WRITERS NOTE:

To my stupidity I realised that I had NOT include a rings exchange scene in the chapter where Draco and Mara got married so I came up with an excuse he he in this one. Hope she enjoy. Sorry for shitty grammar. Comments make me genuinely happy, not that I am fishing for them, no. **wink**

This was a long chapter btw.. Holy crap took ages to write.

PS 1.. After seeing Promos for "Enola Holmes" on Netflix I have now decided that DANTE MALFOY looks like Sam Claflin.. lol. If I EVER rework the story I shall make Dante THE OLDER BROTHER and not have him and Draco be twins.

PS2: The saying mentioned in this chapter is based on a Turkish one.

A few days after her first face-off with Draco the butler Mr. Gleeson had informed Mara that her wedding band had finally arrived upon which she looked at him with confusion then remembered that the ceremony she hadn't exchanged rings. How silly she didn't think of this before?

He explained that the rings in Astella were usually custom made abroad and took weeks to make so because her wedding was a spontaneous event, the rings did not arrive due on time. She stared at the ring on her hand; and even though Mara had worn it for the last couple of weeks; it still felt strange to wear it. This wasn't a real wedding ring; this was a fake one and wearing it seemed to only rub in that notion even more. Still, she wore it; out of sense of duty, the same couldn't have been said about Draco for he never wore his.

Before she knew it, four months had passed since the nuptials in May. Four rather identical months; she already had a "fixed routine"... The routine consisted of having breakfast, then taking a walk or exploring the castle, then retreating to the library or the garden with a good book until lunch; then taking a second walk on the beach (to she pleasures Ashwood castle had a private beach) until dinner and then... she went on to read again. The castle and the grounds belonging had been fun to explore and surprised she at more than one occasion.

Mara didn't know of the abandoned cottage near the beach until she had found it during one of her walks, the butler later told she, that it had been the residence of the steward appointed to the castle's affairs in the earlier days. The cottage was fully equipped; it had a kitchen and a bathroom, a small but inviting living room and a nicely decorated bedroom. Finally, the cottage was at the perfect distance from both the castle and the beach. If it were up to her, she would move there tomorrow; but it probably wouldn't be proper decorum and it would probably raise some concerns. Maybe Mara could move in later, she doubted that Draco would care anyway.

Speaking of her husband, she still didn't see him much; caught glimpses of him here and there. When she did see him, he made sure he made sure to be seen with Katherine or Pansy. The mentioned ladies in question did show a bit of reverence towards Mara but that was just about it; she could still hear them mock she afterwards and Draco usually laughed along.

And that hurt, seeing him laugh at her, even if she, by now should have known that he disliked her. And he did, didn't he? Dislike her. There were times she would fault herself; because she hadn't acted entirely nice to him last time either but at other times, she really didn't know WHY he behaved like this.

This was an unfortunate situation, but it wasn't a permanent one. Why couldn't they just act civil towards each other? Was it too much to ask, she was willing to try at least and then after two years he could marry whomever he.?

Thinking about him getting married to someone else shouldn't have brought about a twinge of pain in the chest but it did.

A particular Sunday she went to the dining hall; fully expecting to have breakfast alone again but this time around she wasn't. Sitting at the end of the table, joined by Draco and Theodore at either side of him.

"Oh. I am sorry... I don't want to intrude" and she was intent on walking away, in fact already nearly turned her back if Dante hadn't interrupted Mara.

"Nonsense Mara, won't you join us please?" and he had pointed to the seat next to him with a smile on his face. Draco, she saw was doing the complete opposite; positively glaring at his twin brother; in fact, if looks could kill Dante would have been dead by now. Dante headed over to her, took she hand and kissed it before asking with a smile how she was.

"Fine, thank you and how are you?", Mara asked politely.

"Thank you, I am quite well. So, you have been here a couple of weeks now. I hope you find the castle accommodating and your stay satisfactory", Dante said with a smile. After finishing his sentence Dante gave his brother a knowing look upon which Draco just stared back, unaffected.

Hhm what to answer.

While she had fallen in love with the new fortress she couldn't exactly say her stay in it had been pleasurable. Mara almost wanted to shout "No thanks to your brother" but she decided it wasn't either the time or place to discuss this matter so lying through her teeth was the only option, she hated it, but it had to be done.

