A/N: I don't own Harry Potter

This is for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Assignment #4 – Linage Studies - Task 1 - Write about an important arrival

Writing Club September

Amber's Attic: 18 - Druella Black and Narcissa Malfoy (bonus)

Insane Prompt Challenge: 316: Pairing Narcissa/Lucius

Word Count: 805

"He'll be here soon," Druella commented looking out the curtains of the Black family home. Narcissa nodded slowly from where she was sitting. "He'd better not keep your father waiting," she added after a moment.

"I am sure Lucius will be perfectly on time, Mother. He knows how important this is to me, to our family," Narcissa replied trying to keep her voice from trembling. After Andi had run off with that Muggle-born the previous year, Narcissa knew her duty to the family was doubly important. She glanced at the large clock. It was nearly three. Lucius was supposed to arrive at three precisely. If he was late, it could put a damper on the whole arrangement. Her father had decided it was high time for Narcissa to be married. He'd also mentioned several other young wizards he'd invited to compete for her hand. He'd issued an invitation telling them to arrive at three- thirty. Narcissa had sent one, herself, to Lucius telling him arrive earlier in hopes of her father seeing him and ignoring the other candidates. It had been partially her mother's idea. Narcissa knew how important it was for her to marry into a nice pure-blood family. She knew the Malfoys were very wealthy and would compliment her family's status nicely. It didn't hurt that Lucius was a quite good looking. The clock hand ticked another minute had passed. Druella turned to Narcissa.

"Do you like him?"

"I do, Mother. He is very intelligent and he does make me feel special in a way no other wizard has made me feel. I know love is not something required for a marriage, especially one joining two families, but I do feel I could grow to love him." Druella smiled at her youngest daughter.

"Good. That will help make the marriage stronger. If you care about him, and him about you, there will be a strong partnership. I do hope your father approves." Narcissa glanced at the clock. Five more minutes, what if he didn't show? What if he'd changed his mind? The loud sound of apparation echoed through the air. Narcissa smiled nervously. What if it wasn't him? She knew there were other young men who would want to court her, to join their families with hers. What if someone had beaten Lucius here? She nearly ran to the door, but her mother stopped her.

"Do not appear to be too eager, Narcissa. Let him knock first." She nodded sitting back down and folding her hands in her lap. The knock came, strong and steady. Narcissa continued to sit until one of their house-elves had opened the door and announced,

"A Mr. Lucius Malfoy is here to see Mr. Cygnus Black, should I show him in?" Narcissa smiled in relief. He'd gotten here in time! Druella nodded.

"Show him in please," she said. Narcissa stayed seated until Lucius had entered her father's study.

"He's here! He made it here in time, do you think Father will accept his offer?"

"Your father is eager to settle you quickly before you do something stupid, like your sister. He might take Mr. Malfoy's offer." Narcissa wanted to pace the room, put her ear to the door, do something other than sit and wait. However, that was really all there was to do. A few minutes later, she heard the door to her father's study open. She looked up and had to fight to keep herself from running to see. Lucius appeared in the doorway.

"Mrs. Black, Miss Black."

"Mr. Malfoy," they chorused. Narcissa nearly sighing at the formality of it.

"Miss Malfoy, I have spoken with your father and he has agreed to my terms. The contract has been signed and we are to marry." Narcissa glanced at her mother, who nodded. Narcissa rose and nearly threw herself into Lucius' arms, formality be damned.

"Congratulations," Druella stated as Narcissa took Lucius' hand. The couple nodded.

"Would you care to see the grounds, Lucius?" Narcissa offered. "We can discuss the wedding?"

"I would love to, Narcissa. Do you like peacocks? I am thinking of purchasing a flock for my manor." She nodded leading him out towards the gardens. Druella watched them for a moment before walking to her husband's study.

"That was nice of you, Cygnus."

"The Malfoys are a wealthy and powerful family, Druella. There was no reason to deny the request. Narcissa is pleased with the agreement?"

"Absolutely. Her and Lucius will make a wonderful match. You can dismiss all the others you have contacted."

"Ahh, but I didn't contact any families. I knew about Mr. Malfoy and Narcissa's relationship in school. I only hurried things along," Cygnus stated with a smile. Druella laughed. There was a reason the Blacks always ended up in Slytherin. Cunning and manipulative seemed to be their family motto.