Disclaimer: I'm not J.K. Rowling and these are not my characters. I am just borrowing them.
This was written for Louise Foxhall's "Three Sisters Black Competition". I hope you enjoy!
Family.
For Narcissa Malfoy, this word had been her mantra. She knew the importance of family, better than anyone. Her life had been defined by the love she felt for her family, for her sisters, husband and son. Although proud of her lineage, her love for those people had not been based upon bloodlines. Narcissa had never mused deeply on the subject; for her, family was an instinctive and obvious concept.
Reclining on her bed, she reflected on the past. She had idolised Bellatrix and Andromeda. To the younger sister, their strong convictions had been an inspirational thing. In some respects, she felt saddened that no one else saw the parallels between the two. Both had defended their beliefs in the face of great criticism and, in their own way, had demonstrated an understanding of family. Bellatrix's loyalty to her Black heritage had led her to achieve great things with the Dark Lord and Andromeda's impish daughter was testament to the strength of her love for Ted Tonks.
Yes, they both understood the importance of family.
Sadly, their understandings appeared incompatible. Narcissa often gave thanks that she had fallen in love with a pureblood. Not because she held a particular hatred of muggleborns, but because it had enabled her to have the best of both worlds – love and the Blacks. If she had been placed in Andromeda's position… She shuddered at the thought. A choice between Lucius and the Blacks would have torn her apart.
In fact, she often wondered whether Andromeda had been torn apart.
The memory of that awful day haunted her; she was unashamed to admit it. Unlike the others, however, Narcissa did not dwell upon what had been said. Rather, she dwelled upon what hadn't been said. Andromeda's declaration had passed in a blur, but the following events had become etched in her mind. Involuntarily, as the memories crowded her brain, she clutched a silken pillow.
Cowering behind her sister, Narcissa had waited for Bellatrix to rise to Andromeda's defence. She was aware of Bella's views – who couldn't be? – but she had thought her loyalty to Andromeda was stronger. As their father's wrath was unleashed, Narcissa had been confident that Bella would block his spell.
Her shock at her big sister's failure had shattered her world and she had wept as Andromeda left the room. In fact, she had wept as Andromeda left their lives.
And she had taken a piece of Narcissa's heart with her.
Despite the passing years, their situation still brought tears to Narcissa's eyes. With exasperation, she swiped them from her eyes and, anger rising, threw the luxurious pillow across the room. It crumpled in a corner, far from her reach. It didn't matter; Dobby would pick it up later.
Often, Narcissa had been tempted to owl Andromeda. She had desperately wanted to invite her to the wedding, but a few choice words from both Lucius and Bellatrix had stopped her. In theory, she understood that Bellatrix and Andromeda could not – and would not – speak again. Still, however, she hoped. But as the years passed and the Dark Lord's power grew, her yearnings had been faced with a bleak reality.
Clearly, neither understood the importance of family like Narcissa.
If they had, they would have reconciled long ago.
And Narcissa's heart would still be whole.