Chapter 2: Vava-voom..
Narcissa tossed and turned on her bed. It's only three am in the morning. The sun isn't up so what am I doing? She admonished herself, looking up into the stone ceiling. She sighed. Home seemed so far away right now, all her problems, all her worries. all a thousand miles or more away from where she lay down. With one fluid motion, she got up from bed and looked out her window. Where IS home? She thought to herself, as she watched the spaced out lights glimmering in the country side like stars. No where. The answer sounded out in her mind, a harsh reality that Narcissa never could escape. She used to wander up to the top of the tower of the castle and look over the bustling life in St. Petersburg when she was a little girl and wonder what part she had in all of it. Sure, she was the crown princess, and the succeeder to the throne. But how did she fit into all of it?
"Can't sleep can you?" A voice broke Narcissa's thought train. "Well, you're not alone, your highness. I can't sleep too."
The voice sounded tense, and afraid to continue. Narcissa could tell that the words were chosen and thought over. In a way, she was annoyed at the cowardly attitude of the speaker, yet she was thankful for the show of respect at this hour.
" Do you miss your home too?" Narcissa asked softly. "I do." She admitted, sensing the cold silent atmosphere in the girls dormitory. She knew many girls were awake at this hour. She saw them sit up and talk to each other while she was pretending to sleep. I miss my childhood too. The warmth, the sunshine, the happiness, the love.Narcissa padded softly to the window beside her bed with her pillow and blanket, spending the rest of her hours awake looking back as far as she can to Russia, and to her past.
~*~
Morning came, and Lucius was the first one up. He stretched himself lazily, and slipped his feet into the warm woolen slippers at the side of his bed. Today was a big day for Lucius, he was launching his campaign to catch the heart of the Russian princess. Not that he needed her money and status, the Malfoys have been a small yet well-known family in Europe, everyone knew who he was. Her Royal Highness was a sort of challenge, a tempting prize for the able hunter. Winning her over was a piece of cake, after all, who didn't want to be seen with the "Prince"? How about James Potter and Sirius Black? A little voice sounded at the back of his head. Lucius frowned, a rare thing for him to do as frowning caused wrinkles on the forehead prematurely. Yes, Potter and Black were a problem, a hitch in his perfect plan, a thorn in his thumb. They were irritating him, but how, just how to get rid of them? The both of them posed a threat to him. They were also tall and quite good-looking to an extent, and the girls in Hogwarts think they are a positively yummy pair. Surely the princess might had better taste? "Things will change after the ball, no one can fight with me then." Lucius thought aloud to himself. Yes, Narcissa would see Lucius' true stunning colours if she hadn't seen them before already on the night of the Yule Ball. She would positively have to fall for him.
~*~
Narcissa enjoyed her first breakfast at Hogwarts. She had to admit that she had wronged the chefs who cooked up such a storm for breakfast. Although the thought that it might be magicked to seem so crossed her mind, she couldn't help but pronounce this simple looking meal as heavenly.
Unfortunately, the rest of her day was not that fantastic. Narcissa was undoubtedly a new girl in England, the wizarding world and also Hogwarts. She had no idea what she was supposed to do, and where she was supposed to go. Hogwarts was big and beautiful, but it was definitely not tourist friendly. Corridors were long, narrow and dark; doors were not labeled; staircases move from one corner of the floor to the other; some classrooms had no proper doors. The list went on. Most of the moving pictures weren't very helpful, they kept bubbling on and on about how honoured they were in being chosen to be queried by the first royal member studying in the school for a few milleniums. The ghosts floating around the compound did not give much sane advice. Some poltergeist they called Peeves kept breathing down her neck, and a ghost which introduced himself as Sir Nicholas kept showing his nearly headless state. It was awful. Only a lady portrait helped her get some help from her warm-blooded peers.
"Walk straight, turn left, walk past the fifteenth candle stand and make a right. First door on the left." Those were the instructions left with her by some seemingly kind Ravenclaw senior. It wasn't until an hour later, when she wandered into a dilapidated classroom and found the grouchy school janitor - Mr Argus Filch - in her face, did she realise that the instructions were false and she was terribly late for Potions class.
Of course, the Potions Professor was not pleased. He had a real passion for the Precise Arts, and he could not stand it when a pupil blatantly showed his disgust for the subject.
