together. Narcissa hadn't taken part, but she'd heard the stories, and she knew Lucius went to them.

Narcissa was starting to doubt whether Tarquin and Corban would emerge from the manor at all.

"I'm going in," she said, standing up and brushing the dead leaves from her robe.

Marlene made an indignant noise from beneath her where she was still crouched behind the shrub. "Oh that's right, I almost forgot, they're all your friends, aren't they?"

Narcissa couldn't believe she'd be so insensitive. She didn't have a clue what it had been like for her all those years, having to be around those people. "They are not my friends."

"If they really weren't your friends you wouldn't just be walking right up to their house and going in, now, would you?"

Narcissa stamped her foot in frustration. "That's not-you just don't get it, do you?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know, you're so miserable and misunderstood. Just go on and do it, won't you?"

Narcissa let out an exasperated noise and strode towards the manor, venting her frustration through her long brisk strides.

When she reached the front doors she slipped a small vial up her sleeve, something she'd swiped out of her father's potion stash on a whim, and held it there with her thumb.

She closed her eyes and took a deep, steadying breath before rapping on the silver serpent knocker, shutting as much down as she could, willing herself not to think about anything that might give her away.

"Miss Black!" said the little elf, Dobby, with a deep bow.

"Hello, Dobby," said Narcissa, who'd always liked him. "I was wondering if I could speak with Lucius."

Dobby's ears drooped back and Narcissa wondered what kinds of secrets he was keeping. "I'm afraid he's indisposed, miss," he said.

Hungover most likely, and lying in bed with some pretty young thing across his chest. Narcissa would have to use her fall-back plan. "Is young Mr. Yaxley here?"

The elf's expression brightened. "Yes miss, right this way."

Narcissa followed Dobby deeper into the manor. The place felt different somehow, suffocating, as though the Dark Lord's presence had sucked all the fresh air out of it. Hooded figures walked past her, muttering in low voices, and there was rough shouting and the bitter, earthy scent of potions being brewed somewhere. She longed for a child, knew Lucius would expect one, but the thought of a little one growing up in all this was more than she could stand.

The elf gestured her into the sitting room, Corban was talking with Tarquin, their voices low and earnest.

"Miss Black is here to see you Mr. Yaxley," squeaked Dobby.

Corban stood up, startled.

"Narcissa? What are you doing here?"

"I didn't have any other plans for today, I thought we'd catch up," she said, hoping they bought this, because she'd been rather distant with them since they'd left school, and she hated Tarquin with the fire of a thousand suns. "We didn't really see each other much at the party."

Corban seemed taken aback by this, but to her relief gestured for her to sit down on the sofa with them. Narcissa pinched the vial between her thumb and forefinger and held it there. Beads of sweat ran down her chest.

"Would you care for a drink?" she said, pulling out a bottle of cognac. Tarquin and Corban raised their eyebrows, impressed, or at least she hoped so.

Narcissa stood up and made her way to a small table at the other end of the room, conjuring three glasses and filling them with amber liquid. Blocking her hands from view, keeping the vial concealed beneath the long cuffs of her robes, she poured a few drops of potion into two of them.

"Here you are," she said.

"Cheers," said Tarquin, grinning. He really was an idiot.

They each took a drink, Narcissa relishing the warmth that spread through her body, but she only took a few sips. She needed her wits about her.

"So," she said. "Do you have any plans this week?"

Corban looked her right in the face, eyes concealing nothing, and his voice became flat, expressionless. "Well, I told the Dark Lord I'd be doing some scouting before the raid but really I'm just going to go to the pub and get pissed and try to get a date for the New Year's party. I usually like to tell them I'm a dragon-catcher for the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures but it never works."

"Anything more...exciting?"

" Oh, well, tomorrow night there's a raid on Ottery St. Catchpole."

"Really?" said Narcissa, as though this were the most interesting thing in the world. "Do you know what time?"

"Midnight. That way we catch them by surprise, you see."

"Yes, very clever of you," she said. Tarquin and Corban made no response to this, their faces still blank, and she supposed they weren't really in their right minds. Which was just as well; her attempt had been sort of clumsy.

But she had what she needed.

Now there was nothing for it but to wait until the potion began to wear off, and she sat and listened to as they droned on about intimate details of their personal lives, praying no one walked in.

It was one of the most agonizing half-hours of her life.

"Mr. Yaxley and Mr. Travers," squeaked Dobby. Everyone turned to look at him and Narcissa saw that his eyes were large and scared. "The Dark Lord wishes to see you, sirs."

