Chapter Twenty-Three
Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, England, 15 November, 1991
"Lucious, it's your turn."
"Unhhhhhh…."
"Lu, c'mon, she's crying."
"'lright, 'm up," he mumbled, kicking the sheets off and shuffling out the door. Yawning, he entered his wailing daughter's nursery.
"Oh, my baby, what's wrong?" he cooed, scooping her into his arms. She stopped crying instantly.
"Da," she gurgled, snuggling closer to his chest.
He chuckled, bouncing her up and down in his arms and humming softly.
Marvela Malfoy stared up at her father with unwavering blue eyes. His long blond hair fascinated her. She tangled it in her pudgy hands, running it over her face and giggling when it tickled her.
Lucius continued to bounce her up and down gently, watching as her eyelids fluttered open and shut heavily. Finally, her eyes stayed closed and her breathing steadied.
Lucius gently placed her in her crib and smiled down at her. He'd never thought that he'd be a good father.
Life had proved him wrong. And for once, he didn't mind being wrong.
He pushed a stray curl off his angel's face, beaming down at her.
He snuck out of the room, silently recasting the Sonorus charm on his daughter and crept back into his room. Narcissa was asleep again, and Lucius wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her closer, so he back was pressed against his chest. She murmured contentedly and snuggled closer, much like their daughter had only moments ago.
Lucius chuckled, the sound coming from deep in his chest, and pulled his wife even closer to him. He still loved her. She was his best and oldest friend, and even though that was as far as his love for her went, it was enough.
Outside Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, England, 17 November, 1991
The rising sun shot pink and orange streaks through the clear morning sky, and the birds that remained through the winter sang quietly, the cool breeze carrying their cries throughout the gardens.
Narcissa Malfoy loved it out here, the peaceful atmosphere seeming to wash away her worries. She walked through the organized rows of Everblooming lilies, orchids, and roses. One of the first things she'd done after moving into the manor was to plant an expansive garden, full of color and beauty.
She came out here every morning, coffee mug in hand, to enjoy an hour of peace before Lucius went to work and she was fully responsible for Marvela and her duties as Lady Malfoy began.
Sighing at the events of the coming day, which included planning the annual Christmas Eve party, she settled onto a bench in the apple orchard and sipped her coffee.
And something rustled in the nearby bushes. Narcissa slowly drew her wand and gripped it tightly as whatever it was came closer.
Suddenly, it burst out of the bushes and bounded toward her. It was…
a big black dog.
It tilted its head at her curiously and sat a few feet away. It was really shaggy with pointed ears and sharp gray-blue eyes. From a distance, it would look like a huge wolf, but it was easy to see that the dog was harmless from her seat.
"What are you doing here? Are you lost?" Narcissa asked the dog.
It cocked its ears to the side and woofed.
She laughed. She had always had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs.
The dog walked cautiously closer and licked her hand tentatively.
She patted its head, laughing at the way it leaned into her hand and closed its eyes.
"Come on, dog. Come with me," she said, standing up and walking toward the house. The dog trotted next to her, easily keeping up on its long sinewy legs.
Narcissa rubbed its ears absently hoping that Lucius would allow the dog to stay. Not that she really needed his permission. She could get whatever she wanted from him, really.
And she wanted this dog.
Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, England, 17 November, 1991
Lucius ran his hands through his hair, a nervous habit.
He was nervous now.
"Narcissa, why do you want a dog? They're like children!"
"I love our children," she replied stiffly, rubbing the dog's ears.
"As do I, but a dog? Why not something more suitable?"
"In what way are dogs unsuitable?"
"They drool, they shed, they make noise…" Lucius trailed off. "They aren't clean."
"I'll clean him. And he doesn't drool."
He sighed and dropped his head into his hands. He knew that he would lose this battle with his wife.
"Lucius, think of it this way; the boys already have a Christmas gift!"
The dog woofed and wagged its tail.
Lucius groaned. He was beaten.
