I'd like to thank those of you who've left a comment so far. It's my motivation. This is an extralong chapter. I hope you reward me with comments! :)

Chapter 5- The future is the worst thing about the present.
(Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880), French novelist.)

It was the first week of January, the students had just returned to Hogwarts from the Christmas Holidays. Lucius was searching the common room for Bellatrix, anger pulsating through his veins, though his expression didn't give any indication for his emotional state.

"Where is the bitch?" he growled, his hands itching longingly towards his wand that lay peacefully in the pocket of his black slacks.

"Calm down, Lucius," said Antares, clapping his friend on the shoulder. "She can't hide forever."

"Ohhh…Bellatrix isn't hiding. I'm sure she can't wait to taunt me," murmured the blond man icily, his cold stare skimming over the present Slytherins.

"I still can't believe that you're going to marry her sister," Antares whispered so that nobody could overhear the conversation, since he knew that he was the only one whom Lucius had told about the marriage.

"Bella doesn't like it very much but I hadn't thought that the bitch would go to my father during our New Years Eve ball and tell him about my relationship with Porpentia. I can't imagine ever having seen my father so angry."

"I don't want to imagine your father being angry," Avery admitted.

"The experience isn't enjoyable," said Lucius, rubbing absent-mindedly the ribs that his father had broken in his fury.

"What does he expect? He can't possibly believe that you'll live like a monk until Narcissa is old enough to be wed," whispered Antares, shaking his head.

"No, he doesn't, but he expects me to be more secretive. I can have relationships as long as I don't show it publicly and as long as I take care that no bastard child is conceived."

"So you'll have to hide your lovers in the future," concluded Antares.

"No," replied Lucius coldly, earning himself a doubting look from his friend. "I don't take orders from anyone, not even my father. I won't let him decide all of my life, it's enough that he's chosen my future wife for me."

"Do you think it's wise to defy your father? You know what he's capable of," Antares reminded the other.

Lucius didn't answer however, his eyes focused on the new arrival. Bellatrix was strutting into the common room, Rodolphus at her side. In a few large strides Lucius stood in front of her, glaring at her.

"What's wrong, Lucy?" she asked tauntingly, a smile curling her red lips. The temperature in the room dropped rapidly, everyone staring in rapt attention at the two opponents.

"You know very well what's wrong," hissed Lucius, using his taller frame to tower over her.

"Has Daddy hurt you?" she asked mockingly, an insane glimmer filling her dark eyes.

Lucius grabbed her arms and shook her slightly, removing the arrogant expression from her face. "I warn you, bitch."

"Leave her alone," ordered Rodolphus, stepping between his girlfriend and Lucius.

Lucius sneered at the other man. "You're quite henpecked, aren't you, Rodolphus?"

"At least he doesn't need a contract to get a woman," muttered Bella.

Lucius smirked knowingly, raising his eyebrows, giving Rodolphus a meaningful look. "Doesn't he?"

The other man paled, staring in worry at Bella, but she was too occupied with glowering at her blond enemy to notice his discomfort.

"What do you mean?" demanded Bella angrily.

"Nothing," said Lucius, his smirk indicating that it was far from nothing.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The end of Narcissa's first year was only two weeks away and her exams would take place in a week, at the beginning of June. She had spent the last few hours in the library, studying for the tests. Now it was close to curfew; she was on her way to the Slytherin common room when she heard Lucius' voice in the corridor, causing her to hide in the shadows of a statue. She expected him to be in company of Porpentia, since they were together again, though Narcissa couldn't understand why the girl had forgiven Lucius after everything he had said. She startled when she heard other male voices. Shifting her head, she looked through a gap, seeing the Lestrange brothers standing next to Lucius. She held her breath, trying to hear what they said, though she knew she shouldn't eavesdrop.

"I need to speak to you, Lucius," said Rodolphus urgently.

The blond wizard sighed, leaning casually against the stone wall. "What is it? I hope Bella hasn't sent you."

"No, she hasn't but it's about her." Rodolphus looked around himself before continuing quieter, "…and the arrangement."

"What about it?" inquired Lucius, sounding rather bored.

"Your comments have to stop or Bella might find out that my parents have made a contract that forces me to marry her," murmured Rodolphus. Narcissa sucked in a terrified breath, biting her lips to keep herself from making another noise.

