Narcissa considers herself one of the lucky ones. There are many of the sacred 28 that are married off without a thought or care to the happiness of either parties, but she and Lucius meet during their years at Hogwarts, both top of their year Slytherins. She and Lucius fell in love during those years, and when her mother told her she was to be married, she resigned herself to leave Lucius and marry whomever her mother had chosen for her, it was her duty after all. But when Lord Malfoy and Lucius swept into the room she could hardly believe her eyes.
She got to marry the man that she loved, so yeah, she considers herself one of the lucky few indeed.
Marrying Lucius was the second greatest joy in her life.
The first came nine months after they married.
Narcissa held her son in her arms, his face soft with sleep as they both rested in the room that the Mediwizard's had assigned to her. A small tuft of hair, so blonde that it was nearly white, lay atop of her newborns head.
Looking at his face, chubby and pure, Narcissa thinks that she has been handed the greatest gift in the world. Her own little angel rest in her arms, and she knows without a doubt that she would do anything for him,
Lucius' face is red when he arrives, out of breath and distressed. His eyes are wild as he searches for her and their child. She smiles at him when his eyes meet her own, watches as his entire being softens upon the sight of her and melts further when he notices the buddle cradled in her arms.
He sweeps into the room silently, eyes trained on the child within her arms. When he makes it to her bedside, he gives her a sheepish smile as an apology for missing their son's birth.
She only huffs slightly, tilting her head up for a kiss that he gladly gives her. That is all it takes for her to forgive him.
They both knew how important it was for Lucius to be at the Ministry, even if it had pained her to know that she would miss their child birth, she knew that Lucius did everything he could to get her as quickly as he could without causing a scene.
When they both pull away from their kiss it is to notice wide grey-blue eyes staring up at them. Lucius is frozen for a moment under their stare, but Narcissa doesn't waste a second, cooing at her son.
"Good morning, little one. Did you wake up to see your Father?"
The only reply she gets is a slow blink from the babe.
Chuckling as Lucius takes a seat next to her bedside, she gently holds her son out to his father.
Lucius looks at her, wide-eyed and frightened.
"Take him."
It is not an option and they both know it.
Carefully Lucius takes the child from her arms, cradling him in his own. The babe's face scrunches up and both parents wait with bated breaths for the child to wail or throw a fit, but it doesn't come. Instead the child's face smooths out and he yawns.
One blink, two blinks, each slower than the last and then the babe is asleep once more.
Narcissa smiles tiredly at the most precious men in her life. Her smile only widens when Lucius looks up at her, his eyes full of awe.
"He's magnificent, love, oh you did so wonderful. Have you decided what we're going to name him?"
Narcissa hummed for a moment, thinking her husband's question over.
"Do you have anything in mind?"
Lucius only smiled at her deflection. "Whatever you choose will be perfect, my dove."
A flush filled her face before she could school it down, despite this she still scowled at her husband.
A soft snore drew both of their eyes back to their child. Looking at his face reflected in the moonlight, Narcissa knew that she would be keeping tradition. She had the perfect name for her little light.
"Draco."
"Draco?"
"Draconian shall be his name, thus Draco."
Lucius snorted, "Keeping up with the family tradition, Miss Black?"
Narcissa childishly stuck her tongue out at her husband, which caused both of them to begin laughing.
The laughter fades as both of them settle, comfortable in the knowledge that everything is okay. Narcissa can feel her eyes start to droop, fluttering shut in her exhaustion.
The last thing she feels is a pair of soft lips on her forehead before she is lost to the waking world, and welcomes her dreams once again.
She always found comfort within her dreams, even when it was not within the waking world. Her dreams have always been painted a soft lilac, a pond lays in the middle of her mindscape, swirling with her magic. The pond is deceiving, small in size but with a large depth. It pusles as she returns to her Dreaming World. A fox lays at the edge of her pond, awaiting her return. It lifts its head when she comes back within herself, its tail dipped into the pond of her magic. A raspy bark is the greeting that she receives from the deepest part of herself.
"Hello my little vixen," Narcissa pets the silvery, smoke-like fox. "Have you missed me?"
