Word Count: 548
Cygnus Black wants to arrange a marriage between his youngest daughter and Abraxas' only son. Abraxas scoffs at the letter, incredulous. He has spent years assuming Cygnus is dead.
"He's not as dead as we would have hoped," he mutters to himself, pinching the bridge of his nose.
He doesn't know what to do. The letter requests an appearance at the Black estate for their winter ball. Cygnus expects an answer then.
Sometimes Abraxas wonders if Cygnus knew about him and Druella. Is this union truly to secure the continuance of noble blood, or is it am attempt to sneer in Abraxas' face and remind him that he lost Druella? Cygnus seeks to shame him, but Abraxas is too proud to give in, to be made a fool of. He will hold his head high and do what is best for his family.
"Lucius!"
His son appears in his study within seconds. "Yes, Father?"
"Don't slouch," Abraxas says sharply, resting his hands on his desk. He supposes Lucius and Narcissa would be a good match, especially if she is anything like her mother.
The thought of Duella makes his chest ache. It has been far too long since he has seen her, and even longer since he has spoken to her.
"How do you feel about marrying Narcissa Black?"
Lucius will do so without question, of course. He is a Malfoy, and Malfoys will do anything to ensure their family's name goes unblemished. Still, Abraxas is a father, and all fathers want to know that their children will be happy.
"She is quite lovely," Lucius says, his cheeks glowing pink.
Abraxas bites back a laugh. Good. At least Lucius will be happy. "So be it."
…
The ball is just like every other one he's attended in his life. Everyone is dressed in their finest clothes, so caught up in appearances, in showing the rest of the world how great they are. Abraxas knows it all too well. He knows what to do and say, how to present himself. It's all an act, and it has all become so tiring.
"Feeling old yet?"
His heart almost stops when he hears that voice. He turns, smiling. Druella is as lovely as ever, all silky blonde hair and high cheekbones. She smiles at him.
"Druella," he says curtly.
"We used to do this when we were kids," she says, shaking her head as she looks out at the crowd. "Now here we are."
"Here we are," he echoes.
He remembers their youth all too well. How many nights would the two of them sneak off, seeking bushes to hide behind?
But this isn't about that. As much as he's missed her, they have their own lives to live. He has to cut his reunion short. He smiles at his old flame. "Excuse me, Druella," he says. "I need to speak with your husband."
Her disappointment is almost palpable. Abraxas takes a deep breath and walks past her. As he goes, he sees Lucius on the dance floor, holding Narcissa close, and he smiles. His own days of hope and dreaming of Druella are gone. But now Lucius has a chance for love and happiness, and that's all that Abraxas needs in order to know he has made the right decision.
