As it so happened, Narcissa needn't of worried at all about not being placed in Slytherin, for she had been, much to the enjoyment of Bellatrix, who had got up on the bench and had clapped wildly. Andromeda had given her a kind smile, and a nod of reassurance that made Narcissa swell with pride.
She ate her food at the Slytherin table, seated next to Bellatrix and surrounded by all her friends. It was strange seeing Bellatrix interacting with others, Narcissa was more used to finding her curled up on a chair in their library at home, reading books that she really ought not to. She watched Bellatrix with curiosity that night, watched her as she laughed and joked with her friends. She wondered if Bellatrix did consider them friends, or rather just companions or acquaintances. To Narcissa it seemed that Bellatrix was the leader, the person to whom all the other people gathered around. It made her smile to think of her sister like this.
Bellatrix had been quick to introduce Narcissa to everyone, and Narcissa had been quicker to forget their names. Narcissa's hand had ached from the amount of times people had shook it, and names and blank faces swam in her mind. She'd never been good with names, and it certainly didn't help by having numerous new ones thrust upon her in the space of 5 minutes. Bellatrix had shown her off, as if she was a trophy to be treasured.
They made their way down to the Slytherin Common Room late that night, led by Rodolphus who had been made a Prefect this year. Bellatrix took delight in throwing this little fact in his face every couple of seconds.
'Oh, sir. Oh, Mr. Lestrange, I'm a poor, itty bitty first year and I don't know where to go. Will you show me? Will you show me what to do, Mr. Prefect?' Bellatrix had jogged to the front of the pack of first years and began walking backwards, bottom lip stuck out in a mock pout.
Rodolphus seemed to bite his tongue. 'Will I show you what to do, Bellatrix?' He asked, quirking an eyebrow.
'Oh, now, now, Rod.' She leaned inwards, and he stopped abruptly, various first years crashing into his back and pushing him forwards. His nose almost touched Bellatrix's, and she grinned. Narcissa frowned, feeling uncomfortable at the sight, and quickly turned to examine the wall.
'Put it away.' Bellatrix whispered, raising her eyebrows. She puckered her lips and Rodolphus pushed her aside.
'Go away, Bella!' His voice was harsh and cold, and he stormed off down the corridor.
'Spoil-sport!' Bellatrix called after him.
When they reached the dungeon-based Common Room most of the students retired to their beds immediately. Narcissa thought this was a good idea, she was tired and full and wanted a long, nice sleep to be prepared for her lessons tomorrow. She doubted she would sleep well though, there was too much excitement dancing around in the pit of her stomach.
She yawned, and she covered her mouth as she did so, having been taught to from an early age. She was just about to slip away when someone grabbed her arm and pulled her backwards, she groaned slightly when she saw that it was Bellatrix.
'Bella,' Narcissa pouted, and pulled a face. 'I'm tired, I want to go to sleep.'
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. 'You can. I just want to introduce you to someone.'
'I've met enough people!' Narcissa protested, not allowing Bellatrix to pull her along.
'Narcissa.' Bellatrix's voice suddenly turned commanding, as a sign that she was fast losing patience. She knew, from past experience, that it was better for everyone just to go along with Bellatrix. It meant putting up with tedious games, it meant listening to her whilst she read passages from their father's Dark Arts books, it meant watching her as she performed spells and hexes on innocent animals in their large back garden.
Bellatrix placed a hand on her hip and chewed her tongue, waiting for Narcissa to say something.
Narcissa managed a weak smile. 'I'm sorry.'
Bellatrix remained still for a moment, before nodding. 'You can have your beauty sleep soon, Cissy, I won't keep you long.' She grabbed Narcissa's hand and stood on the tips of her toes, looking for someone in the crowd of Slytherins. 'Ah!' She led them through the crowd, that was through and not around, for people parted when they saw her coming. They were walking towards Rodolphus, Rabastan and another boy that looked the same age as Narcissa.
Rodolphus had a stony expression when he looked at Bellatrix, but she seemed not to notice. She almost placed Narcissa in front of her, and took stand behind her, hands resting on her younger sister's shoulders.
Narcissa gazed at the boy who's name she did not know. He was tall for his age, taller than both Narcissa and Rabastan. He had an elegant face that the only word Narcissa could find to describe was pretty, which she never tended to associate with boys. He was watching Rodolphus, who was talking to him, with intent. He had white-blonde hair, much like Narcissa's but whiter, if that was at all possible. His eyes, Narcissa was almost transfixed, his eyes were so pale, the palest grey she had ever seen.
He glanced at her and Narcissa looked at the floor, the shadow of a blush creeping on her cheeks at having been caught staring when it was so rude.
'What did you say his name was, Rod?'
Rodolphus looked at Bellatrix, he seemed to struggle with his expression, as if he wanted to stay mad at her but couldn't.
'Malfoy, his name is Lucius Malfoy.'
The white-haired boy nodded.
'This is Narcissa.' Bellatrix squeezed Narcissa's shoulders. 'Thought you two could be friends.'