"Miss Legalov. Although it seems that you come from a wealthy family, it is unladylike to throw your weight, as little as it is, around." The professor snarled menacingly. Narcissa wanted to argue in her defense, but seeing the whole class staring at her, she decided to let it rest. She sighed deeply, and tried to find a seat. Most of the girls glared at her as she tried to approach their table. It was clear that she was not wanted. Rolling her eyeballs, she went to sit with a group of boys, who were only delighted to have her.
I can't believe that this is actually happening to me. Narcissa thought to herself. I have never done anything to incur their wrath. I'm the princess for goodness sakes! She tried to concentrate on bat's ears and jug-jug roots, but it was hard considering that many pairs of eyes were boring holes into her back.
~*~
"So, Sirius. Met up with your Ravenclaw Russian yet?" James teased as he sat down next to his best friend. Sirius only shook his head, and said nothing else. His mind was still reeling from yesterday's discoveries. He had been in bad situations before, but what he experienced yesterday was off the limit. I wonder how is she doing though. He wondered to himself. Ravenclaw girls can be very catty when the situation arises. It was the first day of school and English boarding schools like Hogwarts could be very different from Russian style schools - what ever they were called. And for some reason, Sirius felt compelled to find out how she was faring.
"Don't worry Sirius, I'm sure nothing drastic has happened to our princess." Lily reassured Sirius as she slid into the seat beside James. But Sirius was apprehensive. He had this feeling, as if someone had walked over his grave, that Narcissa needed help, fast.
"Even if something did happen to her, you wouldn't be able to help." Remus pointed out matter-of-factly as he hopped into the seat beside Sirius.
"Thanks a lot Remus." Sirius growled.
"Hey, I'm just stating facts. You are just a small fry to her. Something along the lines of ants to crush?" Remus replied calmly, flipping the pages of England's Mages by Ree Porter for research.
"Whatever, Remus. Are we still going to do homework here?" James shook his head and tried to appease his friends. "Because I have tons to do. I never realised Mac Gonagall was in fact so evil." He sighed and glanced mournfully at his pile of books. " I'll never finish this in time for practice."
"That's okay James, I'll help you." Lily cooed soothingly, placing her arms on James.
"Yeah, and I'll help. Sirius, I guess." Remus shrugged, pushing his work aside and turning towards Sirius. "We'll make sure we finish this before Quidditch practice. I promise."
~*~
Narcissa slumped into her bed, tired out. It was a long hard day, and she had her aching limbs to prove it. She closed her eyes and tried to visualise her mother in her head. Are you there, mother? She called out. I really miss you. So many things have happened since you left me. Dad brought a new wife home, and Aunt Nicola was forced to accept her, in case of a royal scandal. I hate her. She is Glenda Tzechovsky mom, the one you crowned Miss Russia and later on came back as reigning Miss World. She has been eyeing your seat in the Russian throne for a long time, and . she used Dad as a stepping stone. Talking about Dad, did you know that he can't tell the difference between a riot and a revolution anymore? He leaves everything to Glenda and Aunt Nicola is having a very hard time as reigning matriach of Russia. I'm scared mom. Aunt Nicola crowned me Crown princess of Russia, so in case she dies, Dad won't take over. But I've been sent to an English Wizarding School and I'm afraid. what if our people revolt against my authority?
Narcissa poured out her heart and soul to the ghostly memory of her mother. It was childish, she knew, but her mother had always been the one closest to her, and talking to her was the only way Narcissa knew of pouring her feelings out. Her father wouldn't help. Romeo Van Gother would only try to rape her, he was virtually useless.
Suddenly, a soft flapping of wings broke her thoughts. Narcissa looked up, and saw an owl perched at the edge of her nightstand.
"Hello there." She smiled and held out her hand to beckon the owl nearer. The owl half flapped, half hopped its way towards the bed, and it was then that Narcissa spotted the large scroll tied to its leg. She crawled over to the other side of her four poster bed and grabbed the hooting owl before it disturbed the rest of the Ravenclaw girls and get her into trouble. After holding it in her arms for a while, the owl fell into a deep sleep and Narcissa was able to take off its load easily
Narcissa slowly and carefully inspected the scroll. It was made from tough tree bark, the kind which she had seen being sold widely in Russia. The handwriting was small and prim, its curly letters all straight and well- spaced out.
