Title: Free

Genre: Drama, perhaps?

Rating: T

Warning: marrying one off

Free

"Mother, really -"

"Narcissa," Mother says with a pointed look in my direction. "Do not argue."

I hate it. I hate the stuffy pureblood gatherings, the pureblood families asking for a betrothal, everything. It's like I'm in a cage.

Obediently, I keep my lips sealed. My wand is in my sleeve, and I consider pulling it out and doing something drastic. In the end, I decide against it.

Coward, a voice says in my head. It's what Andy would have done!

I ignore that voice and the clenching of my heart when Andy's name is mentioned.

"We are sorry for that...interruption, Lord and Heir Malfoy." Father says, narrowing his eyes at me. I take it to mean that I'm in trouble.

Whatever, a voice that sounds suspiciously like Andy's says.

"It is fine," Lord Malfoy says, though there is an edge to his voice that I detect. "Young women are…" he pauses. "Sometimes irresponsible at this age."

My eyes widen as I figure out what Lord Malfoy is truly saying. I glare at him discreetly.

Shut up, you...you...stupid cow of a wizard! Andy's voice screams inside my head.

My father clears his throat. "Back to negotiations, if I may?"

"Yes, of course." Lord Malfoy nods. "Now, I think we should make it a part of the contract that young Miss Black should bear at least one heir, for the Malfoy name."

"Agreed," Father says immediately. There's a reason that Andy used to call him a yes-man. "Should we make it two?"

"No!" the word leaps up from my throat. Everyone stares at me, and I quickly compose myself.

"No," I say again, calmly this time.

"May I ask why you say 'no', young Miss Black?" Heir Malfoy speaks up for the first time. His voice grates on my nerves.

"It is personal, confidential information." I say. "I cannot say it here."

Heir Malfoy nods, accepting this explanation.

The negotiations continue, and I squirm in my seat. I tune out the conversation, lost in my own head.

Briefly, I wonder what Andy would have done if it was her.

Something brave.

After what seems like forever, Father and Lord Malfoy wrap up their conversation. They shake each other's hands. They both stare at me, and I realise that I've forgotten proper etiquette.

Hastily, I stand up and offer my hand. Lucius bends down and places a kiss over it. I recoil visibly.

"What is it, Narcissa?"

You'll never be free if you keep on repeating lies.

"Nothing," I say in a sarcastic voice. It's like I am overtaken by someone else, someone else who is controlling me. "Nothing except the fact that my father wants to marry me off to a despicable pureblood heir!"

"NARCISSA!" Father shouts. "You are to apologize, right now!"

"No!" I scream back. "I'm tired of it!"

And I march out of the room, out of the house, out of my 'family', out of my cage.

I am free now.

Andy, are you proud of me?

WC: 501

Written for Hogwarts Auction, Day 1, Auction 1, (family) Malfoy.

Written for Hogwarts, Assignment 2, Mythology - (Greek) Prometheus.