Chapter Twelve – We all fall down

"Wasn't practice insane?" Darlene joked as they fell onto the soft leather couch of the common room.

"More than insane," Narcissa groaned as she stretched back her arms. "Lucius is overdramatic right now. I can't believe how crazy he is. He really wants the cup."

"Don't blame him," Darlene sighed, "Do you remember last year? That was pathetic."

Narcissa groaned as she laid her head against the armrest. "Let's just do this assignment so we can go to bed."

"Alright," Darlene said happily as she looked at her notes. "Actually let's use your notes. I feel asleep half way through the lecture."

Narcissa rolled her eyes, "My cloak is right there, so check the pockets."

Darlene crawled her way off the couch to grab Narcissa's cloak. She emptied both pockets and groaned. "Narcissa, you have like a thousand pieces of parchment in here. Don't you ever empty them?"

"Oh, hush," Narcissa complained as Darlene began to unfold all the pieces one by one.

"When did she write this?" Darlene laughed suddenly. "'Narcissa, you may think that everyone believes you're truly innocent, but you're not. Lucius will realize that you aren't the girl for him.' Mythica's so ugh."

"That's from four months ago," Narcissa laughed as she grabbed the piece of parchment.

"This one's funny," Darlene addressed as she held up two halves of a ripped letter.

"Oh Merlin," Narcissa replied as she snatched it out of her friend's hand. "I told Lucius I'd throw this away."

Darlene grabbed it back, "Is it some kind of embarrassing love letter?"

"Darlene, stop," Narcissa said as she reached for the letter, but Darlene moved it away from her friend.

"It can't be that bad," Darlene teased as she unfolded the letter halves and placed them together. "'I have it under good authority that you did extremely well on your O.W.L.S. For once in my life I can express with the up most confidence that I am proud of you, my son.' Hold on! This is from Mr. Malfoy!"

Narcissa grabbed the letter, "Does it actually say that. 'Who would have guessed that you'd become an intelligent young man. I know that we don't agree on most points, but there is something that must be done. You may have realized the difficulty of our situation since your outrageous outburst last year. As your father I have the right to do what I please. My influence far outranks your own and you will listen to exactly what I have to say. And you will accomplish precisely what I ask of you—'"

"What a git," Darlene growled before she grabbed the letter from Narcissa. "'You may have heard my son, of a great Lord Voldemort—whose ideas we as a family will support without disagreement. Lucius this man can offer you all the power in this new world we shall create. He needs your skills and support and you shall follow him blindly.' What is he talking about?"

Narcissa took in a shuttered breath, "Over Christmas break Bellatrix would talk about these gatherings. She said they are held by a Lord Voldemort. He wants to rid the Wizarding World of muggles. The things Bella talks about are nasty and deranged."

"You mean the Death Eaters," Darlene said in a solemn whisper. "Bella's a Death Eater."

"Give me that," Narcissa snapped as she grabbed the letter. "'In time you will understand the importance of what I ask you, Lucius. But remember this: if you do not do as I say everything you have shall be lost. This time there will be no ministry to save you, no Mr. Black to come to your rescue, and no weeping mother to defend you from my blows. You are weak Lucius. Remember this because it will be your downfall."

Narcissa crumbled the letter in her hand, "What kind of man would write this?"

Darlene shook her head, "Did Lucius read this?"

"No," Narcissa said sadly, "And now I have to show him it."

"No, you don't," Darlene said slowly. "Lucius's doesn't deserve to know this. He'll be safe—"

"I'm not hiding this," Narcissa groaned. "He needs to know that he could be cut off from everything."

"His father is a monster," Darlene said sadly.

"He's worse than a monster," Narcissa said as she looked at the crumbled pieces of parchment in her hand. "I'll tell him after the game tomorrow. He'll need all his concentration to lead us to victory."

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

The locker room was dead silent as Lucius finished his plan of attack. Everyone nodded in agreement.

"We better win this year," Avery said, "Because there is no way I'm leaving without winning and I'm sure Dromeda agrees."

"Agreed," Andromeda piped in. "We're going to win for redemption from next year."

"Well, as long as Lucius and Narcissa don't do anything stupid this time," Rabastan smiled.

