~Chapter Twelve: The Hallowe'en Ball~

During the same day of Alyona's unauthorized trip to Hogsmeade, across the country, The day of the much anticipated Hallowe'en ball had arrived in the wizarding world.

This occasion was so looked forward to by so many witches and wizards that the past week saw a surge in people frantically making last minute salon appointments and rushed tailoring appointments, in the hopes of getting that perfect fit out of their expensive and extravagant suits and ball gowns.

Once Gabby Gazaar released the news that her shoppe would soon be closing down, the women of the wizarding world were practically up in arms about it. There were headlines detailing the devastation of the community upon hearing that such a historical landmark and favorite shoppe of witches from around the world would soon be gone forever.

Narcissa was in her vanity room putting the finishing touches on her carefully curated look.

Her gown was hand stitched and expertly designed by the finest french seamstress in the wizarding world. The couture gown was a deep emerald shade and exquisitely enhanced the hue of her cream colored skin.

The bodice of the dress was formed securely around the corset that cinched Narcissa's already svelte waist down to a mere twenty-two inches.

The sleeves were constructed out of wide tule ribbons that draped loosely around her shoulders.

The skirt portion was massive, consisting of layers upon layers of tulle, organza and silk all stacked together in order to create the perfect gown for twirling the night away.

Her long, blonde tresses were let down in a series of elegant, loose waves. Narcissa tousled her hair with her fingers in order to help give it some more volume.

Narcissa wore a silver molded snake necklace that looked as though it was slithering around her neck and down her cleavage. The eyes of the snake consisted of vibrant green emeralds that stood out from the rest of it's cold silvery body.

The plan for the evening? Entice as many of the wizard elite to sign the petition to save the galleria and use those signatures to match it to the writing from the bloody letter. Narcissa had it all planned out, nothing was going to distract her from her mission.

"My my, you look absolutely ravishing, 'Cissa," a deep voice said.

Misses Malfoy spun around on her swivel stool to see her loving husband standing in the doorway.

He was already prepared for the night with a freshly tailored black suit, his frosty hair was perfectly coiffed and he radiated the scent of musk and cedar wood.

Narcissa looked her husband up and down in approval.

"And still, some how, you managed to look better than me. Just like usual," Narcissa flirted back while she continued to mess with her hair.

Lucius chuckled under his breath as he began to move closer to his wife, "Quite impossible, Darling."

Lucius placed his strong hands on Narcissa's bare shoulders, taking in her stunning beauty. He let his mind wonder while his eyes traced down his wife's delicate neck leading down to her ample amount of visible cleavage.

Lucius was very pleased with his wife's appearance, to say the least, "You know, we don't have to go to this event, tonight. We could just stay here and—"

Narcissa giggled, "If anything, you acting like this is going to make me want to go even more. Maybe I want to see you all hot and bothered in public with no way of an immediate release."

Lucius grinned devilishly. "Oh? You think us being in public will prevent me from having my way with you? I think you know very well that if I wanted to, I could have you in one of the empty broom cupboards or any other vacant room."

Narcissa blushed brightly at the thought of being man handled by her strong husband. She was beginning to let her mind wander when Lucius' deep voice brought back to reality.

"And Look at this, you even left your hair down for me. It'll be easier to fix up afterwards," he purred.

Lucius loved when his wife left her hair free. It was nearly waist length and extremely full. He loved to run his hands through her locks while he admired their softness and color.

Narcissa smiled as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, she was finally satisfied with her look.

"Shall we get going, Handsome? I hate arriving to functions when there's already a bunch of people there," she admitted.

Lucius smirked, "Absolutely. I can't wait to show you off tonight. Our carriage awaits."

Lucius delicately took his wife's hand and led her through the halls, down their grand marble staircase and out of the entrance of their manor.

Their house-elf Wheezy was awaiting at the front to open the grand double doors of the manor before racing over to open the door to the carriage.

"You look lovely, Mistress Malfoy," the little elf said.

