Chapter Five – Realization

Narcissa couldn't help but laugh as Darlene tumbled down the stairs. She fell with such a bang as she reached the bottom, and Narcissa was sure it hurt, but couldn't help but find the humor in it.

"It's not funny Narcissa!" Darlene shouted as she picked herself up. "Trust the Blacks to make awkward little tiny stairs."

"They aren't awkward, you just lost your balance," Narcissa corrected as she moved down the stairs to her friend.

It was the last week of their freedom and then they would both be back at Hogwarts. Darlene and Narcissa were living up their last week. Forgetting about sisters, parents, and boys! Well, not boys entirely. It seemed like a never ending concern for the two girls.

Narcissa's main concern was Quinton. He had become a different person the moment Narcissa broke up with him. He became almost vicious towards her; wouldn't speak a word to her. She wanted to be friends, but he wouldn't have it. Instead Quinton started going out with a Ravenclaw fifth year—an older girl—just to make Narcissa feel worse then she already did. He seemed to move on with easy as she found herself struggling to survive. It wasn't that she still liked Quinton, but the fact that he would treat her in such an evil way made it hard to go on.

Darlene's boy problem was one any girl faced at least once in their lives: how to finally get the guy? Darlene had finally decided that she was ready for a boyfriend Jack Parkinson was the right man for the job. The only problem was Jack had moved on. He flirted with other girls, took them on date, and started spending less time with Darlene. But he was the one Darlene wanted and she was going to try everything to make him her boyfriend.

Narcissa chuckled as Darlene lifted herself off the ground, "When is Lucius getting here?"

"He said he'll be here soon. He just got home. He said he was going to floo right over," Narcissa said as they began to walk down the hall.

"I'm going to ask him about Jack," Darlene nodded and Narcissa gave a short laugh.

"He's been gone all summer," Narcissa said softly.

"Just because Lucius doesn't write you don't mean he didn't write Jack," Darlene said before Narcissa pushed her friend towards the wall.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

There was a sudden crashing noise from the fireplace as it smoked violently. Druella was startled by the sudden noise and she flew to the fireplace to scrutinize the figure within.

"Sorry Mrs. Black," a voice spoke as a young man stepped out of the fireplace.

"My, my Lucius Malfoy," Druella smiled as Lucius stepped into the room. "You look wonderful."

"Thanks, Mrs. Black," Lucius grumbled s she examined him slightly.

"Your mother must be pitching a fit," Druella laughed as she stared at the boy's hair.

"All summer she told me to cut it," Lucius said as he ran his fingers through his now long white-blond hair.

"My daughters are absolutely going to love it," Druella said as she led Lucius from the room. "You look like a man now."

Lucius blushed as he followed the woman who was like a second mother to him.

"I absolutely adore it," Druella added still chuckling at the sight of him. "And you've gotten so tall."

"You sound like my mother," Lucius said as he rolled his eyes.

Druella smiled as they soon came to the end of the hallway and stood in the foyer. "Narcissa Black a nice young man is here to see you!"

There was soon the loud noise of scrambling of feet. Darlene and Narcissa both came crashing into the foyer practically jumping on the young man in front of them.

"Mister Malfoy," Darlene smiled before pulling on his hair slightly. "Who gave you the right to have such pretty hair?"

"Oh, how I missed you, Darlene Demure," Lucius said sarcastically as he hugged the girl.

Narcissa smiled at her rather attractive friend. His hair fell to his shoulders and she had to admit it looked amazing on him. "You look good, Lucius."

"So do you Cissy," Lucius said as he hugged her tightly causing a weird sensation to fly through her body. 'What's happening to me?' She thought as he let her go. The two girls soon grabbed him by the arms pulling him to a new destination.

"How was Greece?" Darlene asked happily.

"It was sunny," Lucius said as they walked away.

"That's all you have to say. Did you even get us gifts?" Darlene joked causing Lucius and Narcissa to laugh.

"I haven't unpacked yet," Lucius smiled as they moved to a small sitting room. "You'll get your gift, Darlene."

"Did you do anything fun in Greece?" Narcissa asked as she sat on a small blue couch. Darlene sat in front of her on a large armchair and Lucius beside her on the couch. The act cause Narcissa to blush for some reason unbeknownst to her.

"Just ran around," Lucius said blankly. "Saw some sights, went swimming—it was a lot warmer there. The sun is almost always up."

"It's been raining here," Darlene groaned. "I want to know what caused you to grow out your hair."

"Somebody said it would look nice long," Lucius shrugged.

