This is basically a filler chapter, hence why it's short. The story really kicks off in Chapter 4 which I have already half written. Drama, next chapter, lots of drama. So stay tuned!
Disclaimer: As in chapter one.
Morning dawned upon the Manor, Narcissa awoke to walm sheets and a feeling of contentment, as she rolled over and the events of the previous night came trickling back into her thoughts and she couldn't help but smile to herself. She had spent a great deal of her time the previous night with Lucius Malfoy. She spent the next few minutes dozing in bed until Druella knocked and poked her head around the door. "Cissa dear, please get up and come down for breakfast, your father and I would like to have a discussion." Then she was gone just as quickly as she came, receding footsteps could be heard moving down the hall. Slightly confused and still in a half sleepy state, Narcissa got up and dressed for breakfast. She dawdled down the hall, trying not to yawn, made her way down the stairs and into the dining room where her mother and father sat with tea already In front of them. They both looked up at her simultaneously, their faces were unreadable. Cygnus cleared his throat, "Narcissa, we have something very important to discuss with you. Please, sit." As he gestured towards the other side of the table. Narcissa gracefully glided into the room and took the seat across from her father as an elf poured her tea.
Cygnus started with, "I take it you had a wonderful evening? I would think so after the discussion I had with Mr Malfoy last night." Narcissa's heart skipped a beat when she heard his name, she hoped she knew where this conversation was going but kept her face impassive in case it didn't.
"Yes father, I had a wonderful evening. Mr Malfoy was great company during dinner, he is very intelligent, we had a great adult discussion over our meals about a large variety of subjects. He kept me well entertained."
"I see." Followed Cygnus, "Well, it might interest you to know, and I wish for you to make the final decision, that Lucius Malfoy came to me last night asking permission to court you. I had already spoken with Abraxas about it and he believed there was no better match for his heir. I tend to agree with him."
Narcissa couldn't believe what she was hearing. She forgot about all etiquette and couldn't stop the smile that brightened her face. "Yes, I will accept his offer."
"Good," replied Cygnus, "Because he will be here at 11 o'clock to hear the verdict."
Narcissa finished her tea in silence, half listening to conversation between her parents as she mulled over her thoughts, doing what women do best, over analysing the words far beyond there meaning.
The clock in the entrance hall chimed at 11 o'clock and right on queue, the sound of a knock at the front door resonated throughout the manor. An elf opened the door and welcomed Mr Lucius Malfoy into the hall and ushered him into a sitting room just off to the left. Narcissa was already in the hallway moving towards the staircase as an elf appeared in front of her informing her of Mr Malfoy's arrival and where Miss Black could find him. She had dressed in a set of her best robes, dark blue in colour, it pronounced her eyes and flattered her slim frame. She floated down the stairs and into the hall where she paused before the door of the sitting room to touch her hair one last time before silently pushing down the handle and entering the room. She found Lucius with his back to the door, looking out the window onto the grounds. Before she had closed the door behind her, he announced, "Good morning Miss Black. How are you this fine day?" He turned, making eye contact immediately and swaggered across the room to greet her where he took her hand and kissed it while she curtly replied.
"I am very well thank you."
"I understand you know why I am here?"
"Yes I do and I believe the answer you wanted was the answer you will receive Mr Malfoy." She smirked cheekily.
"Oh is it now?" He grinned like a Cheshire cat. "If so, I do wish for you to call me Lucius."
"Very well Lucius, only if you call me Narcissa." Her mind lost in the depths of his misty grey eyes.
"Absolutely. Now that we have that sorted, would you care to accompany me to lunch in London? I know of this fabulous little place."
"Certainly, I'll just let mother and father know. Give me a minute, would you care for a drink? Please, take a seat." She gestured towards the lounge.
"No I'm fine, I shall wait for you here." He replied whilst moving towards an armchair as Narcissa left the room.
She knocked on the door of Cygnus' study and found her mother and father in the room. Both beamed at her as she entered the room.
"Mother, Father, I'm going to London to have lunch with Mr Malfoy. Just thought you should know." She didn't even realise she was smiling as she was talking. Cygnus nodded his approval and she left the room and went back to the sitting room.
Narcissa found Lucius exactly where she had left him, in an armchair looking as majestic as ever, without even trying. He had such a presence, from his strong, angular face to his toned body, which was always covered with the best robes gold could buy. It was hard to look away, his grey eyes could pierce through the soul and his long, blonde hair made him look all the more surreal. He casually looked around at Narcissa standing in the doorway, rose from the stair and advanced towards her.
"Ready?" He said, holding out his arm.
"Yes." She smiled at him and took his arm. They made their way back to the entrance hall and with a small 'pop' they were gone.
The young couple appeared in Diagon Alley, arm in arm, and strolled down the cobblestone on their way to a destination unknown to Narcissa for lunch. People moved out of their path and heads turned as they walked past, they were a striking pair. Blonde and blonde, handsome and stunning, Pure Blood Royalty.
"People are staring." Narcissa commented.
"Why shouldn't they? You look exquisite. No, let me rephrase, you ARE exquisite." Lifting his head and smirking, he moved his other hand to lay on Narcissa's arm that was in his. She couldn't help but smile, "Charming you are Mr Malfoy, just charming." She replied as Lucius steered her into a restaurant.
As soon as they were over the threshold, waiters began to scramble and they were seated and served immediately. Lucius ordered wine for them both and each, their meals. People buzzed around them while Narcissa Black got lost in the grey eyes of Lucius Abraxas Malfoy. They chatted over their meals, never an awkward silence, both seeming content with the others company. They received many stares but neither noticed, both occupied in deep conversation.
"So, what is life like working for the Ministry?" Narcissa asked, then finished her second glass of wine. It was promptly refilled.
"Well I don't think I would describe it as interesting work. I'm only doing it to establish, what would you call them, beneficial connections. I have no need, nor desire to work. I do enough keeping our finances in order." He too finished his glass of wine.
"I see." She mentally rolled her eyes at him, he was still the Lucius she remember from school, never associated with anyone unless it was beneficial to him, although, Narcissa was much the same.
It was mid afternoon before they finished lunch still in deep conversation and apparated back to Black Manor. Lucius bid his farewells and promised to spend more time with Narcissa over the coming days. She was pleased, they had a wonderful time at lunch and assured Lucius, she was looking forward to their next encounter, which she was, more than she was letting on. He left the estate a short time after. Narcissa was in such a good mood, she found herself in her room changing to go down to the stables to spend some time with her favourite animal companion.