Sorry it took so long for this chapter! I've been extremely busy and had a bit of writers block for the end of the chapter. It is short but exciting. I didn't realise I was smiling to myself whilst proof-reading, so, enjoy! Hopefully won't be as long for the next chapter =)
Disclaimer: As in chapter 1.
Thorfinn Rowle found his life for the next few months to be quite disastrous. News had quickly spread (with or without the help of Lucius, Narcissa didn't know) about his disgusting behaviour and Narcissa's traumatic experience. He found his name and picture scattered throughout the Daily Prophet for weeks on end (Lucius found that making donations to the paper company did wonders), each day, making its way a little further back in the paper, until Narcissa was seen in public, then it became front page news again, 'Prestigious Assault Victim Makes Full Recovery'. Lucius made sure this happened periodically, every few weeks or so. Rowle was shunned for the wizarding world, continuing to associate with him meant putting oneself on the wrong side of Lucius Malfoy, and no-one wanted that. He stayed out of view for a while, although Lucius and Narcissa decided it best not to press charges. A new Dark Lord was starting to stir, he was mighty and powerful, the last descendant of the great Salazar Slytherin, and he shared the same views as the Black's and Malfoy's, that anything below Pure Blood status, were not worth the air they breathed. Lucius and a few of the other Pure Blood men Narcissa had gone to school with were starting to get involved, and they didn't want unnecessary media digging through their lives. It wasn't particularly hard, once they knew someone who was already a follower, they only had to make their intentions known. His Death Eaters, a name they fashioned for themselves, didn't even have to be Pure Bloods, or human for that matter. It was rumoured he had packs of werewolves and vampires at his disposal. It was a worrying thought that was shared amongst the wizarding world but very few actually spoke it out loud. Narcissa had her suspicions of Lucius' involvement but it was never spoken about to her and frankly, she didn't think she wanted to know. Bellatrix announced her involvement like she was discussing an upcoming social event. Narcissa did not approve but no-one could stop Bellatrix, she refused to listen to anyone or take orders, except, from her new master, she spoke often of his greatness and the ideas he voiced to his band of loyal followers. Although Narcissa believed in a Pure Blood world, some of his ideas were completely unrealistic and absolutely barbaric.
Heat descended over Europe as the seasons changed again and life moved on. Lucius was spending less time at the Ministry but was not spending his new found time with Narcissa. This did not particularly bother her as she found other ways to fill her time. Young Snape had just finished his fourth year at Hogwarts and never wanted to spend his holidays at his family's home in Spinners End, so he spent time with Narcissa. They had regularly owled each other over the last year and made an effort to stay in contact. They met most days in Diagon Alley, Narcissa apparated herself in and always found Severus waiting for her. He looked so much older than he really was, and so mature for his age. She often forgot she was speaking to a child. He was doing well in his studies, doing his best to stay out of harm's way.
The summer crept along, Narcissa was enjoying the sun, Severus was looking forward to going back to school and Lucius was always busy. Narcissa was starting to feel rejected and lonely, until one afternoon, Lucius appeared at Black Manor, home from the Ministry much earlier than usual. Narcissa, was out on the grounds, seated on a bench under the shade of a tree, surrounded by the beautiful flowers that bloomed in the gardens. She was so lost in her own thoughts, the sights and smells, that she didn't hear Lucius stroll up behind her. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he drawled,
"How picturesque." She smiled to herself and reached for his hand on her shoulder.
"I know, that's why I come here." She said sincerely.
"Perfect. Just perfect." What he was referring to, she was not completely sure. He moved around the bench and sat on her right side. They sat in silence for a few moments while Lucius took in the scenery. "Narcissa, I wish to ask you something." He turned to her and she looked back, looking into the depths of each other's eyes. What Narcissa saw, pulled her completely out of her own thoughts, did she see a glimmer of fear?
"Of course, please, continue." She waited patiently for his next words. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. Took a breath and said.
"You know I'm not one for many words so I'll just say it." Her eyes searched his depths, trying to read his mind but his face never revealed what he was thinking, she didn't know what to expect. He then reached into right jacket pocket and pulled out a black velvet box. "Narcissa Black, would you ever so kindly, do me the honour of becoming my wife?" He opened the box in front of her to reveal a large diamond, sitting atop a white gold band. Narcissa's eyes grew wide with shock as she looked down at the ring in the box he was holding. It was truly magnificent, by far, the most beautiful engagement ring she had ever seen. She was suddenly overcome with confusion, should she say yes? Did she really love him? She honestly didn't know, but then she thought of the sister she no longer had and realised she wouldn't get a better offer and she herself would be disowned just for refusing the proposal. She looked back up at him, his eyes now swimming with anticipation, a smile took hold of her face and all she could do was nod. Relief flooded Lucius as he took the ring out of the box and slipped it onto her ring finger of her left hand, it fit perfectly and she marvelled at it for a second then threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. The fire of their contact was toxic and Lucius couldn't help but to kiss her back, guiding his arms around her body to pull her closer to him as their world stood still. She broke the kiss after several long moments then hugged him fiercely, not knowing if she wanted to laugh or cry. Lucius was slightly caught off guard but hugged her back nonetheless, rather pleased with himself.
News spread quickly of the glorious engagement. Lucius and Narcissa were front page news once again labelled the couple of the century, which really, they were. The public appearances increased and people would just stare at them, or women would day dream of Narcissa's ring. It was like its own theatre production. The wedding date was set for April, just after Narcissa's 20th birthday as Lucius would already be 21. It was to be a grand affair, only the best for the soon-to-be Malfoy couple. Druella began organisations immediately; she ran the show on her own, mostly because Lucius' mother had died many years before. The wedding was to be held at Malfoy Manor, the ceremony to be in the gardens and the reception to be held in the house. It was a daunting but exciting task, Narcissa decided to push it from her thoughts as it seemed such a long time until her next birthday. Bellatrix didn't take the news well, but then again, Narcissa hadn't expected her to. She had always despised Lucius, or rather, the competition he posed towards everything, both enjoyed winning but neither were gracious losers. As the bickering pair rose through the ranks of this new high and mighty Dark Lord, Bellatrix always come out second best, simply because she was female, and for this, she hated Lucius with a passion because he knew, as did she, that she was never going to win.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did. For those readers old enough, I've had some inspiration for a smutty Lucissa fic so stay tuned! Thanks!