Chapter 16 – New year, new beginning

"A lovely party, my dear," said Walburga Black with appreciation. She turned to her sister-in-law, smiling: "Your daughter is already turning out to be a splendid hostess."

Druella Black returned her smile. "Yes, she is very talented I have always known that. I am so proud of her."

They were gathered in the Lestrange's new flat which was exquisitely furnished and decorated. It was the last night of the year and as always, the clan of Black seized the opportunity to socialize and spend their money on exclusive clothes, food and drink.

"I can already hear the gossips down at the Leaking Kettle," said Walburga. "The new queen of the wizard society is none other than Mrs. Rudolphus Lestrange."

Andromeda who stood next to them couldn't hold back a cringe. She had always hated that way of addressing married women with their husband's names. It was as if Bellatrix had ceased to be a person of her own and had been reduced to a mere extension of Rudolphus.

"She will be delighted to know that," said Druella and glanced lovingly at her oldest daughter who was looking radiant in a long black dress. She was constantly walking through the drawing room, conversing and laughing and playing the perfect hostess.

"Didn't Narcissa come with you?" asked Aunt Walburga.

Druella's smile died and suddenly she looked bothered. "No, she wanted to stay behind. She was... not feeling very well."

"Again?" Walburga raised her eyebrows. "I thought she looked bad during the Christmas celebrations as well."

"Yes, she is... not at her best at the time"

Aunt Walburga's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Is it...?" When Druella nodded wearily, she shook her head in dismay. "Still? This won't do. She is a Black. She has no business moping about because of that unworthy creature. She needs to get her act together. Don't you agree Andromeda?"

Andromeda flinched and blushed. "Eh, yes... I hope she will."

Walburga raised her index finger in a warning. "As her older sister, I hope you will do your best to remind her that she is representing the family name. Regulus has told me that she has not put on her best face at school either."

"No, that's true," mumbled Andromeda. "I... I think she is trying, but it not so easy for her..."

"It should be. She only needs to hold her head high and grit her teeth together." Suddenly, Walburga changed the subject. "Well, I am sorry. We shouldn't talk about such sad matters at a time like this. Your mother might have some very good news for you, dear. Have you told her yet, Druella?" She glanced knowingly at her sister-in-law.

"No, not yet."

"Oh, perhaps I should leave the two of you alone then." She winked mischievously at Druella, like they were sharing some female secret together.

"Told me what?" Andromeda asked her mother. "What is going on?" She immediately had bad vibes.

Her mother smiled affectionately. "Well, sweetheart, your father and I have been thinking and we have talked to your aunt and uncle. We have made some plans that concern you, especially since you will be leaving Hogwarts next year."

"What's that?"

"We have always wanted you girls to have a splendid future and bring honour to the family. Since Bellatrix is married and Narcissa is... slightly off balance at the time, we must look to you. You have always been a little bit too headstrong for your own good, but I have always known that you would never let your family down."

Andromeda was completely perplexed, but something in her mother's voice made her nervous. "Mother, can you just tell me what you have in mind?"

Her mother smiled sweetly. "Regulus, my darling," she said like she was delivering a great present. "You and Regulus."

"What?" Andromeda stared at her in disbelief. She had a suspicion that was too absurd to believe. "You don't really mean that..."

"But of course," cooed her mother. "Now that Regulus is the only son of the family, he is a very attractive prey in the wizard world. We have better strike before some other family does. A betrothal will scare them off."

Andromeda glanced at her cousin. He was talking loudly to his friends and even from this distance, she could make out the words: "Filthy muggles" and "Only the pure should be allowed at Hogwarts."

She swallowed tightly, feeling like she was inside some evil dream. "You are not joking, are you?" she said weakly.

"Why should I be?" asked her mother who suddenly sounded very sober and rational. "Regulus has great prospects and he is a pureblood wizard. He will be an honourable husband for you, I am sure of it. Besides, he has always been very fond of you."