Darling niece, it read. This is your aunt writing all the way from Russia. I do not know whether this would reach you as I do not know where your father has sent you. I am sure it is not Durmstrang, your father's woman would not be so kind. Anyway, I trust that this owl will find you. Does she look familiar? She is the daughter of your pet owl, Anolvia. I know your father took Anolvia away from you right after your mother died, I took her in my care and bred her with one of my finest messenger owls. She has six beautiful childen now. I call this one Patrika, but you can name her something of your liking. Patrika had developed a liking for your belongings since she was a chick. She must have developed her mother's genes. Therefore I trust that she will find you. Keep her, she's yours, she will never bow to the service of another. Believe me, I've tried. Ah my little duckie, take care, for Glenda Tzechovsky is not one to be trifled with.
Aunt Nicola
Narcissa stared at the letter a few more times. It was unnatural that her aunt would send her a letter without reason. And "duckie"? Narcissa was never called "duckie" even when her mother was around. What did her aunt really mean? Narcissa looked over to the sleeping owl. It was silvery grey, and bore great resemblance to her childhood companion - Anolvia. Patrika - mischief reborn. No better name could be chosen. Narcissa smiled to herself. Finally, she had a friend.
"Get that mangy bird out of the dormitory!" A shrill voice made Narcissa jump in surprise. She turned around to see who it was and as she expected, it was Mandy, a fellow first year Ravenclaw who thought herself as the beauty of the Hogwarts tower. Mandy and Narcissa had not hit it off when they first met, and the animosity between them grew faster than the fire in the commonroom fireplace. Mandy could not stand Narcissa's natural platinum blonde curls, pearl white skin and svelte figure, and Narcissa could not stand Mandy's streaming tantrums, screeching voice and unbelievable vanity.
"I know I heard Professor Mac Gonagall say that Hogwarts students were allowed to keep their pets beside them." Narcissa replied coolly, stroking Patrika as she spoke. Faced with such a strong argument as that, Mandy was left speechless and she huffed pettily as she marched out of the dormitory. All eyes were fixed on Narcissa now.
"Great going Princess," One of the girls spat in anger. "Now she'll bring her darling asthmatic pug into the dorm and all our belongings will be soaked in pug pee before the week is out." True enough, Mandy marched triumphantly into the dormitory with a small dog that was wheezing uncontrollably a few moments later.
"You can't stop me from sleeping with my darling Jug-Jug now!" She declared in her nasal voice. "Unless that measly flea bag of an owl goes too!" At that moment, Patrika awoke and opened her large aqua eyes. She hooted a few times and struggled to turn herself over. Narcissa promptly forgot about the skinny Mandy and her incredibly similar dog, and nudged the owl over on its side. As soon as she could stand, the owl walked about on Narcissa's bed, exploring this new world so far from home. Her bright silvery feathers shimmered in the afternoon sun as she hopped onto the bedpost and dug her claws into the fine teak wood. Murmurs of wonder passed over the other girls. They had never seen a Russian owl before, and they were impressed by its silvery coloured feathers. Actually, Narcissa never uncovered the secret to why Russian birds had silvery colours. To her, it was a way of life - a fact that she took as true. Now, as she sat thinking about it, she felt a great sense of pride for her country and the birds that reside on its lands.
Mandy chewed her bottom lip as she watched Narcissa's pet cosy up on the bedpost. She had never been allowed to own an owl and not such a magnificent owl as this. Jug -Jug was an old pet, but the only one she had been allowed to care for. It wasn't fair that some Russian foreigner should come into Hogwarts and have everyone bow to her wishes. Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched both master and pet steal the limelight from her. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair. So what if she was part of a royal family? She still had to obey the rules like everyone else, eat everything they ate and wear everything everyone wore. It was a system all girls resented - Uniformity. Yet how come Narcissa could shine through like a star while all the other girls had to stay in the shadows?
~*~
"Because of reasons you cannot understand, boys." Lucius replied loftily. Ever since he started fourth year together with his henchmen, Crabbe and Goyle, they have been driving him crazy with their incessant questions about Narcissa. Why is he inviting a first year when he could have the most fabulous fourth year in the world - Rita Skeeter? What is so good about this first year? Would she accept the invitation? Who is Rita Skeeter going with? How many times had he asked this first year about the Yule Ball? Was he going to open up his Gringotts bank vault for this first year? The list continued on. Frankly, Lucius found it extremely irritating that both Crabbe and Goyle referred to Narcissa as "that first year".
