Disclaimer: Malfoy Senior and his soon to be wife belong to each other, and in addition to that they belong to J.K. Rowling. I even don't want to own them...
Chapter 4: Narcissa and Lucius
She sat down in the armchair in the drawing room at her aunt's house, making sure that her robes weren't wrinkled, and that her hairdo hadn't been ruined with the walk. They had decided on a neutral ground for tonight's appointment, and this room was certainly one of the smartest in all the family mansions, both hers and his.
She twirled the glass of wine between her fingers. She only ever drank white wine, as the whole world knew; or at least the part of the whole world that mattered. All in all her light silvery blue robes, blonde hair, and pale complexion made her almost melt into the pearly white and creamy beige colours of the room. She entertained a hope that maybe he wouldn't notice her upon entering, therefore making a fool out of himself.
She enjoyed laughing at other people, especially when there was a chance that they didn't take it as a joke and actually felt insulted. Because she liked it when people felt insulted; it gave her a feeling of power that even that of money couldn't rival.
She saw him the very moment he entered. Just like her, he was clad in silver robes, his having a tint of green in them. Her gaze wandered over him at the first possible chance, noticing even the smallest details of his demure, because knowledge is power.
With surprise she saw that he had the family mace with him, the golden staff that was passed down to the oldest son of the family, signifying their power and purity. It was something that had to be present at any event that would influence the life of the main male line of the family. And if he had it with him it could only mean he was there to propose marriage to her.
"My lady," he said, walking over to where she was sitting and touching his lips to her gloved hand lightly.
"Lucius, I'm pleased you came."
"So am I," Lucius said, sitting down at the table across from Narcissa.
"Kreacher!" she ordered with a flip of her fingers, and the house elf appeared with another glass, and a bottle of wine.
Lucius sat in the chair without any indication that he had noticed another living being in the room. But only when the house elf had disappeared again did he get to the business.
"I'm sure you know why I've asked for this appointment," he said politely.
"I'm convinced you'd rather tell me the reason personally."
"I want you to sign a contract with me," Lucius said carefully, sipping his wine and looking at her in mild amusement, probably not quite convinced she had understood his reason for coming, after all. He shifted in his chair so that the light reflected from the gilded surface of the mace.
"I'd rather you acknowledged my attentiveness more," Narcissa smiled.
"I'd never underestimate you."
They drank their wine in silence for a while, letting the golden sunbeams coming from the window with artificial summer weather painted on it make the bright room glow and glitter. Sitting there it was almost possible to forget all about the icy January weather outside, and the forecast of a heavy snowstorm.
"Have you discussed it with my parents yet?" Narcissa asked, putting her still almost full glass of wine back on the table.
"No. I thought I should first ask for your assent on the matter."
Silence was restored for a while as the rays of gold lit up the pale faces and light robes.
"Have you decided on a date yet?" Narcissa probed further.
"Easter, if you're not against rushing with it, of course."
"You have my acceptance. Mr. Black can accept your audience tomorrow at tea." Narcissa took her goblet with unexplainable finality to her movement, and took a barely noticeable sip.
"The Engagement Party shall be organised at the Malfoy Manor before the end of the month." Lucius, contrarily to his companion, drowned the wine in another gulp, and rose to leave.
"I'll be meeting you tomorrow after tea," he lightly brushed against her hand with his lips again, that very gesture being their only bodily touch throughout the visit.
"Mr. Malfoy," Narcissa acknowledged his leave with a slight tilting of her head.
When he had left the room and the door had closed behind his back, Narcissa was still sitting in the same chair, twirling the goblet between her fingers. A sly smile was playing on her lips, and all in all she seemed happier than she had ever been.
A/N: Well, this is it. I hope you liked it. A bit dry, yes, but that's how it's supposed to be. And, to make it a bit less dry, notice that I added some snow into it (I can't write anything right now wothout including snow. Ridiculous, I know, but this weather here is not natural in the middle of December). Anyway, leave me a review if you like snow, too!
Next chapter, Ginny and Harry, will be up soon.