"Mother..." Andromeda struggled to calm down. She wouldn't make anything better by getting upset. "I am sorry, but this is absurd. I don't want to marry Regulus. I am not in love with him."

Druella smiled indulgently. "I know you have some... common ideas about marriage, after what Bellatrix has told me. But you must see that this will be good for you. As Regulus' wife you will have a great position, money, power... And I am sure you will get along fine. Regulus needs a strong woman to support him and I know that you can do that. As long as there is mutual respect, a marriage can be..."

"Mother, please." Andromeda was beginning to feel a hint of panic. "You know I have no desire to get married the moment I am out of Hogwarts. I want to keep studying to become a healer, I have told you that."

Her mother seemed to think the argument was irrelevant. "Yes, I know you have some notions. But first of all, you must consider your duties towards the family, especially your father and me. You know we have always wanted one of you girls to be the mistress of Grimmauld Place." She looked firmly at her daughter.

"Yes, but I..."

"Hush, say no more." Her mother put a finger to her lips. "I will let you think about it. In time, I am sure you'll realize that we are only thinking of your good." She smiled knowingly as if to say that "Mummy knows best" and swept away, leaving her daughter speechless behind her.

"What's got your wand in a knot?" asked Bellatrix who came over with a goblet of champagne in her hand. "I don't want the other guests to think that my own sister is not enjoying my party."

"Sorry, I am just a bit stunned," mumbled Andromeda. "Actually, I feel like a hippogriff just landed on my head."

"Really? What's happened?"

"What's happened?" Andromeda sighed. "Oh, it just seems like mother and father has decided to continue the lovely family tradition of inbreeding by tossing me and Regulus together."

"Regulus? Really?" Bellatrix raised her eyebrows, but she didn't seem particularly shocked. "That could be a good idea, I suppose."

Andromeda stared at her in outrage. "Are you crazy?! He is..."

"Oh, I know you don't like the little toad," said Bellatrix dismissively. "But he has got some advantages. Such as a fine house and a great name."

"Come on, you know those things don't mean anything to me."

"Well, it matters to mother and father. Being married is not so bad," Bellatrix confided her. "Rudolphus is annoying sometimes, but he adores me. You can avoid Regulus or see your lover whenever you are tired of him."

"But being married..." stuttered Andromeda and blushed. "Sleeping with him..." She shuddered by the thought of being naked in a bed with her skinny, younger cousin. To feel his hands groping over her body...

"Don't be so oversensitive," said Bellatrix impatiently. "It might not be very pleasant, but in twenty seconds he will have finished and collapsed on top of you. Besides, there are spells to keep him at distance."

"Bella... I can't. I want to work and travel... have a life of my own. And besides I am already..." She stopped and bit her lip tightly.

Bellatrix watched her face carefully. "Already what?"

Andromeda turned away. "I just don't want to marry that's all." Suddenly, she felt worried by the thought of the New Year. Who knew what might happen before the year was over?


Narcissa flinched when the doorbell suddenly rang. She had been sitting alone in the kitchen, bowed over the thickest and most boring wizard history book she owned. It was not how most people would prefer to spend the last night of the year, but at least it kept her occupied and stopped her from thinking about her life.

She considered not opening, but the bell kept ringing. Sighing, she put the book away and got to her feet.

It had been her worst Christmas holiday ever. She didn't know how she had been able to endure the traditional family evening with her aunt and uncle on Christmas day. Everything had just been wrong. Something had been missing. She had felt misplaced, like a fish on dry land and she had refused to go with her family to Bellatrix's new flat to celebrate the New Year. She just couldn't stand another family gathering.

She had no idea who would be stopping by their house at such a ridiculous time, but she guessed that it was one of those drunken trolls that always seemed to invade the Diagon alley at New Years.

But when she opened the door, she was surprised to see that the person waiting outside was anything but a troll. He was tall and slim and dressed in elegant black dress robes. He smiled at her and his blue eyes were glittering. "Good evening, Narcissa."

