Author's Note: Thank you for all of your reviews! I love getting them! They
really make my day! I am kind of sick right now, but all your reviews make
me forget that I am. Don't worry about me, though, I am still writing after
all. I hope this chapter would evoke some emotions in all of you. I know it
has with me! The new chapter is here, I hope you all enjoy it. I had a lot
of fun writing it! Just a quick reminder, do not jump to conclusions just
yet. The story is still unfolding. Read on!
Chapter 17: The Beginning
Some thirty-two years back, England...
"I will not marry him!" exclaimed a very angry Narcissa de Gervais to her mother. The beautiful girl of only nineteen years of age was currently with her arms crossed over her chest and with a very determined look on her face.
"You will, Narcissa. Your father has decreed it to be so!" Her mother, Alessandra, said.
"Mother, please." Narcissa argued as she threw her hands up in the air. "I am sure father declared this wedding with him being drunk again! And I believe that Father has gone mad!"
"He has not. I believe that he was making the best choice for you."
"The best choice for me?" Narcissa echoed, incredulous. "Mother, have you even seen him? He's ghastly and gruesome! I will not marry him!"
"You will!" Her mother argued.
"I won't! I am only of nineteen years of age-"
"It is but the proper age to marry."
"Not to a man ten years older! And the Lord knows how many bastards he has!"
"Narcissa!"
"Well, it's true, Mother."
Alessandra pressed her lips together. "You father has decreed it to be so, Narcissa. You cannot sway your father's decisions."
"Oh I know that, Mother." Narcissa said, toning down her voice. "But did he have to decree it to that man?"
"Yes, my daughter."
Narcissa groaned. "I cannot believe this... just today..." Narcissa said helplessly, sitting down on her bed and quietly crying.
Today, as it had gone, was tragic and tumultuous. But the real story had started a few weeks before this particular day, with Lord Geoffrey de Gervais, making the worst mistake of his life. He had stupidly made a bet whilst he was drunk... and it all went down into this situation.
Lord Geoffrey had placed his family's wealth on the betting table... and he had lost. To Lord Madigan Durant.
When Lord Geoffrey came home, he did not tell this news to everyone; only to his wife, Alessandra. They had talked about it, fought about it and cursed each other about it. But Lord Madigan was waiting for his treasure... or at least something valuable like it.
Lord Geoffrey's answer, to spare his family from poverty, was to sell his oldest daughter, Narcissa to Madigan in a form of a marriage.
Lord Madigan was unsure at first, but one glance at Narcissa, and he gladly accepted the offer.
After all, Narcissa was very much a beautiful woman.
In actuality, it was only today, two weeks after the sealing of the deal, that Narcissa came to know about the marriage. She was devastated and hurt and angry.
Madigan was known throughout the land to be a fierce and young lord. He could kill like no other, and have no remorse for it. People feared him, yet they could not elude his wealth and his heritage. He had a frightening face and was known to ravish poor young maidens when he felt like it. Hence, he had many bastards all throughout the land. The mothers of his bastards were in hiding, afraid of the shame and the exploitation. But Narcissa knew of someone personally who had gone through Madigan's sins.
It was from her handmaiden, Rowena Kinley, that she came to know about Madigan. Rowena had been raped two years back, when she was just thirteen, by Madigan himself when he found her sleeping under a tree after doing her chores. She had not told anyone, only her mistress.
She had killed the baby when it was still in her womb. But her closeness to Narcissa was the only thing that kept her going through life everyday. From that day, Narcissa had been scarred by Madigan even though it was not her in Rowena's place.
Apart from Madigan's sins and Madigan himself, there was also another more important reason why Narcissa did not want to proceed with this marriage.
It was because of Lucius Malfoy.
Narcissa had met Lucius only a couple of years ago. She had been riding her horse in the woods nearby her home when she saw him sitting below a shady tree, badly hurt and wounded. Immediately, she got off her horse and went to him. When Narcissa looked into the steely blue depths of his eyes, she was in love.
She helped him up and they proceeded to the castle where she tended him. As it turns out, Lucius had been in a fight and was resting at the foot of a tree.
When Narcissa learned more about him, she didn't know whether to be excited or afraid. Lucius was a knight without a lord. He was cast off when his lord found out that Lucius was a better knight that he would ever be. Lucius soon set out and came across a young man who was looking for a fight, so naturally, he obliged.
Narcissa was so captivated by him that she didn't care about his past life. She was more than eager to wish to spend her life with him.
Lucius, on the other hand, first thought of Narcissa as a child. Being four years older than her, he didn't expect that he would fall in love with her innocence and beauty. But the more time they spent together, the more he wanted her... and not only want in the carnal sense. He wanted to be with her for the rest of his life.
