"Hullo there, Mum…" Draco drawled, a smirk consuming his face as he watched Narcissa stumble into the kitchen.
"Merlin, Draco!" Narcissa yelled, jumping at the sound of his voice. Her hand automatically reached for her wand stowed away in the pocket of her robe. "Do not ever do that to me again!"
"Sheesh, Mum! Sorry!" Draco bit down on his lower lip, trapping the laugh stuck in his throat. His cool grey eyes twinkled at the sight of his normally prim and proper mother. Her knotted hair, smeared makeup and last night's outfit amused him. If only Father could see this!
"I feel like death," Narcissa moaned, gripping the back of a chair for support.
"You certainly look like it!"
Her grip tightened as she braced for another spinning cycle. Her body felt trapped on a merry-go-round. She squinted, attempting block out the harsh sunlight that filled the kitchen. Her head throbbed at the sound of his booming voice. She fell into the chair with a loud plop, shut her eyes and placed her head on the tabletop.
Deciding it'd be best to help, Draco brought her a large glass of water and a hangover potion. Hand shaking, Narcissa reached for the potion only to grab empty air. Draco sighed and tipped it into her mouth. What a mess!
"Thank you." Narcissa grasped his hand and gave him a loving look.
"You're welcome, Mum. What happened?" he asked, unable to hide his curiosity.
"The devil created open bar," she grumbled, downing the water in one gulp.
Draco let out a small chuckle, which turned into a full laugh as he looked at the scowl on her face. He set her off and soon, she too was laughing alongside him.
"Did you have fun at least?" he asked, wiping the tears from his face, once they'd calmed down.
Narcissa nodded, a light blush highlighting her face.
"Well, that's good. You can only imagine how worried I was when I showed up late only to find that you hadn't arrived."
"Honey, I'm sorry. I didn't intend for this to happen!"
"Mum, don't worry about it! It's fine! Anyway… I have a proposal for you."
She cocked one perfectly coiffed eyebrow up at him. What could he possibly be planning?
"What's that?"
"So, you've been separated from Father for what… three years?" he inquired, reaching out to clasp her hand in his.
"Four," Narcissa corrected, pulling her hand away. She crossed her arms over her chest, and her brow furrowed. I don't like the sound of this one bit.
"Don't you think it's about time you get back out there?" he asked, his tone soft and his eyes even softer. His puppy-dog eyes never failed to work on her.
"Uh…" Narcissa tried to avoid his glance, but failed miserably. His cool grey irises, filled with rare warmth, tugged at her heartstrings. Bloody hell! I'm not escaping this conversation, am I?
"Perhaps," she responded, breaking the uncomfortable silence that filled the kitchen. "But…"
"But what?"
"One, I'm still married to your father. That's enough to scare away any potential suitor. Two, I'm too old. And quite frankly, there isn't anyone I'm interested in dating."
"I figured you'd say that," he responded, rubbing his palms in anticipation. Perfect, exactly as I expected.
Shite. She clutched her abdomen trying to ride out a wave of nausea that ran through her body. She wasn't sure if it was due to the alcohol or to Draco's plan. Both... definitely both, she decided, glancing back into Draco's twinkling grey eyes.
"Mother, I've taken the liberty of arranging some dates for you. You're far too wonderful a woman to spend your evenings alone."
Narcissa's eyebrows shot up her forehead. Is he serious?
"Draco, I'm perfectly comfortable being alone," she pleaded, hoping his proposal was just a joke. "I really don't need the hassle of another man in my life especially after all that's happened with your father."
"Mother, will you please go on these dates for me?" He threw her another soft look, purposely making his voice quiver. Time to turn on the charm. She's so close to saying yes. I know it!
"Alright, if you insist," Narcissa acquiesced with a soft sigh. What trouble have I brought upon myself?
"Lovely! I knew you would. I'll send them here. You don't need the Prophet reporting this."
"Thank you, Draco. That's very... thoughtful... of you," Narcissa replied, fingering a loose thread on the tablecloth covering the kitchen table.
"You're welcome. Now, get some rest. The first date will be this Friday." He threw his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. He planted a soft kiss on her cheek and left before she could argue otherwise. He felt awful taking advantage of her in her condition, but he had to do it.
I cannot believe I agreed, Narcissa mused, pressing her forehead on her glass screen door. She knew she couldn't take it back. She didn't want to disappoint him.
And if she was completely honest with herself, a part of her was somewhat excited for the dates. He certainly made her curious and a bit anxious to meet the men he selected. She had no idea who would actually agree to date her. He has a point… and it'd be nice to dance with someone again.