I feel like I messed up with this chapter, but we're going to roll with it. if you see something wrong or off, let me know.
Narcissa picked each charm with Hermione in mind, and she made a careful effort not to overthink her gift. Andromeda hovered in the background, her bodyguard for the day, and Narcissa grateful for the company. Bellatrix and Anathema were playing keep away, making sure no one got close to the store while Narcissa was there. It was a spontaneous decision to get a gift for Hermione so early. But after their talk by the water, Narcissa couldn't escape her desire to get Hermione something nice. Plus, it helped that she kept her thoughts neutral long enough to avoid the headache that would inevitably come.
"Okay, ma'am. I have your requested charms set aside for cleaning. Now, would you like the bracelet itself in silver? Or did you have another style in mind?" the worker asked.
Narcissa chewed on her bottom lip and asked, "Is there any way I can get it platinum? And instead of diamonds, could I get sapphires around the charms?"
"Of course."
The worker placed everything in a container and walked it to a table in the back. He returned and typed everything into the register. Narcissa was glad Andromeda agreed to loan her whatever money she needed until they returned to their side of the world. The last thing Narcissa needed was Lucius checking their account and wondering why she spent-
"…fifteen thousand total. Will you be paying in Euros, or do you need the converted price?"
Andromeda glared at Narcissa, a look that promised a very long lecture on finances, but it was replaced by resignation.
"What's the price in pounds?" Andromeda asked tightly.
"Twelve-thousand, six-hundred and ninety-four dollars, and fifty cents."
Andromeda took out her card and handed it to the worker. She leaned over and whispered in Narcissa's ear, "You have far too much of an expensive taste for my pockets."
Narcissa blushed and ducked her head. She played with her fingers while the worker finished the transaction. She had no idea it would come out to be that much, and she would have to dip into her savings to pay most of it back. Thank Salazar, Narcissa paid extra under the table for a separate account from Lucius.
"Okay, ladies. Your order is complete, and on behalf of us here at Brillare, we thank you for your business. Once your order is checked for quality and completion, I will have it delivered to the address provided."
"Thank you," Narcissa said.
"For the record, whoever the lovely lady is, she's lucky."
Narcissa stammered a response while Andromeda rolled her eyes and dragged her sister out of the story.
"Hopeless, you are. Truly hopeless," Andromeda huffed.
Narcissa didn't bother replying. Her sisters had a way of making her feel like a child again whenever she was with them, but she wouldn't have it any other way. Bellatrix and Anathema found them shortly after, and they passed a hair salon while they made their way to the others. Narcissa stopped when a dangerous thought crossed her mind, and Bellatrix glanced between her and the salon.
"Oh, you wicked little witch," Bellatrix teased.
"You're paying for it this time," Andromeda said.
"Wait, how much was the gift?"
"Nearly thirteen thousand," Andromeda exclaimed. "For a bloody bracelet!"
Anathema cackled in the middle of the street and looped her arm through Narcissa's.
"Ignore them, darling. Thirteen thousand is chump change for jewelry." Anathema opened the door to the salon and added in a whisper, "I'll pay for whatever you get done. Consider it a show of faith you won't break my daughter's heart."
Narcissa lay on the bed with her eyes trained on the ceiling. Her entire body hurt, and she could barely feel her limbs. Someone knocked on the door, and Narcissa couldn't even muster the strength to tell them to come inside. Her eyes remained on the ceiling, and calloused hands turned her head to the side. Severus made sure he had her attention before holding up the vials she needed to take, and Narcissa just stared. She had no emotions, nothing to give in that moment, and Narcissa was grateful Severus knew that. Narcissa felt her body rise without her permission, and Severus gently poured each potion down her throat, massaging it to force her to swallow. When he finished, Narcissa went back to her prone position. Severus didn't stay long, but he did leave a package on the nightstand. The bright wrapping, the expensive label, and the bow on top told Narcissa what it was, and she wished she had the strength to throw it away.
Narcissa felt tears pool in the corner of her eyes, and they streamed down her face while she lay there. Lucius was dead, Hermione was gone, and she couldn't even bathe without having Andromeda's help. It was embarrassing, awkward, and Narcissa wanted nothing more than to fade into existence. Draco was the sole thing keeping her from retreating into her mind, but her son was distracted. Lucius' death, while Narcissa won't be ripping her clothes and screaming into the wind over it, hurt in some way. It hurt them both, and Draco was mourning the father Lucius could've been, while Narcissa missed the man she used to know. Was she that unlucky, that cursed to be married to a man that never truly wanted her beyond someone to warm his bed? Without Lucius, Narcissa was a blank page – a shell, and she had no idea what she wanted to do next.
Without Lucius…. who is Narcissa?