No one else knew of their meetings and their love. But Narcissa had given her heart, mind and soul to him long before he asked her for it.
And now, all was going to be lost... because Narcissa would be married to Madigan.
"Mother," Narcissa called out softly, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Yes, child?" Alessandra replied, looking toward her daughter and for the millionth time wished that there would be something better in store for her other than the marriage.
"When did Father set the wedding?" Narcissa asked, praying that it would be a month, no, two months from now. Enough time for her to break things with Lucius and prepare herself for a life of misery.
"The day after tomorrow." Was all her mother could say before tears welled up in both their eyes and they began to cry.
* * *
The next day, Narcissa went to the forest to fulfill the promise of meeting Lucius there. The last time they were together, he told her that he had a surprise for her. He was currently residing in a small cabin, a mile away from the woods; their woods.
She had cried all night and all morning until she thought that she could not waste anymore tears. More tears would be shed on her wedding day, she needed to save them. Her wedding day was tomorrow.
With a heavy heart, she walked through the woods. Only the crunching of the dirt and leaves below her feet was heard as she made her way to the tree where she found Lucius; their tree. She didn't look up, only focusing on the ground as she walked. She must've walked through this path a thousand times, because she knew where she was going without looking.
Then she stopped and looked up. Lucius was there, leaning on their tree, waiting for her. He was facing the opposite direction. His short blonde hair was being blown ever so subtly by the breeze and Narcissa felt the urge to run away and leave him; he never had to know about this.
But that would mean betraying him and herself as well. That would mean betraying their love that held strong for almost two years. She didn't want that to happen. And so, she forced the words out of her mouth.
"Lucius." She said, almost in a whisper, fighting back the tears that were beginning to fall. He turned and started to smile when he saw her... but his smile stopped short.
"Narcissa..." He said as he walked towards her and held her. Narcissa started to cry in his embrace. Lucius waited a few moments before speaking. "Why are you crying? Have I done something wrong?"
"No..." She answered in a small voice. "It is I who would be doing you wrong, not you."
"I don't understand, Narcissa." Lucius said.
She pulled away from his embrace and tried to look at him, but couldn't. Taking a few deep breaths, she regained composure and started to explain. "I... We..." she suppressed a sob. "You have to... leave, Lucius."
"What?" Lucius asked, looking at Narcissa as she finally looked up at him.
"We... can't continue with... this." She struggled to keep her voice even. "I... can't continue... with this."
"What? Why, Narcissa? Is it your father? Has he found out about us?"
"No... our secret is safe. But..."
"But?"
"You have to go Lucius... and find someone else." Narcissa said, the tears flowing, unchecked. "I'm not the... one for... you. Go..."
"What are you saying, Narcissa? You know it that we are meant to be together..." Lucius said, perplexed and confused.
"Just go, Lucius... Go." She started to walk away but Lucius quickly grabbed her and forced her to look into his eyes. He saw longing and love in them, though she was trying to keep them masked.
"No... not until you tell me why you have suddenly decided this." Lucius said, his voice hard.
Narcissa's eye welled up with tears, but she did not speak. Lucius shook her and asked her again.
"Why have you decided this, Narcissa?"
"You will hate me... and you will hate everything else if I told you."
"Damn it, Narcissa, tell me and I'll decide whether to hate or not. But just tell me!" He roared.
"I am to be married tomorrow." Narcissa blurted out. Lucius' eyes widened and he released her; too fast and she stumbled back. She rubbed her arms where Lucius had gripped her and leaned on a tree trunk. She cried as well.
Lucius began to pace the forest floor, thinking on what could have happened to make her want to marry tomorrow... and to whom?
"To whom?" He asked after a few minutes of being silent. He had stopped pacing the floor and had stopped just in front of her.
"To Madigan Durant." Narcissa said.
"That bastard!?!" Lucius roared.
Narcissa broke. She fell to her knees and sobbed. "It was not my choice, Lucius. I did not want this to happen."
"Then how-"
"My father." Narcissa said, her voice rising. "My father made an agreement with him. My father sold me to him!"
Lucius was silent for a moment. He watched as his love continued to weep uncontrollably but he was too stunned to do anything. How could a father sell his daughter to that man?! He thought as he knelt down on the ground and held her in his arms.
"Sssh, Narcissa..." He said comfortingly. "I'm sorry for being like that..."
"No... I'm sorry, Lucius..." She said.
"When did your father tell you about this wedding?" He asked. He was afraid that she had kept this all along, deceiving him that she would be with him when she was going to be married tomorrow.
