Narcissa's azure irises sparkled watching the sun's rays rise over the tops of the elegant white townhouses that lined the street in the neighbourhood she now called home. Never in a million years did she imagine leaving the comforts of the Wiltshire manor for Muggle Belgravia. She'd intended to reside in a community for the extremely wealthy a stone's throw from Diagon Alley. However, the news of her separation spread like wildfire. Reporters from the Prophet relentlessly pursued her for her side of the story. They could only speculate on her reasons and had no problem printing their numerous theories on the front pages of their papers.
The gossipmongers even camped out by Andromeda's small cottage in the remote countryside in their attempts to obtain the information they desperately sought. They'd even gone as far as hounding Andromeda for her opinions. Of course, the ever-loyal Andromeda remained quiet, unwilling to shed anything her sister confessed in strictest confidence. It became quite clear that safety couldn't be found in a magical place. Even her properties abroad weren't immune. With Andromeda's encouragement, Narcissa spent a fortune on her Eaton Place flat.
Fall gave way to winter, the season she despised the most. The cold seeped through her bones, and she missed her husband's warmth on the coldest nights. Andromeda comforted her during those dark, difficult moments.
"Cissy, dearest… please come downstairs and eat. I've made your favourite," Andromeda called, hoping the smell of Shepherd's pie would help snap her sister out of her senses. The blonde hadn't eaten properly in weeks, choosing to drown her sorrows in bottles of red wine. She'd always been slim, but now, she looked positively frail.
"Go away! I don't want any of it!"
Andromeda shook her head at the slurred response. She crossed the room and removed the wine glass from her sister's hand.
"You need to eat," Andromeda pleaded. Narcissa shook her head, refusing to look at Andromeda. Her eyes focused on the orange flames that burned brightly in her fireplace.
"Give me…" A bony, pale hand reached for the wine glass.
Frustrated and no longer willing to play nice, Andromeda reached out and turned Narcissa's face toward her. She muffled a surprised cry as she noticed the tears that ran down her sister's lovely face.
"Go away. Just go away. Leave me alone," Narcissa pleaded through her sobs.
"No. I'm not going anywhere." Andromeda squeezed herself into the armchair and threw her arms around her sister. That did it. Narcissa turned and buried her face into Andromeda's bosom, her shoulders shaking violently as a fresh wave of sobs streamed through her body.
"You miss him, don't you?" Andromeda whispered, stroking Narcissa's tangled locks. Narcissa nodded, letting out a string of incoherent words. Andromeda merely nodded, unsure of how to respond. Her arms wrapped tighter around her sister.
"Oh, Cissy, I'm so sorry. Go ahead, dearest… let it all out. We'll get through this together."
Andromeda played an integral part in pulling Narcissa out of her depressed state. She moved into the townhouse with little Teddy, and the two of them provided Narcissa the company she desperately needed. Narcissa adored the little boy, and she constantly showered him with attention and affection. Channeling her inner Black strength, Narcissa pushed through her initial sadness and anger. And so, a year and a half later, she stood tall and proud as a much stronger person.
"Thank you so much, Mrs Malfoy." Healer Miriam Strout wrapped her arms around Narcissa's back and hugged her tightly.
"You're welcome. It's the least I can do."
"Oh… I don't think so," Healer Strout teased, her eyes twinkling.
"I couldn't possibly…" Narcissa responded, a pretty blush colouring her pale cheeks.
"Oh yes… oh yes, you can."
Finally free from Lucius' control, Narcissa donated both her money and time to St. Mungo's. Her money helped provide much-needed services for the many people affected physically and mentally by the war. Her training treating injured Death Eaters went to good use during her work as a part-time Healer.
Her personal life also flourished during her separation. She befriended women her age who were newly single. The women, like her, had left the magical world for safe haven in Belgravia. Her relationship with Andromeda only grew stronger with the extra time they spent together. Draco, initially surprised that she left his father, supported her decision, and their relationship was as strong as ever.
More importantly, she repaired her once tarnished reputation within the magical community. Slowly but surely, the Prophet began focusing more on her positive contributions to their world. Her separation soon became old news, which delighted her to no avail.
Overall, Narcissa loved and enjoyed her new life, which held a greater sense of peace and purpose. Her initial loneliness faded in the comfort of her beloved sister and friends. Unfortunately, the solitude reared its ugly head every evening as she crawled into her large, luxurious bed to spend the night alone.