Narcissa removed her hood while she entered the shop. It was a good day, a less painful day, and she decided to go out and do something spontaneous. Anathema was the only one who knew where she was going, and Andromeda refused to ask in favor of letting Narcissa have her freedom for once. There was a different type of tension in the home with Hermione and Blaine's absence. Luna was disoriented at times, so Xeno stayed with her as she recovered, and Draco spent his time with Daphne and Astoria. It was all very suffocating, and Narcissa needed a breath of fresh air. Somehow that meant doing something that not even Bellatrix would do. It was thrilling, and Narcissa felt her worries melt away.
The shop was overwhelming, and it made Narcissa's heart race. She paused at the entrance as she took in the drawings, and Narcissa's heart tugged her in so many directions that she wanted nothing more than to put them all on her body. Narcissa moved over to the right side of the shop just as the back door opened, and she looked at the gray-haired man behind the counter.
"You're late," he said, teasing.
"Late?" Narcissa repeated.
"Yes, Narcissa." The gray-haired man leaned down and propped his chin. "I thought you would get here an hour ago," he said.
Narcissa, swallowing her initial distrust, said, "I apologize."
"Oh, it's fine."
"I seem to be at a disadvantage-
"Marv," he interrupted. "My name is Marv, and you need not worry about picking anything out. I have all the sketches you want."
"You- what makes you think I'll want what you have?" she asked.
"Come and see for yourself then," he said.
Narcissa relied on her upbringing to keep from reacting to the strangeness of the interaction. When she saw what Marv was talking about, Narcissa couldn't find it in herself to say she hated the sketches.
"Dare I ask who you are?"
"I told you, my name is Marv-" he stopped and let out a small laugh. "Sorry, that'll be funnier in the future. But some people call me veggente, and a select few call me the fortune maker. It's all very dramatic."
"You see the future?" she asked.
Marv had an amused smile on his face as he said, "I have dreams. It is a bit more complicated than knowing what will happen. As you know, things change, people make decisions that go against what I saw, and it becomes a completely different experience. Time continues to move even when you stop, and I have learned over the years the best thing I can do for my sanity is to prepare for everything. I joked about you being late, but there was a moment I was afraid you would take a different path."
"A different path?"
Marv tapped the images and said, "You pick seven images, these seven images, in the dream I had. I set the pictures aside and waited, but I assumed that you had changed your mind. I was about to put the images back on the wall when I heard you open the door."
"It could've been anyone else," Narcissa argued.
"The door is spelled to only open for the person it is meant to open for, Narcissa. I cannot control who comes into my shop. I am only in control of what I put on their body," Marv said.
Narcissa let out a small laugh and said dryly, "You would think after being surrounded by people who communicate with Fate that I would be better at these types of interactions."
"You're allowed to hold onto your skepticism."
Narcissa sighed and gestured aimlessly at Marv.
"So, what comes next? How much is this going to cost me? Where do you recommend I get them?" she rattled off.
"You come back to the area where I clean you up and mark you for life. This is free of charge, and I have an idea if you're willing to hear it."
"Free?"
"Yes, free. I assure you it is no issue."
Narcissa pursed her lips and asked, "What is your idea?"
Taking a deep breath, Narcissa laid on her stomach and rested her head on her folded arms. At first, Marv's suggestion made her uncomfortable, but he made good points. Having the seven all intertwined would be much better than doing them separately. Narcissa closed her eyes when Marv ran a rag over her shoulders and down her back. Her hair was tied in a bun, and she was only wearing her pants.
"The last person that saw me like this was my husband," she joked with derision.
Marv didn't say anything, and Narcissa looked over her shoulder. Marv had a look of sympathy and understanding on his face, and she forgot that he probably already knew about her and Lucius.
"Too soon?" she asked.
"No. I didn't respond because I didn't expect you to say it."
"Why not?"
"You don't seem like the type to hide behind humor."
Narcissa clicked her teeth and turned back around. Marv mixed the ink together to her left, allowing her to see what he was doing, and he whispered something under his breath. The ink turned purple before it became red, and Narcissa felt a chill go down her spine. She was actually about to do it. Marv removed several pieces of cloth and placed them on her lower back. The last one he gave to her.
"For your tears," he said.
Narcissa took it gratefully. Marv sketched the outline on her skin, and when he finished, he grabbed a small needle off the shelf. He dipped it in the red ink and pressed his finger down at the base of her neck.
"This is where I'm supposed to ask if you're sure."
"No."
"But you still want to do it?"
"Yes," she whispered.
"Alright then. Take a deep breath."
Narcissa collapsed into the patio chair and groaned in pain. She should have never done seven at the same time. Anathema was the first person to see them, and her friend simply passed her a glass of wine.
"I am proud of you," she'd said.
Narcissa exhaled and looked up at the sky. While the tattoos themselves didn't hurt, she was still stiff in certain places. Each tattoo represented a significant aspect of her life. The pain she went through to get them outweighed the discomfort. Thankfully, Marv gave her some salve that also acted as a glamour. When she wore it, no one could see the ink, and that was an added bonus. Not that it mattered. It was Christmas Day, and Hermione still hadn't come home. The gift Narcissa got her remained at the bottom of a drawer, and Narcissa wasn't sure she wanted to give it to her anymore.