"He told me... yesterday."
Yesterday?! Lucius' mind screamed. "Yesterday?" He asked helplessly.
"Yes." Was Narcissa's answer.
His arms tightened around her, as a plan began to formulate in his head. He would not lose her, she was his. He would not lose her, marriage or no. Father or no. He would not lose her!
"Narcissa, we have to get away from here." He said, pulling back to look at her.
She was stunned. "W-what?" She stammered.
"We will leave. Today. Right now, if you want to." Lucius said.
"No... I cannot leave... what about my family?"
"Your family sold you to a bastard, Narcissa. Why would you want to stay and see how life with a bastard is like?"
"But... my father will kill me! He will kill you!" Narcissa said.
"He won't. Not if we leave... He cannot kill us if he cannot find us!" Lucius reasoned.
"But... how?"
"Go back to the castle, and pack some clothing and food while I get a horse. I will wait for you below your bedroom window tonight. Tie up all your sheets and make a rope out of them, then anchor it to something sturdy and heavy. I will help you get down from your room."
"But..."
"But what? This is our chance, Narcissa. We will go to some place where no one will recognize us..." Lucius said. There was something about the way he said it, the way he instructed her, that was so determined that Narcissa nodded her head in agreement.
Lucius smiled as Narcissa did so too. After getting up from their position on the floor, Lucius made a few more instructions on how she would act when faced with her family and she nodded, intending to follow every word he told her.
Before she left though, Lucius gave her a quick kiss on the lips, telling her to be careful and not to be too obvious. She nodded and quickly made her way back to the castle. She would leave it forever... and she was looking forward to it.
Four hours later, Narcissa was a bundle of nerves. She had done exactly what Lucius had told her, all she had to do was wait for him. She was pacing the floor, but stopped. As if bearing some omen, a knock sounded on her door and it opened. Narcissa had to steel herself not to cry out. It was Lord Madigan Durant and he was looking more menacing than ever.
"M-my Lord Madigan." Narcissa said, bowing her head and telling her hands to stop shaking.
"Now, Narcissa, that is no way to greet your soon-to-be-husband." Madigan said snidely. "Call me Madigan, Narcissa. After all, we are to be wed tomorrow."
Narcissa certainly didn't need the insufferable son of a bitch to remind her of her wedding, and so, she just smiled politely and nodded her head. "Yes... Madigan."
"I like the way you say my name, my dear." Madigan said, taking a few steps closer and she had to fight the urge to jump off her window. "It has sort of sweetness to it that only you can say..."
"Thank you, Madigan." She replied. He was circling her, as if she were his prey. She followed him with her eyes, shaking so much she thought she would break. Then suddenly, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. Narcissa gasped and looked at him with wide eyes.
He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, smiling down at her in his malicious way. Narcissa was struggling.
"There is no need to struggle, my sweet. You would be in the same position tomorrow evening..." He paused, looking down at her gown that had quite a low neckline. "And probably with fewer clothes."
Narcissa said nothing. Then, Madigan kissed her. Long and hard and she struggled against his mouth. After what seemed to be eternity, he pulled away and smiled at her and released her. He walked to the door and opened it. Turning to her, he gave her one last evil smile then left, slamming the door behind him.
She breathed a sigh of relief and tried to ignore the disgusting feeling at the pit of her stomach when he laid his lips on hers.
A faint call of her name snapped her out of it and she rushed toward the window. She looked out and sure enough, Lucius was down there, looking up at her. Smiling brightly, she signaled him to wait as she got out the tied sheets and securely wrapped one end of it on one foot of her bed. Then she threw the other end out the window, along with a bag where she'd placed a few of her clothes and some food.
When she looked back out, Lucius was telling her to scale the wall using the bed sheets. He told her that if she fell, he had lain out a 'cushion' for her to fall on. If she did fall, that is. She nodded.
Taking a deep breath, Narcissa hoisted herself on the window sill and began her descent down the sheets. It took quite a few minutes but soon, Lucius had her in his arms and was saving his praise for her for later. The quickly got her belongings and were soon on the horse.
The ride out the gates proved to be tricky; they had to wait until every guard was not looking before racing out of the open portcullis. Lucius had gotten a horse without horseshoes, making each hoof beat almost noiselessly. They were a good hour away from the castle when the household learned of their escape.
Suffice it to say, Lord Geoffrey was outraged and ordered every single men on his troop to search for his daughter. Madigan had led the search, but it was fruitless. The couple was halfway to Scotland by the time the search began. When Lady Alessandra asked the servants and household of any lead and anyone who might be accountable to the abduction of her daughter, only one name was heard: Lucius Malfoy.
