A/N: The last chapters will probably be about this short because I've got to get this finished before the 31st! Enjoy some more Narcissa!

WC: 514

Thursday 24th December 1970, 11:30 AM

"Will you marry me?" Rodolphus asks, down on one knee as tradition wants and that the Muggles copy.

Then there's Bella, standing, high and mighty, a look of utter confidence and pride in her eyes. She doesn't reply just after he's asked, and Narcissa can clearly tell how much she likes the awkward silence that follows Rodolphus' unanswered question. She's making everyone uncomfortable, and Rodolphus especially, who is looking less and less steady on that knee of his.

But that's Bella for you. She likes – no, loves – the attention, they all know it. And she revels in this power that she has. Finally, she opens her mouth and says that one word they've all been waiting for.

"Yes."

A smile breaks out on everyone's faces, none larger than Rodolphus. Though Mother and Aunt Walburga look rather pleased too. The latter seems overjoyed, but Mother, it's rather relief, as if she is letting out a breath she's been holding in.

Yule is tomorrow. She can tell both Sirius and Regulus are bored out of their minds at this event they couldn't give two figs about, and even Meda seems a little distracted, probably expecting another one of those owls she just keeps and keeps receiving. She'll definitely find out what that is before the end of the holidays. She's determined. Heck, apart from Narcissa, none of them are looking at Bella's smug grin.

"Oh, congratulations, Bella, darling! I never thought this day would come!" Aunt Walburga exclaims.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Bella says, and Narcissa can see her smile strain just a little.

Aunt Walburga immediately feels the change of tone and her posture changes just a little. It's a play of power. She's used to being to most important female, but on this day, Bella's engagement, it's just possible that the title goes to Bella.

"Nothing, darling, I just thought you were never going to settle down," Aunt Walburga says carefully.

"Walburga," Father warns.

Bella takes no notice. "Oh, Auntie, dear. I have no intention of 'settling down' as you said. Don't I, Rodolphus?"

"Of course," Rodolphus hurries to agree. There's no doubt here, it's definitely Bella who holds the power.

"Good," Bella says.

They haven't even kissed. Some engagement this is turning out to be, nothing like Cissy would wish hers to be. There's only 11 of them, Rabastan having agreed to come over. They're all dressed up, but it's nothing particularly fun. Bella didn't even get a new dress for the occasion.

If it was Cissy's engagement party, there would over 60 guests, and there would be a ball, and people dancing. And she would have the most magnificent dress, bottle green, with touches of blue, and peacock earrings, just maybe…

But, for the moment, it's Bella engagement, so she'll let her have it the way she wants. She'll let her play all those little power games she understands perfectly well but hasn't had the occasion to play yet, apart from in her dorm.

"Shall we move on to drinks?" Mother suggests.

And so they do. Some engagement party this is.