Lucius rolled his eyes, "Let's just go onto the field. We aren't going to let Hufflepuff get the cup. I mean honestly its Hufflepuff. We can't lose to Hufflepuff. I will not lose to Hufflepuff!"

"Calm down Lucius," Rabastan laughed, "No reason to shout."

"Arthur bet money that Lucius won't win," Jack smiled. "And you believe him. Wholesome Weasley was just trying to push your buttons. It's not like a Weasley would ever to anything that would get them into trouble."

Lucius glared at his team, "Just go to the field."

The team got up and walked towards the exit. Only Narcissa stayed behind and gripped Lucius's hand. "Um . . . Lucius, I wanted to say good luck."

Lucius looked down at her confused, "You look upset. Are you alright, Cissy?"

Narcissa felt herself bring a false smile to her lips, "I just want to wish you good luck. I know how much you want to lead this team to victory."

"Well, thank you," Lucius smiled before kissing her forehead lightly. "Now just catch that Snitch as fast as you can."

Narcissa nodded before he moved to the door, "AND!"

Lucius's stopped once again and turned to her with his perfect eyebrow lifting to his forehead, "Yes?"

"I just want you to know that I'll always be here for you," Narcissa sighed as she walked to him to grab him in a deep hug. "I love you, Lucius. And I'm not just saying that because that what you're supposed to do when you date someone. I honestly mean it Lucius. I'm in love with you. I'd pull an Andromeda for you—throwing my life away just for you. I would do anything for you."

Lucius's eyes were moving rapidly as if he couldn't believe what she was saying. He opened his mouth to speak, but shut it once again. "Narcissa, I love you as well."

Narcissa smiled as she leaned into Lucius for a warm hug. "I just feel like I'm always messing this up. I just don't want to lose you."

Lucius let out a small chuckle before kissing her lightly against the forehead, "It worked out for the best. I mean my father leaves me alone now. He has no control over anything I do."

Narcissa almost vomited, I'm going to ruin this again for him! Why do I always do that?

"Now let's go play Quidditch," Lucius suggested before catching Narcissa's lips with his own and leaving her breathless for a matter of seconds.

Narcissa could only nod as he pulled away and smirk at her silent appearance.

She followed him onto the field being met by concords of screaming students. It felt exhilarating to have them shouting her name and pleading with her to win. She was even content with the obnoxious boos from the surrounding Houses.

Lucius and Narcissa fell beside the rest of the team. All were glaring at the yellow and black in front of them. They looked stupid in their false pride. The team actually had the audacity to go against a Malfoy, an Avery, a Lestrange, a Demure, a Parkinson, and two Blacks. Who did they think they were? They far outweighed the other team in every standing. They were smart and cunning. Skill alone would not win this game.

Narcissa couldn't help but feel like Bella as she smirked at the other team. She loved to see them quake in fear. She adored the way they shivered at Lucius as his gray eyes searched for their weak spots. Bellatrix was right: Lucius's power was exciting.

Suddenly they were told to mount their broom and start the game. Narcissa should have been nervous, but how could she be? She was going to win. There was no way that seven of them would lose. Everyone knew Slytherin was the better team.

With the whistle blown the game began and Narcissa's mind fell blank. She ignored her surroundings. She knew Darlene and Rabastan had her back if anything was to fly her way. Narcissa's only priority was that small golden ball that fit perfectly between her slender fingers. It would come to her. It came every game. She couldn't help but feel one with the ball. It was hers and she loved it.

She flew around occasionally ignoring the score as it blared from the speakers. Narcissa would even ignore the crowd as she passed them. Every now and again she would see the other Seeker—what was his name? Well, who really cares anyway? It's not like it mattered. He wouldn't get the Snitch. No, it simply would not fly to him.

Maybe because she was thinking about the golden Snitch it came, but suddenly it was there. She smiled at correct she was it had come to her. It was only a couple of meters away. She stretched out her hand to receive it. Grabbing success in her right hand, but the fact was short lived.

Narcissa could hear a wild scream from Darlene. It sounded remotely like a thousand cuss words before she shouted: "Narcissa, you blond hussy move your tiny arse now!"