Narcissa tossed and turned on her bed. It's only three am in the morning. The sun isn't up so what am I doing? She admonished herself, looking up into the stone ceiling. She sighed. Home seemed so far away right now, all her problems, all her worries. all a thousand miles or more away from where she lay down. With one fluid motion, she got up from bed and looked out her window. Where IS home? She thought to herself, as she watched the spaced out lights glimmering in the country side like stars. No where. The answer sounded out in her mind, a harsh reality that Narcissa never could escape. She used to wander up to the top of the tower of the castle and look over the bustling life in St. Petersburg when she was a little girl and wonder what part she had in all of it. Sure, she was the crown princess, and the succeeder to the throne. But how did she fit into all of it?
"Can't sleep can you?" A voice broke Narcissa's thought train. "Well, you're not alone, your highness. I can't sleep too."
The voice sounded tense, and afraid to continue. Narcissa could tell that the words were chosen and thought over. In a way, she was annoyed at the cowardly attitude of the speaker, yet she was thankful for the show of respect at this hour.
" Do you miss your home too?" Narcissa asked softly. "I do." She admitted, sensing the cold silent atmosphere in the girls dormitory. She knew many girls were awake at this hour. She saw them sit up and talk to each other while she was pretending to sleep. I miss my childhood too. The warmth, the sunshine, the happiness, the love.Narcissa padded softly to the window beside her bed with her pillow and blanket, spending the rest of her hours awake looking back as far as she can to Russia, and to her past.
~*~
Morning came, and Lucius was the first one up. He stretched himself lazily, and slipped his feet into the warm woolen slippers at the side of his bed. Today was a big day for Lucius, he was launching his campaign to catch the heart of the Russian princess. Not that he needed her money and status, the Malfoys have been a small yet well-known family in Europe, everyone knew who he was. Her Royal Highness was a sort of challenge, a tempting prize for the able hunter. Winning her over was a piece of cake, after all, who didn't want to be seen with the "Prince"? How about James Potter and Sirius Black? A little voice sounded at the back of his head. Lucius frowned, a rare thing for him to do as frowning caused wrinkles on the forehead prematurely. Yes, Potter and Black were a problem, a hitch in his perfect plan, a thorn in his thumb. They were irritating him, but how, just how to get rid of them? The both of them posed a threat to him. They were also tall and quite good-looking to an extent, and the girls in Hogwarts think they are a positively yummy pair. Surely the princess might had better taste? "Things will change after the ball, no one can fight with me then." Lucius thought aloud to himself. Yes, Narcissa would see Lucius' true stunning colours if she hadn't seen them before already on the night of the Yule Ball. She would positively have to fall for him.
~*~
Narcissa enjoyed her first breakfast at Hogwarts. She had to admit that she had wronged the chefs who cooked up such a storm for breakfast. Although the thought that it might be magicked to seem so crossed her mind, she couldn't help but pronounce this simple looking meal as heavenly.
Unfortunately, the rest of her day was not that fantastic. Narcissa was undoubtedly a new girl in England, the wizarding world and also Hogwarts. She had no idea what she was supposed to do, and where she was supposed to go. Hogwarts was big and beautiful, but it was definitely not tourist friendly. Corridors were long, narrow and dark; doors were not labeled; staircases move from one corner of the floor to the other; some classrooms had no proper doors. The list went on. Most of the moving pictures weren't very helpful, they kept bubbling on and on about how honoured they were in being chosen to be queried by the first royal member studying in the school for a few milleniums. The ghosts floating around the compound did not give much sane advice. Some poltergeist they called Peeves kept breathing down her neck, and a ghost which introduced himself as Sir Nicholas kept showing his nearly headless state. It was awful. Only a lady portrait helped her get some help from her warm-blooded peers.
"Walk straight, turn left, walk past the fifteenth candle stand and make a right. First door on the left." Those were the instructions left with her by some seemingly kind Ravenclaw senior. It wasn't until an hour later, when she wandered into a dilapidated classroom and found the grouchy school janitor - Mr Argus Filch - in her face, did she realise that the instructions were false and she was terribly late for Potions class.
Of course, the Potions Professor was not pleased. He had a real passion for the Precise Arts, and he could not stand it when a pupil blatantly showed his disgust for the subject.