"The castle is beautiful, and I have enjoyed my time here in Astella so far. I hope to go out and explore your beautiful country one of these days", she said but even Dante couldn't ignore the slight sense of sarcasm in his sister-in-law's voice just now. Thankfully, he decided to ignore it.

To change the subject, she asked him how he was doing and how Sophia, his girlfriend; was doing. She had met Sophia quite soon after the wedding and got on well with her. Sophia was intelligent, long with dark blond hair and had a beautiful face, studded with beautiful freckles and a set of dark blue eyes that she secretly envied. Sophia was one of those people that was, despite her of being unbelievably beautiful, still down to earth, and humble. Mara had noticed the lovely girl had not one arrogant streak in her demeanour.

Sophia was just as kind to her as Dante was and Mara was happy to have something of a "friend" in Astella as Hermione was temporarily unable to visit she because her mother had suddenly gotten quite ill, catching a rather bad case of the flu, and barely survived. Furthermore, since things were "iffy" between the two countries, temporarily it wasn't easy for Leidallians to go visit Astella and vice versa, at least for the time being.

Her parents and sisters wrote she in lieu of visiting, which was fine because she didn't really want to see them anyway. In one of the letters her sister had send Mara read that she was to become an aunt in the foreseeable future and that had made her happy and excited.

"So, Mara. Questions. Do you play tennis and how well? We need someone to take Dante down a notch, he is getting far too arrogant for beating me and Draco", Theo said and then winked at her.

"There really is no need to be jealous of my innate talent and excellent sportsmanship, Theo", Dante replied with a semi-arrogant smirk on his face and she could see even Draco, who didn't wish to be an apart of this conversation for he was still silent, rolling his eyes at this statement.

"It is not my fault both of you are so unequipped at sports. It is appalling to see really and quite disheartening", Dante smirked daintily, his voice deliberately laced with faux arrogance.

"To answer she question, Theo. Yes, I play tennis and I've been known to win a few matches", Mara replied.

"Ooh. That is excellent news", Theo cooed with a smile and he gave Dante a triumphant look.

"Are you up for a game after- ", he wanted to ask but Draco interjected.

"I am sure Miss Ravenclaw has better things to do on this particular Sunday than to spend it with she two", Draco sneered.

Well at least Miss Ravenclaw was better than Leidal.

Theo looked confused and it looked like he wanted to say something, but he backtracked at the last minute and Dante was frowning at his bother.

"NO, my schedule is completely free. If you don't mind; Mr. Malfoy, I am going to take Mr. Nott up on his offer. Surely, you can't be opposed to my wish to get some exercise?".

Draco just glared at her but didn't respond.

"You are so going down", Theo taunted Dante and the latter mentioned just said "we'll see" and shrugged.

And so, it occurred that Mara, Dante, and Theo played a few sets of tennis after breakfast and Mara would beat Dante every time. Theo was over the moon, but Draco didn't seem to care, he seemed to be busy reading the newspaper.

Yet what Mara didn't see was that even Draco couldn't suppress a smile when he heard Dante's annoyance about Mara beating him. As the Sundays passed, Dante and Theo involved her more and more in their plans for the day and she got on quite well with them. Theo mentioned that he had told his girlfriend Rey about Mara. Rey wanted to meet her, but she was studying abroad now so an introduction could not happen right now.

Soon the end of the week was something Leidal's former princess would look forward to. A couple of weeks later it was Sunday again, she fully intended to see Dante and Theo in the dining hall but was greeted with only she 'husband' instead.

"Oh..." she said, feeling quite uncomfortable. "I thought that-"

"Aramis & Porthos would be here?", he interjected; referring to the three musketeers and that the three of she formed them together. His expression was still sullen, but she failed to see that there was a hint of anger and or jealousy to the sentence he had just uttered.

" I'm sorry to disappoint you. I am afraid you'll have to make do with my presence".

She stood there in silence; wandering what he would say next and really; not eager to be alone with him since the last time that happened it was a disaster.

"Take a seat", he said, and he pointed at the chair across the table, but she still didn't move but stood there awkwardly.

"My, my... I must have really scared you haven't I? You cannot stand to share a meal with me" he smirked but there briefly was a sad expression on his face that she didn't catch.

"As you can see" and Draco pointed. "The table is long enough. I can assure you that if you take place at the other end of it there will be enough distance between us. Do sit down. If you dare of course" he said arrogantly.