Narcissa spun around ready to tell Darlene to use her Sportsmen ship for once, but when she turned around she shouted. There in front of her was a huge bludger ready to strike. Not once had this ever happened and Narcissa froze up. Before she new it she was toppled off her broom.

She was falling. By Merlin she was falling quickly. Narcissa felt her eyes go wide as she started to see the grass below her, "OH MY—LUCIUS!"

Lucius caught Narcissa as she plummeted to the earth. He caught her wrist and wobbled on his broom as he swung slightly in mid air.

"Are you alright?" Lucius asked before he began to pull her up to his broom. Narcissa was relieved that Lucius caught her and promised to make this up to him.

As she reached up to grab his shoulder with her clenched fist another bludger flew at them. Narcissa shouted as she jumped onto Lucius causing him to topple off his broom. She could hear Lucius curse wildly into her ear and she could understand perfectly why he was speaking such a way—they were falling! With each passing millisecond she could see the ground closer and closer. Only meters apart in a couple of seconds.

"Don't let go," Lucius hissed as he clutched onto her waist. He pulled her right into him causing her to grind against his stomach almost painfully.

Narcissa eyes slammed shut as every strain of grass became visible. She let out a squeal as they made impact with the ground.

There was a sickening crunch that echoed throughout the stadium. Lucius's back had pounded into the ground causing him to gasp and spew something on the top of her hair. With the impact Narcissa crashed onto Lucius her knees digging into his stomach. She gasped painful as her head hit his chin.

Narcissa let her limps fall into a comfortable position as her eyes finally opened. Students and teachers were running onto the field, shouting and screaming. Everything seemed unreal as her vision blurred. Maybe this was all one delusional dream and she was fine.

She looked up to Andromeda as she landed in front of her. Narcissa let out a shaky smile. "I caught the Snitch," she groaned before the world turned into nothing but white.

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

Lucius groaned as he opened his eyes, "Did we win the game?"

He didn't know why he asked that but it seemed perfect as the two of the three Black sisters huddled around him. They both laughed; however, it seemed to be forced.

"Seriously," Lucius groaned as he tried to sit up, but soon found that he couldn't. "What's the problem with my back?"

Andromeda sighed before moving a stray lock from his face. "Cissy fell on you, Lucius. The weight of her fall along with yours caused serious damage."

Lucius took in a deep breath, "So, my back?"

"It's broken," Bellatrix frowned before sitting beside him. "Quite honestly couldn't you let her fall on her own? Madam Idiot here said that your back could be permanently damaged. Continuous potion dosage and spells—Lucius, are you stupid?"

"Hush Bella," Andromeda sighed before sitting beside him as well. "Her knees fell on top of your abdomen. They smashed a lot of vital organs."

"Great," Lucius replied in a huff, "Anything else?"

"Cracked rips, broken bones, cut, scraps, and bruises," Bellatrix said as she counted them on her finger, "You just have to have something dramatic happen to you every year. How you going to top this? Get Cissy pregnant?"

Andromeda glared at her older sister, who stared to laugh uncontrollable. Lucius rolled his eyes before frowning. "Is she okay?"

"She woke up once," Andromeda sighed as she looked over at her sleeping sister. "She found out what happened and she cried herself to sleep."

"It's not her fault," Lucius replied as he shifted uncomfortably, "That idiot beater just kept pounding that bludger into her."

"He was dragged to Dumbledore's office," Andromeda frowned. "It was horrible to watch. He swung at her before she caught the Snitch and they said it's all part of them game. But when you caught her this guy flipped and just started swinging at her."

"Why didn't we ever have games like this?" Bellatrix groaned, "I could've seriously used some hexing practice."

"When did you show up anyway?" Lucius asked suddenly. "Not that I mind."

"Hours ago," Bellatrix replied. "Rodolphus got an owl from Rabastan and it told this whole crazy story. I came right away. Mother and father arrived shortly after. They're in with Dumbledore right now."

"They all arrived after Cissy cried herself to sleep," Andromeda said sadly, "We tried to convince her that it wasn't her fault, but she kept screaming. She hasn't even let go of the Snitch. It's still there clutched inside her fist."

Lucius smiled, "That's Cissy for you."

"Well, Madam Idiot said we couldn't keep you up for long," Bellatrix groaned, "So, sleep already Lucy Goosy. We'll see you when you awake."

