Chapter Seventeen – If Ever

Narcissa leaned against Lucius's firm chest as the train started to move slowly. Narcissa let her blue eyes scan the compartment before sitting up to stare out the small window of the door.

"What's wrong, Cissy?" Lucius asked softly. He wasn't looking at her; instead he was staring out of the window.

"Where are Jack and Darlene?" Narcissa asked as she turned her head towards Lucius.

"I guess it's only fair for you to know," Lucius sighed as he looked at her.

His gray eyes bore into her blue ones and Narcissa made a deep swallowing sound, "What do you mean?"

"Jack wanted to sit with Darlene alone," Lucius let out slowly, "Wanted to ask her something important."

Narcissa blinked in confusion, "Like what?"

"Jack is proposing to Darlene," Lucius replied simply.

Narcissa jumped up from her position, "What?!"

Lucius stared at her before letting out a low chuckle, "He wants to marry her."

"Really? This is wonderful! When?" Narcissa squealed as she fell on the chair in front of her boyfriend.

Lucius smiled, "He was incredibly nervous. I reassured him many times, but he still believes Darlene is going to turn him down."

"But that's ridiculous," Narcissa laughed with a small wave of her hand, "She adores him. Oh, I can't wait to see the ring!"

"After the train ride," Lucius reassured, "I promise you can see then."

"Oh, this is so exciting," Narcissa squeaked, "Absolutely wonderful—oh, but they have to wait a whole year."

"He knows," Lucius shrugged, "But he wants to know that she is his."

"That is so cute," Narcissa smiled as she leaned against the compartment's wall. "I just can't believe she's going to be married. I'll have to help her plan it."

Lucius smiled at her before turning towards the window. He didn't want the conversation to change to them—and perhaps their marriage.

Narcissa sighed blissfully, "This will be my second wedding now. I wonder when Bella will get married."

Lucius snorted before turning back to her, "Bella?"

"I love weddings," Narcissa shrugged, "And she's been dating Rodolphus for such a long time. It only makes sense."

Lucius shrugged, "Enough about weddings."

Narcissa giggled before gliding her way over to sit beside him. She landed with a small thud and leaned annoyingly against him. "I forgot you hate weddings."

"I do," Lucius agreed as she practically scooted into his lap.

"But you had so much fun at Dromeda's," Narcissa pouted, "You danced, ate cake, helped destroy Ted's car . . . it was the most carefree I have ever seen you."

"Have you ever heard beer?" Lucius asked quickly, "Stupid muggle invention."

Narcissa giggled before giving him a quick peck on his smooth cheek, "I'm just excited for them. I remember when Jack was so scared to tell Darlene he liked her, and when Darlene became very, very jealous when Jack wouldn't give her the time of day."

Lucius chuckled lightly before getting up from his spot. Narcissa sprawled over the seat as he moved to his trunk. He opened the case and dug around in it.

"I got a letter this morning," Lucius stated nonchalantly as he continued his dig.

"From who?" Narcissa pondered as she sat up against her elbows on the warn bench.

"Someone's sister," Lucius shrugged as he pulled out a smooth letter.

"What does Bella want?" Narcissa frowned as she lay back against the rough seat.

"Not Bella," Lucius chuckled. This caused the girl to jump from her seat and meet her boyfriend on the floor.

"Dromeda wrote you?!"

Lucius chuckled at her excited face, "Yes. Said she had news to tell me."

"Why didn't she write me?" Narcissa complained as she reached for the small letter.

Lucius pulled it away from her and smirked, "I'm sure she was worried about Mr. And Mrs. Black finding out."

"Nonsense," Narcissa replied with a wave of her hand. She snatched the letter from him and opened it slowly. She took a deep breath before reading the contents before her:

Lucius Malfoy,

You cannot know the joys of being married. They are absolutely exquisite. I cannot believe that I've been so lucky. I know that you find the concept of marriage dull, but you should really reconsider. There is something about living with your best friend, your confidant, your one companion, your lover. I've never been so happy. Ted said that he hasn't ever known such happiness. Of course we argue and bicker, Mr. Malfoy, but that is all part of this union. We always make up. It is not as scary as you want to believe.

