AN: The name Montague is in the HP wiki list of possible pureblood wizarding families. Extremely long chapter but it starts everything.
Chapter 3- Dance with me
"Merlin, Cissy! Hurry up!" Her mother called out from the carriage.
"I'm coming, mother!" Narcissa looked at herself in the mirror for a quick second. Her white satin dress matched her blond hair and blue eyes perfectly. She wore a lot of jewelry but not too much that it would totally overshadow her beauty. She looked beautiful, she said so herself. Narcissa Black will be in her 6th year when she goes back to Hogwarts on the first of September. Unlike her sisters, who inherited more of the Black genes from their parents; Narcissa inherited more of her mother's. It wasn't to say that she didn't look or act like a Black because she did. She acted with all the arrogance of a Black and she had some of the usual Black features. What differed mostly was her eye color and the color of her hair. It was blue and blond unlike her sisters who were gifted with darker shades. These things made her unique from her sisters and as she grew, she learned to embrace it wholeheartedly.
Her father was already in the venue along with her sister. It was Bella's wedding over at the Black family estate. Cygnus Black insisted that Bellatrix marry at the Black estate instead of at the Lestrange's. Bellatrix happily agreed and why shouldn't she? The Black family estate, built by the most ancient of Blacks and has been passed on from generation to generation to Phineas and to the most recent Arcturus Black, their great grand uncle who died when Bellatrix was 7. It was older than the Black family tapestry which was given to Orion and Walburga Black yet no one directly owned it as of the moment. Most of the Black descendants already had their own that befit a Black like Dorea Black and Cygnus Black, and so ownership of the estate skipped a generation. There was one specific person in his will who would inherit the vast, sprawling expanse of land upon which the estate was built on though, his great grand nephew, Sirius Black who he found most agreeable. Another thing, Sirius was the eldest male of the "new" generation at the time so Arcturus found it fitting that the estate go to his young nephew. It was silly for the rest of the descendants though to think that Arcturus, a great man with great learning and political power would leave the beloved estate to a three year old at the time, it was then agreed that the rest of the descendants would equally have the right to go and leave, to own the estate until Sirius would reach 17. There wasn't any hate involved in this unanimous decision since the descedants barely went to the estate, they had their own lovely homes they would say, they only spent time there on special occassions like birthdays, weddings and funerals. It was also customary that a Black be buried at he estate since it was tradition. The house-elves kept the place neat and tidy just in case any Black descendant would pop in. The guests for the wedding all received portkeys that would cease being portkeys when the guests arrived home. It was brilliant, the concept of everything and Narcissa couldn't help but smile as the guests started to arrive.
Narcissa couldn't even remember who was invited to this glamorous, high-profiled event. The arrangements were made months ago and it was a good thing too. That Bella, at 20 turning 21in weeks would finally settle down, Narcissa doubted if she would really just settle down. Her sister was always an adventurer, a risk-taker. No, she wouldn't be content sitting at home and watching over the children. The final choice was Rodolphus Lestrange, the elder brother of Rabastan. He was sharp-looking, a bit intimidating to Narcissa unlike his brother who looked very approachable and sweet. They were both very handsome though. Rodolphus came from a good family, as with all the other men who vowed for Bella's attention; but in the end, it was Rodolphus who was chosen much to the others' disappointment. More guests started to arrive by carriage minutes after Druella and Narcissa Black did. It was never acceptable to come to a party, especially a wedding by apparating, it was unheard of in the pureblood community. Narcissa firstly saw Augustus Rookwood with his wife, the Parkinsons, Ministry of Magic people and of course, Professor Slughorn. When professor Slughorn heard of the engagement of Bellatrix to Rodolphus, both of whom were in the Slug Club, he practically did his best to ensure he would be invited to the wedding. There were more Slug club meetings and letters to Cygnus Black complimenting him on raising a very smart daughter. Narcissa was on friendly terms with the old man but she didn't like him as much as she thought she would.
"Cissy!" Narcissa turned around. It was her very dear aunt, her favorite aunt.
"Aunt Walburga! You're early!" She kissed her on the cheek.