Narcissa glanced upon the servant with a subtle look of gratitude for the compliment.

"Well of course she does," Lucius sneered.

Before they knew it they were off, soaring through the air in their Abraxan drawn carriage, heading towards a night full of dancing, drinking and socializing with their fellow elite members of society.

~ooOOOoo~

Upon arriving to the party, the Malfoy couple took in the beauty of the grand ball room.

It was an extremely large and long room that had a Victorian style design to it. Two parallel rows of exquisite chandeliers lined the ceiling across it's entirety.

Tall, rounded-off windows with gold trim that outlined them left hardly any wall space. The floor was a made from a dark and richly hued wood and was exceptionally polished and glossy.

Eight foot tall, golden, ornate statues with white candles lit each corner of the beautiful room with warmth and elegance.

There were plenty of attendees chatting amongst each other as they sipped on champagne and snacked on the Hors d'oeuvres that were presented on a beautiful table set up.

"Why if it isn't my son in law and lovely daughter," aman's voice said.

The Malfoy's turned to see Narcissa's parents, Cygnus and Druella Black.

"Mister and misses Black, it's a pleasure, as always," Lucius greeted.

"Likewise. How have you two been, considering everything that's happened in the last year?" Cygnus asked.

Narcissa's gaze shot over two her husband, her eyes begging him to answer so she wouldn't have to.

"It's been a rather…eventful year, to say the least," Lucius said.

Cygnus nodded, "Eventful, indeed. It isn't everyday you discover that a pure-blood family believed to be extinct is still very much alive. Well, most of them anyway. Druella and I heard the news about Adonis. The poor thing, taken way too soon."

"Yes, it's quite tragic. Adonis was a hard worker and a good man. The Blossoms, thankfully were gracious enough to invite us to his funeral. It was especially hard on their daughter." Narcissa added.

"Speaking of Alyona, We saw her advertisement in Diagon Alley. Your mother and I nearly thought it was a young version of you up there," Cygnus mentioned as he gestured toward his daughter.

Narcissa chuckled, "I suppose I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a resemblance. Everyone compared me to Lucius' mother when we first met as well, remember?"

"Believe me, your mother and I noticed as well. Oh, how does that old saying go? Women become their mothers and men marry their mothers? Yes, that's it," Cygnus humored.

"Yes, we Malfoy men definitely have a…preferred type, if you will," Lucius confidently stated as he tightened his arm around his lovely wife.

"I have to say, I am quite jealous of her complexion. She's has the perfect golden tan year round," Narcissa complimented.

"Well, you used to have more color when you were younger," Cygnus remarked.

Narcissa blushed as she looked at her husband, "Oh, ya, well…I don't really play outside like I used to. Luckily, Alyona doesn't need the sun to keep her beautiful skin tone."

"Well then it's no wonder why your son fell so hard for the Blossom girl, she's stunning. Her family line is still pure…I presume?" Cygnus said in a suddenly serious tone of voice.

The Black family took blood purity extremely seriously. So seriously that they were willing to excommunicate their own beloved family members for even associating with anyone but purebloods.

Lucius nodded with a pleasant look on his face, "Yes, she is quite pure. I ran an extensive ancestry check on her at the ministry and she's pure as can be."

Cygnus smiled with joy at this news, "Wonderful."

During this small reunion, Druella remained completely silent, looking directly at her daughter without even the need to blink.

It was an intense and burning stare, as if she was trying to convey that she needed something from Narcissa.

~ooOOOoo~

A short while later, after the Malfoys had made their rounds greeting the other elite families and enjoying a glass of champagne or three, the charity booths were beginning to be set up.

A number of kiosks dedicated to various charities and causes were found along the wall of the room with information on what the donation money would be going towards and lined parchment to hold the signatures of the generous donators. One of these booths had been dedicated to help fund Gabby's Galleria.

Gabriella Gazaar stood nervously behind her pink and gold decorative booth as she was afraid that someone would somehow figure out the plan out in place by Narcissa. Seeing this, Misses Malfoy gracefully walked over and greeted her.

