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Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: MC Mondays

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: Resurrect Romance

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Chapter 8

Narcissa sat with Baxton in the courtyard, watching the people go about their lives.

"Do you want to talk?" he asked.

She focused on one group in particular: a woman, man, and a little boy in a pram. They looked like a picture-perfect family.

"Narcissa, if you want to talk, I am here for you."

She shook herself out of a daydream about what it would be like if that family represented her, Lucius, and their unborn child. She glanced at Baxton before her gaze was drawn to the family once again. "There's nothing to talk about," she murmured.

"You're hurting. You obviously miss this Malfoy. Although if he treated you so cruelly, I don't understand why you're so attracted to him."

She grew angry like she always did whenever Lucius was badmouthed. She used to yell at Penny, and even if Baxton was a good friend, she wouldn't let him get away with his harsh words. "Lucius didn't treat me cruelly."

"You said he used you for sex."

Her eyes were glacial when she looked at him. "We never talked about having a proper relationship. I can't know how he would have reacted if I brought it up."

Baxton smirked. "Exactly. So why are you punishing him by keeping the baby a secret?"

Narcissa averted her gaze. She had walked right into his trap, and she knew it. "It's not meant to be a punishment. Lucius' father would never recognize a Half-blood as his grandson or the Heir to the Malfoy line. All it would do was cause tension between father and son if Lucius wanted this baby to be known. I'm trying to—"

"Stop lying to yourself," Baxton interrupted.

"I'm not lying," she insisted.

"You're pretending that the deception is all about you being altruistic, and maybe it's partly to protect Lucius from his father's wrath. But the main reason is you're scared. You're scared he'll reject you, so you decided to not give him the chance. It's wrong, though. He has the right to know he's going to be a father in about seven months."

"Penelope said the same thing, and she hated my relationship with Lucius."

"You should listen to your sister more often; she's obviously a very smart girl."

Narcissa swallowed nervously. "He broke off our arrangement to find a Pure-blood wife. Who's to say he even wants me?"

"You never gave him the chance to show you his feelings in regards to you. I know you, Narcissa. You maintain a cold distance to keep from getting hurt. And I'm sure all Lucius saw was a cold woman who enjoyed the pleasures of the flesh with him. He probably had no idea you were interested in more."

Normally, she'd make a joke about the phrase 'the pleasures of the flesh,' but she let it go this time. "His father believes in pure blood." It didn't matter that in reality, she was a Pure-blood. She wanted him to choose her for her, not because her blood status suddenly made her eligible."

"Just because his father does, it doesn't mean he does. You need to give him a chance to prove you wrong."

Narcissa clenched one hand into a fist as the other one came to rest on top of her stomach. There wasn't a baby bump yet, but she liked touching it, knowing there was life within her. "And what if he proves me right?"

"Then I'll happily hex him."

Narcissa finally smiled. "I'm not sure what I'd do without you, Baxton."

"Come on. Let's go back to the chateau so we can arrange for you to get back home. You have a Malfoy to speak with."

They strolled along the walkways. Narcissa followed Baxton through the maze of streets. She recognized the grouping of chateaus they entered and saw Baxton's at the very end of the street. Soon, she'd be back on British soil.

As they grew closer, Narcissa saw a lone figure standing outside. At first, she thought it might be Giselle, but that didn't make sense. If Giselle had come by to see them, she'd be waiting inside. That, and when they got closer, she noticed the figure was obviously masculine.

They kept walking, but Narcissa stumbled to a stop when she realized who it was. "Lucius?"

Baxton tilted his head, taking in the tall blond. "So, this is Lucius Malfoy. I can definitely see the physical appeal." He licked his lips, his eyes appreciatively roaming over Lucius' physique.

Narcissa slapped him on the arm. "Eyes to yourself."

Baxton grinned cheekily. "I can't help but look at a handsome man. But my promise still stands. If he hurts you, I will hex him, as I continue to enjoy feasting my eyes on his body of course."

She ignored his banter as she walked closer to Lucius. When they were in talking distance, she asked, "What are you doing here?"

He arched his eyebrows. "You are not an easy woman to find and after finally being able to track you down, all you can say is 'what are you doing here?'"

She shrugged. "I'm surprised. Can you blame me?"

"We need to talk."

Narcissa took a stumbling step back, but Baxton's hand on her shoulder stopped her in her steps. "No more running, Narcissa."

She glared at her friend before she faced Lucius again. "I was actually on my way back home. To talk to you."

He didn't look convinced. "Considering you looked like you were about to flee, I find it hard to believe you would have actually made it to me in order to have a conversation."

She looked down. "I would have talked to you."

"Are you trying to convince me or yourself?"

She closed her eyes. "Both, I guess."

Baxton stepped in between them. "You can use my home. I have a guest bedroom that will be perfect for this conversation."

Lucius nodded at him.

Baxton, always the polite one, held out a hand. "Baxton Duvra. At your service. I'm assuming Giselle pointed you in this direction."

Lucius took the hand. "Yes, she did. Lucius Malfoy. Now, if you don't mind, I would really like to speak with Narcissa."

"Of course. Follow me."

Lucius and Narcissa walked side-by-side behind Baxton. Narcissa stole glances at him, and she caught him doing the same thing with her. Maybe this conversation wouldn't go as bad as she feared it would.

(Chapter WC: 1,068)