Madigan Durant cursed that day and Lucius Malfoy as well. He vowed to himself that there would be a time when he would have his revenge and Narcissa.
* * *
Fifteen years later...
"My Lord, your son has been wreaking havoc on my garden again..."
"Where is he?"
"With his mother, probably hiding from me... or you, my Lord."
"That may be so." Lucius said, smiling as he walked towards the castle; his castle. He had been seeing to the animals in his stables when he heard an exasperated yell from his gardener, Old Man Collie. When he rushed over, he saw that the flowers had been picked from their bushes. It was no question on who was to point for the deed.
Lucius looked around his castle. He searched every room until he stopped at the door to Narcissa's parlor. Without knocking, he opened the door and sure enough, his thirteen year old son was sitting on one of the chairs, a hasty bouquet of flowers in a vase on top of his mother's writing desk. He was reading a bit of parchment.
"Draco." Lucius called.
The boy looked up and grinned. "Yes, Father?"
"What is this with you wreaking havoc on Old Man's garden?"
"I wanted to give Mother something special."
Lucius considered his son for a while. They both had the same hair color and features. The only thing different was his son's eyes, which were a mix of gray and blue... something like him and Narcissa. Draco looked at him uneasily, expecting to be punished. Then Lucius smiled, and Draco did so as well. Just at that moment, Narcissa came in.
"Mother!" Draco exclaimed, rushing over and giving her a hug. Narcissa laughed, even though her son was growing up to be quite the fine young man, the sight of her turned him into a little boy.
"I've heard about your misdeed, Draco." Narcissa said, after pulling away and fixing his disheveled hair.
"I'm sorry, Mother." Draco said solemnly. Narcissa laughed and kissed both his cheeks.
"I know you meant well..." Narcissa replied and looked toward Lucius and gave him a smile.
The Malfoy family had resided in the far regions of Scotland, where no one knew of their background. Lucius had accumulated some money after fighting for a nearby Lord. After a year from Narcissa and Lucius' escape, they had their own home which over time, became the Malfoy castle.
They also had a son, by the name of Draco. Draco was an inquisitive young boy who always wanted to learn. He was well-trained with the sword, of course taught to him by his father, only at the age of thirteen. His mother taught him the arts: singing and painting, for she grabbed hold of his talent for those things early on.
"What brings you here, Lucius?" Narcissa asked as she sat down on her desk chair and Draco resumed his reading.
"Well, Draco was my first reason for coming here... but then, come to think of it, the reason has become you."
"Me?"
"Yes," Lucius answered as he went over to her side and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
"I love you." Narcissa said, smiling.
"I know, and I, you." Lucius said, leaning over to give her another kiss. But then, a hurried knock was heard on the door. Furrowing his brow and straightening up, he walked over to the door and opened it. His captain, Sir John O'Hara, was out of breath and standing there.
"My Lord, pardon me for intruding... But we are under attack." Sir John said.
"By whom?" Lucius asked.
"Your tracker has spotted them, not five hundred yards away. They carry the emblem of a phoenix."
Lucius looked at Narcissa. Shock and fear was evident on her face. "Durant." They both said together. Lucius turned back to John and instructed him to round up all the men and have a stronghold over their keep. Sir John quickly went away.
"Lucius?" Narcissa asked, going over to him and searching his face for some sign that everything was alright. She started to cry when she saw the uncertainty in his features.
"Blankets, clothes, food." Lucius said. "Take two horses with you." Narcissa nodded and cried even more. She then reached up and kissed him. Lucius broke the kiss a little while later. "Go, Draco can handle you."
Narcissa rushed away, still crying.
"Father?" Draco asked, walking over to Lucius.
"Draco. Whatever happens, go with your mother. Get far away from here. You have the maps?"
Draco nodded.
"And your sword?"
Draco nodded again.
"Good. I'm leaving her in your hands. If I manage to survive this, I will track you down... If not..." Lucius faltered in his words. "Take care of her."
"Father..." Draco was at a loss for words.
"Be brave, Draco. I'll always be with you, remember that. Never show weakness and remember what I taught you." Lucius said, his eyes were brimming with tears but he refused to cry. "Go."
"Yes, Father." Draco said determinedly and ran towards the direction of his room to get the maps of England, Scotland, Ireland and France. As well as to get his sword.
Lucius looked after his son, before turning and walking towards his enemy. Madigan might have his revenge, but he will never have Narcissa or Draco.
When Madigan's sword went through Lucius' heart, Draco heard the final words of his father as he screamed them.
"You have not killed me, Madigan Durant! You can never kill my spirit!"
And Lucius dropped dead...