Tarquin and Corban stood up. Something was changing in their eyes, and they became more shrewd, more aware. If they realized what had happened, or the Dark Lord looked into their minds, she was done for, and she had only seconds.

She drew her wand out of her robes and held it concealed in her sleeve.

"Obliviate," she muttered, pointing it at Tarquin. Just as Corban turned around she did the same to him.

She could tell by their befuddled expressions that it had worked.

"What are you doing here?" said Corban.

"I was just looking for Lucius."

Corban smirked. "He's having a lie-in," he said.

"Oh. Well. Perhaps I'll see him later then," she said. Corban nodded to her, still looking confused,and a bit wary, but to her relief they left the room.

Narcissa almost ran out of the manor before remembering that she'd need to stop and see Abraxas, to keep her mother from getting too suspicious. She found him out in the garden, examining a Wiggentree sapling.

He straightened up when he saw her. "Cissa," he said. "I didn't realize you were here."

"I was just looking for Lucius," she said, and Abraxas glanced away from her and shifted on his feet. She supposed he knew what Lucius was up to.

"Did you have a good holiday?" said Narcissa, trying to smooth over this sticky moment.

Abraxas recovered his usual dignified manner. "Yes, very enjoyable, thank you." He gave her a small smile. "Walk with me?"

Narcissa nodded and fell in step beside him as they walked through the sprawling garden Narcissa had always admired so much.

"I was so pleased to hear about the engagement," he said. "Although I do hope one week is enough to make all the arrangements."

Narcissa stumbled over her feet and Abraxas gave her a steadying hand to stop her falling. "One week?"

He looked at her strangely. "You didn't know?"

"She might've neglected to mention it," she muttered, thinking vaguely of spiking her mother's dinner with Doxy eggs.

"Yes, well, Lucius seemed rather surprised himself," he said, and Narcissa had a sneaking suspicion Lucius wasn't any happier with it than she was. He seemed to enjoy being a bachelor.

"It's just been Lucius and I here the last several years," said Abraxas, conveniently leaving out the evil wizard currently taking up residence in his manor, plus the dozen or so Death Eaters always coming and going. "It'll be nice to have you around."

Narcissa muttered something indistinct, because she couldn't really say the same.

"And it will be so lovely to have children running around this manor again."

Either he didn't have a clue what was going on in his own house, or he was mad, Narcissa wasn't sure which.

"Yes, I suppose it would be."

There was a loud rustle in the shrubbery and Narcissa's head shot towards the sound. Abraxas looked at it closely.

"Just a porlock, likely," he said, but he sounded unsure.

"Most likely," said Narcissa, willling him not to go and check. She wasn't sure what he'd do, if he found Marlene there. "If you'll excuse me, I really should be going."

"Oh yes, of course," said Abraxas, recovering himself. "I hope to see you again soon, Cissa."

Narcissa said a hurried goodbye and made as though to Disapparate, waiting until Abraxas was out of view to duck back into the shrubbery, praying Marlene hadn't heard anything.

"Well?" said Marlene, and there was nothing in her face to show she knew what they'd said. She had no idea how she was going to get out of the wedding without giving herself away, and didn't want to think about it. Her tense muscles slackened with relief.

"I've found out when the raid is," she said. She glanced around the garden. She could Abraxas' cloak in the distance as he walked across the lawn. "Let's get out of here first."

They spun into the air and reappeared in the McKinnon's back garden.

"It's tonight, at midnight. In Ottery St. Catchpole," said Narcissa in a rush, waiting to see the smile spread across Marlene's face, the admiration. The longing.

Instead Marlene looked skeptical. "How'd you do it?"

Narcissa reached into her robes and pulled out the vial. "Veritaserum," she said, barely suppressing a squeal. Now that she'd actually managed to do something right, the whole spy business was becoming rather exciting.

"Where'd you get it? That's a controlled substance, isn't it?"

Narcissa just looked at her, not really knowing how to explain why her family happened to have controlled substances lying round their house. Clearly it was one of those old wizarding family quirks she took for granted, like her aunt and uncle's house-elf head display.

Marlene narrowed her eyes at her. "Why'd you come back, really?"

Narcissa was taken aback by this. The conversation wasn't going at all the way she expected. "Because I wanted to help you. I saw what they did to your father."

"Yeah, well, they did that years ago and you just ran away. What changed?"

"I don't know-"

Marlene made an indignant noise.

Narcissa's voice rose. "I couldn't stand back and watch it anymore, alright?" She stepped closer to Marlene, making her voice softer. "And I missed you. I missed you so much."