She gets a trill and a flick of the tail as her response that draws a laugh from her.
"Yes, yes, I've missed you too. Now then," Narcissa looks around her dreamscape. "It has been some time since it's just been me and you alone within my mind, what has caused the change?"
The fox raises and stretches, its tail still dipped into the pond, before it begins to walk. Its step illuminates a path that was hidden from Narcissa.
She can only huff at her other half before she follows behind it.
"Not even a hint as to where we are going? Not that I don't love our little comes, but I don't wish to be away for far too long."
The fox does not acknowledge her words, just continues to walk, its tail painting her mindscape like an ink brush as it drags behind the foxes illuminating steps.
"I have a kit at home now, you know this of course. I'll show you to him once Lucius leaves for work."
At this the fox gives a small whine, its steps slowly slightly before it huffs and picks up the pace yet again.
"I know, I know, it's not fair to you, little fox. But he has never been able to produce the symbol of his soul. It pains him to see you."
She does not have to talk about the fear that he has, that they are not meant for each other like they believe. It is rare to have two people to have the same patronus marry, rarer still for a couple to complimenting souls.
It didn't bother her if they didn't have the same patronus, but she knew that he would take it as he didn't love her enough to change the very fabric of his soul. (He didn't need to change who he was, just had to love her and now love their son. That was enough for her.)
Lost in her thoughts of Lucius, she loses track of how far they have travelled within her mind. Only notices that their pace has begun to slow. Snapping out her thoughts, Narcissa looks around her.
The soft lilac of her mind bleeds into a deep indigo. Narcissa stops walking, paying no mind to where her fox stops up ahead.
"This isn't my mind anymore," she looks at her companion. "Where are you taking me?"
The fox just stares at her, its head tilted in a silent question, 'you've come this far, what does it matter now?'
Narcissa can only sigh as she takes a step into the unknown mind. It is different, some who are not Dreamers believe that going to anothers mindscape is akin to legilimency. But where legilimency is often forced upon the other party, sometimes harming the targets mind in the process, dreaming is different.
Dreamers can pass through other people's minds if there is already a connection, emotional or blood, there is no pain. There is nothing forceful about the enter, instead of breaking down a door, Dreamers are like the wind, blowing through the magic of the mindscape without a burden.
She knows this, so she does not fear that she is harming whoever's mind she resides in now. For a moment she believes that she is in Lucius' mind. But she knows that it is not so. Lucius' mind is not this blue, instead it is a rich purple that borders on black. It shines like a jewel when she illuminates it on those rare instances that she traverses in his mind.
This mind does not gleam like a jewel, but rather shimmers like the ocean. Just the barest of light that can penetrate the depths. She and her fox shine like becanes in the depths, and as she continues to walk behind her fox, she notices that this mindscape is not a solid color.
Blue is the base, yes, but it changes and blends between the hues as if the mindscape has not yet settled. On occasion the shimmer of silver pases her vision before it is consumed by the deep blues once again.
This is Draco's mind.
She realizes that suddenly, the revelation halts her movements. She is in her son's mind. He is a Dreamer. And that feels like a punch to the gut. She doesn't know whether she wants to laugh or cry. She can feel it, the lullaby that exists within each Dreamer's mindscape to alert the visitors that they have found one of their own, that they have found another home should they need it. Her mother's voice rings in her ears, her warnings making bile rise in her throat. Be careful, little flower, I will not be around when you have your own child and if he is gifted like you He cannot know, my precious Narcissus, my dear flower. You may love him so but he is a man who desires power above all else.
He cannot know.
He cannot know.
Lucius cannot know.
She can feel the tension rise in her body, can feel the hum of her own lullaby reaching out to one of her own, and she wants like she has never wanted anything else in this world. Knows that she would give up everything, the Malfoy name, the Black name, her magic and her dreaming, to protect the little spark of purity that has blessed her life.
Lucius will not know of their son's specialities, just as her own father was blind to hers. Just as her sisters were. If she were to be blessed with more children with the same gifts then and only then would they learn about her and Draco's abilities.