The sun was setting. The huge fiery ball, going down on the horizon and the sky was streaked with red and orange and yellow. Draco looked at the setting sun one last time before spurring his horse into a gallop. It was then that he made a vow to himself.
Chapter 17: The Beginning
Some thirty-two years back, England...
"I will not marry him!" exclaimed a very angry Narcissa de Gervais to her mother. The beautiful girl of only nineteen years of age was currently with her arms crossed over her chest and with a very determined look on her face.
"You will, Narcissa. Your father has decreed it to be so!" Her mother, Alessandra, said.
"Mother, please." Narcissa argued as she threw her hands up in the air. "I am sure father declared this wedding with him being drunk again! And I believe that Father has gone mad!"
"He has not. I believe that he was making the best choice for you."
"The best choice for me?" Narcissa echoed, incredulous. "Mother, have you even seen him? He's ghastly and gruesome! I will not marry him!"
"You will!" Her mother argued.
"I won't! I am only of nineteen years of age-"
"It is but the proper age to marry."
"Not to a man ten years older! And the Lord knows how many bastards he has!"
"Narcissa!"
"Well, it's true, Mother."
Alessandra pressed her lips together. "You father has decreed it to be so, Narcissa. You cannot sway your father's decisions."
"Oh I know that, Mother." Narcissa said, toning down her voice. "But did he have to decree it to that man?"
"Yes, my daughter."
Narcissa groaned. "I cannot believe this... just today..." Narcissa said helplessly, sitting down on her bed and quietly crying.
Today, as it had gone, was tragic and tumultuous. But the real story had started a few weeks before this particular day, with Lord Geoffrey de Gervais, making the worst mistake of his life. He had stupidly made a bet whilst he was drunk... and it all went down into this situation.
Lord Geoffrey had placed his family's wealth on the betting table... and he had lost. To Lord Madigan Durant.
When Lord Geoffrey came home, he did not tell this news to everyone; only to his wife, Alessandra. They had talked about it, fought about it and cursed each other about it. But Lord Madigan was waiting for his treasure... or at least something valuable like it.
Lord Geoffrey's answer, to spare his family from poverty, was to sell his oldest daughter, Narcissa to Madigan in a form of a marriage.
Lord Madigan was unsure at first, but one glance at Narcissa, and he gladly accepted the offer.
After all, Narcissa was very much a beautiful woman.
In actuality, it was only today, two weeks after the sealing of the deal, that Narcissa came to know about the marriage. She was devastated and hurt and angry.
Madigan was known throughout the land to be a fierce and young lord. He could kill like no other, and have no remorse for it. People feared him, yet they could not elude his wealth and his heritage. He had a frightening face and was known to ravish poor young maidens when he felt like it. Hence, he had many bastards all throughout the land. The mothers of his bastards were in hiding, afraid of the shame and the exploitation. But Narcissa knew of someone personally who had gone through Madigan's sins.
It was from her handmaiden, Rowena Kinley, that she came to know about Madigan. Rowena had been raped two years back, when she was just thirteen, by Madigan himself when he found her sleeping under a tree after doing her chores. She had not told anyone, only her mistress.
She had killed the baby when it was still in her womb. But her closeness to Narcissa was the only thing that kept her going through life everyday. From that day, Narcissa had been scarred by Madigan even though it was not her in Rowena's place.
Apart from Madigan's sins and Madigan himself, there was also another more important reason why Narcissa did not want to proceed with this marriage.
It was because of Lucius Malfoy.
Narcissa had met Lucius only a couple of years ago. She had been riding her horse in the woods nearby her home when she saw him sitting below a shady tree, badly hurt and wounded. Immediately, she got off her horse and went to him. When Narcissa looked into the steely blue depths of his eyes, she was in love.
She helped him up and they proceeded to the castle where she tended him. As it turns out, Lucius had been in a fight and was resting at the foot of a tree.
When Narcissa learned more about him, she didn't know whether to be excited or afraid. Lucius was a knight without a lord. He was cast off when his lord found out that Lucius was a better knight that he would ever be. Lucius soon set out and came across a young man who was looking for a fight, so naturally, he obliged.
Narcissa was so captivated by him that she didn't care about his past life. She was more than eager to wish to spend her life with him.
Lucius, on the other hand, first thought of Narcissa as a child. Being four years older than her, he didn't expect that he would fall in love with her innocence and beauty. But the more time they spent together, the more he wanted her... and not only want in the carnal sense. He wanted to be with her for the rest of his life.
No one else knew of their meetings and their love. But Narcissa had given her heart, mind and soul to him long before he asked her for it.