Marlene's expression didn't soften. "I don't believe you," she said. Her eyes grew colder. "You know what I think? I think you're working for them. I think you're a spy."

Narcissa couldn't believe what she'd just heard. "What? How on earth could you say that?"

"You're just like the rest of them. I mean, yeah, maybe you sort of changed, but as soon as things get the least bit dangerous you just look out for number one and to hell with everyone else. I should've seen you for what you were."

Narcissa's face was hot and she balled up her hands into fist. "How dare you?" she said into her face, voice low, fierce. "I risked my life back there. Do you know what would've happened if they'd caught me? I think you're just jealous that I managed to get the information."

This had struck a nerve, she knew it. Marlene made an exasperated noise. "Oh yeah, I'm really jealous of someone who's been hiding away like a sheltered little princess and finally managed to do something useful after six years."

"Excuse me? I've been working for the Ministry for six years, I haven't been doing nothing."

"Yeah, well, you haven't been risking your life every single fucking day of the week like I have, have you?"

Narcissa's thoughts were a confusing mess and she thought of Marlene and Dorcas and how much they'd done compared to her and her face burned. "Yes, I know, you're brave and perfect and selfless and I'm just some spoiled little princess that no one can stand."

"Sounds about right."

Narcissa glared at her and Marlene glared back and they stood there, inches apart, staring each other down, breathing hard. Before Narcissa knew what was happening Marlene backed her up against the stone fence and kissed her neck and her chest over and over again as she hiked up both their robes.

"I thought you couldn't stand me," Narcissa whispered.

"I can't," breathed Marlene. "But I need you."

The shrubbery was dense enough that they couldn't be seen, even without leaves on the branches, and Narcissa bit on the sleeve of her robes to keep from crying out as Marlene slipped her hand between her legs. There was no love in this, no emotion. They were just two desperately thisty people drinking each other in. Narcissa ached so badly it was almost painful and she gasped and buried her head in Marlene's shoulder as she came.

"Keep going," whispered Marlene, voice so weak Narcissa knew she was close. She slipped her fingertips back between Marlene's legs and moments later she gripped Narcissa's shoulders and let out a low moan. But she didn't rest her head on her shoulder, didn't even look at her.

When her breathing slowed she started to walk away.

"Where are you going?" said Narcissa.

"Just leave me alone," said Marlene over her shoulder.

"But-"

Marlene turned around. "What, you thought we'd get back together? Because it's not going to happen. I won't let you hurt me again. Ever."

"Wait-"

Before Narcissa could say anything more, Marlene went into the cottage, slamming the door behind her.

Narcissa was on holiday until after New Year's, so she holed herself up in her room the rest of the day, taking out her wand and practicing every hex, jinx and curse she could think of, slicing itthrough the air like a sword and venting all her rage and frustration and helplessness through her body. She practiced until she was too tired to hold her wand up, collapsing on the bed and fanning her sweaty face with the sleeve of her robe.

When she'd cooled off she was chilled, so she peeled off her robes and slipped into a hot bath, sighing as the warmth washed over her, sinking into the water until it was almost to her face.

She rested her toes on the front of the bathtub and examined her legs. She'd been in such a daze for so long, sometimes weeks went by before she remembered to shave them, and they were in dire need of it now, by the looks of it. She picked up her razor and shaved them smooth, running her hands along them and remembering the way Marlene's legs had felt against hers, when they were tangled up so tightly she couldn't tell where she stopped and Marlene began. She didn't see how she'd possibly end up in bed with her that night, but it wasn't going to stop her from trying.

She stepped out of the bath and dried off, wrapping a towel around her hair and another around her chest, and went to her wardrobe to find something to wear, something practical enough to be comfortable when fighting Death Eaters, but stylish enough to look good doing it. Better than Dorcas Meadowes anyway.

But there was one rather serious problem-nearly all the Death Eaters were people she knew. There was no way she could let them see her. She dug all the to the back of the wardrobe and pulled out a plain brown robe with a deep hood, draping it over herself and examining reflection in the mirror. Rather drab, this, but she could always accessorize with some footwear. Pumps were out of the question, obviously, but her knee-high leather boots would do nicely.

She took off the robe and stowed it into the pocket of her Ministry robes, then pinned her hair up and waited.

Around half-past eleven she head her parents low voices in the hall, on the way to their room. She waited until they'd closed the door and it was quiet before creeping down the hallway.

She shut the door behind her as softly as she could and hid behind a hedge to change into the brown robes she'd stuffed down her front, putting her hood up and hoping no one would look too closely.