"Thank you again for doing this, Gabriella" Narcissa thanked.

The shoppe keeper nodded enthusiastically, "Absolutely, let's hope we get everyone's signature."

Narcissa examined Gabby's face. Her expression was filled with worry and anxiousness.

"Try not to look so…suspicious, you'll ruin this whole plan if anyone finds out the truth. Stay calm," Narcissa quietly pleaded.

"Sorry, how's this?" Gabby proceeded to crack an extremely wide and artificial looking smile.

"Too much, too much," Narcissa replied hastily.

The two women looked around at the large crowd of guests, waiting for the first person to walk up and hopefully sign their name one the laid out parchment.

As fate would have it, the first person to approach the booth was Narcissa's mother, Druella Black.

"Hello, mother."

Druella reached out to lovingly embrace her daughter "Oh, I've missed you so much."

"Ive missed you, too. How have you and father been lately?" Narcissa lovingly asked.

Druella sighed, "We're happy and healthy, but rather lonely I'm afraid."

Narcissa rolled her eyes in anticipation of what was to come next. Before she could get a word out, her mother continued.

"I really wish you would come stay with us, just for a little bit? Your father and I deeply regret pushing marriage on to you and your sisters at such a young age. We…miss our little girls."

Narcissa sighed, "Yes, well your little girls are all married and living their own lives now. Bella is…well… in prison, seemingly forever, Andi unfortunately chose to marry that muggleborn, and I'm happily married to Lucius and living in our manor, I also have a son to look after."

Druella's eyes began to tear up, "Your father and I pushed you away too soon. Why won't you just come home!?"

Narcissa's scoffed as she scoped the room to make sure no one was close enough to hear, "Why? Because I have my own life now, that's why."

Narcissa pointed at her flaxen hair with her flawlessly manicured finger. "You see this? Because of this, I was able to bear him a son without dying in the process. Because of this, I was able to be with the man I love. For god's sake, you do this every single time we see each other."

Narcissa's mother began crying even harder at this point, "I miss the old you, my little girl. Lucius took my little girl away from me."

"Mother…I'm still me, you know that," Narcissa said.

Druella took a step back and shook her head, "You're not still you. You're personality and attitude have completely changed, it's all Lucius' fault! Don't let Draco do this to Alyona. Don't let him use her like Lucius used you. Please, I'm begging you."

Narcissa looked at her mother in disbelief, "You're making this out to seem worse than it is. Being a Malfoy is a prestigious honor and I'm sure Alyona would gladly accept the opportunity to become part of the family, as well. What am I supposed to do? Prevent them from ever having sex? That's an impossible and unreasonable request. They go to the same school and were sorted into the same house. Once they become teenagers, their curiosity will prevail. And besides, look at how youthful I've remained. The same awaits Alyona in her future, and I'm sure she'll be grateful for it."

"Had I known Lucius would do this to you I wouldn't have agreed to you being with him in the first place. You're not even human anymore! For Merlin's sake, the man didn't even tell you what would happen until after the fact!" Druella croaked furiously.

Narcissa huffed, "You are lucky that you know about this at all. Lucius practically demanded that the truth stay hidden. I told him that I couldn't hide something like this from my mother. You're welcome."

"I remember visiting you at the manor during the transformation. Do you remember the screams and cries of agony you let out? Do you remember how many times you begged me to make the pain stop? I've never seen so many tears fall from one set of eyes in my life!" Druella angrily stated.

"Mother, that's enough, please!" Narcissa begged as her eyes darted around in attempt to locate her father.

"I JUST WANT MY LITTLE GIRL BACK!" Druella was absolutely sobbing at this point. A number of guests turned to face the women that were the source of this commotion.

"Keep your voice down, you're embarrassing yourself, and me for that matter," Narcissa pleaded through gritted teeth.

The sound of heavy dress shoes could be heard as Cygnus Black stomped over, accompanied by a concerned looking Lucius Malfoy.