And now, all was going to be lost... because Narcissa would be married to Madigan.
"Mother," Narcissa called out softly, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Yes, child?" Alessandra replied, looking toward her daughter and for the millionth time wished that there would be something better in store for her other than the marriage.
"When did Father set the wedding?" Narcissa asked, praying that it would be a month, no, two months from now. Enough time for her to break things with Lucius and prepare herself for a life of misery.
"The day after tomorrow." Was all her mother could say before tears welled up in both their eyes and they began to cry.
* * *
The next day, Narcissa went to the forest to fulfill the promise of meeting Lucius there. The last time they were together, he told her that he had a surprise for her. He was currently residing in a small cabin, a mile away from the woods; their woods.
She had cried all night and all morning until she thought that she could not waste anymore tears. More tears would be shed on her wedding day, she needed to save them. Her wedding day was tomorrow.
With a heavy heart, she walked through the woods. Only the crunching of the dirt and leaves below her feet was heard as she made her way to the tree where she found Lucius; their tree. She didn't look up, only focusing on the ground as she walked. She must've walked through this path a thousand times, because she knew where she was going without looking.
Then she stopped and looked up. Lucius was there, leaning on their tree, waiting for her. He was facing the opposite direction. His short blonde hair was being blown ever so subtly by the breeze and Narcissa felt the urge to run away and leave him; he never had to know about this.
But that would mean betraying him and herself as well. That would mean betraying their love that held strong for almost two years. She didn't want that to happen. And so, she forced the words out of her mouth.
"Lucius." She said, almost in a whisper, fighting back the tears that were beginning to fall. He turned and started to smile when he saw her... but his smile stopped short.
"Narcissa..." He said as he walked towards her and held her. Narcissa started to cry in his embrace. Lucius waited a few moments before speaking. "Why are you crying? Have I done something wrong?"
"No..." She answered in a small voice. "It is I who would be doing you wrong, not you."
"I don't understand, Narcissa." Lucius said.
She pulled away from his embrace and tried to look at him, but couldn't. Taking a few deep breaths, she regained composure and started to explain. "I... We..." she suppressed a sob. "You have to... leave, Lucius."
"What?" Lucius asked, looking at Narcissa as she finally looked up at him.
"We... can't continue with... this." She struggled to keep her voice even. "I... can't continue... with this."
"What? Why, Narcissa? Is it your father? Has he found out about us?"
"No... our secret is safe. But..."
"But?"
"You have to go Lucius... and find someone else." Narcissa said, the tears flowing, unchecked. "I'm not the... one for... you. Go..."
"What are you saying, Narcissa? You know it that we are meant to be together..." Lucius said, perplexed and confused.
"Just go, Lucius... Go." She started to walk away but Lucius quickly grabbed her and forced her to look into his eyes. He saw longing and love in them, though she was trying to keep them masked.
"No... not until you tell me why you have suddenly decided this." Lucius said, his voice hard.
Narcissa's eye welled up with tears, but she did not speak. Lucius shook her and asked her again.
"Why have you decided this, Narcissa?"
"You will hate me... and you will hate everything else if I told you."
"Damn it, Narcissa, tell me and I'll decide whether to hate or not. But just tell me!" He roared.
"I am to be married tomorrow." Narcissa blurted out. Lucius' eyes widened and he released her; too fast and she stumbled back. She rubbed her arms where Lucius had gripped her and leaned on a tree trunk. She cried as well.
Lucius began to pace the forest floor, thinking on what could have happened to make her want to marry tomorrow... and to whom?
"To whom?" He asked after a few minutes of being silent. He had stopped pacing the floor and had stopped just in front of her.
"To Madigan Durant." Narcissa said.
"That bastard!?!" Lucius roared.
Narcissa broke. She fell to her knees and sobbed. "It was not my choice, Lucius. I did not want this to happen."
"Then how-"
"My father." Narcissa said, her voice rising. "My father made an agreement with him. My father sold me to him!"
Lucius was silent for a moment. He watched as his love continued to weep uncontrollably but he was too stunned to do anything. How could a father sell his daughter to that man?! He thought as he knelt down on the ground and held her in his arms.
"Sssh, Narcissa..." He said comfortingly. "I'm sorry for being like that..."
"No... I'm sorry, Lucius..." She said.
"When did your father tell you about this wedding?" He asked. He was afraid that she had kept this all along, deceiving him that she would be with him when she was going to be married tomorrow.
"He told me... yesterday."
Yesterday?! Lucius' mind screamed. "Yesterday?" He asked helplessly.
"Yes." Was Narcissa's answer.