Only once she was ready to go did she realize there was a chance she might not make it back alive. Her legs were rigid and her teeth clenched and she glanced back at the house with its lighted windows, but there was really no question of her not going. She'd show Marlene she was wrong, that she'd never hurt her. She'd never leave her side again.

She took a deep steadying breath and spun into the air.

The village was as quiet as the manor had been, as though the houses had slept all day. She gripped her wand and looked all around her, expecting to see cloaked figures, but there weren't any.

Nor were there any Order members, that she could see, and she wondered if she'd gotten the wrong place.

She walked down the street, glancing all around her, until she saw a figure in long robes crouched down beside a hedge, combing his hair and holding up a hand mirror. Something about his profile was familiar to her.

"Regulus?

The man put down his mirror and looked up at her.

"Narcissa?"

"What's going on? What on earth are you doing?"

She could have sworn Regulus was blushing. "I was just, you know." He mimed combing his hair.

"What, you have a date with one of the villagers?"

Before Regulus could answer there were fast footfalls as Severus strode up to them. Regulus hastily put away his comb and mirror and Narcissa had faint idea of what was going on, though why he'd comb his hair to impress Severus, she had no idea. The man didn't seem to have any concept of personal hygiene.

Narcissa turned to Severus. "What's going on?"

"The Death Eaters are looking for information on the Potters," he said. "There was a rumour that they might be hiding in this village."

"But why are they after the Potters?"

Severus grimaced, and there was something in his his eyes, some unspoken terror, that told Narcissa that these people meant something to him. "He wants them to join his ranks, and they've refused to do it."

"Oh my God. He's going to kill them for that?"

"Yes," said Severus, in a clipped voice. There were faint cracks in the air and he looked up sharply.

"They're coming," he said. He turned to Regulus. "Let's go."

Regulus didn't move.

"Did you hear me? We need to join them. Now."

Regulus swallowed hard but stayed where he was. Severus put a hand to his shoulder and got right in his face. "Don't be such a coward."

The word ignited something in Regulus and he snatched his arm away, eyes fierce. "I am not a coward."

"Then prove it."

They were staring at each other, breathing fast, their faces inches apart, and Narcissa could have sworn Severus's eyes flickered towards Regulus's lips.

"Alright," Regulus breathed. "Let's do it then."

He was pale and shaken and Severus siezed the front of his robes. "Have you learned nothing from me? Keep your emotions in check."

Regulus started as though coming out of a trance. "Right," he said, his face becoming hard and set. "Right. Let's go."

Severus turned to Narcissa. "The other Order members will be arriving soon. If they'd been here waiting already the Death Eaters would've known someone tipped them off." He smirked at her. "You've got a lot to learn."

He swung his cloak over his shoulders and walked away before Narcissa could make a face at him or say anything in reply. Maybe Regulus was right, she'd get used to it, but so far he was insufferable.

She made her way down the street, looking for a place to lay low until the others arrived, mortified by her blunder. She'd just ducked behind a hedgerow when a door was blasted apart and someone screamed. There was a thud of footfalls as people ran down the street.

"Crucio!"

Narcissa recognized Corban's voice, and it didn't surprise her in the slightest. She'd known him since she was five years old and he was a complete tosser.

The man in front of him collapsed, screaming and twitching like he was on fire, and a pain shot through her as though some of his agony were being drawn up into himself. She pushed her wand with her thumb until it was sticking out the sleeve of her robe.

"Stupefy!"

Corban slumped to the ground.

Narcissa ran to the man, who was groaning and rubbing his arms. "Can you get up?" she whispered.

The man shook his head.

"Someone's there! They got Yaxley."

Narcissa's head shot up and she saw a figure in a silver mask striding towards her.

Hands shaking, body so tight she could hardly move, she pointed her wand to the man on the ground. "Abscondere," she muttered. He was concealed now, but Narcissa could hear his heavy breathing and the rustling of his clothes as he writhed on the ground. "What's going on-what's happening-where am I-?"

"Stay here until you're able to get up, then get out of here as quickly as you can, do you understand?"

Before the man could reply she heard the beginnings of an incantation, and almost without conscious thought she raised her wand and pointed it at the masked figure who'd followed her.

"Incarcerous!"

Ropes shot out of her wand, binding him, but there were more heavy footfalls and Narcissa knew it was over, knew there was no way she could take on twenty Death Eaters or however may there were on her own.

"Stupefy-"

"Protego!" Her shield charm knocked the Death Eater off her feet, but no sooner had he fallen then a jet of light shot her and everything went dark.