Chapter 3
For there is no friend like a sister
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,
To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands.
(Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830-1894), British poet, lyricist. Goblin Market, l. 562-567, published in Goblin Market, and Other Poems (1862)
After the Welcome Feast, Narcissa followed her sisters and the others into the dungeons of the castle where the Slytherin common room was situated. The entrance was a bare grey stone wall that slid away the moment a Slytherin gave the correct password. When the first years passed through the hole, they stepped into a long, low underground room, illuminated by several greenish lamps hanging on long silver chains from the ceiling. The large chamber was furbished with black leather sofas that were arranged in front of the two black marble mantelpieces, and with dozens of chairs carved in dark wood that were positioned around a long table. Noble dark green velvet curtains were covering the enchanted windows.
Narcissa took only a short look at her surroundings; she was terribly tired and just wanted to go to bed. She moved into the first year girls' dormitory that she shared with Adhara, Capella Frobisher and a lumpish girl called Kitalpha Bulstrode. Narcissa started to write the letter to her mother at once but realized after having finished it that she didn't have her owl here.
"How can I send the letter to my mother?" she asked her roommates.
Adhara, who also had a letter that had to be sent, frowned. "Antares told me that there is an Owlery at the top of the West Tower."
"It's ten, we're not allowed to leave the common rooms," explained Narcissa, her belly constricting in disappointment.
Adhara grinned devilishly and Narcissa knew what that meant.
"We simply sneak out. Nobody will find out." Adhara stood up, waiting for Narcissa to follow her.
Narcissa watched her friend doubtfully. "Do you think that's a good idea?"
"Oh come on, Narcissa! Don't be a killjoy!"
Narcissa nodded finally and moved with Adhara out of the dormitory, though both of them were already dressed in pyjamas. They had to hide to remain unnoticed by the people in the common room; most of the older students were still sitting on the sofas.
"Narcissa is too sensitive…I don't know how she got into Slytherin," stated Rodolphus.
Bella punched his shoulder. "Shut up!"
"You know that I'm right."
"I know but I don't like it when you say it!"
Narcissa couldn't believe what she heard. Too sensitive? She followed Adhara out of the common room, angry and disappointed.
"Have you heard what they've said?" she murmured.
"We have to prove them wrong." Adhara smiled and pulled Narcissa behind her through the dark corridors of the castle.
"Do you know where we've got to go?" asked Narcissa after several minutes. The walls seemed to look the same whereever they went.
Adhara giggled. "No, but it's fun."
They passed several, barely lit corridors before they arrived in the Owlery. Narcissa wrinkled her nose in disgust because of the stench caused by the excrements covering the ground. She looked around for the Black owl and found the large brown bird at once. She attached the letter to its leg and sent it away towards Ravensden Hall.
"I knew it would be no problem to come here." Adhara seemed very satisfied and Narcissa had to smile as well. They descended the staircase from the West Tower and were on their way back to their common room when someone stumbled into them.
"Cissy?" Sirius watched the two girls in surprise.
"Sirius, what are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same question but I don't have time. Three third year Slytherins want to rip me into shreds."
Narcissa stared at him in confusion, then she heard footsteps coming closer.
"Shit…Come with me!" Sirius whispered, starting to run. Narcissa and Adhara followed him through the dark corridor.
"What have you done?" Adhara didn't stop running.
"They called me a Bloodtraitor and I gave one of them a punch in the face." The steps got nearer and they ran even faster. Sirius and Adhara jumped onto one of the staircases but it started to move before Narcissa could reach it. Sirius and Adhara watched her with wide eyes but she had no time to linger. She ran down another corridor. She was sure that she'd never find her way back to the Slytherin common room. She still heard the steps of her followers behind her when she collided with a solid object. Narcissa would have fallen to the ground if someone hadn't held her by the waist. She looked up to find herself face to chest with Lucius Malfoy. "It seems you're making a habit of running into other people," he drawled.
Was he making fun of her? Narcissa blushed and straightened up with a mumbled thanks. She barely reached his chest as he was almost 6 feet tall though he was only sixteen.
