Another short chapter, though I have every intention of making them longer as things pick up. Much thanks to all those who reviewed, especially Saturnine, as they are new! :) And as always, Duckky and NAZ1.
My life is extremely hectic right now, so please endure with me.
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For a few blissful hours - most of which I was asleep – I forgot my predicament. Unfortunately, the sun rose, life continued, and I could not feign sickness for the whole of Christmas vacation.
I went to breakfast the next morning fully expecting the Inquisition to be waiting for me. But it didn't come. Mother nodded as usual, asked if I was feeling better, and that was the end of it. She fussed over some decision the Ministry had made while Father ignored her. I think she used to be pretty, I know it's from her I get my black hair, which everyone says is my finest feature. But age and stress do not become her. Her long hair grays, her fair skin sags. I never want to get old, it looks so unpleasant.
"Did you know," said Bella through a spoonful of oatmeal, "that if you were born on a Friday, you're destined to be wealthy?"
Narcissa opened her mouth, as though about to say something mean, but thought better of it and ventured to interrupt our mother's rant. "What day was I born, Mother?"
"Check the family bible. How am I supposed to know?"
"Well, you were there."
"I was born on a Tuesday," Bella said importantly. "It means I'm loyal."
"It means you're a twit," said Narcissa under her breath. I was the only one who heard her, so I gave her hand a sharp poke with my fork. She glared at me but did nothing.
But now I am worried. The family bible records every marriage, birth and death in the family. What's more, it does so by itself. For example, when Cousin Cassie got married, they had the thing planned for two years in advance, so the book knew then. Two years is much longer than nine months.
I must take action soon. I must do something, else my nerves will probably short from this worry. Damn it all, do you know what I mean? Everything to hell, with me.