"Did you meet a girl?" Darlene laughed.

"I only met her once," Lucius replied. "Plus it pisses off my parents. My father would barely look at me when I got home."

"Is it a good idea to upset him?" Narcissa asked softly.

"Maybe not," Lucius shrugged.

"Let's not talk about this anymore," Darlene said quickly waving her hand in the air. "I need your help with something."

"Well, what is it?" Lucius asked slowly.

"I'm ready to date Jack," Darlene stated.

"Jack's trying to move on," Lucius shrugged, but there was a small smile was present his lips.

"I know," Darlene groaned as she threw her head to rest on the back of the armchair.

"Have you told him how you feel?" Lucius asked.

"Of course not," Darlene laughed.

"Then continue what your doing," Lucius shrugged yet again.

"You're no help," Darlene groaned as she got up. "I'll be right back."

"Where is she going?" Lucius asked quietly as Darlene stormed out of the room.

Narcissa shrugged before turning to him. "Is Jack really over Darlene?"

"Not even close. He's trying to make her jealous," Lucius laughed. "I'm not allowed to tell anyone."

"You're telling me."

"Well, you aren't just anyone, are you Narcissa Black," Lucius smiled.

Narcissa wasn't sure exactly what to say, so she just blushed at his comment. She could feel his eyes bearing into her. Not being able to handle the situation Narcissa decided to change the conversation.

"Are you ready for school?"

"Oh, I have news," Lucius said excitedly. "I'm a perfect."

Narcissa smiled, "That's not exactly a surprise, Lucius."

"That's not all . . . I'm Quidditch captain!"

"That's great," Narcissa said as she looked at the happy young man beside her. "But when are you going to have time for anything else."

"Well, school isn't important," Lucius said before the two of them started laughing.

"Andromeda mentioned that only you two plus Jack and Rabastan are the only ones left on the team?"

"Yeah, I know," Lucius groaned, "We need to find three talent people especially for the Seeker."

"Sounds tough," Narcissa said thoughtfully.

"Darlene told Jack she wanted to join the team and so did Avery," Lucius said quietly. "I think you should try out."

"ME?" Narcissa asked loudly. "Are you crazy?"

"No, I've seen you fly," Lucius replied.

"I can't play Quidditch," Narcissa added softly, however, the thought was a nice one.

"Well, it's either you or Mythica," Lucius replied.

"Mythica is trying out for Quidditch?" Narcissa asked with a hint of distaste in her voice.

"Um . . . maybe," Lucius said awkwardly. "I told her not too. She is really bad. Not that I told her she was horrible, but she does."

Narcissa smiled, "When did you see her this summer?"

"She was at my house when I got there," Lucius said as he looked around the room nervously.

"You know there's something about her," Narcissa began, but before she could continue Darlene came back into the room.

"Sorry, needed a potty break," she laughed before she sat down again. "Now, where were we, Lucius?"

"You and Jack," Lucius smiled.

"Yes, now you are going to help me," Darlene stated causing Lucius to chuckle.

"All I can tell you is to not look desperate," Lucius said simply. "Start flirting with other boys, go out on dates with them, and act like you don't need Jack. You wouldn't want him to have any satisfaction, would you?"

Darlene nodded in disappointment, "I thought we were over this, you know?"

"You're just going to have to try," Lucius shrugged.

"I guess you're right."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Darlene and Narcissa sat in quietly in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express both waiting for the train to take off. Neither said much only looked down at the magazines they had in their hands. Soon Andromeda came bursting into the cart looking between upset and amused.

"Did Lucius mention anything when he came to our house?" she asked before she sat beside her sister.

"He said it was sunny, blah, blah, blah. Nothing important," Darlene snorted.

"What are you talking about, Dromeda?" Narcissa said as she put down her magazine.

"About little Miss Windle," Andromeda replied as she stood up to look out the window of the train.

"He said she mentioned trying out for Quidditch, but that she was horrible and wouldn't make the team," Narcissa said simply. "You have nothing to worry about."

"He didn't tell me," Andromeda groaned as the door opened again to reveal Jack.

"He didn't tell me either," Jack replied angrily.

Darlene now became interested in the conversation and dropped her magazine the moment Jack came into the cart.

"What didn't Lucius tell you?" Narcissa said nervously.

"That he's going out with Mythica!" Andromeda groaned as she peered out the window. "See, he's standing over there with her?"

All the contents of the compartment moved towards the window pushing the others aside to get a better view. None could believe their eyes especially Narcissa.