The young men had apparently heard something since they watched their surroundings carefully.

"I won't tell her anything, though I must tell you that your effort to make Bellatrix fall in love with you is doomed to fail anyway," drawled Lucius.

"Let this be my problem," muttered Rodolphus.

"What else do you know?" inquired his younger brother Rabastan. "How have you learned about the engagement between Rodolphus and Bella anyway?"

Lucius smirked. "My father has spoken with your parents, because we'll be family in the future." A sneer spread on his face. "He's told me that you, Rabastan, have to marry the spare Black sister, little mudblood loving Andromeda."

Narcissa didn't hear Rabastan's reply anymore, feeling sick and dizzy from the news. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself. She waited a few minutes until the three boys were out of sight before she dared to step out of the shadows. She looked around for anyone who could catch her in the corridors, as it was now past curfew. She wasn't keen on getting a detention, desperate to get to her sisters to tell them everything. For an instant she considered not telling them; it would make things easier for them but she decided against it. She owed it to her sisters. They had to know about their fate, no matter how terrible it might be. She stumbled towards the entrance and entered the crowded common room. Her eyes skimmed the room for her sisters, detecting Bella leaning against Rodolphus, while Andromeda was reading a book on one of the sofas. Narcissa hesitated, wondering if it was such a good idea to tell them, especially Bella, seeing that she appeared to be happy with Rodolphus.

Slowly, not sure if she was doing the right thing, she approached Andromeda who looked up from her book upon hearing steps. "Hey Cissy, what's happened? You look pale." She got up from the sofa.

"I need to speak with you," murmured Narcissa. "And with Bella, too." Andromeda looked alarmed, moving towards Bellatrix at once.

"What's wrong?" inquired Bella upon arriving next to her youngest sister.

"Let us go upstairs where no one will disturb us," suggested Narcissa, her mouth becoming very dry. Andromeda led them into her dormitory that was currently deserted. Narcissa sat down on a bed, wringing her hands nervously in her lap.

Her sister sank down beside her, observing her worried.

"Cissy, tell us what's wrong," urged Andromeda.

"Ohh Andy…Bella," sobbed Narcissa, covering her face with her hands. With a shaking voice, she told her sisters what she had overheard in the corridor. Silence reigned in the dormitory after she had finished her explanations. Bella's face was a mask of fury, a glimmer close to madness filling her eyes. Andromeda looked distraught, as though everything she had ever believed in had been just shattered, tears were gathering in her eyes.

"That bastard…that damn bastard…nothing but lies…to lure me into safety…he knew and lied to me…even supporting me when I was angry with Lucius." Bella let out a bitter laugh, twirling her wand in her hand. "There is no such thing like love, nothing but a phantasm of lies and dreams."

"Some people fall in love," objected Narcissa softly.

"That might be true, but neither I, nor Andy, nor you will ever know what love is," said Bella coldly, almost cruelly.

Narcissa stared at her sister in confusion and hurt.

"And do you know why? Because we're all forced to marry a man we don't even like, no matter if we want to or not."

"I don't understand," murmured Narcissa.

"Of course, because Mum and Dad didn't want you to know," hissed Bella. "These lies are now over." She turned to her youngest sister. "You'll marry Lucius Malfoy. It's all in a contract."

Narcissa shook her head in denial, staring with wide eyes at her sister, not wanting to believe what she had been told.

She felt like everything was cashing down on her. She was hardly able to breathe from shock. How could her parents force her to marry him? He was so cold and cruel.

"What'll happen if we refuse to marry?" she asked in a shaky voice, ignoring the tears that moistened her cheeks.

"If we fail to comply we'll be burnt from the tapestry," explained Andromeda weakly.

"Disinherited like Bloodtraitors," added Bella. Narcissa let out a desperate sob, slumping down against her sister, crying into her clothes. Andromeda stroked her sister's head gently, fighting her own sadness. Bella sat next to them, very still, only staring at the wand in her hand, not allowing tears to fall.

"Why Rabastan of all men?" asked Andy eventually. "We don't get along very well."

"They want to make us miserable. That's the only explanation I have," muttered Bellatrix.

"What are we going to do?" inquired Narcissa, lifting her tear-stained face to look at her sisters.

"I'm going to make him pay. Rodolphus will learn that I don't let anyone toy with me," whispered Bella, a dangerous smile curling her lips.