"Someone was chasing me…" She trailed off, staring shyly into his grey eyes. His expression darkened as three boys turned around the corner.
"What do you think are you doing? Why did you chase her?" His smooth voice was icy as he approached the three younger Slytherins.
"Umm…we weren't after her. We're looking for her cousin," said Barty Crouch hesitantly. Lucius moved still closer, towering over them. "I warn you. Stay away from her," he said coldly. The three boys nodded obediently before they hurried away.
Narcissa watched the scene with mild interest, holding her forehead as it hurt from the impact. Lucius turned around to her, watching her closely. "Are you hurt?"
"Not really, just a headache…"
He nodded curtly. "May I ask what you're doing in the corridors at this time?"
Narcissa lifted her chin defiantly. "I could ask you the same question."
He smirked, raising his eyebrows. "I'm Prefect. It's my job to patrol the corridors whereas you've no business here." He watched in amusement how the defiant expression faltered and a small frown grazed her forehead. Perfect, she wasn't as sensitive as everybody believed her to be.
"Ohhh…I forgot…well, you could show me the way to the common room…" she murmured.
"Or I could deduct house points and give you detention…" His smirk widened when he saw the shock on her face. "But I won't do it if you tell me what you were doing here."
"I was in the Owlery, sending my mother the letter that I'd promised her." Narcissa looked up into his pale face, noticing that his blond hair was longer than it used to be. She liked it better like it was now. Why did she think about such nonsense?
"I assume you told your mother that you've been sorted into Slytherin."
Narcissa nodded, following him through the corridors.
"Are you happy about being in Slytherin?" he inquired, trying to sound casual. He wanted to find out more about her personality, though it didn't matter as he was going to marry her anyway but he couldn't allow that she might embarrass him.
"Of course. I'm a Black!" she said proudly and Lucius had to keep himself from sneering because of her childish behaviour.
They arrived in front of the wall that lead into the common room and entered after Lucius had given the password. Bella jumped up from the sofa that she had occupied so far and approached them, an angry expression on her face.
"What have you done with my sister?"
Lucius sneered at her. "I found her in the corridors and accompanied her here."
"Everything alright, Cissy?" Bella looked at Narcissa who nodded in response, not understanding why her sister was so angry with Lucius. "Go to your dorm, you have to get up early tomorrow." Bella glared at Lucius. Narcissa gave both an odd look before she ascended the steps to the girls' dormitories where Adhara was already waiting for her.
"You're acting very suspicious. If you keep it up Narcissa might find out about the arrangement," Lucius pointed out, glaring at Bellatrix.
"Why would that be a problem? Perhaps because you couldn't trick girls into your bed by telling them that you'll marry them?" Bella asked.
Lucius smiled arrogantly. "Just because Rodolphus might have done that with you, doesn't mean that I have to sink so low. The girls come willingly into my bed."
"I haven't done anything with Rodolphus. He wishes I'd agree to marry him! He's been trying to get me for months. I'm the one who doesn't want to be with him, Malfoy. The girls that throw themselves at you, are nothing but brainless sluts, none of them belongs to one of the most respected Pureblood houses, whereas my sisters and I are Blacks and have pride." Bella moved away from him, only to turn around moments later, growling. "Leave Narcissa alone, Lucius, or..."
"Or what?" Lucius raised his eyebrow, sneering.
"I leave that to your imagination but it might include robbing you of your ability to produce an heir," said Bella.
Lucius smirked. "Your threats don't work with me, Bella, you must have realized that by now."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Three weeks had passed since school had started and Narcissa was striding over the Hogwarts grounds with Adhara, looking for a place at the lake where they could enjoy the sun. They dropped down on the grass, leaning against the trunk of an old tree, surveying the grounds.
Adhara groaned. "I hate Potions. I still have to write the essay."
"I don't like it either but Andromeda helped me with the essay yesterday evening. Do you want to take a look at it?" Narcissa watched her friend, blinking from the sunrays that fell on her face.
"I'll try it on my own first. If I'm too stupid, I'll come back to your offer…oh look there is Sirius." Adhara pointed at the other side of the lake where Sirius was walking with James Potter and two other boys.