There he was, Lucius Malfoy, standing as if Mythica was the only girl in the world. She was giggle at him twirling he's now long white-blond hair with her right index finger. Her face was slightly pink and her eyes sparkled with excitement. It only got worse as Mythica stood up on her tiptoes to meet his pale lips in a kiss.

"Oh, wow," Darlene laughed.

"Sick is more like it," Andromeda snorted, "The Lucius I know would run away when ever you mention kissing tag."

"I'm going to ask him about this," Jack said, as he left the compartment.

Narcissa didn't say a word as she sat back down. She couldn't even hear the two girls discuss the new development. Instead she just began to bit her lower lip and think about what she just saw. He kissed Mythica—well she kissed him, but he didn't exactly stop. And why didn't he tell her? Weren't they best friends? And why Mythica Windle—that manipulating evil wench?

"What is his damage?" Narcissa asked angrily as the train began to trail off.

"What do you mean, Narcissa," Andromeda replied as she sat beside Darlene.

"I thought I was his best friend," Narcissa said simply.

"It doesn't look like he told anyone, babe," Darlene shrugged.

"Mythica is such an evil wench," Narcissa spat, "Why would he go out with her?"

"Cissy, are you alright?" Andromeda asked as she lifted a brown eyebrow.

"Does it look like I'm alright?" Narcissa snorted.

Darlene couldn't help but smile, "How mad are you, Cissy?"

"Furious," Narcissa groaned as she started to twist her magazine up in her hands. "He could've told me! He came over last week! Mythica Windle! MYTHICA! The nerve of that—that—JERK!"

Andromeda laughed, "Who should Lucius go out with?"

"No one," Narcissa stated, "He's my best friend—"

"Is he supposed to go out with you?" Darlene asked quickly.

"Well, I'm better then Mythica," Narcissa glared. Suddenly her face fell at the realization of her words, "That's not what I meant."

"When did my baby sister start feeling this way?" Andromeda teased.

"Shut up," Narcissa said as she looked out the window. "I don't like Lucius."

"Then Mythica can have him?" Darlene frowned.

"No, she doesn't deserve him," Narcissa spat angrily.

Darlene and Andromeda both erupted in a fit of laughter.

"I don't," Narcissa pleaded.

"Honey, you do," Andromeda said as she sat beside her sister. "Are you going to tell me when this happened?"

"There's nothing to tell. Nothing has happened," Narcissa said as she folded her arms protectively across her chest.

"I remember," Darlene said quickly. "It was last year."

Narcissa came into the room with tears in her eyes. Darlene jumped off her bed. "Did you do it? Did you break up with Quinton?"

"What does it look like?" Narcissa snapped as she grabbed a tissue from the bathroom. "He hates me, Darlene."

Darlene frowned before hugging the girl, "He'll get over it."

"He better," Narcissa said softly as she moved out of Darlene's grip. She then sighed as she looked at her hand. "Can I ask you something?"

"Shoot," Darlene said as she grabbed Narcissa more tissues.

"What does it mean when you feel sparks when you touch a boy's hand?" Narcissa said smiling slightly.

"Did you get them from Quinn?"

"No. Lucius was down there. I was sitting on the ground and he touched my hand. It felt funny—not a bad kind of funny. I can't describe it," Narcissa sighed as she fell upon her bed.

Darlene smiled before she sat on her bed. "You know what it means, Cissy."

Narcissa shifted uncomfortably on the bench she sat on. "Will you guys just drop it?"

"Ooh, you felt sparks," Andromeda teased as she hugged her sister.

"It was nothing," Narcissa said as her own realization began to hit her.

What was it with Lucius? He always made her feel special and as if she was the only woman in the world. She was sure that it wasn't his attention to make her feel this way, but every time she was around him she could feel it. Narcissa knew that when he had touched her lately she would get butterflies in her stomach and a small tingle would flow through her body. Every time she would look at him it would be the same and it would only be worse if he looked over at her at well. It would make her heart rush. She couldn't handle it when he complimented her. It drove her insane when he said something so sweet. If that wasn't enough every moment the word Mythica escaped his lips she felt as though she would blast Mythica into the next dimension. Even she had to admit it: she, Narcissa Black, like Lucius Malfoy more then a friend.

"Oh Merlin," Narcissa said as she sunk lower into her seat. "I like Lucius."

"There you go," Darlene smile, "It's good to get it off your chest."

"But why him," Narcissa replied as Andromeda hugged her slightly.