She is broken out of her worries by the chill of a nose pressed to her hand. Looking down she sees her companions' silver eyes peering up at her. With a small smile and a pat to its wispy head, they set off again.
"Why are we here? It's not like we're going to be able to see him. I just had him after all."
Silence reigns between them yet again.
Naricssa huffs, "you used to speak to me. Not often but you did. I've missed hearing you."
The fox just nudges her with its snout, an apology and scolding mixed together.
"I know, I haven't spoken to you in quite some time either. I'm sorry, I just got so distracted with the marriage and pregnancy I didn't come around as often as I used to."
She stops here, looks around her son's mindscape that seems to stretch on forever, and sits down.
Her companion stares at her confused.
She only laughs, "C'mon, sit with me, darling. My bright star isn't going anywhere. He will be in the waking world once I open my eyes and I have all the time in the world to come to him and teach him the ways of Dreaming. My own mother didn't begin teaching me until I was nearly of Hogwarts age. You, on the other hand, I have ignored for far too long. I cannot take back the time that we have lost, old friend, but I can take what time is presented to us now. Let us talk. Please. I have missed you so."
The fox walks to its other half, taking a seat in front of her but still no words flood into Naricssa's mind like they used to. Instead there is only an emptiness that she ignored and allowed to fester like a plague.
"Please, please, dear one talk to me. What am I doing wrong?"
The fox has no answers for her, she knows that this is something that she must remember on her own. Her friend would help her if they could but this is one place that they cannot guide her.
"Dear one, I have missed so much. You've missed me too though, haven't you? I'll remember I promise. Just, talk to me please."
A whine is the only answer that she gains from her pleading, her companion laying their head down on her leg. Slowly she caressess them, strokes her hand down the wispy soft fur, and hums.
Her mother's words come to her again as she basks in her other halfs presence.
Dreamers are special, little flower, our souls have names and they are precious things. Do not forget what your soul is named, for it will always remember your name.
Names.
Her soul has a name.
The fox in front of her is a physical manifestation of her soul, of who she is.
It is not Narcissa, while they are two halves of the same whole Narcissa is not so vain to think that her soul is at least a little bit detached from herself in the same sense that all Dreamers' souls are. But, if not Narcissa then what? A name after a star does not suit the fox in front of her, nor does the name of any jewel that she can name.
The fox is wisdom and trust. Faith in herself and in family, hope for her family and son, for a better future.
Her dear companion is a birth of spring that goes with her own Narcissus perfectly.
"Iris." Her voice is soft and unsure when she calls out to her companion.
"So you've finally called out to me." The fox huffs into its tamers leg.
A wide smile stretches on Narcissa's face when the fox's cool tone floats into her mind. "So you've finally decided to answer me."
"I was not the one who forgot."
Narcissa cannot stop from wincing at the bitter tone that comes from her oldest friend. "No, you were not. There is nothing that I can do to make up for what I have forgotten dear one, but I will not forget you again. I will not allow it."
"You cannot promise me that," the fox whines. "You said it yourself, you got distracted with your life outside of the Dreaming, and now you have your own kit. One that called to you despite his youth, you will be even more distracted."
"Dear one, please listen to me."
"I do not blame you for forgetting nor will I blame you when you forget again, your kit is a special one."
Narcissa does not allow Iris to continue down this way, instead she gently takes hold of the foxes face.
"Listen to me and listen well, dear one. I will wake soon, I must after all return to the world of the Waking, but I will not forget you. You are correct, my bright star is special, and he has called to me in his sleep. But he has called to you as well. You came with me to greet him, and you will be with me as he grows and greets his other half. You are me and I am you."
Iris whines softly and nuzzles into Narcissa's hands.
"What if this was a fluke, and you awaken with no memory of me aside from the fox that guides you yet again? I do not think I could bear losing our connection a second time, my flower."
"Call out to me, Iris. Our connection is strong and true, and it will stay that way. Should it ever waver, all you need to do is call to me and I will come to you. I will bring my child with me and you will love him just as I do, I know you will."
