Chapter 8
Lucius was entertaining the following day. 'Entertaining' usually meant he had some important guests that he wanted to bribe, blackmail, intimidate or impress. Narcissa sat quietly at dinner while her husband talked of politics to Cuthbert Mockridge and Barnabas Cuffe. He really did have a talent, thought Narcissa, of making himself appear in complete agreement with people he detested. Lucius Malfoy could get on with anyone. Cuthbert Mockridge, who worked in the Goblin Liason office at the Ministry of Magic, was an intensely dull man, who was talking of the clashes the Ministry was having with the Brotherhood of Goblins, the Goblins' rights group. It was not gripping conversation. Barnabas Cuffe, who had recently become the editor of the Daily Prophet, was holding back a yawn with some difficulty.
"So you see," went on Mockridge, "the goblins feel there is really no-one else they can turn to. They feel the B.O.G are just not doing enough."
Lucius raised his eyebrows. "Well of course, we have all heard rumours that He-who-must-not-be-named, is offering the goblins higher rewards."
Narcissa's eyes flicked to her husbands' sharply. Barnabas Cuffe sat up straighter in his chair. Mockridge seemed slightly taken aback.
"Well… well, quite. Of course. That is quite the issue, Malfoy. We must find ways of offering the goblins what they want so that they do not turn to that particular path that you have just... er… mentioned."
Lucius gave an odd sort of smile. "No indeed." He turned to Barnabas Cuffe. "And Mr Cuffe, what is your opinion of the B.O.G? I do so want to hear it from your perspective."
Narcissa relaxed again. She knew Lucius loved to play dangerously. There had been many suspicions about the Malfoy family with regards to Lord Voldemort, but so far her husband's position as a Death Eater was unknown. Mentioning the Dark Lord, if only in passing, was very risky, especially right in front of the editor of the Daily Prophet.
It was difficult to concentrate on the conversation. Narcissa knew she should appear interested, but her mind was completely taken up with thoughts of Benjy Fenwick. Quite simply, Narcissa was verging on panic. Mr Fenwick had looked at her in a way that nobody had ever looked at her before. He had spoken to her (in such a bold manner too) in a way that made her tremble. She was terrified of him. She was so used to having a front, having a mask that no-one could see through that to meet someone who instantly saw her feelings unnerved her completely. It was only when she heard the scrapping of chairs around her that she realized they had finished eating, and that the men were leaving. Lucius was offering Barnabas Cuffe some floo powder. He took some and turned to Narcissa.
"Thank you, Mr and Mrs Malfoy, it has been a delightful evening with you both, I am sorry to have to leave so soon."
"It is such a shame you're being worked so hard. It's a disgrace, these days, that a man can't work when he wants." Lucius heaved a sigh and gazed around at the luxury of his manor that stated clearly that Lucius could work exactly when he wanted. "I hope we see you again soon, Mr Cuffe." Mr Cuffe nodded curtly and with a flare of green flames was gone.
"Now, Mr Mockridge." Lucius turned to Mr Mockridge with a slightly twisted smile. Narcissa watched warily. "I was so interested in what you were saying about the Dark Lord." Mockridge spluttered slightly.
"What… what I was saying, Mr Malfoy?"
"Yes indeed, were you not saying that you thought the Dark Lord was offering the goblins rewards and rights beyond their wildest dreams?"
"Oh, well… I… I had heard that… that is not to say that I think…" He trailed off.
Narcissa saw the smallest flick from Lucius' wand.
"But you understand of course that the best course of action for these dissatisfied goblins is to join forces with the Dark Lord and his followers?" Lucius questioned, eying Mockridge intently.
"But of course, Oh, I understand, Mr Malfoy, I understand." Mockridge suddenly seemed relieved. "Yes indeed, indeed."
Lucius raised an eyebrow. "And so you will inform the goblins that I have answers for them, and can point them in the right direction, so to speak?"
Mockridge seemed positively jovial now. "Oh of course, my dear man, where else! I shall tell them all!"
Lucius held up a warning hand. "Now, now, you wouldn't want everyone to know that though, would you. If people thought you were involved with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, they might not think you fit for your job now would they?"
"Oh, but of course, of course!" spluttered Mockridge. "Anything you say, Mr Mafloy, anything you say."