"Joy," Lucius laughed before both sisters kissed the top of his forehead.

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

Narcissa sat up on her bed rubbing her dry eyes a couple of times. She couldn't remember a thing as she looked at the dark room. She tried to recall the events, but couldn't. Instead she fell back on her pillow and let out a shaky breath. Rolling over in bed she witnessed exactly why she was in here.

She shuttered at his sleeping form. This was all her fault. Narcissa looked up and down his bruised form and sighed angrily. "I'm sorry, Lucius."

Lucius made a grunting sound before rolling his head to the other side. Narcissa let out a chuckle and slowly excited her bed. She was still bruised and shaky, but her broken bones had healed themselves rather nicely.

Narcissa moved to sit beside him on his bed. She smiled as she moved the hair out of his face and tucked it behind his ear. "You shouldn't have caught me."

"Like that would be smart," Lucius groaned as he opened his left eye to look at her.

Narcissa laughed softly as she ran a finger down his cheek, "Madam Pomfrey said that she wasn't able to heal your back fully."

"Heard," Lucius replied simply, "I'll just lie around lazily a lot. No big deal."

"It is a big deal," Narcissa sighed angrily. "Why couldn't you just let me fall?"

"Then you'd be here Narcissa and not me," Lucius said simply. "I can handle it."

Narcissa knew it would make no sense arguing with him. "I will make this up to you."

Lucius smiled, "You already did. Open your fist, Cissy."

Narcissa looked down at her clutched fist and slowly opened it. It hurt and she cried out as the Snitch fell upon the floor.

"We won the game?" Narcissa laughed happily.

"You wouldn't let it go," Lucius laughed, "At least we got the Quidditch cup and Hufflepuff lost points for attacking you. So, basically the House cup is ours as well."

Narcissa smiled before kissing him lightly on the lips, "I think you should go back to sleep."

"I don't need sleep," Lucius groaned, "But do you think you could fetch me some water."

"Do I look like a House Elf?" Narcissa teased as she got up off the bed.

"Thankfully no," Lucius replied softly before Narcissa leaned over to kiss his forehead.

"You stay here and I'll get you some water," Narcissa said simply.

"Where would I go?"

"Very funny, Lucius," Narcissa said as she made it to the doorway.

She walked slowly through the dark and came to the opening of the hospital wing of Hogwarts.

"Mr. Malfoy it is late at night and it's not a good idea to wake up your son at such a time," Madam Pomfrey hissed and Narcissa stopped dead in her track.

"This the only time I will be able to check on my son," Abraxas Malfoy said proudly causing Narcissa to growl.

"If your visit is short than you may see him," Madam Pomfrey said simply and Abraxas came into the darken room.

With a flash of his wand the room lit and Narcissa had to blink a couple of times before her eyes adjusted on Lucius's father.

He was glaring at her with the same gray eyes Lucius possessed. This made Narcissa growled because there was no doubt that he was Lucius's father, so how could he treat his son the way he did.

"Must be Miss Black," Abraxas said coldly, "I heard you tried to murder my son."

"Just trying to finish the job you started," Narcissa replied angrily, which caused Abraxas to narrow his eyes at her.

"As you may know, Miss Black, the Ministry has no proof—"

"You can't convince Lucius to lie to everyone," Narcissa spat, "I've know since I was nine years old."

"Well, isn't that special," Abraxas said as he took a step towards her.

"I want you to leave," Narcissa replied coldly as she folded her arms and stood her ground.

Abraxas snarled at the girl, "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Narcissa spat. "He doesn't know about the letter. I wouldn't let him read it, so you have no reason to be here."

"You little—"

"Leave Mr. Malfoy," Narcissa growled.

Abraxas laughed coldly before taking another step towards her. Narcissa felt her heart jump into her throat and she tumbled over. She watched Abraxas storm into the room. She quickly followed slamming the door behind her.

"Stay away from him!"

A/N: Woot! I love this chapter! It was the first thing I came up with when I wanted to write this. I hope it lives up to your standards. I'm really trying to improve my grammar. I went back and fixed the obvious mistakes in the previous chapters. It took forever, but I hope it sounds a lot better. Hope you all like it. Remember to review. 135 pages! Can you believe it?