"And if I don't? Love is a tricky emotion, my flower. You adore that child because he is breath and blood of your own. He is not mine. You, and only you, are mine. What would you do if I do not come to love the kit as you do? I am not so vain to believe that you would choose our connection over him, nor would I want to put you in the position."
"Blood is blood, but bonds have always been deeper than just blood, little fox. You know this. It is true, you may not adore him as I do, and that is fine. You do not have to adore him in the beginning, he will grow and change and you will help guide him and his own just as you have helped guide me. I believe in you, Iris. I believe in the kindness that you hold in your heart, I believe in the purity and innocence that you have guarded for me since childhood. Believe in yourself, Iris."
Narcissa can feel the stirring of Awakening begin, the waking world calling for her once more. Silently she mourns the loss of more time with her oldest friend, but she resolves herself to Dream more, explore with Iris again like she used to as a young girl.
She cannot give Iris the time that she has lost, but she can at least give her a farewell.
"I am being called back, dear one," her voice is soothing but tinted with the sadness that she feels.
"I know, I can feel you start to drift from the Dreaming."
"I will return to you, and together we will see my bright star. You will adore him, I know you will."
Iris gives a soft trill, "If he is anything like you, my flower, than I have no doubt about that. Go now, your kit and mate are waiting for you."
"Call for me, Iris, even when the Waking world draws my attention, you are still apart of me. Call for me and I will come to you."
"It is time to wake up now, I hope to see you again soon. Try not to forget me again."
Narcissa wakes with laughter in her throat and tears in her eyes. Her husband is no longer in the room, his voice carries into the room from the hallway. Exasperation colors his tone, underneath is anger.
Her child is laying in her arms, his blue-grey eyes looking up at her.
She coos at him, his cherub face breaking into a toothless smile.
"Good morning, my little star. I hope that you have slept well?"
She does not expect an answer from her child, of course, but she cannot help the warmth that she feels as he gurgles at her.
She is ready for it when Lucius comes back into the room, a scowl decorating his previously happy face. He startles slightly when he notices both his wife and child awake and waiting for him. In just a moment he schools his anger expression, replacing it yet again with a soft smile. Narcissa does not allow that to deter her.
"They called you back in already, haven't they?"
Lucius sighs, pushing his platinum blonde hair back. He'd have to tie it up again when he left for the Ministry. "Yes, apparently they don't understand the fact that my wife just gave birth." He scowls yet again.
Narcissa smiles at her husband, "and you'll go because they need you, and it is you duty and-"
"Malfoys do not shy away from their duties." He finishes for her, returning her small with a small one of his own.
"I do not wish to leave you yet, my love. You or our little one."
"Hush now, love, we will be here when you return."
He sighs, "I know, I know. I suppose I must be off. But first," he crosses the room in three easy strides before planting a kiss to Narcissa's forehead. "I love you, darling."
A petal of laughter falls from her lips, "And I you."
He bends down and presses a kiss to Draco's forehead as well. "I love you as well, little light. Be good for your mother."
A gurgle is the only response he gets, but it is a response that drags a smile from both of his parents.
"Off you go now, love, before they call you again. The sooner you get in there, the sooner you can return to us."
"I know, I know." He lingers still, a finger caressing his child's cheek.
Draco's small hand reaches him and takes hold of his father's hand.
Narcissa smiles at the choked sound that comes from her husband. Her own hand reaches out to cover her husbands and childs. They sit like that for a moment, aware of the pressing issues that are calling her husband but neither wanting to break this moment of peace that they are experiencing.
The moment cannot last forever, however, and all too soon does Lucius have to extract himself from his family. He presses one last kiss to the two most important people in his life before he leaves the room.
Narcissa smiles at his retreating backside before she turns her attention to her child. In the absence of his father's finger, Draco has taken to holding onto Narcissa's finger instead. She coos at him, wiggling her unheld hand in his face to entice a smile from him.
"We'll probably be here until your Father gets back, little one. I'm sure that he would want to escort us home." She huffs, "even if he knows that I'm more than capable of taking the floo back home myself. Oh well, while we have some time there is someone very dear to be that I would like you to meet, my little star."