At least, not at the moment.
Narcissa closed her eyes and rested her body and mind. She'd politely asked to be left alone until they needed to reconvene for gifts, and that wasn't technically because of Hermione. It was also because of Bellatrix. Narcissa hadn't really seen or heard from her sister after what happened. Once Narcissa was back on her feet, figuratively speaking, Severus had to leave as well. It was all happening so fast, and Narcissa knew the Ministry would come looking for her at some point regarding Lucius' disappearance.
Narcissa was startled awake at the sound of someone's arrival, and her breath caught in her throat. Hermione noticed Narcissa, but Blaise didn't.
"Thank you for being there for me," Hermione said.
"Anytime, sis."
Narcissa watched as Hermione grinned and kissed him on the cheek.
"Now, go find your girlfriend and tell her I owe her a gift in exchange for letting me steal you for a few days."
Blaise kissed Hermione on the forehead and ran off into the villa. Hermione put her bag on the patio chair and turned to the side. Narcissa pretended to be unfazed, but her heart was practically beating out of her chest. How could someone look so damned good all the time?
"Should you be alone?" Hermione asked.
"I asked to be."
"The Ministry is looking for you and Draco."
"Let them."
Hermione toyed with the towel around her waist and asked, "Are you angry?"
Narcissa thought about it, and she said, "We need to talk, but I am not angry. Not anymore."
"I can talk. Explain."
"Good."
"You want to talk out here?" Hermione asked.
Narcissa gave a somewhat sheepish and wary smile before she admitted, "No, but I have been fighting with myself on calling for help. I am- walking is a bit of a challenge for me."
Narcissa didn't tell her that walking was a challenge because of her tattoos. She was distracted by her thoughts when Hermione lifted Narcissa off the chair. She yelped from the pressure directly on the tattoos, and Hermione assumed it was out of surprise.
"I've always wanted to sweep you off your feet, so I made sure I had the strength to do so."
Deciding to let it go, Narcissa released a light laugh and said, "I forgot how corny you can be."
"I can be worse."
Narcissa laid her head on Hermione's shoulders and murmured, "I never said it was a bad thing."
Hermione did kiss her forehead, though it was more like a brush of her lips, and Narcissa kept her smirk to herself. After a few moments, Hermione released an almost silent breath of relief as she tightened her hold on Narcissa. Narcissa closed her eyes and pretended not to feel Hermione's eyes on her the entire time they walked. The pain she felt from the tattoos faded into the back of her mind, and she allowed herself to relax.
Narcissa was grateful to see her sister and Severus in one piece. As the family opened their gifts around her, Narcissa tried to ignore the small velvet box on her lap. Narcissa shot a sideways glance to Andromeda, who shrugged helplessly. What were the odds? After a while, Hermione got tired of waiting and held up the box to Narcissa. She opened it, and Narcissa snorted. What were the odds, indeed?
"Did you think it was a ring?" Hermione teased.
"I did," she lied, not willing to admit she knew what it was because she'd gotten her the same damned thing.
"Not yet," Hermione said.
The casualness of the statement made Narcissa wheeze, but she hid it behind a laugh. Hermione placed the bracelet around her wrist and kissed each knuckle on Narcissa's hand.
"To remind you of my love whenever we are apart," she whispered in her ear.
Narcissa was going to die of heart palpitations before she ever went on the date. When Severus commented on how Fate laid a hand on them both, Narcissa realized she didn't need to get Hermione anything else. The gift she had would be fine, and that would be the end of it. Deciding to give Hermione the gift on New Years', Narcissa felt that things were starting to work out in her favor.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Narcissa paced her bedroom, blood still on her hands, and she refrained from blowing the entire room into small pieces. Hermione was out of commission for the most part, and Andromeda had no idea how long it would take for her to return to normal. Blaise stayed by her side with Anathema and Daniel, and Narcissa locked herself in her bedroom.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Narcissa ached to kill him. She wanted nothing more than to go back downstairs and finish the job, but Nymphadora wouldn't let them close to the body. Roman was alive, barely, and missing an important body part. They'd etched a symbol into his chest that would cause him to be in an immense amount of pain whenever he thought of a woman that wasn't his mother. Narcissa lost sight of herself for a moment once Severus poked his head into the room and told them the damage from whatever Roman had given Hermione. Narcissa had taken her bare hands to the boy. Like some kind of barbarian, and Bellatrix restrained her after Roman started drooling on the kitchen floor. Narcissa ran from her sister and Anathema to the room, and she'd been there ever since.
The sun was high in the sky, the sign of a new year, but Narcissa couldn't sleep. She felt like she was on the verge of a breakdown. The gift she had yet to give Hermione rested in the center of the bed, a reminder of her stupidity, and Narcissa tugged at her hair. She didn't care that she was getting blood everywhere. All she wanted was to see Hermione awake and in her right mind. Narcissa spun around with her wand aimed at her visitor, and Blaise held up his hands.
"She's awake, and she's asking for you."