Before I get to the purpose of this letter I wish you the best of luck. I know you have a job at the Ministry and I know you'll do fine there. I also want you to send my regards to everyone. Tell Darlene that I miss her jokes constantly. Ted and I mention the jokes ever chance we get. Tell Jack that I miss him. He always knew how to cheer up my day. And tell Cissy that I absolutely love her. And to never give up on her dream. Which she will know exactly what it is . . . and so should you. Tell her that I hope one day she can be as happy as me. And maybe, just maybe, one day we will be able to reunite as sister unafraid of blood and prejudice.

And now to my news—I can hear your voice now, Lucius. The thick strain you get when ever you're surprised. I've pictured it many times. You yelling out, "ALREADY!" and me laughing softly at your reaction. Lucius, I will let this out quickly and with no delay. I am pregnant. I wish I could see your face. Ted and I have discussed how you would react and I'm sure none of it is as good as the real thing. I am so happy and unafraid to be a mother. It's been shortly three months and I already want to see it. I hope it will be beautiful.

I must run; I have a check up. Ted sends his love and gratitude. Remember to tell Cissy I love her—and of course I will always love my Lucy Goosey.

With Love,

Mrs. Andromeda Tonks

Narcissa started to dance around the compartment, "Dromeda's going to have a baby! Oh Merlin! This is the best thing I've ever heard! I'm going to be an aunty! Oh Lucius, this is wonderful!"

Lucius grinned at her before wrapping her up in his arms. She hugged him closely before chuckling loudly into his shoulder. "I hope one day that things will change."

Lucius frowned at her before stroking her cheek with his index finger. "We can only hope."

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

"Show me one more time," Narcissa cooed as Darlene slipped her left hand into Narcissa's. Narcissa stopped her fast paced walk and looked at the small glittering ring. She sighed blissfully before shoving the hand out of her face.

"I am so jealous right now," Narcissa pouted as they continued their walk, "I can't even hide it from you."

Darlene laughed before linking arms with her best friend, "I hope that you'll finally get your own."

"There are moments I believe that he's changing his mind, but then I get crushed," Narcissa groaned, "Maybe I should just be live in girlfriend . . . that could still be fun."

Darlene let out a giggle before leaning her head on Narcissa's shoulder, "New experience."

"I just love him," Narcissa shrugged as she paused outside a large abandon building.

"You'll at least come to my wedding," Darlene pouted as she pulled open the rickety door. "You know as my Maid of Honor."

Narcissa chuckled as she walked inside the rough building. She let out a small smile as they came into a beautiful and fresh lobby. They both walked to the small elevator and entered. Darlene pushed a few buttons before the elevator took off.

"You know I'm coming to your wedding, Darlene," Narcissa laughed loudly as she leaned against the metal caged wall. "And I'd be privileged to be your Maid of Honor . . . as long as you have a decent dress."

Darlene chuckled as the door opened. She grabbed Narcissa wrist and pulled her smoothly through the hall. "I'm excited for this double date . . . it's like really cute."

Narcissa giggled as they reached a black door with the numbers: 575. She brushed her knuckle against the door and there was soon a loud bang from the other side.

Narcissa lifted a pale blond eyebrow and turned to her friend. Darlene only shrugged and let her eyes fall on the door as it flew open.

Jack laughed as he leaned against the doorframe. He was still in his pajamas and his hair was a mess, "Hello, ladies."

Darlene let her lip jut out and she her jaw tensed. "Why aren't you dressed?'

Jack laughed as he pulled his hand through his brunette hair, "Well, um, I took a nap."

Darlene shook her hair before kissing the boy's cheek, "Go get dressed."

Jack nodded, "Um . . . come in. Luc is in the shower so just awhile. He just got off work."