His arms tightened around her, as a plan began to formulate in his head. He would not lose her, she was his. He would not lose her, marriage or no. Father or no. He would not lose her!
"Narcissa, we have to get away from here." He said, pulling back to look at her.
She was stunned. "W-what?" She stammered.
"We will leave. Today. Right now, if you want to." Lucius said.
"No... I cannot leave... what about my family?"
"Your family sold you to a bastard, Narcissa. Why would you want to stay and see how life with a bastard is like?"
"But... my father will kill me! He will kill you!" Narcissa said.
"He won't. Not if we leave... He cannot kill us if he cannot find us!" Lucius reasoned.
"But... how?"
"Go back to the castle, and pack some clothing and food while I get a horse. I will wait for you below your bedroom window tonight. Tie up all your sheets and make a rope out of them, then anchor it to something sturdy and heavy. I will help you get down from your room."
"But..."
"But what? This is our chance, Narcissa. We will go to some place where no one will recognize us..." Lucius said. There was something about the way he said it, the way he instructed her, that was so determined that Narcissa nodded her head in agreement.
Lucius smiled as Narcissa did so too. After getting up from their position on the floor, Lucius made a few more instructions on how she would act when faced with her family and she nodded, intending to follow every word he told her.
Before she left though, Lucius gave her a quick kiss on the lips, telling her to be careful and not to be too obvious. She nodded and quickly made her way back to the castle. She would leave it forever... and she was looking forward to it.
Four hours later, Narcissa was a bundle of nerves. She had done exactly what Lucius had told her, all she had to do was wait for him. She was pacing the floor, but stopped. As if bearing some omen, a knock sounded on her door and it opened. Narcissa had to steel herself not to cry out. It was Lord Madigan Durant and he was looking more menacing than ever.
"M-my Lord Madigan." Narcissa said, bowing her head and telling her hands to stop shaking.
"Now, Narcissa, that is no way to greet your soon-to-be-husband." Madigan said snidely. "Call me Madigan, Narcissa. After all, we are to be wed tomorrow."
Narcissa certainly didn't need the insufferable son of a bitch to remind her of her wedding, and so, she just smiled politely and nodded her head. "Yes... Madigan."
"I like the way you say my name, my dear." Madigan said, taking a few steps closer and she had to fight the urge to jump off her window. "It has sort of sweetness to it that only you can say..."
"Thank you, Madigan." She replied. He was circling her, as if she were his prey. She followed him with her eyes, shaking so much she thought she would break. Then suddenly, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. Narcissa gasped and looked at him with wide eyes.
He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, smiling down at her in his malicious way. Narcissa was struggling.
"There is no need to struggle, my sweet. You would be in the same position tomorrow evening..." He paused, looking down at her gown that had quite a low neckline. "And probably with fewer clothes."
Narcissa said nothing. Then, Madigan kissed her. Long and hard and she struggled against his mouth. After what seemed to be eternity, he pulled away and smiled at her and released her. He walked to the door and opened it. Turning to her, he gave her one last evil smile then left, slamming the door behind him.
She breathed a sigh of relief and tried to ignore the disgusting feeling at the pit of her stomach when he laid his lips on hers.
A faint call of her name snapped her out of it and she rushed toward the window. She looked out and sure enough, Lucius was down there, looking up at her. Smiling brightly, she signaled him to wait as she got out the tied sheets and securely wrapped one end of it on one foot of her bed. Then she threw the other end out the window, along with a bag where she'd placed a few of her clothes and some food.
When she looked back out, Lucius was telling her to scale the wall using the bed sheets. He told her that if she fell, he had lain out a 'cushion' for her to fall on. If she did fall, that is. She nodded.
Taking a deep breath, Narcissa hoisted herself on the window sill and began her descent down the sheets. It took quite a few minutes but soon, Lucius had her in his arms and was saving his praise for her for later. The quickly got her belongings and were soon on the horse.
The ride out the gates proved to be tricky; they had to wait until every guard was not looking before racing out of the open portcullis. Lucius had gotten a horse without horseshoes, making each hoof beat almost noiselessly. They were a good hour away from the castle when the household learned of their escape.
Suffice it to say, Lord Geoffrey was outraged and ordered every single men on his troop to search for his daughter. Madigan had led the search, but it was fruitless. The couple was halfway to Scotland by the time the search began. When Lady Alessandra asked the servants and household of any lead and anyone who might be accountable to the abduction of her daughter, only one name was heard: Lucius Malfoy.
Madigan Durant cursed that day and Lucius Malfoy as well. He vowed to himself that there would be a time when he would have his revenge and Narcissa.
* * *
Fifteen years later...
