Prompt of the Day: engagement ring
Character Appreciation: father and daughter
Disney, wisdom: Write about someone passing down their knowledge to a younger member of their family
Sophie's Shelf: JamesNarcissa
Arcade, Tremor: rock, underground, "It's over."
Snape Appreciation, Confusing Concoction: Confundo
Word Count: 610
Narcissa stares at the engagement ring on her finger as she enters her father's office. She wishes she could take it off and destroy it. This is her last chance at fighting this.
"Is something bothering you, Cissa?" her father asks, brows raised. "You never visit me here."
She doesn't answer at first. Her bright eyes remain fixed upon the diamond nested against the silver band. "Father, do I have to marry Lucius?" She looks up at him, biting her lip. "I don't love him."
"Do you truly believe your mother loves me?" he asks, gesturing for her to sit down. "I assure you, she does not. Our marriages are built on duty, not love."
"But—"
"You are a Black," he says, and she's surprised by how gentle his tone is. He isn't angry with her; it's just important to him that she understands. "You will be wise to heed my advice. It doesn't matter who has stolen your heart. Their promise of the future means nothing. As a Black, you are bound by your duty to the family."
She hadn't come here for a heart to heart or some sage advice, but maybe it's exactly what she needs. Her thumb brushes over the cold silver again, and she sighs heavily. "I understand, Father."
He smiles at her. "Of course you do," he says. "You always were a bright girl. Now, off to bed. Back to Hogwarts in the morning."
…
It takes her nearly a week to seek him out. When she finds him, he's at the lake, his wand aimed at Severus.
Narcissa trembles. It isn't easy to fight back the fear she feels, but she tries. "James?" she calls, kicking a rock as she walks.
He doesn't seem to hear her. With a roll of her eyes, Narcissa reaches out and grabs his arm just as he says, "Confundo!"
She doesn't see where the charm goes, but it misses Severus. James rounds on her, but his anger fades the moment he realizes who has interrupted his silly feud. "Narcissa!" He grins. "I thought you've been avoiding me."
"I have," she confirms. "Not here, please."
There's no denying the hurt in his hazel eyes, but James nods. He gently curls his fingers around her wrist, leading her away from prying eyes. No one seems to notice them leaving together.
She doesn't understand how he knows all these strange hiding places, and she isn't surprised when he brings her to an underground cavern that's hidden behind thick brush.
"What is it?" he asks when they're safely hidden away.
"It's over," she says, and her voice cracks with emotion. "My family has arranged for me to marry Lucius."
"Malfoy? That prat? No offense to your folks, but they have poor taste in men."
She almost laughs at that, but it hurts too much. "I'm sorry. I do you love you, but I will be married this summer, and—"
Her sentence dies as he presses his lips to hers. Narcissa can't help it; she relaxes against his touch, savoring the sweet, gentle moment.
"This summer is ages away," he tells her, kissing her forehead and holding her close. "We can still do what we do until then."
Narcissa considers. It's such a mad idea, and she ought to tell him as much. She can't bring herself to do it. She never meant to fall in love with James Potter, but she has, and there's no turning back now. Maybe they won't have a happily ever after. In the end, she will be a Malfoy, and James will undoubtedly find someone to love.
For now, she can cling to hope and pretend.