"Indeed I am! Oh, I am so happy your sister has made a fine match. A Lestrange imagine that! And Cissy, you look beautiful! My, I believe you're turning into a fine lady, there wasn't any doubt on that anyway." Narcissa laughed. Walburga Black loved Narcissa. She always wanted a daughter but none were given to her. Instead, she had two handsome sons, one of which was turning into a bloody blood traitor. Narcissa looked over her shoulder. Her uncle, Orion Black was talking to his father, his hand placed on Regulus' shoulder. Sirius was behind him, his back slumped. Walburga was taking something from her purse, Narcissa knew what was coming next. Walburga always showered Cissy with gifts knowing that she didn't have anyone else to give her brooches, necklaces and the like.
"For today's special occassion, I'm giving you this brooch I bought overseas. It was just so beautiful, you see? That's why I bought it. I haven't used it for a while, I think it's time for a new owner. Keep it, Cissy. It's yours."
"Thank you very much Aunt Walburga!" Narcissa hugged her aunt. The brooch did make her outfit look much better.
"Not a problem, Cissy. You look absolutely stunning! Now where is your sister? I have to congratulate her!"
"2nd floor, third door to the right."
"I'll be seeing you later, Cissy. Keep your head up!"
After Aunt Walburga left, Narcissa looked around her. More of the guests arrived, the Goyles, Blishwicks, Dolohovs and much more. Narcissa was supposed to go up to aide her sister in whatever way possible for the wedding was in 50 minutes but one of the girls in her year started talking to her.
"Narcissa?"
"Matilda!" She pretended to act pleased. She didn't like the girls in her dormitory, if she would have to choose one good one among them, it would be Matilda Montague but still, if Narcissa could ignore them, she would.
"Narcissa, you look gorgeous! Oh and I love that brooch!"
"Thank you Matilda, you and your family just arrived?"
"My mother and I just did, yes. But she's busy talking over there." She shrugged. "But it's not a problem, I could talk to you. This really is a glamorous wedding isn't it? Oh, isn't is such a dread. We're having our NEWTs this year."
"It can't be helped Matilda."
"Guess so. Oh look!" she pointed to an area beside Rookwood's wife. Narcissa grimaced. It was Evan Rosier. She haven't seen him since summer started.
"It's Evan!" Matilda squealed.
"I see." Narcissa coolly replied. Matilda faced Cissy.
"I don't understand. I thought you two were, were together?"
"Where have you been Matilda? It's been over since before the break."
"Oh, what a shame." But she didn't look sorry at all. "What happened between you two, I remember you together from February to May? If I'm right?"
"Nothing happened. I just broke it off. Surely you know that?"
"No! Actually I don't." Narcissa hated to keep her mouth shut from saying how lame Matilda's acting skills were. "But, I guess even if you avoid him, he still would try to talk to you. I mean, everyone does. It's going to be a lot harder since school September 1's two days from now."
"Thank you for your concern but look at the time! I really have to go, my sister's expecting me," Narcissa left without being excused. Matilda Montague didn't seem to notice, she was eyeing the male visitors one by one. Matilda had the tendency to be clingy, to gossip and to be chatty but on the bright side, she was helpful and respectful to Narcissa. In all truth, Matilda liked Narcissa but Narcissa did not interact with the girls in the dormitory very much. It was true, they were jealous of her up until now, but Matilda grew up and she put those aside and became a nice person to Narcissa once again just as when they were in their first and second years. It wasn't to say she became a git to Narcissa, she just distanced herself and didn't let her jealousy take a hold of her no more.
-
"You look beautiful Bella!"
"Tell me something I don't know Cissy."