The last statement did seem to evoke some reaction with she because he touched Honestly the nerve!? Who did he think he was? She wasn't afraid of him, so she walked over to the table and took place and upon that Draco called someone to serve her breakfast. After she had gotten she plate, Mara tried she best to focus on she food; not looking up from it and rather consuming the meal quickly so she could leave.

Unfortunately, while doing so she a) ate way too fast and b) miscalculated the size of the chunk of cold beef in her mouth so the result was that she nearly choked and gagged afterwards. Draco found this all very amusing and had started to chuckle.

"It is quite funny how desperate you are to leave this room to rid herself of my presence. Honestly, there is no need to choke yourself to death.", he chuckled. AT this point she had gone bright red from two things; embarrassment and from him laughing /mocking she. She didn't know what to say and the awkward silence resumed until Draco broke his.

" I am leaving today. My parents are away on a state visit and I thought it would be a good idea to stay at their castle, until they return at least".

Her mouth slightly dropped, and she stared at him in amazement for she was confused. He said HE was going but was to become of she then? Draco seemed to understand she confusion and soon afterwards he gave she clarity and cleared his throat before he spoke...

"You will remain here; I have no intention of taking you with me", he said coldheartedly; there really; really was no trace in emotion in the delivery of that statement.

She felt a sting of pain and rejection going through she and it was difficult, but she kept she emotions away from HIM. Mara didn't allow him to see her sad, so she tried awfully hard to be indifferent.

However, he kept a close eye on her reaction and even though she didn't see it; briefly, very briefly there was a feeling of hurt to be seen in his eyes for she hadn't responded at all and looked like she couldn't care less he was leaving. He continued to explain, and she did she best to appear stoically.

"Dante stays at my parents castle as well and Theo is off to see his girlfriend abroad for he missed her too much. I am sure you will miss having them around but you seem to be adept to being by yourself so I am sure you can manage... If there is anything you need you may consult Sarge Beaufont, mine and Dante's confidant and friend."

"Sarge has told me he has a solution for she ladies in waiting problem by the way" and he made sure to sneer that bit out "so it would be wise to engage with him on this matter".

Not looking up from her plate Mara muttered "Thank you, I will" before excusing herself, getting up and going to your room.

He left two hours later.

She hadn't seen him for four weeks or five; she didn't keep track. No, it had been five weeks. She did keep track, but she didn't want to admit it.

She met Sarge and he was friendly and helpful. He was 40-ish, had tightly pulled grey hair that he coiffed with precision. He had green eyes that seemed to change colour; sometimes they looked green, brown rather than green and he looked very groomed. He explained that he knew the twins since birth and that when the king and queen were absent HE, in cooperation with many nannies of course, took over the upbringing. He told proudly about that he had taught the twins many a thing, from horse riding to archery, and shared stories with Mara about the boys' youth. Mara could see that he was very fond of Draco & Dante because he talked about him with a lot of affection. Now that the brothers were older another role for Sarge had been laid aside, that of confidant and trustworthy advisor.

He had indeed found a solution to the problem of 'the ladies in waiting', his own cousin Sara Beaufont was very capable of taking on this task. Mara said that was a good idea and that she was looking forward to meeting her.

Sarge was a man of many talents and a very sharp thinking and intelligent man. However, he could do one thing less well and that was lying. He shifted uncomfortably when he said that Draco had gone to Arvendon castle with the intention of keeping an eye on things while his parents were gone. It was a big lie, and both knew that but to spare him she asked no further. Neither did Mara ask about the absence of Katherine & Penelope as she knew that they had gone with him and he was his own wife, not, but decided that it was strange of her to question him.

She may have been his wife on paper, but that was all. He didn't owe she an explanation, nor did he owe her any fidelity, but deep inside, deep inside she felt so hurt. The crying had diminished but sometimes the melancholy resurfaced, at one of the many lonely nights.

Five weeks had passed and in those five weeks Dante, Sophia and Theo had visited her and Mara had met Rey, Theo's girlfriend but Draco hadn't visited her at all. Eventually she had gotten used to it and his absence didn't affect her that much anymore or that was what she told herself.

So, her surprise/shock was great when, after all these weeks, Mara saw him again. It was mid-September and while she had swum in the sea this afternoon, she could see that the weather was changing, and that autumn was coming. It was evening and she was sitting in the library, curled up with a good book near the fireplace and completely lost reading it until she heard the knock on the door.