Narcissa was still disappointed that Sirius hadn't been sorted into Slytherin; she couldn't spent as much time as she'd have liked with him. Aunt Walburga and Uncle Orion had been devastated when they'd found out about Sirius being in Gryffindor, and Bella wasn't happy either.
Narcissa waved her hand, beckoning Sirius over. He left his friends immediately and ran in the direction of Narcissa and Adhara. He dropped beside them on the ground, grinning widely.
"Hey Cissy, enjoying your Sunday?" Sirius put his head in Narcissa's lap and closed his eyes.
"Hmmm…Are your parents still mad at you?" Narcissa watched her cousin worried, noticing that his smile faltered slightly.
"I guess they are. They haven't written me since I told them that I'm in Gryffindor, but I don't care I'm happy in Gryffindor. Everyone is nice to me."
"I'm glad that you get along in Gryffindor, though…" Narcissa was interrupted by a giggling nearby. She turned her head and noticed Lucius. He leant against a tree, kissing a girl whom Narcissa didn't know.
"I don't like Malfoy, he has a bad reputation and is an arrogant idiot," explained Sirius.
Adhara shrugged. "He's quite good-looking that's why he's so popular among girls."
Sirius made a face of disgust. "Good-looking? Ewww…Do you think the same, Cissy?"
Narcissa looked at the blond fifth year, shrugging. "I suppose he isn't ugly but I've never thought about it before."
Lucius was putting his hand beneath the blouse of the girl and Sirius shifted slightly to have a better view. "I think we might get to see a show."
"Sirius!" Narcissa hit him lightly on the shoulder but he ignored her. Bella was striding in their direction, a deep scowl on her face. She passed Narcissa and the other two without a word and moved towards Lucius. Narcissa couldn't hear what she was telling him but she guessed that it wasn't nice; the girl whom Lucius had been kissing looked offended and ran away. Bella was pointing in the direction where Narcissa, Adhara and Sirius were sitting. Lucius looked at them, his eyes meeting Narcissa's for a brief moment.
Bella turned away from the blond boy and sat down beside Narcissa.
"What have you said to him?" asked Sirius.
"I just told him that he should look for a bedroom." Bella started to braid Narcissa's hair like she had loved to do for as long as Narcissa could remember.
Narcissa watched her older sister curiously. "Is something bugging you?"
Bella snorted. "Apart from Malfoy?"
"Yes. I don't understand what you've got against him." Narcissa saw that her sister wanted to say something but stopped herself.
"Never mind, it's nothing. Rodolphus bugs me to no end at the moment. He wants me to be his girlfriend. I prefer to be independent."
"But I thought you've kissed him on the Summer Ball at Lestrange Manor this summer," murmured Narcissa thoughtfully.
"He kissed me! He has to try harder to get me, then I might accept his offer," Bella said.
Narcissa laughed, leaning back against her sister. "Poor Rodolphus…"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It was the middle of October and it was getting colder every day. The leaves were glimmering in different shades of red and orange and the wind was blowing violently. Narcissa and Adhara were striding towards the Quidditch-pitch where the first game of the year for Slytherin would take place in a few minutes. It was Slytherin vs. Gryffindor. Narcissa spotted Sirius and his friends on the stands among the other Gryffindors, forming a mass of scarlet and gold. It was odd. Sirius and she had always been on the same side but now it was different.
The best places on the stands were already occupied but Narcissa and Adhara moved to the highest stand, squeezing through the mass of other students. Bella detected them and beckoned them over to stand at her side.
Narcissa had been watching Bella and Lucius for the last few weeks and was wondering what had happened; Bella was still acting very strange towards him.
"Hey Cissy, there you are. It's late, the game starts in a minute," Bella shouted over the cheers of the crowd and pulled Narcissa to her side.
The teams mounted their brooms and rose into the air.
"There's Antares!" exclaimed Adhara excitedly, pointing to the far end of the pitch where her brother was guarding the three goal hoops; he was keeper of the Slytherin' team.