Narcissa could only stare. "Mr. Malfoy?" she mumbled. "What are you doing here? Aren't you at Bellatrix's party?" She knew very well that Bellatrix had been keen on inviting him, to rub her new and happy life with her husband in his face.

"I was," he said shrugging. "But I didn't enjoy myself very much. And I missed you there. Your father told me that you were not well so I thought I would come to see how you were doing."

"Oh..." Narcissa blushed, realizing that she didn't look very sick. Her problems were not physical. "I am all right, thank you. I just need some rest. But I will be fine."

"Really?" He watched her carefully. "I am not so sure. Actually, I have been a little worried about you ever since we met at your sister's wedding. You didn't seem very healthy back then either."

Narcissa squirmed. Just like the last time they had met, she felt like he could see right through her. "There is no need for you to worry about me, sir."

"Why not? Everyone in the house of Black are my good friends. And friends have a right to care for each other, don't they?"

"There is nothing wrong with me," mumbled Narcissa, wishing that he would just leave. "I am not sick. I am... just a little bit off balance, that's all."

But Malfoy was not scared off by her dismissive tone of voice. "Then perhaps I could suggest something that will get you into balance again? I happen to know that the Wizard Opera House gives a special concert tonight. Perhaps some music would do you good?"

Narcissa blinked in surprise. "Now? You mean... you and me? Do you have tickets?"

"Malfoys don't need tickets," he answered matter-of-factly.

Narcissa bit her lip. She really didn't feel like going out. She had stayed inside her shell for so long that she hardly remembered how to socialize. And Lucius Malfoy was not someone she would feel comfortable with. "Oh, I don't know. I look awful..."

"Nonsense. You are as lovely as always."

"But my clothes and hair..." she tried, gesturing at her sloppy robes and her tousled hair.

"Nothing that a makeover charm can't fix, is it?" He raised his eyebrows when he saw her look of hesitation. He was obviously not used to being turned down. "What? Don't you want to? Do you prefer being locked up in your parents' house with the house-elves for New Years?"

His voice was challenging and suddenly, Narcissa felt torn. She didn't want to go, but suddenly she realized that she was tired of hiding and grieving, tired of being pathetic. "All right then," she finally said. "I'll come."


"Bellatrix! You can't shut me out forever. I want an answer and I want it now!"

Bellatrix sighed deeply as she inspected the trays of snacks the house elves were preparing to bring into the common room. She tried her best not to snap at her younger cousin. "I don't know what you are talking about, so can you please stop getting in my way. I would hate to throw you out, but if you don't give me any other choice..."

"You know damn well what I mean," he hissed from behind her. "I know you are in contact with Him. You and Rudolphus. I know you are His closest followers." When Bellatrix still didn't react, he added smoothly: "I saw your wrist. I know you are His. You can't keep me out."

Bellatrix flinched. She glanced at the house-elves' flat faces, then she grabbed him by the arm and led him into the hall which was empty. "Regulus, you know I can't talk about these things," she said in a low, menacing voice. "They are secret and sacred. I have sworn a vow. If you try to spill it to anyone, I will have to eliminate you." She slowly placed her hand on her wand.

Regulus shook his head in irritation. "I am not trying to ruin anything for you. I just want to be a part of it. I want you to talk to Him about it."

She crossed her arms over her chest. "What makes you think I would do that?"

"Rudolphus has already brought Rabastan in, hasn't he? And He gave his approval?"

"That's different. Rabastan is someone we trust."

"Oh and I am not?" Regulus cheeks were glowing in pink. "If I was in, I would prove my value. You need me, Bellatrix."

She scowled. "I know you have always had a high opinion about yourself, but why would you think my lord needs someone like you?"

"Because he would not only get me! I have followers who would do anything for Him. We would bring strength to Him."

"Followers?" Bellatrix laughed mockingly. "You mean Evan and Barty jr? I am sorry, but I think He can do very well without them too."