Narcissa made her way to where Bella was and just stared at her sister. Bellatrix Black looked so beautiful. Her White long gown, ostentatious jewelry all matched her dark hair, striking eyes, and those pursed lips. Bellatrix Black looked so beautiful. It was A few minutes to her wedding and Narcissa tried to make her sister calm and beautiful as the clock ticked but Bella was completely ahold of herself. She wasn't nervous at all, she wasn't tense in anyway and her makeup didn't fall, she was so cool and at ease, so unusual for a bride to be. Narcissa peeked down from the window of the room they were in. Everything was set. The guests were seated, the orchestra began to play and Rodolphus stood waiting down there, looking at his shoes. Unlike Bella, he seemed nervous and aware of the number of guests present at the wedding ceremony, he tried to show he was confident though but Narcissa could see right through him. Courtesy of her below average skills on Legilimency from Snape. Snape wasn't invited to the party, he was a half blood and when Cissy suggested Snape should go, Bella just laughed. The party was full of pureblood people, there were only a few half bloods that were very important people, there weren't any muggle-borns and bloodtraitors present, Bella liked it that way. Narcissa would have preferred Snape be there though, at least she would have company. Cygnus Black knocked on the door. It was time. Narcissa walked down the aisle behind her mother, her father and her sister holding the end of her sister's long gown. The time went by so much faster than Narcissa could count. Before long, the wedding ended with an unbreakable vow and Rodolphus looking like a love-sick puppy while Bella didn't even look at him. Bellatrix looked bored but whenever she flashed her pearly whites to the adoring guests, no one could have ever guessed she wanted the wedding to be over with. After the photos had been taken, the guests proceeded inside the estate and had the reception at the ballroom over in the second floor. The reception was full of dances first started by the newly-wed couple, after which people started joining in.
Narcissa stepped outside for a few minutes, she was so tired. The day's events went by so quick. When she goes home that night, Bella won't be there to live with them anymore, she's going to be alone. No Bella, and no Andromeda. It's been long since she thought about Andromeda, Andromeda walked away from them, walked away from her. This only made Cissy resent the muggles and mudbloods even more. It's been almost three years since she last saw Dromeda. Narcissa remembered seeing Andromeda carry her luggage out of Hogwarts, she just graduated. They were headed to the train, Narcissa went to her compartment a few times. She forced her sister to take the money she was giving her, she asked where she was going to live, to stay. She answered, on her own until the time came to marry Ted. Narcissa almost vomited. That was the last time she saw her sister, she kissed her goodbye and she walked away from her family. Dromeda wrote letters of course but Cissy wouldnt dare reply, well, sometimes she would. Sometimes. Bellatrix was getting stranger and stranger and she always asked Cissy if she still kept in touch with 'that filthy blood traitor'. Narcissa always shook her head. It wasn't a secret she was in a way afraid of Bellatrix especially not that Bella was just always so mad and went home with scratches she said came from a cat. Narcissa was still in her fourth year that time, now she was on her way to her seventh year. A lot of things happened, Narcissa did become a prefect, she just received the letter announcing she was head girl, she did stop communication with her sister, she got with Evan Rosier, broke it off between them and just awhile ago she was watching her eldest sister get married who she learned to deal with after her slight change in attitude. Things were just too fast. It was dark, the stars shone like diamonds on a still sea. It made a wonderful view, with the moonlight shining down. She could still hear the cheers and shouts of the guests inside, the food wasn't being served yet, it won't do any harm to stay outside for a short while.
-
Seated down, amidst all the dancing and the waltzing, Lucius Malfoy frowned. The wedding of Bellatrix and Rodolphus from the ceremony to the reception was taking too much of his time. He was a very busy man indeed. At a young age of 21, he already had an office at the ministry, he was partly handling the affairs of the manor, their businesses and their wealth in preparation for his father's retirement when Lucius gets married as his father says. Yes, Lucius Malfoy was a very busy man but there was one more thing he was busy about, he, along with Bellatrix and Rodolphus and so Many others were death eaters. Death eaters of you-know-who and as it turned out, the dark lord, informed and invited by Bellatrix to attend her wedding to Rodolphus, both of whom death eaters, sent Lucius to take his place instead, he knew Lucius would hate it going to these affairs but favorite or not, the dark lord enjoyed to let people suffer, the better more for them to fear him. He said he was too busy for those stupid things. 'Am I not busy as well?' Lucius thought but he blocked the thought from his mind before his master would be able to read it. He was, in fact, the dark lord's favorite. Recruited by the, then, Defense against the dark arts teacher in his last year in Hogwarts before Dumbledore sent the professor to Azkaban after being found out of being a death eater. Lucius was the one who recruited Bellatrix out of accident, of course. Bellatrix saw the paper the professor gave him and she insisted to join this wonderful cause, this wonderful cause she believed in. Lucius stood up. The girls in the ballroom who weren't dancing who happily spent their time staring at him started to whisper and blush as Lucius walked towards them. But their giggles turned to groans as Lucius walked past them, down the stairs and outside. He needed some fresh air, he thought. The Black estate was indeed impressive. It was large, roomy and shouted out old, noble blood purity, much like the Malfoy Manor, he thought. It was a shane though, the estate was going to Sirius Black, the blood traitor.
