SURPRISE BITCHES. Thought you've seen the last of me? *giggles* HAPPY 2017.

I know what you're thinking. Short, extremly short but trust me, it is necessary. This is a part I originally intended to featured in chapter 40. However too much already went on and happened, and I thought adding this would be too much. I was planning on saving this one till I work out my plans for 5th year but...I love you guys too much, knew you're hurting from what happened previously, and decided to treat you awesome readers to another chapter. *Points a sharp finger at you* Which means I expect reviews for both 40 and 41 since they go together

Chapter 41: Drawing a Line

The sound of her high heels reverberated throughout the silent manor as she climbed up the stairs and walked down the hallway, eyes pinned on the door at the end of the hall. With each step she took closer, emotions dark as black, vicious as a storm build up inside her, stirring, brewing till her muscles were coiled tightly-

"Mistress, no!" She nearly stumbled on her feet as a strong force grabbed hold of her, yanking her back. She turned around to find it was one of their house-elves, the fervent one always causing a mess. "Master upset!" it cried, pulling her back. "Master order no one disturb him!"

Narcissa claimed back her arm with a sharp tug that nearly had the creature falling flat on his face. He sprung forward as if he were about to pull her again, but then froze at the harsh glare of her ice-blue eyes. "The next time you lay a hand on me, elf, will be the last time you have an arm."

The creature disappeared with a frightened squeak. She straightened out her dress that was distorted from the ordeal and then continued on her way.

When she reached the door, Narcissa took in a slow, deep breath, latching onto every emotion flaring inside her and crushing it into a tiny ball she shoved in the deepest corners of her chest. She curved her lips into a soft, lovely smile and pushed open the door, stepping inside.

The study, done in dark shades of gray and blackish-blue, was surprisingly small compared to their usual standards of size and the multiple shelves stuffed inch by inch with thick books and magical artifacts made it even smaller. Still, the size was suitable, giving it a modest, almost comforting feel. The small size was also the perfect illusion of simplicity, unless one looked carefully at the clawed hand mounted in the third shelve that, with a firm tug, revealed a passageway that led to a private library containing more powerful books and treasure or into the stony eyes of the onyx crow statue perched on the desk that sent the mind into a spiraling void. The room was often heavily warded, meant to keep curious little boys out and to ensure the owner absolute privacy.

She was shocked by how little resistance met her push, able to push the door forward and step inside easily.

Lucius was at his desk, glaring at the back of the head of the crow. He was a near-flawless statue, his body immobile, his pale complexion sharply contrasting with the blackness of the night sky behind him. Moonlight poured in from the wide windows, turning his pale hair almost silver. The expression on his face was troubled, eyes narrow and distant as if he were caught in a tide of memories, jaw clamped tight. Those distant eyes only looked up when he heard her walk down the two steps.

"I trust the meeting went well?" she inquired, her tone pleasant.

Lucius focused on his hand that rested on his desk, curling it into a fist and then falling apart last second, returning to its relaxed state. Finally, what felt like hours later, he answered, "Productive enough, I suppose."

She nodded slightly, letting out a soft hum. "Well, given the havoc and terror that came out tonight, I imagine your master must be quite pleased."

Lucius took in a sharp breath as if the words were a punch to the gut, his eyes snapping back at her. "Narcissa-"

"For better or for worse," Her lips were still curled; the corners pulled up, but she could feel the faux pleasantness disintegrating like it was touched by acid. "That was the vow we made, for better or for worse. You're my husband, Lucius. I promised you then as I do now that I will always be by your side through anything. Every choice, every decision. But I want to make myself clear on one thing." She walked slowly over to him, each careful step a companion for every venom-laced word that dripped from her lips. "As much as I care for you, as much as I love you, I love my sons even more. And I will do anything to protect them. So, if any harm should come to them, if either one of my boys gets hurt because of a choice you made, then you won't be worrying about Dark Lord's wrath, my love. You'll be fearing my own."

Lucius glared up at her as if she were an opponent he was facing in an intense match of Wizard's chess, trapping him in a very tight position, looking for a crack to escape through. Finding none, he broke his gaze, looking away.

Narcissa spun on her heel and retreated to the door. She was halfway across the room until his words caught her, brushing against her skin like a cold caress.

"Tell me, love," he said. "When your dear sister pays us a visit, will you still keep that heartwarming, feministic hymn?"

For a split second, a ripple of cold, crippling fear shot through her body, twisting the muscles in her stomach into a tangled knot.

Clenching her teeth so tightly, the crowning cracked under pressure, she took in a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and made her way out.