Behind Closed Doors Behind Closed Doors: A Portrait of the Malfoy Family

Chapter 2: Names and Godparents

A fortnight later, Narcissa stood in front of the mirror in the master bedroom. Dressed in pale silver robes, she put the finishing touches on her hair. Then she crossed to the bassinet at the end of the bed and picked up baby Zara who was dressed in a long white dress, similar to one that a muggle baby would wear on the day of their Christening. However, today was Zara's Welcome Ceremony, which would consist of a naming in which Zara would be given her middle name. After that, her godparents would be chosen and take their eternal vows, promising that should anything happen to Lucius and Narcissa that they would care for her. And finally the parents themselves would take their own vows to raise their daughter in the wizarding world and guide her on the path to become a successful witch. After the ceremony concluded, there would be a celebration.

Narcissa examined her daughter and smiled. The night Zara was born, she was sure that Lucius would be unhappy with their daughter, that he would make certain that the baby was disposed of. That was the reason why she rejected Zara so quickly. But on the contrary, Lucius was quite pleased with Zara. Over the moon would be the appropriate expression. Narcissa had felt the same way when Draco was born. Not that she wasn't happy with Zara. But as her first born, Draco would have a special place in her heart.

Zara was the perfect mixture of both of her parents. But Narcissa could see why Lucius became enthralled with his daughter. She had his eyes, pale blue almost gray and a very intense stare. Narcissa felt as if Zara could look into someone's eyes and see directly into their soul.

After a moment, Narcissa took her daughter and went downstairs. Lucius was waiting for them at the bottom as he had on the day of Draco's ceremony. At his side, Draco stood holding his father's hand. Narcissa handed the little girl to her father and it was evident in her eyes that Zara was happy to see her father. They lit up at the sight of him. Narcissa and Lucius shared a sweet kiss before Narcissa picked Draco and the family headed into the drawing room.

The furniture in the room had been moved away, save for a small table with a silver bowl. The furniture had been replaced with chairs on which select guests sat, including the Minister of Magic, Millicent Bagnold. The officiator stood at the other end of the room in front of the fireplace. In the front row sat various members of the Black and Malfoy families. The family walked down the center aisle and Narcissa handed Draco to her sister Bellatrix. Then together, Lucius and Narcissa approached the officiator with Zara.

"On behalf of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, I would like to welcome you all, family, friends, and honoured guests to the Welcoming Ceremony of their daughter Zara," the officiator said. "We will begin with the naming. Lucius and Narcissa, have you chosen a middle name for your daughter?"

"Yes," they answered in unison.

"And what is that name?"

"Bellatrix," Narcissa replied.

"The child will be henceforth be known as Zara Bellatrix Malfoy. We will now move on to the selection of the Godparents. Lucius and Narcissa have you selected godparents for your daughter Zara Bellatrix Malfoy who will uphold your values as well as those of the wizarding world and who will help guide her on the path to adulthood?"

"Yes," they answered again.

"Please tell me their names."

"Bellatrix Lestrange and Severus Snape."

"Bellatrix Lestrange and Severus Snape, please come forward."

Both of them stepped forward, an unlikely pair. Lucius handed Zara to Bellatrix and he went with Narcissa to sit with Draco.

"Please join hands for the administration of the vows."

They did and the officiator placed his wand just above their joined hands and drew a white circle around them.

"Severus and Bellatrix, do you accept your role as the Godparents of Zara Bellatrix Malfoy?"

"We do."

"Will you help to raise this child with the values upheld by her parents Narcissa and Lucius?"

"We will."

"Will you help raise her in the Magical World in accordance with wizarding law?"

"We will"

"And finally, will you Severus and Bellatrix help guide this child, Zara Bellatrix Malfoy on the path to adulthood to the best of your ability?"

"We will."

The officiator drew another circle in the opposite direction with his wand.

"Bellatrix and Severus, you have promised before this gathering to serve as Zara's godparents. You are now are forever bound to these promises that you have made here today. May you serve Zara Bellatrix well." Everyone clapped as the white smoke hissed and then vanished. "Lucius and Narcissa please come forward."

Narcissa handed Draco back to Bellatrix and Severus handed Zara to Narcissa and they came forward again.

"Please join hands." They did and the officiator drew a circle of white smoke around them. "Narcissa and Lucius, you stand before me today with your daughter. Zara Bellatrix, while unable to say the words, made a promise to love you both unconditionally upon her entrance into this world. Now will you promise to love her unconditionally as she begins her journey to adulthood?"

"We promise."

"Will you raise her in the Magical World in accordance with wizarding law?"

"We will."

"Will you raise her with respect, kindness, and compassion toward other witches and wizards and magical creatures?"

"We will."

"Do you promise to prepare her for her magical education and give her the tools to use her magic responsibly?"

"We promise."

"And finally, will you raise Zara Bellatrix and guide her on the path to adulthood the best of your ability?"

"We will."

The officiator drew the second circle which hissed and disappeared. He then picked up the silver bowl and dipped his finger in it, drawing out a fine silver powder and then he made a cross on Lucius' forehead, then Narcissa, and finally Zara.

"This cross symbolizes your bond as a family. In the promises that you have made to Zara Bellatrix, both of you have created an ancient bond that no amount of magic can put asunder. Narcissa and Lucius, you have promised in front of this gathering to be Zara's parents forever and always. May you remember this day and these promises always and uphold them for many years to come."

The crosses turned white and vanished. Narcissa and Lucius turned out to the audience.

"It is my honor to introduce the newest member of the wizarding community, Zara Bellatrix Malfoy!" The officiator said and the room broke into applause.