Narcissa frowned before they both walked into the small apartment.

"You know usually it's the girl that spends all their time primping," Darlene giggled as she sat gently on the couch.

Jack glared at her gently before pulling his nose in the air, "Could've tried harder."

Darlene let out a smooth snarl, "Go get dress, Jackson Parkinson."

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

Her heels clicked on the fresh marble floor as she walked into the building. The scent of bleach and blood wafted into her nose and she had to hold in her gag. She frowned as she made her way to the round front desk.

She paused in front of a large and happy lady. The woman turned to her and smiled brightly, "How may I help you?"

"Hi," she said briefly before she went on with the point, "I'm here to apply for the nursing job."

"Oh," the woman smiled as she shuffled around her desk, "That is absolutely wonderful. We've been waiting for more people to apply. Just graduated from Hogwarts?"

She moved a black curl from her hair before smiling, "Yes."

"Well wonderful," the woman replied brightly, "We always love the new ones. Always oozing with talent."

She laughed briefly and the woman smiled cheerfully at her.

"Do you have your NEWTS scores?"

She pulled out a smooth piece of parchment from her purse and handed to the woman.

The woman looked at it briefly, "Well you have amazing scores. Especially in potions, that's usually how people end up working here. You did really well"—the woman looked down at the parchment again—"Mythica Windle, I think we can get you in to see someone admittedly."

Mythica smiled happily, "Oh, thank you so much."

"Do you have your application?"

"I do," Mythica replied cheerfully as she pulled out some more parchment from her purse.

The woman took it carefully and read through it briefly, "Well things look really good. Oh, and look at her references: Abraxas Malfoy. Incredible."

Mythica smiled gracefully. Her thoughts solely on Lucius Malfoy.

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

"Lucius Malfoy, never talk like that again," Narcissa declared as she tried to hide the smile from her face.

Lucius smirked at her before setting his cup against his lips. He took a deep drink before turning to the rest of the group.

"That wasn't funny," Darlene snorted before massaging Jack's left hand.

Jack winked over at Lucius before kissing the hand that was holding his, "Come now, love. Luc was only kidding. I doubt you'll become pregnant anytime soon."

"Oh really, Jack," Darlene growled, "You don't want children."

Jack looked over to Lucius before snorting loudly, "How is it you say something cruel and I get in trouble?"

"Good looks," Lucius teased before leaning into his seat.

"Yeah, because you're so beautiful," Jack gagged before he slouched on the table. "When is the stupid dessert getting here?"

"Oh, come on, Jack," Darlene pouted, "You know I love you."

Jack rolled his eyes before turning away from her.

"Come off it, Jack," Darlene snapped, "Let's go walk around the terrace."

Jack smiled before helping Darlene out of her seat. They then walked out the wide windowed door and into the clear night.

"'Walk around the terrace'?"

Narcissa laughed at Lucius before taking a sip of her drink, "Code for "let's go make out"."

"Do you want to walk around the terrace?" Lucius teased as Narcissa playfully slapped his wrist.

"Not now," Narcissa reassured as she played with the edge of her napkin.

"You seem nervous."

"I hate that you can read me," Narcissa pouted. "It's been awhile."

"Work," Lucius shrugged, "Trust me, I'd rather walk around the terrace than work."

Narcissa giggled as she stretched her arms in front of her, "Is it that boring?"

"Oh, it's the worse," Lucius complained, "You know if I was still a Malfoy I'd just live off my family's wealth. Rich playboy."

"Better not be a playboy," Narcissa frowned as she took a bite of the leftover rice on platter.

"Never," Lucius laughed as he kissed the top of her head, "Where's the fun in that?"

"There is none," Narcissa snorted, "A life without Narcissa isn't a life at all."

Lucius grinned crookedly at her comment before changing the subject, "Are you worried about school?"

"I'm worried that I don't get anymore walks around the terrace," Narcissa frowned before Lucius let out a low chuckle.

"I don't think I'd find out," he shrugged before she swatted him again.

