The next time the Malfoys came to visit, Lucius immediately asked with perfect politeness if it would be all right if he and Narcissa went to the study. He explained to Cygnus and Druella that he wanted to check out their collection to see if they had any books that might be of any interest to him or his father.
Abraxas frowned slightly at his son's statement, even though he made sure to not let any of the Blacks see his expression of disapproval.
"Our library is already an extensive collection," Abraxas said after he had composed himself.
"Only because you are constantly adding to it, Father," Lucius replied respectfully. "Besides, I have no doubt that if Mr. Black ever came to look at your library, he would also find books of interest to him."
"I would love the chance to one day browse through your library, Abraxas," Cygnus spoke up.
"Perhaps one day, Cygnus," Abraxas smiled pleasantly.
Abraxas then turned to his son. "Very well, Lucius. You and Miss Black may go to the study, just as long as it's all right with Cygnus and his wife."
"There's no need for that, Abraxas," Cygnus smiled. "Lucius is welcomed anywhere he wants to go in my manor. It is so refreshing to see a Pureblood boy who's interested in books and not just Quidditch."
"Indeed," Abraxas responded. "Too many Purebloods these days are not raising their children right. A proper Pureblood should value knowledge above everything else."
"And that is why I was so pleased when you agreed to allow your son to marry Narcissa," Cygnus said. "I knew that you would ensure that Lucius was brought up properly."
Abraxas just smirked proudly.
Lucius, meanwhile, took the moment to politely excuse himself and Narcissa.
They quickly made their way to the study. Narcissa grabbed her favorite philosophy book and sat down on the couch. Lucius began to look at the various titles.
There was silence between the two children for several minutes.
"Miss Black," Lucius suddenly spoke.
Narcissa looked up from her book in surprise and met Lucius's eyes.
"Yes, Mr. Malfoy."
"I did not treat you right the last time I was here," Lucius said, "and I would like to apologize."
"You have no reason to apologize," Narcissa replied. "You have been nothing but proper towards me."
"And you even more so," Lucius responded. "Your dignity and grace is truly admirable."
He was silent for a moment. Then, he said, "I was wondering if it would be all right with you if we discussed that book you're reading. I have a copy of it in my room, and I have read it numerous times. I have always wanted to discuss it with someone, but the only person I've ever had around is my father."
"And he doesn't like it when you disagree with him," Narcissa said in understanding. "My parents are the same way. They always have to be right."
Lucius gave Narcissa a slight but genuine smile.
Narcissa returned the smile. She then gestured for Lucius to take a seat next to her.
Narcissa found her discussion with Lucius to be very pleasant. They agreed on some points, while they disagreed slightly on other points. Lucius, however, listened patiently to her as she explained why she thought the way that she did. Likewise, Narcissa listened patiently to Lucius as he explained the reasoning behind his point-of-views.
It was truly an experience Narcissa had never had with her parents or her sisters. Her parents did not like to be challenged, and they had never thought that it was truly important for her to study philosophy (that was something more appropriate for Pureblood boys).
When it came to her sisters, Bellatrix had never really been interested in philosophy. And Andromeda usually disagreed with whatever Narcissa thought, claiming that Narcissa was doing nothing but repeating what she had heard from their parents.
Lucius, on the other hand, was very interested in what Narcissa had to say. And even though it was clear that he liked to be right (and who didn't?), he didn't make Narcissa feel stupid for thinking differently from him.
Lucius even smiled warmly at her a few times, and Narcissa quickly found herself wanting to make him smile more often. There was no denying that he was naturally handsome, but there was also no denying that he was even more handsome whenever he smiled.
Both Lucius and Narcissa were caught by surprise when Bellatrix suddenly walked into the room.
"You two are still in here?" Bellatrix said in disbelief. She then noticed the open book in Narcissa's lap. "Are you trying to bore your future husband, Cissy? I thought you actually wanted to be married to him one day."
"I am actually quite enjoying myself," Lucius spoke. "Your sister has some enlightening views."
Narcissa felt a pleasant feeling flutter in her stomach at Lucius's words. This was the first time that anyone had ever called her views "enlightening."
"What are you two reading anyways?" Bellatrix asked.
Narcissa held up the book so that her sister could see the title.
"Philosophy," Bellatrix scoffed in disgust, "what a waste of time."
"What makes you say that?" Lucius asked, a slight edge in his voice.
Narcissa looked at Lucius in surprise. This was the first time she had ever heard him speak with something besides his usual cold politeness.
Narcissa then looked at Bellatrix nervously, knowing that her older sister didn't like it when someone took that tone of voice with her.
"Because I find it to be rather boring and of no real importance or value," Bellatrix said to Lucius.
"Why?" Lucius pressed. "Because it requires you to actually think?"
A dangerous gleam immediately entered Bellatrix's eyes.
"You dare," she snarled. "You dare."
"Bella, please," Narcissa pleaded, fearing that her sister was about to go for her wand.
"Don't worry, Cissy," Bellatrix laughed unpleasantly. "I don't plan on doing anything to permanently damage your future husband. I wouldn't want you being married to something hideous, after all."
"I would like to see you try to do something to me," Lucius sneered. "Go ahead, Bellatrix, do your worse."
A part of Narcissa was impressed by Lucius's boldness. But another part of her feared for his well-being. Bellatrix had never handled insults well.
Narcissa stood up. The book fell out of her hands and landed on the floor below.
"Maybe you should just leave, Bella." Narcissa suggested in a shaky voice.
"Why aren't you asking Lucius to leave?" Bellatrix sneered.
"Because he's a guest, Bella," Narcissa replied, "and it wouldn't be proper for me to ask a guest to leave."
"You and your properness, Cissy," Bellatrix taunted.
"At least she has it," Lucius spoke up. "Your parents must be so disappointed in you."
Narcissa's breath caught in her throat. Being called a disappointment was the worse insult a Pureblood could receive.
And Narcissa knew that despite Bellatrix's tendency to rebel against their parents' "bothersome" rules, she really did want their approval.
Bellatrix pulled out her wand and pointed it at Lucius.
Lucius, however, didn't even flinch.
It was clear that Bellatrix was disappointed and shocked by Lucius's lack of reaction.
Bellatrix had always fed on the fear of others, and Lucius was refusing to deliver.
"You're not worth my time or effort, Lucius," Bellatrix sneered as she lowered her wand. "Besides, I won't have my little sister marrying a man who can't properly function."
"How kind of you," Lucius drawled sarcastically.
Bellatrix gave Lucius one final angry glare before turning around and leaving the room.
There was silence for several moments after Bellatrix's departure.
"Are you not going to defend your sister?" Lucius finally asked, turning to look at Narcissa.
"Bella doesn't need anyone defending her," Narcissa replied. "She really is smart. She just doesn't find book smarts to be as important as some other things."
"But you are not the same way," Lucius said matter-of-factly.
"No, I am not Bella," Narcissa responded. "I am just Narcissa."
"There's nothing wrong with that," Lucius returned.
He then gestured at the book on the floor. "Shall we continue?"
Narcissa looked at Lucius for a moment. She was amazed at how easily he was able to go back to acting as if everything was normal.
As if he had not just been threatened by Bellatrix only moments ago.
After several moments, Narcissa finally picked up the fallen book and opened it.
It did not take long for her and Lucius to go back to how they were before Bellatrix had come into the room.
It was almost as if Bellatrix had never been there.