"My Lord, your son has been wreaking havoc on my garden again..."
"Where is he?"
"With his mother, probably hiding from me... or you, my Lord."
"That may be so." Lucius said, smiling as he walked towards the castle; his castle. He had been seeing to the animals in his stables when he heard an exasperated yell from his gardener, Old Man Collie. When he rushed over, he saw that the flowers had been picked from their bushes. It was no question on who was to point for the deed.
Lucius looked around his castle. He searched every room until he stopped at the door to Narcissa's parlor. Without knocking, he opened the door and sure enough, his thirteen year old son was sitting on one of the chairs, a hasty bouquet of flowers in a vase on top of his mother's writing desk. He was reading a bit of parchment.
"Draco." Lucius called.
The boy looked up and grinned. "Yes, Father?"
"What is this with you wreaking havoc on Old Man's garden?"
"I wanted to give Mother something special."
Lucius considered his son for a while. They both had the same hair color and features. The only thing different was his son's eyes, which were a mix of gray and blue... something like him and Narcissa. Draco looked at him uneasily, expecting to be punished. Then Lucius smiled, and Draco did so as well. Just at that moment, Narcissa came in.
"Mother!" Draco exclaimed, rushing over and giving her a hug. Narcissa laughed, even though her son was growing up to be quite the fine young man, the sight of her turned him into a little boy.
"I've heard about your misdeed, Draco." Narcissa said, after pulling away and fixing his disheveled hair.
"I'm sorry, Mother." Draco said solemnly. Narcissa laughed and kissed both his cheeks.
"I know you meant well..." Narcissa replied and looked toward Lucius and gave him a smile.
The Malfoy family had resided in the far regions of Scotland, where no one knew of their background. Lucius had accumulated some money after fighting for a nearby Lord. After a year from Narcissa and Lucius' escape, they had their own home which over time, became the Malfoy castle.
They also had a son, by the name of Draco. Draco was an inquisitive young boy who always wanted to learn. He was well-trained with the sword, of course taught to him by his father, only at the age of thirteen. His mother taught him the arts: singing and painting, for she grabbed hold of his talent for those things early on.
"What brings you here, Lucius?" Narcissa asked as she sat down on her desk chair and Draco resumed his reading.
"Well, Draco was my first reason for coming here... but then, come to think of it, the reason has become you."
"Me?"
"Yes," Lucius answered as he went over to her side and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
"I love you." Narcissa said, smiling.
"I know, and I, you." Lucius said, leaning over to give her another kiss. But then, a hurried knock was heard on the door. Furrowing his brow and straightening up, he walked over to the door and opened it. His captain, Sir John O'Hara, was out of breath and standing there.
"My Lord, pardon me for intruding... But we are under attack." Sir John said.
"By whom?" Lucius asked.
"Your tracker has spotted them, not five hundred yards away. They carry the emblem of a phoenix."
Lucius looked at Narcissa. Shock and fear was evident on her face. "Durant." They both said together. Lucius turned back to John and instructed him to round up all the men and have a stronghold over their keep. Sir John quickly went away.
"Lucius?" Narcissa asked, going over to him and searching his face for some sign that everything was alright. She started to cry when she saw the uncertainty in his features.
"Blankets, clothes, food." Lucius said. "Take two horses with you." Narcissa nodded and cried even more. She then reached up and kissed him. Lucius broke the kiss a little while later. "Go, Draco can handle you."
Narcissa rushed away, still crying.
"Father?" Draco asked, walking over to Lucius.
"Draco. Whatever happens, go with your mother. Get far away from here. You have the maps?"
Draco nodded.
"And your sword?"
Draco nodded again.
"Good. I'm leaving her in your hands. If I manage to survive this, I will track you down... If not..." Lucius faltered in his words. "Take care of her."
"Father..." Draco was at a loss for words.
"Be brave, Draco. I'll always be with you, remember that. Never show weakness and remember what I taught you." Lucius said, his eyes were brimming with tears but he refused to cry. "Go."
"Yes, Father." Draco said determinedly and ran towards the direction of his room to get the maps of England, Scotland, Ireland and France. As well as to get his sword.
Lucius looked after his son, before turning and walking towards his enemy. Madigan might have his revenge, but he will never have Narcissa or Draco.
When Madigan's sword went through Lucius' heart, Draco heard the final words of his father as he screamed them.
"You have not killed me, Madigan Durant! You can never kill my spirit!"
And Lucius dropped dead...
The sun was setting. The huge fiery ball, going down on the horizon and the sky was streaked with red and orange and yellow. Draco looked at the setting sun one last time before spurring his horse into a gallop. It was then that he made a vow to himself.