Narcissa was excited about going to Parkinson Manor, mostly because Lucius was supposed to be there.
She hadn't seen him since that fateful day in the garden.
Thinking about that day still made her beam.
Another big plus was that Sirius would not be going. Most of the proper, respectable Pureblood families would be going to Parkinson Manor for a party, and neither Orion nor Walburga Black thought that their two young sons were yet old enough to go to a party with so many people in attendance, not to mention the fact that the party would likely last way past midnight. Whenever Purebloods held an event, it was always a grand affair.
Narcissa, however, would be starting her first year at Hogwarts in just a few weeks; and both her parents had decided that she was ready to enter into Pureblood society as a respectable, mature young lady.
As soon as they arrived, Narcissa made her proper greetings to the entire Parkinson family. Then, she politely excused herself so that she could speak with the other guests. She made sure that her parents noticed that she was talking to several different Pureblood families.
Narcissa had to struggle not go to Lucius immediately, even though she had quickly and easily spotted him as soon as she and her family had arrived. That platinum blond hair of his was truly hard to miss.
And it also didn't help that Lucius had remained at his father's side for the entire time. In fact, he was practically his father's shadow.
Narcissa noticed that Lucius smiled his most charming smile at everyone who spoke to him, but she also noticed how he constantly looked up at his father (almost fearfully?) whenever the person who had been speaking to him had moved on.
She was clearly letting her imagination get the best of her. She remembered how unafraid Lucius had been of Bellatrix in the study. There was no way, therefore, that he could be afraid of anyone.
But why was Lucius sticking so close to his father? Surely he was old enough and mature enough to wander around on his own a bit. Narcissa's parents were allowing her some freedom, after all, and she was about a year younger than Lucius. Not to mention, he would be starting his second year at Hogwarts after summer was over, and he would then be far away from his father.
And usually Lucius had no problem with leaving his father's side as quickly as possible during all the times they had come to visit Narcissa and her family.
What was going on tonight?
With a combination of curiosity and unusual courage, Narcissa made her way towards Lucius and his father.
"Mr. Malfoy, Lucius," Narcissa greeted politely, curtsying slightly to Abraxas.
"Miss Black," Abraxas greeted in return, even though there was a slight frown on his face.
"Narcissa," Lucius greeted in a soft, barely audible voice.
That was definitely not like him. Lucius was always confident. Always.
"When have you two started referring to each other by your first names?" Abraxas asked with curiosity in his voice.
Perhaps it was just her imagination, but Narcissa swore that she heard a hint of anger in Abraxas's voice as well.
Narcissa looked up slowly and found herself looking straight into Abraxas's cold grey eyes. She opened her mouth to say something, but all speech had left her.
"We thought it would be a little awkward if we were always referring to each other as 'Mr. Malfoy' and 'Miss Black,'" Lucius spoke.
"I see," Abraxas replied.
Narcissa hesitated for a moment. Then, she gathered up as much courage as possible and asked, "Would it be all right you with you, Mr. Malfoy, if Lucius and I danced for a while? My mother has been giving me lessons, and she's very proud of the progress that I have made so far. And I have no doubt that you have taught Lucius how to be a marvelous dancer."
"Lucius is feeling a little under the weather tonight," Abraxas responded.
"Oh, I understand," Narcissa returned, somehow managing to keep the sadness out of her voice. "I hope you feel better soon, Lucius. Maybe we'll be able to dance next time."
Narcissa bowed her head politely to Abraxas. Then, she turned to leave.
"Narcissa, wait," Lucius spoke, stopping her in her tracks. "I'm actually starting to feel a little better. I think I can manage at least one dance."
Lucius avoided looking at his father as he spoke.
"You shouldn't push yourself, Lucius," Abraxas chided gently. His eyes, however, didn't reflect the gentleness of his voice.
"Surely you won't tolerate me denying a lady's request, Father," Lucius responded boldly, meeting Abraxas's eyes this time.
Abraxas's eyes narrowed slightly for a brief moment. Then, his face twisted itself into a pleasant smile.
"You are quite right, Lucius," he said. "A lady should always be treated with respect. A gentleman can get over a little cold for a lady's sake."
Lucius met his father's eyes for a brief moment before turning away.
He then offered Narcissa his hand, which she took gracefully.
Lucius then led Narcissa onto the dance floor at what each hoped was a normal, dignified pace.
"What's wrong?" Lucius asked not long after they had begun dancing. "You don't look happy. Am I that horrible of a dancer?"
A teasing gleam entered Lucius's eyes at his last statement. The teasing gleam, however, did not completely hide his worry.
"Have I gotten you in trouble, Lucius?" Narcissa asked.
"Of course not," Lucius replied. "Don't worry about it. You're a wonderful dancer, by the way."
"What if I wanted to worry?" Narcissa pressed.
Lucius stopped in mid-step. He looked at Narcissa in surprise.
Was he surprised that she had almost echoed the words that he had spoken to her in the Black garden?
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Like you really care," Narcissa cried.
Lucius looked surprised by Narcissa's outburst.
"What if I wanted to care?" he then asked. "Isn't that what you want anyways, to have someone actually care about you?"
Or was he surprised that someone was actually worried about him?
With some hesitation, Lucius gently placed a finger under Narcissa's chin.
He looked at her with some uncertainty. It was clear that he wasn't used to expressing such open affection.
Narcissa smiled encouragingly at him.
She then took his hand and held it tenderly to her chest.
For several moments, they just looked at each other in silence.
"You're different from everyone else," Lucius finally said simply.
His eyes, however, spoke a lot more than his tone of voice suggested.
Lucius and Narcissa once again looked at each other.
It could no longer be denied. There was definitely something strong and meaningful beginning to form between them.