"Miss Legalov. Although it seems that you come from a wealthy family, it is unladylike to throw your weight, as little as it is, around." The professor snarled menacingly. Narcissa wanted to argue in her defense, but seeing the whole class staring at her, she decided to let it rest. She sighed deeply, and tried to find a seat. Most of the girls glared at her as she tried to approach their table. It was clear that she was not wanted. Rolling her eyeballs, she went to sit with a group of boys, who were only delighted to have her.
I can't believe that this is actually happening to me. Narcissa thought to herself. I have never done anything to incur their wrath. I'm the princess for goodness sakes! She tried to concentrate on bat's ears and jug-jug roots, but it was hard considering that many pairs of eyes were boring holes into her back.
~*~
"So, Sirius. Met up with your Ravenclaw Russian yet?" James teased as he sat down next to his best friend. Sirius only shook his head, and said nothing else. His mind was still reeling from yesterday's discoveries. He had been in bad situations before, but what he experienced yesterday was off the limit. I wonder how is she doing though. He wondered to himself. Ravenclaw girls can be very catty when the situation arises. It was the first day of school and English boarding schools like Hogwarts could be very different from Russian style schools - what ever they were called. And for some reason, Sirius felt compelled to find out how she was faring.
"Don't worry Sirius, I'm sure nothing drastic has happened to our princess." Lily reassured Sirius as she slid into the seat beside James. But Sirius was apprehensive. He had this feeling, as if someone had walked over his grave, that Narcissa needed help, fast.
"Even if something did happen to her, you wouldn't be able to help." Remus pointed out matter-of-factly as he hopped into the seat beside Sirius.
"Thanks a lot Remus." Sirius growled.
"Hey, I'm just stating facts. You are just a small fry to her. Something along the lines of ants to crush?" Remus replied calmly, flipping the pages of England's Mages by Ree Porter for research.
"Whatever, Remus. Are we still going to do homework here?" James shook his head and tried to appease his friends. "Because I have tons to do. I never realised Mac Gonagall was in fact so evil." He sighed and glanced mournfully at his pile of books. " I'll never finish this in time for practice."
"That's okay James, I'll help you." Lily cooed soothingly, placing her arms on James.
"Yeah, and I'll help. Sirius, I guess." Remus shrugged, pushing his work aside and turning towards Sirius. "We'll make sure we finish this before Quidditch practice. I promise."
~*~
Narcissa slumped into her bed, tired out. It was a long hard day, and she had her aching limbs to prove it. She closed her eyes and tried to visualise her mother in her head. Are you there, mother? She called out. I really miss you. So many things have happened since you left me. Dad brought a new wife home, and Aunt Nicola was forced to accept her, in case of a royal scandal. I hate her. She is Glenda Tzechovsky mom, the one you crowned Miss Russia and later on came back as reigning Miss World. She has been eyeing your seat in the Russian throne for a long time, and . she used Dad as a stepping stone. Talking about Dad, did you know that he can't tell the difference between a riot and a revolution anymore? He leaves everything to Glenda and Aunt Nicola is having a very hard time as reigning matriach of Russia. I'm scared mom. Aunt Nicola crowned me Crown princess of Russia, so in case she dies, Dad won't take over. But I've been sent to an English Wizarding School and I'm afraid. what if our people revolt against my authority?
Narcissa poured out her heart and soul to the ghostly memory of her mother. It was childish, she knew, but her mother had always been the one closest to her, and talking to her was the only way Narcissa knew of pouring her feelings out. Her father wouldn't help. Romeo Van Gother would only try to rape her, he was virtually useless.
Suddenly, a soft flapping of wings broke her thoughts. Narcissa looked up, and saw an owl perched at the edge of her nightstand.
"Hello there." She smiled and held out her hand to beckon the owl nearer. The owl half flapped, half hopped its way towards the bed, and it was then that Narcissa spotted the large scroll tied to its leg. She crawled over to the other side of her four poster bed and grabbed the hooting owl before it disturbed the rest of the Ravenclaw girls and get her into trouble. After holding it in her arms for a while, the owl fell into a deep sleep and Narcissa was able to take off its load easily
Narcissa slowly and carefully inspected the scroll. It was made from tough tree bark, the kind which she had seen being sold widely in Russia. The handwriting was small and prim, its curly letters all straight and well- spaced out.