"Because you two are perfect for each other," Andromeda stated as she stared out the window.

"Not that it matters," Narcissa sighed, "He has Mythica now."

"Then you'll just have to get him for yourself, now won't you?" Darlene giggled.

"Ruin their relationship," Narcissa said shaking her head. "I could never do that. Mythica is in love with Lucius. I may not trust her, but I couldn't do that to her."

"That's what makes you the good sister," Andromeda giggled. "When it comes to me and Bella we'd bring her down."

"You just need a reason bring her down and fight for your man," Darlene said simply.

Narcissa nodded before she looked out the window. Thinking of the realization that she wished would just go away and let her be.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Jack it doesn't really concern you," Mythica said fervently as she straighten the tie Lucius was wearing.

"Lucius, why couldn't you just tell me? Are you guys ashamed or something?"

"We aren't ashamed," Mythica spat as she hit the black bangs away from her eyes. "We wanted to see if it would work."

"Yeah," Lucius said quickly. "It was nothing personal. I mean I didn't even tell Narcissa."

"Whoa," Jack laughed as he sat down in the compartment. "She's not going to like that."

"Lucius doesn't have to tell her everything," Mythica stated angrily.

"But they're best friends," Jack said quickly. Feeling slightly annoyed with Mythica's defensive attitude.

"Yes, and I'm his girlfriend," Mythica said as she sat beside Lucius.

Lucius just looked out the window ignoring his two friends as they fought. Lucius couldn't help but feel slightly confused. Mythica had become a different person the moment he asked her to go out with him. He wasn't sure why she was behaving this way? And why did she get so defensive when he mentioned Narcissa? Cissy was his best friend and that's why he talked about her so much. But Mythica would state that she was his girlfriend. He knew that. And what was with Jack? He was acting like Lucius chose the wrong girl. He could remember a conversation they had the year before . . .

"You're seriously considering going out with Mythica?" Jack asked quietly.

"Well yeah," Lucius shrugged as he skipped a rock across the lake.

"I like Mythica. You know that?"

"Yeah," Lucius said before sighing.

"But she's a crazy," Jack laughed. "I know she's obsessed with you, but I she's wrong for you."

"If you keep talking about my love life I'm going to mention yours," Lucius threatened. This only caused Jack to sigh.

"I'm done talking about Darlene. We're talking about you."

"No, we're not," Lucius said simply.

"Mythica is so . . . ugh, you know?"

"She's liked me forever," Lucius shrugged. "And I don't think she's that bad either."

"If you're talking about how she's good looking I'll agree," Jack laughed, "But personality wise she's one step lower then Bellatrix Black. She's on PMS everyday of the week."

Lucius laughed, "She's nice to me."

Jack groaned, "Fine go out with her and I'll watch you become a mindless lapdog."

"Shut up," Lucius growled, "Or I'll mention Darlene."

"Then I'll mention who you really should go out with."

"What are you talking about?"

"Blond haired witch who knows all your little secrets," Jack said smugly.

"Cissy," Lucius laughed in surprise, "Me and Narcissa Black. She's my best friend?"

"Yeah, you like her enough," Jack shrugged. "And she's all you talk about."

"Cissy doesn't like me," Lucius said simply.

"Whatever," Jack laughed.

"Even if she does it wouldn't work," Lucius added quickly.

"Says you," Jack replied, "All I know is I like Narcissa a billion times more then Mythica."

"Unfortunately for you it's my decision."

Lucius shook himself from his musing and turned back to Mythica and Jack. Maybe that's why Jack was so upset? Not that it was his business. And Lucius liked Mythica unlike any girl before except Cissy. But Narcissa was like a sibling—a good friend—right?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Narcissa sat between her sister and Darlene and the table; all stuffing their faces with the delicious food. Rabastan sat in front of them telling Darlene everything she should know about trying out for Quidditch and how he was sure that she would make the team. Jack sat next to Rabastan throwing Rabastan a few dirty looks on occasion. Narcissa couldn't help but notice how much this pleased Darlene. Narcissa turned her attention to Lucius and Mythica. Both were talking about their classes this year. Narcissa couldn't help but fell slightly jealous. Mythica was smiling all the while and Narcissa knew why—Mythica had finally gotten what she wanted. Suddenly Mythica turned to Narcissa. Narcissa could feel herself force a smile hoping that Mythica would think she was happy for her. It worked for Mythica smiled before giving Narcissa a wink as if to say, 'I finally made it!' Narcissa hoped Mythica's happiness wouldn't stay long.