As Captain, Lucius was hovering in the middle of the pitch like Gideon Prewett the Captain of the Gryffindor team, both waiting for the Quaffels to be released. The Lestrange brothers and he were Chasers and ranked as the best Chasers at Hogwarts.
The Quaffels were released and the players roared through the air. Narcissa admired their flying skills and their courage. She searched the sky for Andromeda who was Seeker and the only girl in the team. Her sister was flying above the other players, looking around in concentration.
"Go Slytherin!" Bella screamed. Fortunately, the Slytherins scored over and over again and the Gryffindors stood no chance. When Andromeda caught the Snitch eventually, the Slytherins cheered madly while the Gryffindors were devastated.
Narcissa, Adhara and Bella were following the crowd of Slytherins down the stands and towards their team. Narcissa caught sight of Sirius who was just passing the celebrating Slytherins. She departed from Adhara and Bella and moved towards her cousin. He gave her a smile as he noticed her while she gave him an apologetic look. "I hope you're not too sad that you've lost."
Sirius shrugged, grinning. "I'll try to get on the team next year and then we'll beat Slytherin easily."
Narcissa punched him playfully, shaking her head. "Never!"
Sirius put his arm around her shoulder, smiling down at her. "We'll see, Cissy."
They didn't notice Lucius observing them with a frown.
Lucius saw Narcissa in Sirius arm, apparently consoling him. Why was she so close to the Bloodtraitor?
Bellatrix moved away from Rodolphus towards Lucius. "What are you looking at?"
Lucius sneered at her. "I'm just watching how your sister confederates with Gryffindors."
Bella stepped in front of him, glaring. "Sirius is our cousin and they've always been close but that's none of your business anyway. Leave her alone once and for all."
Lucius bent down to Bella, whispering spitefully. "I can't do that, Bella. Due to the contract she's practically my possession."
Bella pulled her wand, determined to hex him, but Narcissa stepped to her side in this moment. "Bella what are you doing?"
"Nothing, Cissy. Come let's go back to the common room," Bella said hurriedly, grabbing Narcissa's arm and pulled her towards the dungeons. Narcissa didn't understand what was wrong with her sister but felt that Bella was very agitated. She noticed Lucius watching Bella intensely, while he followed them with the rest of the team back into the common room where the victory would be celebrated.
Bella flung herself on a sofa close to the fireplace, pulling Narcissa down with her. Narcissa could feel that Bella was almost exploding and wondered what Lucius had said to anger her. Bella put an arm around her sister's shoulder, giving her a forced smile. Narcissa leant her head against Bella, watching how the common room filled with the Quidditch team and the rest of the Slytherins. Andromeda sat down beside her sisters, raising her eyebrows inquiringly because of the scowl on Bella's face but got only a shrug as response. Rodolphus, Rabastan, Antares and Adhara dropped down on the sofa across from them. Adhara was smiling widely, leaning against her brother.
"Hey Bella, why are you scowling?" asked Rodolphus, opening a bottle of firewhiskey. He took a sip from the bottle and handed it to Bella.
Lucius moved towards them and sunk down on the place beside Antares, smiling smugly.
Bella made a face of disgust, refusing the bottle of firewhiskey. "My thirst just died away." She stood up abruptly. "Andy, Cissy the party is over. I want to talk with you, Andy. And you, Cissy, go up to your dorm. I don't want you around firewhiskey drinking idiots."
Narcissa wanted to argue but the expression on Bella's face indicated her to stay silent. Adhara got up. "I'll come with you, Cissy."
Narcissa saw the dark looks Bella and Lucius were exchanging before she ascended the steps towards her dormitory, Adhara at her side.
"Bella what's wrong?" Andromeda asked confused.
"I don't like the present company," Bella murmured, glaring at Lucius. Andromeda followed Bella's eyes and nodded her head in understanding. "Ohhh…then let's go to my dorm…"
Andromeda and Bellatrix turned around and left the boys without another word.
"What have you done to make Bella mad, Lucius? I've never seen her like that," Rodolphus stated curiously.
Lucius shrugged, a smirk on his face. "Who knows? You all know how Bella is…" The other boys snickered, nodding in agreement.