Narcissa closes her eyes, typically to call upon the patronus one would have to invoke the spell, but Dreamers are different. So entwined to their patronuses from childhood, they simply need to call out for them with the name of their other soul.
'Iris, would you like to come meet my kit?'
'What about your mate, my flower?'
'He is not here any longer."
Narcissa can feel the wisps of Iris materialize, the smokey fox lies curled up by Narcissa's side. Iris' head lies on Narcissa's arm, her snout directly in front of Draco.
"He is very small. Not at all like you when you first met."
Narcissa laughs at the confusion that colors Iris' face. "That is because we formally met when I was nearly 11, Mother made it so we would not meet before then. Remember?"
"Ah, right, you said it was a potion."
"Yes, Dreamless sleep."
Iris glances at her dearest one, "are you going to do the same to him?"
There is weariness in her tone, accusation in her eyes. Narcissa cannot soothe it quick enough.
"No, never. Mother did what she thought was best for my safety in our household, but I will not take my son's other half from him like she did."
"Even to protect him from his father?"
It is sadness now that colors Narcissa's smile, "No, not even to protect him against his father. My mother went one way to protect her child and I will go another. But that is a discussion for a later date, when his own calls to him."
Iris huffs, "You're running away, my flower. He will be called to soon enough. He has already begun to call out after all."
"I know, I know, I'm just not ready yet, Iris."
"I will drop it for now. Introduce me to your kit."
Like a switch Narcissa lights up yet again, cooing at her son. "Yes, of course! Little Dragon, this is my dearest other half, Iris. She has been my companion for many years, you too will have one as you grow. It may not be a fox like my dear Iris, but whatever it is will be just as glorious as you are."
"Greetings, little kit. May the light shine on you and the constellation that you were named for guide you through the darkest of nights." With that Iris presses her snout directly to Draco's forehead, right where Lucius has previously kissed him. "You are the kit of my own, and I will watch you as you grow. I will protect you when my flower cannot and guide you until your own has learned our ways, this I promise you."
"Iris!" Narcissa can only stare wide eyed at her companion. "You can't just-"
"Hush, dear one. I know well what I am doing. I do not know if I will love him the way I love you, but I know how important he is to you. If he is yours then he is mine. I will do what your Mother refused to ask her own to do for you. Worry not, he will grow safe under my light."
"I know he will, Iris, but you don't have to do that. Not right now, not ever! I was going to tell Lucius about us, make him take an Unbreakable Vow. I was not going to bind you to my child!"
"Your mate is like a wessel, and while he would take the Vow he would always be plotting. I will not allow him to harm you. You would do the Vow and forget about yourself, I know you would. You are not binding me to anything. I give myself freely to the star that shares your blood, it is not a chain that I haven't forced upon myself."
Tears well up in Narcissa's eyes at Iris' words. "I do not know how to ever repay you Iris."
At this Iris pulls away from her new charge, watches as his grey-blue eyes are overtaken by a molten silver of her arcane magic before they slip closed into rest once more. She faces her eldest friend once more.
"Be happy, that is all I have ever wanted from you. Guide your star well, and keep him safe now. Be the Mother that I know that you can be, and be the Black that you were always meant to be."
Narcissa laughs at her words. "I am a Malfoy now, as is Draco."
Iris huffs at that, giving a small lick to Narcissa's cheek. "You married a Malfoy and took the name, but in your heart you are still a Black. Still part of a family name that has begun to chase the light. Your kit may share the wessel's blood, but the Black line sings true in his veins. You call him a star, ensure that he may shine like one. Now rest again. Follow your child into the Dreaming. Your mate will wake you when he returns and you will be free to go home. Until then show your kit what you wish your mother would have shown you. Sleep."
"Iris…" Narcissa's eyes are overtaken by the molten silver like her fox's before she too falls back into the world of rest.
Iris can feel the pull of her own and her charge, to join them in the Dreaming and be their guide. "I will keep you both safe. Aut viam inveniam aut faciam. This I promise you both."