Writing Prompt - The Prowl
It was the night of the Spring ball. Malfoy Manor was decorated to the hilt with a kaleidoscope of blooming flowers and rich greenery. An array of who's who from the wizarding community were in attendance. A sea of pastel colors reached all four corners of the ballroom.
Once all the guests had been received, Hermione found a quiet space next to the refreshment table. A moment later Draco came to stand next to her. "So here is where you have been hiding" He leaned in close, whispering in a low tone.
She chuckled at that. "You've found me."
"Are you enjoying the party?" Draco asked.
"It's lovely, though I do get overwhelmed in large crowds." Hermione quietly admitted.
"I know dove, yet you handle yourself beautifully." Draco reassured leaning over to place a kiss on her temple.
"Did I tell you that you look quite smart in your robes." She complimented.
"Thank you love, and you in that gown are stunning." He returned.
"Speaking of stunning gowns, your Mother looks smashing. I do believe she is on the prowl." Hermione said.
"Merlin help the poor chap she has her sights set on. She can be a bit over the top when she wants something." Draco said. Hermione just hummed in affirmation as they watched Narcissa flutter from guest to guest. Making a show when she was paid a compliment. She seemed to be searching for someone though.
Suddenly, Narcissa made a b-line to one particular guest. Dressed in the finest silk brocade and in the darkest color blue to still be considered pastel, stood one unimpressed Severus Snape.
"Severus, darling how good of you to come." Narcissa greeted overjoyed, throwing her arms to embrace a very stiff Severus, then latching onto his arm guiding him through the crowd.
"Narcissa, thank you for the invite. You have truly outdone yourself." Severus replied trying to pry his arm away in vain.
"Oh this is nothing you should see what I have planned for the Winter Gala. I feel you will be most impressed. Now do tell me about all the goings on at Hogwarts." Said Narcissa.
Severus still trying to pry his arm out of the vice grip hold of Narcissa's, relayed some of the mundane news of his job. "Oh but Severus, you are a Godsend to that school, they will make you headmaster soon enough." Narcissa encouraged.
"Come let us take a walk in the gardens, it's such a lovely night." She said.
"But what of your party and guests?" Asked Snape.
"Oh the children can handle playing host for a few. Unless there is something more time consuming that you have in mind?" She said with a feminine giggle that floated in the air like champagne bubbles. He rolled his eyes at that. Holding on tighter to Severus' arm they made their way out of the ballroom and into the lush greens of the Manor garden.
They walked down the moonlit path, stopping at a stone bench next to a fountain. "You know Sev, I have always been fond of you. Even when we were children in school you have always meant a great deal to me." Narcissa said a slight blush on her cheeks.
"Narcissa, we have been friends for many years now and…" Severus began but was cut off.
"That's the thing we've been friends but what if we were to be so much more." Narcissa exclaimed leaning into Severus, walking her fingers up his arm, then placing her palm on his chest.
Severus, uncomfortable with her proximity abruptly stands up causing Narcissa to lose her balance a bit. Regaining her composure she said. "You cannot still be pinning over Lily. Severus, she is gone just like Lucius. We… we have to keep living." She pleaded.
Severus leveled her with a gaze. "You want me to give you what is not mine to give. Narcissa, I am flattered, really…" He began to say as Narcissa cut him off.
"I don't want your pity Sev…." She started as Snape chimed in, coming to sit next to her again. He reached for her shoulders.
"Cissy, I'm not the man you want or the one you need. He is out there, maybe just in that room. (Nodding to the ballroom) You need someone who will love you for the person you are. You are vivacious and intelligent, quick witted and caring. You need someone who can appreciate all that you have to offer." He said.
"And you cannot appreciate me?" She asked.
"Cissy, not in that way, no." He said gently. Then placed a chaste kiss on her forehead before standing to leave.
Narcissa hung her head her eyes unfocused with unshed tears. As she went to wipe her eyes she heard footsteps. Sniffing, she then saw a flash of white out of the corner of her eye. Realizing it was a handkerchief she reached for it then muttered a 'thank you'. Once she had composed herself Narcissa thought it was Draco who had come to fetch her. To her surprise there stood a tall, dark haired wizard in a crisp pressed set of mint green dress robes.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to intrude, I was walking in the gardens when I heard you crying." His deep gentle voice had a tone of kindness.
"Well it is my party so I can cry it if want to." Narciss said raising her head to meet the man's eyes. His compassionate green eyes that seemed to mesmerize Narcissa.
Taking a beat she then recognized the face before her. Clearing her throat she said. "Thank Mr. Longbottom, your thoughtfulness is much appreciated."
"As is the invitation to your home to celebrate the Spring Equinox. The gardens are quite lovely as well. So many unique blooms to admire." He said reaching up to thumb away a residual tear.
Narcissa was speechless. This young man was flirting with her. 'I'm old enough to be his Mother… how the mighty have fallen'. Taking note of her silence Neville spoke again. "I have yet to see you dance this evening. The band is very good it would be a pity not to at least have one turn."
"Mr. Longbottom…" She was cut off.
"Please call me Neville." He insisted.
She smiled politely. "Neville, it's very sweet of you to offer however I am…" He stopped her short.
"You are a beautiful witch, and I but a humble wizard ask that you dance with him. I didn't bring a date and isn't it the duty of a proper hostess to see that all her guests have a good time?" He ended with a brilliant smile.
Narcissa thought for a moment, then raising to her feet she then said. "Neville you are quite right. I hand picked the band myself, and they do play magnificently. Also, as hostess of this sorie it is my duty to ensure that all of my guests are entertained. Since you say you have come unaccompanied I hope you will indulge me as we cut a rug, as they say."
She was not sure if Neville's smile could be more brilliant as he stood to offer his arm, Narcissa could feel the apples of her cheeks start to burn. They entered the ballroom and immediately started to dance. Neville twirled and swooped Narcissa and at the end of the very last dance of the evening he dipped her then placed a kiss on her cheek. The blush was unmistakable on her cheeks.
Excusing herself to bid farewell to her guests. Narcissa returned to find Neville standing in the middle of the empty ballroom. She approached him saying. "I'm sorry Draco and Hermione must have snuck off to their rooms."
Neville smiled as he shook his head. "I was not waiting for them. We said our goodbyes already."
"Oh, well then was there something else?" She asked feeling a bit apprehensive.
He stood there feeling a bit awkward now that she was looking at him. The house lights were on their brightest setting so there was no place to hide. Not that he'd want to hide from her but sometimes his courage wavered. "I was waiting for you. I wanted to ask you to dinner this Saturday." He stood there holding his breath.
"But Neville… I'm much…" She started to say but Neville grabbed her hand, placing a kiss on her knuckles he replied. "I don't care."
"Surely, there must be someone the same…" She insisted as he cut her off again.
"There is no one." He said "Please… Narcissa, will you do me the honor of having dinner with me?" He concluded moving a step closer she could smell the intoxicating scent of his cologne.
'This young man has an interest in me. Can this be real. What will people say… oh who cares what they say. I … I should do this. Go for it… go for it!' Narcissa internalized.
"Yes Neville, I will go out with you on Saturday." She said in a confident tone.
"Really!" Neville said as he scooped her up and spun her around. "Sorry, sorry." He said as he put her down on the floor again.
Narcissa held onto him as she found her footing. She was laughing, just like when they were dancing. Not the rehearsed laugh she had giving Severus earlier. This was genuine.
"I promise you will not regret giving me a chance." Neville said as he kissed her hand again before he left.
Five years later… there are still no regrets.
The End
Based on a conversation with Trinkisme...