"Not just them!" snapped Regulus. "Our group at school has gotten more member than ever before this autumn. Don't you think people were affected by what happened at the World Cup? Everyone could see Voldemort's power there. That convinced them. Now they are ready to give him their lives and fight for the pure race."

Bellatrix's eyes narrowed slowly. "Slytherin students?"

"Students from everywhere! We are the future Bellatrix."

She was quiet for a moment. What he said was interesting and she knew that it would interest Voldemort. But she did not like to please her cousin too much. "Thank you, Regulus. I promise I will think about it."

"I don't want you to think!" he spat. "I want you to talk to Him about it."

She gave him a cold look. "I said I will think about it. I can't promise anything. Just because you are my cousin doesn't mean I can give you special privileges."

Regulus looked angry. "And when I have become your brother?"


The fireworks had stopped by the time the show ended and the streets were empty. It was dark and calm outside. Only the silvery moon lit up the cold night. Narcissa and Lucius walked quietly, side by side along the Diagon Alley.

"That Italian singer had a fine voice didn't she?" said Narcissa.

"Yes, she did," he nodded. "But I didn't like the tenor very much. He sounded like a strangled cat."

Narcissa chuckled. "Do you often go to the Opera House, sir?"

"Yes, when I have time. I think it is relaxing. What about you?"

"No, not really," she admitted. "My father would take us there sometimes, but Andromeda and Bellatrix always fell asleep during the performances. Finally, he got tired of it."

He smiled back in amusement. They continued until, they were outside the Black house. Narcissa was unwilling to invite him in and stopped when they were hidden behind the fence.

"Mr. Malfoy, I really must thank you for tonight. It was very kind of you to take me out. You have really made me feel better." Actually, she had been feeling better than she had done in several months. The music had been beautiful and it had been surprisingly easy to spend the time with Malfoy. He had been charming and polite the whole night and not asked any intrusive questions.

He nodded. "You are welcome. As long as you stop calling me Mr. Malfoy. My name is Lucius."

"Oh, but we are..."

"Friends, aren't we?" He smiled.

Narcissa blushed and smiled back. "As you wish, Lucius." She glanced towards the house. "I should probably get inside. If mother and father come back before me and find that I am not there, they will go crazy. So good night and thank you again..."

But as she turned to leave, he placed his hand on her arm, stopping her. "Narcissa. Just a moment. There is something I need to ask you. I am not a man who likes to postpone things."

Narcissa frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I want to know if you will give me permission to write to you at Hogwarts?" he asked her.

His face was honest and his tone of voice was serious. It was no joke. "Write to me?" repeated Narcissa.

"Yes and perhaps come and visit some time."

For a moment, Narcissa had no idea what she was going to say. "Why would you want to do that?" she finally asked him.

"Isn't that obvious?" he said, looking firmly at her.

She blushed. Yes, it was obvious. It had been obvious all along. "Mr. Malfoy... Lucius... I am sorry, but I don't know if I can."

"Do you think it is too soon?"

"No... Well yes, but it's not just that." She glanced hesitantly at him. "There is Bellatrix...?"

"What about Bellatrix? She is happily married, isn't she?"

"You don't have to do this because you are feeling sorry for me," she said.

"Why would I feel sorry?" he asked her. When she didn't answer, he sighed deeply. "It's getting late. Will you give me an answer or do I have to stand under your window the whole night singing like that dreadful tenor before you'll say yes? " He gave her a wide grin, once again showing that he was a man who would not take no for an answer.

"No!" she said. "I mean I... Yes... All right then. You may write me."

He did not look surprised or relieved. Smiling, he took her hand and kissed it lightly. His grip around her hand was firm "Thank you. Happy New Year, Narcissa." He let go of her hand and turned away.

Narcissa watched him quietly as he left her, feeling astonished. For the first time on months, her mind was occupied on something else than Sirius and her own misery. Perhaps it was about time. She had no idea why Lucius Malfoy would be interested in her, but she felt a strange sort of gratitude towards him.