The darker side of Narcissa was amused by her husbands games. Today she was simply tired of it. She turned and went out of the room. She knew Lucius would not have as much fun bewitching Mr Mockridge without an audience, but today she did not care. All her thoughts were directed towards Mr Fenwick. They were to have their second sitting the following morning. Narcissa was dreading it, and longing for it. She was doing well to keep her emotions from Lucius, she thought, as she went into the parlour. He was normally fairly perceptive, but had noticed nothing as of yet.
The Malfoy's parlour was large, and ostentatiously decorated like most of the manor. Narcissa settled into one of the plush armchairs and gazed at the empty grate. A moment later she noticed a light dusting of ash fall down into the it, and heard the distant whoosh that meant Mr Mockridge was departing. She sighed. Lucius was so influential. She knew most women in her circle envied her such a powerful husband. Narcissa felt she would do anything to be with someone far less significant.
She noticed a folded piece of parchment on the table in front of her and recognized her sister's writing. She unfolded it curiously, and read. It was a note to her husband.
Lucius,
We are holding a little party here on Friday and would be delighted if you could come, it just wouldn't be the same without you. Bring Narcissa too of course. It will just be a select gathering, you know I never invite any riffraff.
Yours,
Bella
Narcissa gazed blankly at it for a moment, unsure what to think. She knew that Bellatrix did not think particularly highly of her, and that by contrast she rather respected Lucius, but Narcissa felt slightly humiliated that Bellatrix had invited Lucius, without addressing her sister as well. She did not have long to ponder on the subject, for at that moment Lucius himself walked in. He was looking particularly smug, obviously because of his triumph over Mockridge.
"Excellent, Narcissa, excellent." He walked over, and then realized that she was reading the letter from Bellatrix. "Ah yes, the invitation from your sister. I forgot to mention it." Narcissa said nothing. Lucius changed the subject. "Did you not think Cuffe a rather interesting man?" He asked his wife.
"What are your intentions with him, Lucius?" Asked Narcissa. "Surely the Prophet will never be writing stories that help… the cause."
"No. Of course not. It is too tied in with the Ministry for that. No…" Lucius looked thoughtful. "It is more that I hope to be able to place some… misleading stories in the press. Help those idiots to point themselves in the wrong direction. We have had too many close calls here. I must keep our name protected. Which reminds me, Narcissa, have you made an appearance at the St Mungo's Charity Ladies' society yet this month?"
"Yes, I attended their meeting a fortnight ago. And the Wizard Orphans' Trust lunch last week. The name Malfoy is associated with just about every good cause in Britain, Lucius, never fear."
"You are too good, Narcissa. I hope you donate generously?" Lucius drawled. "We only want the best impression of the family."
"But of course."
"Good." Lucius stepped closer and Narcissa tensed slightly. She did not want Lucius near her when she was feeling so emotionally fragile. "There are great times ahead, Narcissa." Lucius had a slightly manic glint in his eyes. "The Dark Lord has such an army now… the giants, the dementors. And I hope to be able to provide him soon with goblins, as you heard. Nothing will stand in our way." Lucius put his arms around Narcissa's waist. "Purebloods will finally dominate. He will reward those who have been true. All others will be slaves… and soon… soon he will have gathered enough strength to attack the school. And that fool Dumbledore will be no more." Narcissa shivered slightly. "Yes," went on Lucius. "It is deliciously exciting, isn't it?"
"Lucius, I - " but Lucius interrupted her. "Come now, Narcissa, you have been excessively moody in the last few days. Where is the old Narcissa?" He kissed her, pressing her to him and she gasped slightly as she gave in. It was too dangerous to refuse.
Two hours later Narcissa and Lucius were once more standing before the artist as he painted, absorbed by his work. Narcissa could feel her husband's eyes on her and it made her nervous, as though being in the presence of Benjy was some sort of a betrayal. They had not spoken much during the last sitting, but this time it seemed Lucius wanted to find out a little more about the man he had employed.
"So tell me Mr Fenwick, how long have you been in this profession?"
Benjy did not answer immediately as he was concentrating on the tip of his wand from which paint was coming out. Once he had finished a particular stroke he replied while considering his canvas.
"I began training after leaving Hogwarts… and I have been painting independently now for about five years." He went back to his work.
"And I hear you paint many… influential wizards?" Lucius inquired, a nonchalant tone to his voice, though Narcissa knew he was hoping to find out that the man was worthy of the Malfoys.
"I do not boast about the subjects of my paintings, Mr Malfoy. I feel the quality of the painting is what matters more than the subject matter."