"You're not going to injure him, are you?" asked Andy in worry.

"Why? Do you want me to torture Rabastan, too? By the way, I'm more than willing to kill Lucius lest you want me to, Cissy."

"I'm not in the mood for jokes," muttered the blond girl.

"Who said that I was joking?" Bella stood up, a fire burning in her dark eyes. She moved towards the door and left the dormitory. Narcissa and Andromeda jumped up immediately and followed their sister. Bella stood on the staircase, overlooking the common room. Narcissa followed her gaze, seeing Rodolphus, Antares, Rabastan and Lucius on a sofa in front of the fireplace, laughing. Her stomach turned, bile rising in her throat at the thought that she would marry Lucius. Porpentia was sitting next to him, snuggling against him. She narrowed her eyes, not from envy since she didn't feel anything for the blond boy, but from anger. He lived his life just as though nothing was wrong, just as though they weren't bound to each other, not bothering to tell her. From the corner of her eyes, she saw how Bella lifted her wand hand, aiming it at Rodolphus.

"Roddy," she shouted sweetly, too sweet, dangerously sweet.

Before Rodolphus had time to turn around fully, she'd sent a curse his way, hitting the sofa, setting it on fire. Lucius, Porpentia, Antares, Rabastan and Rodolphus jumped up in shock, extinguishing the flames that were burning their clothes.

"Are you insane?" growled Lucius but Bella ignored him, raising her wand renewed. "Crucio!" This time the curse hit Rodolphus square in the chest. He dropped to the ground, shaking and screaming in agony. Bella lifted the curse when Andromeda nudged her against the shoulder. Narcissa was watching everything in terrified fascination.

"How does it feel? I hope it feels as though your heart is torn apart! I hope it feels as though your soul is ripped out of your body!" Bella shrieked, her hair waving slightly, though there wasn't any wind in the common room. "Crucio!" This time she missed Rodolphus who lay panting on the ground by mere inches.

"You didn't bother to tell me that we're bound to marry. Told me lies instead, you bastard! Fight against me, you coward! Let me kill you in a fair fight!" she shouted, a mocking smile spreading on her flushed face.

Rodolphus got to his feet, lifting his hands. "Bella, I don't want to fight against you. Let me explain…"

He didn't get further.

"Crucio!" hissed Bella venomously, anger vibrating in her voice. Lucius' shield charm repelled the red curse, sending it flying across the room. Most of the students were pressing themselves against the walls, searching for shelter.

"Bella," pleaded Narcissa quietly, "Please stop." She grabbed the arm of her sister gently.

Bella let her arm sink slowly, taking deep breaths through her nose. "If you ever dare to come close to me or, Merlin forbid, try to touch me, I'll kill you. This is a promise."

"What is it with Pureblood men that they buy their wives like cows?" inquired Andromeda, putting her arm around Narcissa's shoulder. Both were glaring at their future husbands, feeling nothing but despise for them.

Bella stepped to her sisters, grinning menacingly. "Ahh…Porpentia just so that you know, the blond bastard that is calling himself your boyfriend is going to marry Narcissa when she's left school. I thought you might want to know."

An evil smile spread on Andy's face, an expression that Narcissa had never seen on her shy sister. "Before I forget it, Rabastan, if you think that I'm going to marry you only because there's this damn contract, let me assure you that I'd rather marry a penniless Muggle than you."

After the three girls had disappeared into the dormitory, all hell broke loose in the common room, the news spreading like wildfire in the castle.

xxx

Never before had Narcissa been so glad about leaving Hogwarts and returning home. She couldn't stand the curious stares and whispers behind her back a day longer. The whole school was doing nothing but talking about the engagements of the Black sisters, not bothering to hide their gossiping.

That they weren't pointing their fingers at Narcissa was all, though she'd seen some people even doing that. She was tired of it all. Not that she minded attention in general, but she hated the reason why the students were staring at her, because it reminded her every day renewed of her predicament. She was bound to Lucius Malfoy, for eternity. From the cradle to the grave chained to someone she didn't even like. She had always hoped that she could build up her own life, but apparently that had been nothing but childish wishes. Didn't she have the right to dream about her future? All her plans were useless now, absolutely meaningless, cause no matter what she did, she would still become the wife of Lucius Malfoy. Her success in school, her knowledge and wit were useless now that her only use in life was to be a good wife. Ever since she had learned about her engagement she hadn't done anything for school. Why should she study? What for? Her marks were irrelevant, meaningless just like any other success she'd work for. Why bother now that her path in life was predetermined? Her teachers had tried to speak with her, but she hadn't listened.