"Shame, shame," Lucius muttered. He continued walking, around the estate, around the corner, to the location of the wedding awhile ago, he didn't care if he missed the food being served. He detested Bellatrix and disliked Rodolphus anyway. Lucius stopped in his tracks. There was something so serene and calm before him. A girl looking up to the sky with her eyes closed. She looked familiar to Lucius, very familiar.
Lucius Malfoy walked towards the girl making sure his footsteps wouldn't make a sound and put his hand over her shoulder. Lucius wouldn't have normally done this but at that moment, he didn't know what sudden rush of adrenaline made him approach someone he didn't even know. The girl opened her blue eyes, she seemed taken aback that someone was actually there out on the garden with her. She turned around, surprised to see Lucius Malfoy standing in front of her. Her eyes widened but she didn't talk. Her skin was pale. Much like, much like Bellatrix? She looked so familiar. Bellatrix did have sisters didn't she? Yes, there was the blood traitor and another one. There were two, he knew, he remembered Bellatrix introducing her when she arrived at Hogwarts, when Bellatrix ordered her to do things, frightned the wits out of her and the last he remembered was in his last year at Hogwarts at a summer party, he couldn't remember whose though. Yes, it's her. Bellatrix Black's sister, Narcissa Black. Lucius drew his hand back. He didn't like saying things first but he knew he had to in this situation.
"You are Bellatrix Black's sister, if I remember correctly?" he smiled.
POSSIBLE CUT
"Ye-yes," Narcissa managed to say. She almost forgot about Lucius Malfoy and her 'admiration' towards him in her childhood. It has really been so long, 4 years since she last saw him, Narcissa already got together and broke with Evan Rosier but still, seeing Lucius still had the same effect it had on her when she was younger. Even though she told herself it was just a tiny crush in her childhood, she couldn't help fancy him. And what was the word? Admiration? She thought it had gone away, Bella usually came at home at odd times late in the night and Narcissa heard her sister curse Lucius, and mutter his name out of annoyance, the giddyness she felt when she heard his name had gone as she grew up, she thought it completely left her but standing in front of him right now, after 4 years, without Bella around her had proved that it never did leave her. Deep in her heart, tucked away somewhere she still liked, admired for that matter, the handsome pureblood.
"if I might inquire, why aren't you inside, dancing?" he asked.
"I just need a breath of fresh air Mr Malfoy." Narcissa looked above. Proud of herself for saying that with confidence. Lucius looked at Narcissa Black. She looked the same yet she also looked so different. Something changed about her. Lucius remembered the last time he saw her. She was still a young girl at the time but she already looked beautiful, much like Andromeda and Bellatrix. Lucius remembered Bellatrix shouting out to the boys in her sister's year that they stay away from her. Third year is really the year where kids grow but stay kids. How many years has it been? 4 maybe and now, Narcissa Black has grown into something more. She looked so beautiful standing under the moonlight. Her hair, her dress, the way she stood was so perfect. She was so different from Bellatrix, Lucius thought. So different. It was true, the Black sisters all had that striking beauty that made anyone look at them when they walked past but what differed between Bellatrix and Narcissa was that there was none of that agressiveness, or fieryness, coming from the youngest Black, instead it was pure innocence.
Narcissa looked at Lucius.
"How about you Mr Malfoy? Why aren't you inside dancing?"
"Same as you," he paused. "I need some fresh air, the dancing can wait," Narcissa laughed.
"Well, that's a shame." she looked at him and him at her.
"I bet dozens of girls are waiting for you to ask them to dance,"
"Why say that, Ms Black?"
"You do know that you are handsome don't you?" Narcissa blushed. "I mean you are successful, smart and all that." Narcissa looked down, too embrassed to even look at Lucius.
"I doubt it Ms Black, they're all just after the status a Malfoy, a Black has. It is different you see? Even if you are a pureblood, it's just not the same."