"I'd never kiss someone else," Narcissa replied in an appalled tone. "Just the thought of it makes me gag."

"Dessert," he said proudly before placing two plates in front of them.

As the waiter left Lucius watched Narcissa stuff her face with a fork full of brownie.

"I love the fact that you eat," Lucius stated as a gently blush fled to her cheeks. "It's not a bad thing, makes me want to walk around the terrace."

"You're going to say that all the time now, aren't you?"

"It's funny," Lucius shrugged, "It's better than saying, I want to—"

"Whatever you're thinking can't be good," Narcissa blushed again, "It's probably nasty."

"I'm not a pervert, Cissy," Lucius teased, causing Narcissa's blush to grow. It now started at her hairline and travel down to her chest.

"Just eat your brownie."

Lucius smirked before peeling off a little piece and placing it in his mouth.

"Why is Narcissa red?" Jack's voice sounded as he and Darlene both returned.

Lucius shrugged as he shoved another bite in his mouth.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Darlene," Narcissa snapped, "Just eat your bloody brownie."

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

Darlene attached onto Narcissa's arm as they stared at everyone that passed them. They were about to leave for Hogwarts once again and the people they wanted to see were not there.

"Where are they?"

Narcissa shrugged as she stood on her tiptoes. She peered over numerous heads and outrageous hats, but no white-blond was to be found.

"Are you looking for me?"

Narcissa squealed before throwing her arms around his sturdy neck, "Oh Lucy, I thought you weren't going to show!"

Lucius chuckled before hugging her against his chest, "It's my lunch break."

Narcissa giggled before wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head against his chest. Lucius ran his fingers up and down her back as his eyes focused on the distressed girl beside him.

"Darlene."

"Hmm?" she answered as her brown eyes fell upon him.

"Jack can't get work off," Lucius replied sadly as his hands brought Narcissa closer.

Darlene's face scrunched up, "What do you mean?"

"That your mother isn't letting him off work," Lucius shrugged as Narcissa moved out of his arms.

"I'm sorry," Narcissa mumbled as her arms wrapped around Darlene.

"That woman is getting a howler," Darlene hissed as Lucius ruffled her hair.

"Jack told me to give you something," Lucius said as Darlene pulled out of Narcissa's grip.

"What?"

Lucius placed his lips briefly on Darlene's cheek before pulling. She blushed as Narcissa giggled.

Lucius sighed, "Of course he said the lips, but I didn't think that was fair."

Narcissa nodded before kissing the corner of Lucius's mouth, "That's all mine."

Darlene chuckled before sighing heavily, "Should get going."

Narcissa frowned as she nodded. Again her arms fell around him and she buried her head in his neck.

"I'll meet you on the train."

Narcissa didn't leave her position from Lucius's neck. She shuttered as his arms wrapped around her thin waist.

"This isn't fair," Narcissa pouted.

"I know, but it will go by like nothing," Lucius promised as he grabbed her chin and moved her to look at him.

Her blue eyes searched his before she nodded in defeat, "Before I know it."

Lucius nodded before kissing her soft pink lips, "I'm going to miss you."

"You think you're going to miss me?"

Lucius chuckled before lightening his grip, but Narcissa brought herself closer, "I love you."

Lucius smiled into her hair, "And I you."

A/N: I really liked this chapter. It's kind of like the calm before the storm. It is going to get a little messy, but what's a L/N fic without some mess? I know its fluff again, but I enjoy writing some carefree stuff. And the joke, I wanted to make fun of sitcoms. You know how they always use the same joke over and over, but you keep laughing. Why? Don't know. Yes, I know Mythica is icky and should die—and she will, eventually. Everyone gets their just desserts.

Please review, I like getting them. And I only get a few. I know it's not the most popular, but as long as one of you is reading it and reviewing I'll write it. And thanks to all those that fav it or put it on alert. I ask all of you to stick with my story as it gets rough. But we know they get together.

Love you all. Extreme Psycho