"Come in," she said, expecting the butler or the servant to enter in but lo and behold; it was Draco sauntering in.

He headed near her but made sure to stop at a considerable distance and she could sense that something was bothering him; for he seemed nervous and had a scowl on his face. She pretended not to notice and directed she gaze at the book in her hands again, pretending to read, until she sighed and closed the book. Mara looked at Draco intently, as in to figure out could possibly bother him but the only way to find out was to ask, not that she cared though. She was simply curious.

"I assume your parents are back", she said feigning indifference in her voice, but she was oddly curious.

"You have assumed correctly", he said and then sighed, for some reason he seemed to be even more tense now than he had entered the room.

"Well, good. I shall look forward to see them in the nearest future", she said and then directed she attention back to the book. He did not leave, and she understood that there was apparently something he had to discuss with her. She did her best to seem uninterested again but inside she was burning with curiosity.

"Sorry, Mr Malfoy... Is there anything else?" she asked coolly.

He shifted uncomfortably, took a deep breath, and cleared his throat.

"What you just said about meeting my parents.," he started, and his voice sounded strange, almost pleading, she never had heard it like that before.

"Yes? What about it?", she inquired upon which he sighed rather dejectedly.

"You will see them again soon...We are invited tomorrow for dinner at Arvendon ".

"Alright, understood. I'll be there", she replied, thinking that was it and she could get back to the book now and try to quiet that stupid heart of hers because it was thumping so bad ever since he walked into the library.

He sighed again. Apparently there was something else he had to say.

"My aunts, Andromeda and Bella will be there too. They live abroad and my parents decided to visit while they were travelling. Since my aunts couldn't be present at the wedding they decided to visit Astella and bring us our wedding gift and also... to meet you", he said with slight hesitation.

"The point is... My parents wrote to me during their absence and asked me how we were doing. I said that we got on well with each other".

She snorted after hearing this remark and did she best not to laugh. She got on well, yes, maybe in an alternative universe...

"My mother has a great relationship with my aunt Andromeda... Bellatrix, or Trixie for short, is another story. She has always been jealous of my mother because she could marry a prince and Trixie could not. So, if she notices that you and I are not-", he didn't finish his sentence and for a millisecond an expression of shame was to be seen.

" It will amuse Trixie to a high extent to understand that my relationship with you isn't... I mean. Look I know... I know it's a lot to ask you, but I would... I would like it if you would behave tomorrow as if-".

"We get along well with each other"? Mara repeated his earlier statement and not hiding the sarcasm in she voice.

"Yes...", he said, and she could see that it had taken him a lot of trouble to ask her this and that his pride had been hurt in the process. Mara didn't answer immediately and remained silent for a while, he kept looking nervously at she, curious about what she would say.

"I'm quite fond of your mother". She took a pause before continuing as if to let those words sink in. "Don't worry. I won't do anything that will embarrass her", Mara stated.

She looked at Draco and suddenly a smile came over his face. It was the first time he had smiled at she and she were startled for a second for she hadn't expected at all.

"Really? Wow. Thank you so much, I owe you" he said cheerfully and still smiling.

The last part of his sentence jolted Mara back into reality. Here he was, having left she alone for weeks and still having the audacity to ask her for a favour, nonetheless. He truly was an arrogant bastard, clearly used to getting what he wanted to. No, she would not give him the satisfaction that he had persuaded her to do HIM a favour.

Mara put the book down, got up from the sofa and walked towards Draco and stood rather close to him, staring directly into his eyes.

"I am not doing this as a favour to you. I am doing this for Narcissa. You do not owe ME anything and I wish to keep it that way.", she said with determination and a stern expression.

His smile had vanished, and he had retorted back to his sulky demeanour, but he didn't reply and just nodded. She looked at him a little bit longer before nodding herself, looking away, taking two steps back to walk past him towards the door.

The journey to Arvendon was longer than she could remember or perhaps it had to do with her nerves. She travelled alone as Draco had already left earlier in the day so he couldn't help her. Mara was nervous to meet his aunts. She had carefully inquired with the staff about their experiences with Bellatrix, but nobody really wanted to say anything. However, she could already deduce a few things from their reaction. Mrs. Pomfrey, head of housekeeping, immediately got a look of dismay on her face that she tried to hide afterwards.