Narcissa let out a sigh. Those thoughts had been torturing her relentlessly every minute for the last two weeks and now that she was sitting in the compartment of the Hogwarts Express on her way back home for the summer holidays they were still in her head. In addition to her sadness about her lost future, her anger towards her parents was getting worse the closer she got to her home. She would never forgive them for making the contract and she wasn't the only one. Bella was out of her mind from fury, shouting and throwing curses at almost everyone who was having the misfortune to cross paths with her. Andy had been very quiet over the last two weeks, not able to accept that she was supposed to marry Rabastan, whom she despised with all her heart. The three sisters had been avoiding their three future husbands, not speaking with them once after the incident in the Slytherin common room. Bella was accompanying Narcissa everywhere, as some kind of guard to prevent Lucius from approaching her. Though, he hadn't tried, too occupied with Porpentia who was apparently trying to make his life hell now that she knew that he wasn't able to marry her. The huge fight between Lucius and Porpentia had been the only time in the last two weeks that Narcissa had been smiling. In contrast to Lucius, Rodolphus had been trying to speak with Bella once, but he had spent the night afterwards in the hospital wing with burns all over his body. After that he had stayed away from her. Narcissa was glad that she didn't have to speak with Lucius, since she didn't know what to say to him. Everything seemed so terribly bleak to her.

Sirius' reaction to the news of the marriage didn't help her either. He had been out of his mind from anger, promising to Narcissa that he would prevent this marriage from taking place, no matter what it took him. It was kind of sweet how protective he was but at the same time it made Narcissa sad, since she knew that there was nothing he could do.

Even now, two weeks after he had learned about the engagement, he was still looking angry and kept giving Narcissa sympathetic looks. She was glad that he hadn't done anything stupid so far, knowing quite well that Lucius wouldn't take it too kindly if Sirius tried to hex him.

Eventually, the Hogwarts Express came to a halt at King's cross station. Narcissa detected her mother among the waiting parents, a worried expression on the older woman's face. The three Black sisters left the train and approached their mother. Neither of the girls greeted their mother with a hug.

"It's so good to have you back, children," Mrs. Black said happily, hugging their daughters, though they remained reluctant to return the affection.

Bellatrix stepped back from her mother, her eyes narrowed in fury. "Don't act as though nothing has happened."

"Bella, behave yourself. This is not the right place to discuss family matters," Druella murmured.

When they arrived at home, the mood hadn't improved at all. Neither Druella, nor Cygnus regretted the engagements.

"When you're older you will understand that the contracts are for your best. Our family and each of you will profit from the marriages," Cygnus explained matter-of-factly.

Bella lost her nerve, jumping up from her chair, glowering at her parents. "That's rubbish! I won't marry Rodolphus!"

"Bella, it's enough. You're in no position to make this decision," said Druella, a deep frown on her forehead.

"You can't force us," Andy muttered.

"I don't like Lucius. Why should I marry him?" Narcissa added.

"This discussion is over," Cygnus ordered, thumping the table with his fist.

The three sisters fell silent at once, the seldom sight of their father being angry, rendering them speechless.

The following week the topic of marriage wasn't approached once. Narcissa, Andy and Bella avoided their parents as well as they could.

XxXxXxXxXxX

July, the 8th

It was the day of Narcissa's 12th birthday and though this should have been a happy day, her mood was rather gloomy. She had always loved to spend time in Ravensden Hall but now that she and her sisters weren't speaking with their parents this had changed. Yawning widely, she stretched her tired body and got out of bed. She couldn't stay there forever.

The door to her room was ripped open. Bella and Andy stormed towards their sister, they, too, still dressed in pyjamas. Narcissa was pulled into a bonebreaking hug.

"Happy birthday, Cissy-baby!" said Bella in a sing-song-voice, pressing a smooch on her sister's cheek. Narcissa grimaced but accepted the wet kiss of Andy as well before she freed herself of their embrace.

"Now you're twelve!" exclaimed Andy, smiling widely.