Lucius did not appear at all pleased with this answer. He did not frown, but his face darkened slightly. "Do you indeed." Was all he replied.
After a few minutes more Lucius suddenly asked, "And what, pray, is your background, Mr Fenwick?" Narcissa could tell this question had only just occurred to him. Lucius always liked to know if someone was not a pureblood, and she hoped for Benjy's sake that he was.
Benjy Fenwick seemed to know that the answer to this question would make or break his reputation with Malfoy. He paused in his work, and looked Lucius in the eye.
"I am Muggleborn, Mr Malfoy."
He then went back to his work, with a small smile playing about his lips. Lucius barely concealed a sneer.
"A Muggleborn, who painted the portrait of our Minister of Magic?"
"Indeed." Replied Benjy, concentrating once more on the painting.
Lucius looked as though he could not decide whether to be angry or scornful. He settled for both.
"It is rare that such as you enter this house, you know, Mr Fenwick. Had I know beforehand… The Malfoys have always only seen fit to entertain and employ wizards of the highest…" But here he was interrupted by Benjy.
"Would you be quiet please, Mr Malfoy, I am trying to paint your mouth."
Narcissa was quite true that Benjy was doing nothing of the sort, and concealed her amusement with difficulty. She was horrified to find herself almost laughing at Lucius in front of a near stranger. She admired Benjy for being so seemingly oblivious to Lucius' feelings however. He did not seem to care that he was Muggleborn, and cared less that he had just insulted one of the most influential men of the wizarding world.
Lucius was looking ferocious. He had no choice but to be silent but Narcissa knew that he was enraged. Still feeling a traitor at inwardly laughing with Benjy, Narcissa also felt a tinge of regret that he had done it. Benjy, after all, did not have to face Lucius afterwards.
They passed the rest of the sitting in silence, and when Benjy finally tapped his canvas to shrink it down to postcard size again Lucius stepped forward.
"You should watch your step, Fenwick." He sneered. "Do not go angering men who are able to squash you like a troublesome fly with only a moment's warning. I am sure you do not want to reach that rather messy end."
Lucius turned towards the door, and Narcissa could have sworn she heard Benjy mutter as Mr Malfoy walked away, "There are advantages to being a fly on the wall, Malfoy."
Lucius stopped at the door and turned. "Come, Narcissa. The elves will show you out, Mr Fenwick."
Narcissa turned rather helplessly towards Benjy, wishing she could apologize for her husband but knowing it was out of the question. However Benjy was looking at Narcissa and nodded slightly as though he understood. He reached out and shook her hand. "Until next time then, Mrs Malfoy."
Narcissa said nothing as he strode out past Lucius without giving him a second glance. A moment later she heard the sound of the floo and knew he was gone.
"Narcissa, we are dining with the Carrows tonight so be ready to leave at seven." Lucius said to her. "And do try and act like a good wife, Narcissa, I do not wish to have to punish you." He drawled, flicking his wand at her as he left the room and causing a sharp shot of pain to dash through her. "That is just a reminder…" he called as he walked away.
Narcissa balled her fists tightly so that her nails dug into the skin of her palms to prevent herself crying out at the pain. As she did so she realized a small piece of parchment was clutched in her fist.
With a sharp intake of breath she realized Benjy must have given it to her when he had shaken her hand. Looking up quickly to check that Lucius was gone, she unfolded it.
I know I do a dangerous thing in writing you a note, but I must see you. Meet me in the Leaky Cauldron this Saturday at 3.00. It is not be safe to be recognized these days so take necessary precautions. It's a bitter wind outside.
B.F
Narcissa had no sooner finished reading the note than it turned before her eyes into fine dust, falling through her fingers to the floor.
Coming soon: Chapter nine, a party with Bellatrix and much indecision.
A/N:
On a general note, thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed this story. It is your reviews which keep me updating.
A point on Narcissa: I really must stress that the Narcissa I am writing about is simply my interpretation of how Narcissa Malfoy is in the books. I wrote the plan for this story before book six came out, and there was very little information on Narcissa to be had (although in fact the information about her we receive in book six does not contradict my view). Consequently the context for this story is based almost entirely on my imagination. I do not believe that Lucius and Narcissa have a happy relationship, but that is just my opinion.
As to where you all think this story is going I love hearing your views. You all have some great ideas and I really enjoy reading what you think. Thank you so much for all your comments.