Darling niece, it read. This is your aunt writing all the way from Russia. I do not know whether this would reach you as I do not know where your father has sent you. I am sure it is not Durmstrang, your father's woman would not be so kind. Anyway, I trust that this owl will find you. Does she look familiar? She is the daughter of your pet owl, Anolvia. I know your father took Anolvia away from you right after your mother died, I took her in my care and bred her with one of my finest messenger owls. She has six beautiful childen now. I call this one Patrika, but you can name her something of your liking. Patrika had developed a liking for your belongings since she was a chick. She must have developed her mother's genes. Therefore I trust that she will find you. Keep her, she's yours, she will never bow to the service of another. Believe me, I've tried. Ah my little duckie, take care, for Glenda Tzechovsky is not one to be trifled with.
Aunt Nicola
Narcissa stared at the letter a few more times. It was unnatural that her aunt would send her a letter without reason. And "duckie"? Narcissa was never called "duckie" even when her mother was around. What did her aunt really mean? Narcissa looked over to the sleeping owl. It was silvery grey, and bore great resemblance to her childhood companion - Anolvia. Patrika - mischief reborn. No better name could be chosen. Narcissa smiled to herself. Finally, she had a friend.
"Get that mangy bird out of the dormitory!" A shrill voice made Narcissa jump in surprise. She turned around to see who it was and as she expected, it was Mandy, a fellow first year Ravenclaw who thought herself as the beauty of the Hogwarts tower. Mandy and Narcissa had not hit it off when they first met, and the animosity between them grew faster than the fire in the commonroom fireplace. Mandy could not stand Narcissa's natural platinum blonde curls, pearl white skin and svelte figure, and Narcissa could not stand Mandy's streaming tantrums, screeching voice and unbelievable vanity.
"I know I heard Professor Mac Gonagall say that Hogwarts students were allowed to keep their pets beside them." Narcissa replied coolly, stroking Patrika as she spoke. Faced with such a strong argument as that, Mandy was left speechless and she huffed pettily as she marched out of the dormitory. All eyes were fixed on Narcissa now.
"Great going Princess," One of the girls spat in anger. "Now she'll bring her darling asthmatic pug into the dorm and all our belongings will be soaked in pug pee before the week is out." True enough, Mandy marched triumphantly into the dormitory with a small dog that was wheezing uncontrollably a few moments later.
"You can't stop me from sleeping with my darling Jug-Jug now!" She declared in her nasal voice. "Unless that measly flea bag of an owl goes too!" At that moment, Patrika awoke and opened her large aqua eyes. She hooted a few times and struggled to turn herself over. Narcissa promptly forgot about the skinny Mandy and her incredibly similar dog, and nudged the owl over on its side. As soon as she could stand, the owl walked about on Narcissa's bed, exploring this new world so far from home. Her bright silvery feathers shimmered in the afternoon sun as she hopped onto the bedpost and dug her claws into the fine teak wood. Murmurs of wonder passed over the other girls. They had never seen a Russian owl before, and they were impressed by its silvery coloured feathers. Actually, Narcissa never uncovered the secret to why Russian birds had silvery colours. To her, it was a way of life - a fact that she took as true. Now, as she sat thinking about it, she felt a great sense of pride for her country and the birds that reside on its lands.
Mandy chewed her bottom lip as she watched Narcissa's pet cosy up on the bedpost. She had never been allowed to own an owl and not such a magnificent owl as this. Jug -Jug was an old pet, but the only one she had been allowed to care for. It wasn't fair that some Russian foreigner should come into Hogwarts and have everyone bow to her wishes. Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched both master and pet steal the limelight from her. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair. So what if she was part of a royal family? She still had to obey the rules like everyone else, eat everything they ate and wear everything everyone wore. It was a system all girls resented - Uniformity. Yet how come Narcissa could shine through like a star while all the other girls had to stay in the shadows?
~*~
"Because of reasons you cannot understand, boys." Lucius replied loftily. Ever since he started fourth year together with his henchmen, Crabbe and Goyle, they have been driving him crazy with their incessant questions about Narcissa. Why is he inviting a first year when he could have the most fabulous fourth year in the world - Rita Skeeter? What is so good about this first year? Would she accept the invitation? Who is Rita Skeeter going with? How many times had he asked this first year about the Yule Ball? Was he going to open up his Gringotts bank vault for this first year? The list continued on. Frankly, Lucius found it extremely irritating that both Crabbe and Goyle referred to Narcissa as "that first year".