Oh. SHE was so hoping she would leave a good impression and not embarrass Narcissa. Tonight, she wore a light blue A-line dress that was a bit sheer at the top; the bodice decorated with lace and silver stitching. She wore a necklace with a diamond in the same colour as her dress. In consultation with Sara Beaufont, who she had met by now and got on well with, Mara decided to go with a half-up, half-down hairstyle, like the one at her wedding. The look was completed with a small yet striking tiara and a white coat because it was rather chilly today.

Mara still hadn't quelled she nerves when the carriage skewed and pulled into the lot before stopping at the entrance. She was met by the lackey who escorted she to the dining hall. To her surprise, Draco was there waiting for she in front of the entrance with Dante there.

She didn't notice it, but Draco stared at her for a while, mouth slightly agape; ever since she had arrived, and Dante was looking at his brother with amusement and a twinkle in his eyes. He noticed Dante staring and then deliberately stared somewhere else.

"Mara, you look beautiful", Dante remarked upon which she thanked Dante.

"Ready to be thrown to the wolves?" Dante joked and this made her laugh and for a second ease her nervous disposition. Mara nodded to Dante with a smile. Draco walked over to her a little shy and reached out his arm. She glanced at it briefly before joining she arm with his, the door opened, and the new bride and groom were announced.

Mara investigated the banquet hall and was happy to see familiar faces because even Theo, Rey and Sophia had come. But she defected to Lucius & Narcissa and greeted them kindly. Narcissa then accompanied she to her two sisters and their husbands.

The odd thing was. None of the Black sisters seemed to resemble each other, both Andromeda and Narcissa were tall but Andromeda had straight dark brown hair whereas Narcissa's was black. Maybe Andromeda's and she mother-in-law's noses were a bit similar, but there the comparison stopped. Bellatrix didn't look like any of the other sisters; she was shorter, had a bit of pale complexion which the others didn't and sported black curls.

Narcissa introduced her first to Andromeda and Ted. They were lovely and she immediately felt comfortable with them. Bellatrix and her husband Tom didn't seem too impressed with Mara and politely muttered "nice to meet you". Dinner started and Draco took a seat next to her. Somehow Mara's attention was drawn to his hand and she saw that he was wearing his wedding ring.

The hypocrite.

Draco felt Mara's gaze and promptly put his hand under the table and rested it on his knee.

Dinner was in full swing and everyone was happily chatting away. She tried she best to get something to eat but she felt uncomfortable again because Bellatrix was staring at her with an interrogative, curious look.

"So, this is your new daughter-in-law you have written so much about, Narcissa" she said first, glancing at Narcissa, then to Mara. Narcissa looked shy and her face blushed, then it was quiet for a little while until Bella's husband spoke.

"I am sorry Lucius. I wanted to hold my tongue but if you ask me. I find all of this to be rather peculiar".

Lucius glared at his brother-in-law but did not speak, yet.

"When you think about it. It's highly unusual. I am familiar with arranged marriages, especially in royal circles but I do have to say..". He paused momentarily before resuming.

"I haven't heard of a marriage where one where one is forced to marry the enemy, so war doesn't break out again", Tom argued.

Mara dropped she fork on the plate and it made everyone look at her and she felt her face turn red, embarrassment washed over and the only thing she could do was stare at her plate.

"For the record, Thomas. Mara is and will never be looked upon as an enemy, we have all", and he looked around the table "grown quite fond of her". She blushed even more upon hearing Lucius' statement.

"Furthermore, I do not understand your concerns for you happen to reside in Scandia, so I hardly see why this 'arrangement' is any of your concern"", Lucius bit out, anger seeping through his voice. He was trying to keep it together but felt his patience wailing at the second.

Tom made an apologetic gesture with his hands and said he didn't mean that, that he had only been curious, but then looked at Bellatrix with a mean and smug smile.

There was a tense atmosphere afterwards that seemed to go away only at the end of the evening. It was time to dance and soon all the couples took to the dance floor and started the first dance, the waltz. Even Lucius's mood seemed to have improved as he spun around with his wife.

Did I mention all couples were dancing?

No. Not all couples. Everyone except her and Draco because she two were still at the table. Obviously, Tom and Bellatrix had seen this, and the latter called out to Mara and asked why she were still sitting. Mara exchanged a look with Draco, and she saw that he also knew what they had to do. They had to dance as to not arouse suspicion, she had already seen Narcissa anxiously glancing over to them both.

