Sometimes you just need to be told how special you are.

"Who is he?!" I paced back and forth in front of Severus. Who the hell was he? Was he her betrothed? Lover? Friend? Crush? Family? There was no end to my suspicions.

Severus sighed. "Why do you care, Lucius? I mean, you've moved on. Why can't she?"

"I…That is beside the point! Now answer the damn question, Severus!" I could feel red creeping up my face, I had to know.

Running his hands through his hair, Severus grumbled.

"Sit, you're making me nervous." He motioned to a chair and began pouring drinks.

I sat moodily, waiting in agony for an answer.

"His name is Alexander McCarthy. He's of pureblood and part of a very wealthy family. From what I understand, he is courting her." Severus took a sip of his brandy and handed me my glass.

I downed the drink in one gulp. "Courting her..." I almost whimpered as those words left my mouth.

"Indeed." His words were practically dripping with distain.

I used to think that Cissa no longer had an effect on my life; that I had wiped her completely from my mind, heart, and soul. Oh, how wrong I was.

"Is she happy?" My voice had lost its conviction, I felt like I was going to be sick.

Severus rolled his eyes. "Honestly, Lucius. How am I supposed to know? I thought you knew Narcissa better than this." He began to pour another drink.

"How do you mean?"

He glared at me over his glass. "Trying to read Narcissa is like trying to read a book with no words. You of all people should know that." He leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs. "She won't let anyone in; that woman is made of ice as far as I am concerned."

"Can't you use occlumeny?" I felt a hand slap the top of my head.

"Who do you think taught me? Honestly, Lucius! If you keep this stupidity up then I might as well leave!" Severus was always famous for that short temper of his.

"For Merlin's sake!" He continued. "If you want to know about the inner workings of Narcissa Black then why don't you ask the damned witch herself?!"

"I can't talk to her!"

"Why the bloody hell not?!"

I stood, knocking my brandy to the floor. "Because she hates me! Who could ever love such a beast?!" I screamed the words at him, trying to communicate my pain. "That's all I am, Severus…" I whispered. "I'm a monster."

Severus placed a hand on my back. "You're not a beast, Lucius…" He paused. "But you're not a saint either. You have your good points and bad, but you have a heart and you love Cissa. That much is clear." He chuckled. "You just have to make her see the good in you, make her remember why she loved you."

"But how?" I groaned. "She won't even see me…"

He shrugged. "You'll think of something."

I tried for weeks, racking my brains for something. For some idea. But nothing. I was out of luck. All hope seemed to be lost. Until a stroke of genius hit me.

I was walking down a ministry corridor, heading home when I heard a sweet melody floating down the hall. I hadn't heard a more beautiful voice. I began walking towards the sound, drawing closer and closer.

Suddenly, I found myself standing in front of the office of none other than Cygnus Black. The door was creaked open just enough so I could see Narcissa seated at the piano.

I don't know how long I stood there, just listening to her sing and play. It was as if I was under a spell, unable to move, unable to breathe, and completely happy about all of it.

"That is quite enough, Narcissa." A deep, strong voice sounded from across the room.

"Cygnus." I growled.

"I don't know why you waste your time with such petty past times, Narcissa."

I could hear the clank of glasses ad he prepared to pour a drink. He continued. "Honestly, Bellatrix was never this way."

My eyes were focused on Narcissa. She sat there, unmoving, unreadable. She looked like a perfect sculpture, forever carved in stone and void of all humanness.

"I'm sorry to have displeased you, Papa." A false happy tone rose from her lips, there was nothing there.

Cygnus grunted. "Save your apologies, Narcissa. I have no use for them."

"Yes, Papa."

"Honestly, girl. Don't you have more intelligent comments?"

"Do you want me to speak my mind?"

"If you so should possess one."

She said nothing.

Cygnus sighed, irritably. "You were always a disappointment, Narcissa. The last disappointment. I hope you know that."

"Yes, Papa." Her voice was quiet.

Cygnus grunted. "Come, it's late and your mother should be expecting us."

With one last glance at the piano, Narcissa passed from my view and followed her father out of his office.

It was then when the idea hit me.

I checked to make sure they had truly left. The coast was clear.

Quickly, I walked over to Cygnus' desk and grabbed parchment and a quill. I began to write.

Dearest Flower,

I am so proud to see how much you have blossomed, even in this winter. No matter what has happened, no matter how cold the air has become, you have stayed. However, I fear the frost has reached you. I fear that you are turning cold. Do not despair; do not let the frost of this winter reach your heart. For even winter has beauty. Think of snow, how it shines on the ground. Think of Christmas, happy families together. Keep your heart warm, and make you smile true. And know I believe in you and I will always be here, little flower, to bring spring and warm your heart. Look for my letters in this piano, I love hearing you play. I await your reply.

Forever yours and never disappointed

I truly did think about signing it. I truly did…But I could not let her know it was me, not yet. I had to prove I was not a monster.

-Thanks to MarinaNM, NimbusCentaur, and ModernHippie999 for reviewing! You're the reason I'm still writing! Please, let me know what you think :)