"I know. I have the same understanding. I would love to stay here and chat Mr Malfoy but I really have to get back to the party." She said.
"Call me, Lucius."
"Narcissa." Narcissa hated to leave that moment but she had to. Bella was waiting.
When Narcissa Black took her seat in the wedding reception, she was pleased to see that the dancing hasn't ended yet. She had only been gone for 10-20 minutes and she was glad that Bellatrix was too busy dancing to notice. The couple sat in a separate table in front of the other tables. The family of the groom and bride sat together, Narcissa sat next to Rabastan but his seat was empty since Narcissa left and now that he's returned. She could see why. He was dancing. As a matter of fact, everybody was. Even her mother and father, her aunt and uncle, even Slughorn who danced with a Ministry official and even Sirius. Sirius was dancing with a girl about his age from Beauxbaton's. Narcissa grinned. If only Snape could see this. Rabastan came and slumped on the chair.
"Where you been Cissy?" he asked.
"Just outside, Rabby,"
"Merlin! I've been dancing for the whole bloody time, there's nothing else to do!"
"The food's coming in a few minutes, Rabby! Everyone besides you seem to enjoy the dancing," the music changed to a faster beat.
"It's because the music changes, there's wizard rock, classical stuff, all those waltzing. There's different types of music. Haven't you noticed?"
Narcissa Listened. Contemplating the sounds.
"Actually I haven't, when I left, it was waltz, when I returned it's waltz,"
"C'mon Cissy, we haven't dances together yet, let's go!" Rabastan pulled her up. The music kept on going faster, faster and faster and Rabastan kept up with the music but Cissy couldn't. She looked cute though, dancing made up steps to a song that's too fast for her. Rabastan swung her around and when he did, she saw more of the guests she didn't see awhile ago. There was Nott, Burke and Parkinson for starters. Malfoy was seated alone with a crowd of adoring girls watching him from another table. He just sat there, sitting comfortably but stiff as a rock, but his grey eyes were soft as he looked at Cissy and as she looked at him. Cissy didn't even see him enter the ballroom after she did awhile back, she simply thought he stayed in the garden. The music started to slow down, return to normal pace and Rabastan also slowed down. The music ended and Cissy and Rabastan went back to the table. Almost everyone was up and dancing their hearts away, the press kept on taking pictures for the society pages the next day. The emcee, a famous middle-aged radio actor, announced that there would be one last dance before the eating time, it was bound to get everyone hungry. Narcissa decided to pass this one out, Rabastan did too. Almost everyone did, they were too tired from the quick steps, and the energy they exerted in the previous dance. A few people began to waltz their way in and out of the crowd, those that sat the previous one out like Professor Slughorn, really energetic ones like Sirius, and those that were obliged to, like Bella and Rodolphus. The rest sat back and watched.
Lucius Malfoy did not know what made him stand up and head over to Narcissa Black's table. By the time he realized he had caught everyone's attention by actually standing up and walking while people were waltzing, he was already halfway. Lucius offered his hand and Narcissa took it more out of obligation than willingness. Everyone's eyes were on them, even Rabby, even Evan, even the ones dancing. It was unusual to see Lucius Malfoy get up, ask a girl to dance because that's just the way he is, he doesn't approach, he was always being approached. The whole night, he didn't stand up to join the merry event except when he went out of the room and now, he chooses to dance at a slow dance. This was far too strange, what was stranger was who he was dancing with, Narcissa Black. The press kept on snapping their cameras.
No words were spoken from the time Narcissa took Lucius' hand to when they began to waltz. It was surreal for Cissy who was face to face and now was dancing with the boy she admired years ago. It was all so strange, so magical. It was also strange for Lucius. Who was this girl that made him do the unthinkable? Who was this girl he just met a few minutes ago and he asked to dance right now? Who was Narcissa Black besides being Bella's little sister?
"Why did you ask me to dance, Lucius?" she asked with her soft voice.
"I don't know," he answered. He was so light on his feet, she was too. They danced ever so gracefully, so perfectly.
"Well, I don't know either so you should tell me," Narcissa was surprised at herself for being so vocal with her thoughts. Lucius grinned.
"I just wanted to, Narcissa."