"What the devil is going on over here?" He whispered angrily, "People are starting to stare."

"It's nothing, Mother and I were just finishing up our lovely conversation," Narcissa spoke.

She then looked over to Gabriella and then down at the parchment displayed on the table.

Narcissa didn't want to think such horrible things, but no signature could be spared.

"Would you and mother be willing to help donate to save Gabriella's shoppe? It would mean a lot to her and I," Narcissa asked.

Cygnus looked at his daughter and smiled, "Of course well will, Darling."

Narcissa's parents each took their turn signing their names on the parchment.

Cygnus then wrote out a check for a million galleons and handed it to Gabby. The shoppe keepers mouth dropped at the sight of this.

"Mister Black, I'm flattered at your generosity, but there's no need to donate such a large sum," She insisted.

Cygnus raised his hand to silence her, "It's the least I can do to save my daughter's favorite shoppe. I don't want to see your business go under just yet, miss Gazaar. I remember how happy she was to put on the custom wedding gown you had designed for her. It meant a lot to all of us, what you did."

~ooOOOoo~

After a little while, the signatures of support for Gabby's shoppe were absolutely stacked. Nearly every wealthy and elite family had signed and donated in an effort to persuade the store keeper to stay in London.

Narcissa smiled as she sipped on her glass of champagne as she watched each person grab the ink filled quill and press it to the parchment, feeling as though, most likely, the culprit behind these attacks and threats to the Blossoms will unknowingly confess to their crimes via signature.

The live classical music serenaded the entire room with a calming and romantic effect. Couples embraced each other as they slowly danced the night away. The men twirled their beloved wives and girlfriends, their gowns splaying outward in a beautiful and colorful display. Others were chatting it up with friends and family as the hot gossip ensued and the champagne flowed.

"Narcissa Malfoy," A woman's voice said.

Misses Malfoy looked over to see Holly Greengrass. She was on the taller side as well with long chocolate brown hair styled in a half up-half down hair-do. Her eyes were green and brilliant looking and her smile was kind and welcoming.

"Holly, how have you been," Narcissa greeted.

"I've been quite well, and a lot better now that I see that Gabriella is getting all the signatures in the world. I don't know where I'd shop for my clothing if she went out of business," misses Greengrass chirped.

"How has Cecil been doing?" Narcissa asked.

"He's been doing well, he's actually waiting over by the booth waiting to sign our names onto the donation list," Holly gestured over towards the crowded booth where he husband stood patiently.

"Thank you both for helping out with the shoppe open, I means a lot to me, and Gabriella."

"Oh, of course. How have you and Lucius been?" Holly questioned.

Narcissa sighed, "Well, we're okay. However, our spirits have been down for quite a while now. I'm sure you've heard about the Blossoms."

Holly subtly stuck up her nose at the sound of that name, "Oh yes, the Blossoms. I was quite shocked to hear about their bloodline's survival all these years. What are the odds?"

Narcissa took notice of Holly's less than excited expression and decided to test her, "It's wonderful that such a highly regarded pure-blood family is still alive and thriving. I'm still getting used to saying sacred twenty-nine instead of twenty-eight."

"Thriving indeed. They seem to be getting all of the job offerings in the world, even if those jobs were already occupied," Holly murmured.

"How do you mean?" Narcissa asked.

Holly displeased look grew even more noticeable, "My husband used to have a hand in helping run the daily profit. Last year he received a letter from the owner detailing that the profit was looking to replace him with Alexander Blossom, and while my husband still has his job for the time being, they told him that he should expect to be replaced within a moment's notice. Low and behold, two days later, Alexander accepted the position and they let Cecil go just like that."

"I'm sorry to hear about that. It must have been rather frustrating," Narcissa said.

"Very. It was a huge portion of our income, just taken from us in an instant. Yes, we're rather well off without having to work, but now he have less than half as much disposable income as we used to. But, I suppose I can't say too many bad things about the Blossoms. Daphne is absolutely smitten by their youngest son," Holly said.