"I still feel the same," murmured Narcissa, though she was smiling just like her sisters. She sobered a bit. "Do you know if there's anything planned for today?"

Andy's face darkened. "I don't know..."

"We'll certainly find out when we go downstairs," muttered Bella, playing with a strand of her black hair. Deciding that it was best if they found out about possible events soon, they moved downstairs where their mother was instructing the house-elves.

Narcissa knew that this could only mean guests would come around. She suppressed a sigh. Upon seeing her daughter, Druella embraced her. "Happy birthday, Cissy!"

Narcissa removed herself from her mother's closeness, still mad at the woman.

"Is anything planned for today?" inquired Andy eventually.

"Actually yes." Druella smiled. "We've invited your Aunt and Uncle, your cousins, the Lestranges and the Malfoys over for dinner." She kept a watch on the house-elves that were cleaning the dining room.

"You did what?" shrieked Bella, her eyes flashing with anger. "I won't sit at a table with Rodolphus!"

"Don't raise your voice against me, Bellatrix. I won't tolerate such behaviour." Druella glared at her oldest daughter.

"You're ruining Narcissa's birthday. I'm sure she doesn't want to spend the day with Malfoy," said Andromeda.

"You will behave your best this evening and you won't mention the engagement once and you will treat your future husbands with respect," ordered Druella.

"Yes, Mother," muttered Bella through gritted teeth, her hands clenched to fists.

"I can't believe that you're actually doing that to us," whispered Narcissa before she followed her sisters upstairs.

They moved into Bella's room and sat down on the sofa.

"Sirius and Regulus will come, too," said Andy thoughtfully.

"I don't think that Sirius will treat Lucius, Rabastan or Rodolphus with respect...he's still furious," said Narcissa.

"That might get interesting," murmured Bella, a smile curling her lips.

Narcissa and Andy exchanged conspiratory looks, smiles spreading on their faces.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Those bastards are coming, too?" hissed Sirius. "I will hex them under the table, so my parents won't notice it."

"You better don't do that. I don't want to insult you but you're no match for Lucius, Rabastan or Rodolphus. They'd rip you into tiny shreds," said Andy half-heartedly.

Bella scowled. "You have my support, Sirius."

The whooshing of the fireplace announced the arriving of the Lestranges and the Malfoys. The greeting went down rather coldly and there would have been deads if looks could have killed.

Narcissa ignored Lucius as well as she could, avoiding his eyes when he greeted her. "Happy birthday, Narcissa."

She focused on her shoes. "Thank yoo."

"Bastard," hissed Bella quietly, giving him a deathly glare. Apart from narrowing his eyes Lucius didn't react at all.

They sat down at the long dining table in the parlour, starting with their dinner. Unfortunately, their parents thought it was fun to sit the future married couples across from each other. Narcissa was quite sure that it was a terrible fault to give Bella the chance to glare at Rodolphus. Narcissa stared at her plate most of the time in order to avoid Lucius' face. She hated her birthday.

Sirius was scowling at Lucius, Rodolphus and Rabastan, attacking the potato on his table with his knife just as though it was one of the young men.

Narcissa wasn't hungry but she pretended to eat, not wanting to draw attention to herself. She watched the other occupants at the table inconspiciously. Mrs. Lestrange was looking at her husband for approval every time before she spoke. Mr. Lestrange seemed bossy and cruel, as far as Narcissa could say. She thought that Bella didn't fit into that family at all but Narcissa didn't fit into Malfoy family either and still would she have to become a part of it. She didn't have a choice anyway. Her eyes moved to Lucius and his father who were talking with Mr. Lestrange, the same emotionless expression on their faces.

From the corner of her eyes, she noticed how Bellatrix put her fork down, glowering at Rodolphus who was apparently trying to speak with her.

"Leave me alone, Rodolphus!" She hissed angrily, not bothering to keep her voice down. The conversation at the table died down at once.

"Your daughter is quite ill-bred but Rodolphus will teach her how to behave herself," said Mr. Lestrange, a cruel grin curling his lip.

"Ohh...I dearly want to see him try," replied Bella, "Only a few charred pieces will left of him if he does."

Narcissa had to suppress a smile, knowing that it was true.

"You're quite pert. I don't like that in women," said Mr. Lestrange sharply. "I think you'll have a lot of work to do with her, son."