Draco gave her a nod with his head before resting his hand very, very briefly on Mara's upper back. Since she had not expected this movement from him at all, Mara flew forward and knocked she wine glass over. Bellatrix saw this and a mean expression appeared on her features. Then Mara and Draco walked to the dance floor together and took on the position to waltz but as soon as she felt his hand on her hip she was startled again. He leaned forward briefly, intending to speak in her ear.

"Stop flinching", he said with frustration in his voice.

"I'm sorry", she whispered back to him and willed herself to relax a bit, telling herself that the evening was soon over.

The rest of the waltz was equally awkward, but luckily the orchestra stopped playing and Mara excused herself and walked into the ladies' room. She didn't have to, but she had to recover from a variety of things that bothered her.

1. Being around Draco all evening. 2) Draco had touched her, and it felt as if her whole body burning from head to toe, especially the places where he rested his hand, her shoulder, neck and back. Her breathing had become noticeably short and her heart was pounding like crazy and there was nothing she could do go about.

She eventually composed herself; gathered the courage and headed back. She came back a little too early because she heard Bellatrix having a conversation with Narcissa that was not intended for she ears.

"Honestly, Narcissa. How COULD YOU? She is so boring never mind the fact that she looks like she could be his older sister," she said in a mocking tone.

"Trixie," Andromeda said sharply but it was too late because the damage was done. Bellatrix looked a little embarrassed, and Narcissa's gaze at Mara was full of pity.

Mara's mouth opened to say something but then closed, she lowered her eyes and went back to the table where Draco was sitting and stared into the distance. Draco had seen everything, yet he didn't speak to her, to console her. A part of him wanted to but he couldn't find the words and he felt partly responsible for the way this evening had turned out.

When the evening FINALLY, FINALLY came to an end, Mara said a short goodbye to everyone, even to Tom and Bellatrix, who gave she another condescending look, before almost running to the carriage. It almost left before it pulled up again and Draco stepped inside. Oh GREAAAT, she thought. Just what she needed, another unfriendly face.

At least she had figured out who Draco copied his behaviour from, he and Bellatrix were two peas in one pod. She felt angry at how she was treated by both and scolded herself for agreeing to his stupid plan. Refusing to speak to him, she remained silent during the entire trip but when the castle was in sight he was the one that initiated contact again.

"Thanks again" he said timidly.

"You are welcome" she answered crisply. When she arrived at the castle, she got out and returned directly to she suite not even looking back at Draco.

What a horrible day she thought to herself once she had taken a bed and lying in she bed.

There was something to be said for solitude, she thought. She would rather spend the rest of her stay in Astella completely alone than have endure one of these nights again. Shortly after this thought she succumbed to feeling exhausted and fell asleep.

The next day, Arvendon Castle, The King's study

Lucius was busy reading a proposal for independence from Leidal when suddenly his wife stormed into the room and began to pace up and down the room.

"Narcissa, my darling. What's wrong?", the king said.

She didn't answer and kept pacing, apparently not about to stop any time soon. Lucius put the proposal away; took off his glasses and focused on his wife, she had now his full attention.

"Narcissa. As the old Astellian saying goes", he started.

"He who is silent about what is bothering him will not find a solution to what is bothering him. So, please talk.".

Narcissa just scoffed and shook her head at her husband. At this point Lucius decided it was better to let her be for a moment and for he knew his wife well enough and trusted that she would explain sooner or later. And he was right because shortly after Narcissa stood still, sighed deeply, shook her head again before finally directing her attention to her husband.

"She flinched, Lucius", she said.

"What? Who?", the King asked in confusion.

"Mara. Every time Draco touched her, she flinched", Narcissa explained exasperated.

"So. I don't see what the problem is. Or are we forgetting that they were strangers before they wed?", he stated.

Narcissa sighed again.

"The problem is, my love, my sweet husband that I am fairly certain Draco hasn't touched her until last night. And if.. if he hasn't touched her, he surely hasn't... or they haven't .. you know.. Which means that she is still a ..-.

Narcissa didn't finish the last part, thinking she had been clear enough without going into many details and hoped she would not have to speak more about her son's sex life.

"OH", Lucius said, finally catching up to what his wife was saying and the realisation what the consequences could be dawning in his mind.

"OH, indeed" Narcissa answered dejected.