"So I've heard, does he make her happy? He seems like a very nice boy," Narcissa asked.

"He does treat her well, and he's pure. What more am I to ask for, I guess," Misses Greengrass said as she took a sip of her alcohol,"My girls are still trying to come to terms with their blood curse. Cecil and I wanted to wait until they were a bit older, but with their curse, we'll never know how much time they truly have left."

"Oh…Holly, I'm so sorry. I completely forgot about that. Information like that must be hard for them to accept. Just to clarify, you aren't affected by it, right?"

Holly nodded, "That's right, only women born of Greengrass blood contain the curse. We were hoping to have two healthy boys so that we could have happy and healthy children that could live long lives, but it just wasn't in the cards for us, Unfortunately. We shouldn't have even had children. Admittedly, I feel responsible for the burden placed upon my girls."

Narcissa placed a gentle hand on Holly's shoulder and smiled sweetly, "It's not your fault, or Cecil's fault. Whoever cursed your family all those years ago, they are the ones that should pay for their crimes. Don't you ever feel guilty about that."

Holly grinned with gratitude, "That's very kind of you, Narcissa."

The brunette witch then assessed the gown that Narcissa wore. "That dress is a bit low cut, isn't it?"

Narcissa was heavily taken aback at her comment on her attire. She tried her hardest not to snap back in response to the insult, "Oh, Lucius just prefers me in garments with this type of neckline.

Lucius had finished his conversation with Cygnus and decided to see how his beloved was doing.

"Hello, Love. I see you're catching up with a friend," Lucius nodded to misses Greengrass.

"Hello, Lucius. It's nice to see you," Holly said brightly.

"And you as well," mister Malfoy replied.

Narcissa hadn't yet forgotten about the blatant dig Holly had made in reference to her gown. Misses Malfoy took a step back and purposely spilled some of the bubbly champagne onto her overflowing décolletage area. She was thankful for the deep color of her gown as it masked the stain from the alcohol.

"Forgive me, I can be rather clumsy," Narcissa said as she attempted to wipe the liquor off of her chest.

Lucius was struck dumb and was nearly drooling at the sight of his wife's bouncing cleavage as she hastily wiped and patted away the sudsy champagne with a linen napkin.

Holly took one look at Lucius and understood immediately that Narcissa had preformed this act out of spite for her snide comment just moments before.

"Well, it was lovely seeing you two. Cecil and I have yet to find his parents. They should be in here somewhere. Have a good night, you two," She said in a slightly irritated tone while cracking a fake smile.

~ooOOOoo~

As midnight grew closer and everyone began to succumb to the drowsiness, curtesy of the endless dancing and booze, Narcissa went to check in with Gabby.

"So, let's see the signatures," Narcissa said with great anticipation.

Gabby nodded and withdrew the long sheet of parchment from underneath the booth.

"Sixty seven signatures," she said with a cheery tone.

Narcissa grinned with delight, "Wonderful. If we're lucky, the culprit just identified themselves on this parchment."

Narcissa looked over to her husband, who was back with Cygnus, chatting it up about the current state of the wizarding world.

"I'll be by to pick this up from you sometime this upcoming week. I can't thank you enough for helping me with this," Narcissa thanked her.

"Of course, Narcissa." Gabby. smiled.

~ooOOOoo~

After the Halloween ball was over and the Malfoy couple made it back to the manor, Lucius had his way with his wife after her merciless teasing with the spilled champagne. Afterwards, the couple slept comfortably in their lavish king sized bed, Narcissa laying on Lucius' toned and well sculpted chest.

"Did you have fun today, my Love?" Lucius asked her as he placed a delicate kiss on her head.

"I did, very much so," Narcissa replied.

The two drifted off into a peaceful slumber. Narcissa rested especially well, knowing that she was most likely about to put this nightmare that the Blossoms had been going through for the past half a year, to rest.

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