Rodolphus gave Bella an apologizing look. "Father, please."

"I'm glad that we chose Narcissa. I think Lucius won't have too many problems with her. What do you think, son?" inquired Abraxas.

Narcissa felt like her blood was boiling from anger. She clenched her hands to fists, trying to keep herself under control.

Lucius however didn't get the chance to reply, because Sirius had jumped up from his chair, shaking from anger. "How dare you? Narcissa isn't someone's possession and Bella and Andy neither! I'm sick of your damn Pureblood engagement shit!"

"I guess the peaceful dinner is over," whispered Bella, smiling in satisfaction. Narcissa gave Sirius a pleading look, hoping that he would sit down and stop insulting everyone, though she knew he was only defending her.

Orion, Sirius' father, got up from his chair, his head red from anger. He grabbed his son at his neck and threw him to the ground. Narcissa let out a shriek and jumped up to hustle over to him but her father detained her from doing so. "Sit down, Narcissa."

Narcissa sank down on the chair, suppressing a sob. She stared down at her place, wishing her birthday to be over.

Sirius got to his feet shakily, staring at his father with narrowed eyes. Narcissa had never seen so much hatred in someone's eyes before. Sirius looked as though he would kill his father if he just could.

"Sit down," ordered Orion.

At first it seemed as though Sirius was going to object but then he sank down on his chair.

Needless to say that from that moment on the mood hit rock bottom and no one spoke at the table anymore.

Narcissa felt sick and dizzy, upset from the conflict. She just wanted to get out of the room. Hesitantly, she stood up, giving the others an apologizing look. "I'm not feeling well. I'll just go into the garden for a moment to get a bit of fresh air," she excused herself. Not waiting for a response she hurried out of the room, through the entrance hall and out of the house.

Andromeda and Bellatrix exchanged worried looks, about to get up and follow their sister. "Maybe we should look what's wrong with her," suggested Andy.

"Since Lucius is going to marry her, it should fall on him to go out to her," objected Abraxas, giving his son a meaningful glance.

"Abraxas is right," said Cygnus Black, warning his daughters with a glare to contradict him.

Bellatrix gave Lucius a deathly glare which he returned. It wasn't as though he was keen on going outside to speak with the girl. Not voicing his thoughts he inclined his head towards his father and rose from his chair.

Feeling Bella and Andy's hateful eyes on him, he left the room.

Narcissa was standing in the garden, staring at the sky, taking a few deep breaths.

She heard steps behind her and, thinking it was one of her sisters, she turned around smiling.

Her smile vanished as soon as her eyes fell on Lucius who was approaching her. She took a step back, somehow intimidated of being alone with him outside without her sisters as support.

She knew it was irrational since he hadn't done anything to her but the entire situation was upsetting her and she didn't know how to handle it.

Noticing the fearful expression that crossed her face, he stopped in his movement, leaning against a tree a few feet away from her. "Are you alright?" His voice didn't betray any emotions.

Sometimes Narcissa was wondering if he had any feelings at all. "Yes, I'm fine." She really didn't know about what to talk with him. He was already seventeen and they did never talk.

He pulled a small parcel out of his pocket, presenting it to her on his palm. Narcissa was watching it curiously but didn't approach him.

"What's that?"

Lucius straightened up, smirking. "A present for you."

"For me?" Hesitantly, she approached him, her eyes never leaving the parcel. He nodded, his smirk still widening.

Narcissa took the parcel from him and began to unwrap it. In it were emerald earrings. Narcissa was staring at them, not taking them out.

"Don't you like them?" he asked, confusion palpable in his voice, probably not understanding why anyone wouldn't like such an expensive gift.

"No, they're beautiful." She averted her eyes from the earrings and lifted her gaze to look at Lucius. "Did your father tell you to give them to me?"

Lucius inclined his head in confirmation. "You're a clever witch."

"You should keep that in mind," she said softly. "I think we should return to our families." She was quite surprised that he hadn't tried to lie to her about the present.

They walked in silence back into the house. In front of the dining room, Narcissa stopped.

"By the way, I like amethysts and rose quartz." Upon seeing his confused expression she added, "I just thought you might want to know for the future." A sly expression was on her face and she gave him a triumphant smile before she stepped into the dining room.

Lucius shook his head, smiling to himself. "Clever witch."