Narcissa ignored the whispers of her three new sisters-in-law. She'd intentionally placed herself as far as physically possible from them, and Bellatrix, who sat at Narcissa's back, combing out her golden hair, didn't seem to mind.

"Do they ever shut up? Like chattering little hens!"

"I don't believe they do. And they're talking about me- saying the most wretched things, I'm certain!"

"Would you like me to quiet them for you? Not too difficult a spell, and their tongues would never again depart from the roofs of their gossiping mouths."

"It's sweet of you to offer Bella, but I think it best that I try to befriend them. After all, they're my sisters now."

Bellatrix scoffed. "They are most certainly not your sisters! I'm offended you would even put me in the same class as those peacocks!"

"Not my true sisters, of course," Narcissa soothed quickly, "But that's what I must call them now. Oh, and I meant to thank you for trying."

"Trying what?"

"You and Rodolphus, pulling that stunt to postpone the wedding. It almost worked, but after Sirius and Andromeda, I just couldn't go through with it."

"Stunt?" Bella echoed curiously. "Cissy, I'm sorry I interrupted your ceremony. But it wasn't a stunt- I'm going to marry Roddy."

"What?!"

"What did you think, silly?"

"That you-you and Rodolphus had planned to get the wedding postponed by making a scene! You're really getting married?"

"Yes, I suppose so. We were standing up there, and he just leaned over and said, 'This really should be us'. I think you know the rest, of course, but I was terribly sorry for interrupting your wedding. Do you really think I'm always trying to be the center of attention?"

"Well, yes, but that isn't why I said it! I though I was just playing along. Oh, congratulations, Bella." She turned to briefly embrace her sister. "I'm so happy for you." She sighed. "And jealous."

"What for? You're already married."

"But you love Rodolphus."

Bellatrix burst into laughter. "No I don't. That's silly, Cissy."

"Then why did you agree to marry him? You had a choice!"

"I'm never going to fall in love, Cis. I like Roddy, we get along well enough, and the sex is amazing; it'll be a good enough marriage. But love just isn't for me."

Narcissa didn't notice Bellatrix's hand resting on her left forearm as she spoke.

"Bella, that's not true, everyone-"

"Narcissa," Adina, Lucius oldest sister, approached quietly. She was twenty five and to be married in less than four months- Narcissa didn't mind one fewer Malfoy in the household, though Adina was the most civil. "It's time, Narcissa. Are you ready?"

"I-" Bellatrix give her a covert prod, and Narcissa stood. "I suppose."

"Good. This way." Her sister gave her hand a final, comforting squeeze, before Narcissa was led out of the room, and through several dimly lit corridors.

"This will be your room from now on. My brother should be here shortly."

"So should I just-" But she was already gone. Narcissa pushed the door open uncertainly, and peeked inside the luxurious room. The walls were a soft beige, and a tasteful yet elegant chandelier hung from the high ceiling. She slipped further in, burying her feet in the plush rug as she ran her fingers along the elaborate embellishment of the tall armoire, the shining surface of the dressing table, the thick, velvet duvet on the bed-

"Well?"

Narcissa spun with a gasp- she hadn't heard Lucius approach.

"Well what?"

"Your room. Do you like it?"

"It-it's lovely." It didn't answer his question, but Lucius accepted the reply with a nod. While Narcissa had been redressed for the evening, Lucius was still in his formal attire, except for the outer robes. His loosened his cravat rather uncomfortably- odd, Narcissa thought, from the man who always seemed to have all the answers. He made no mention of the fiasco at the ceremony, but came instead to sit quietly by her bedside.

Narcissa shifted uncomfortably. What was she meant to do now? He was just sitting there, expression giving no hint to his thoughts.

"It's, erm… Been a long day. I'm rather tired." She hinted hopefully, praying that he would get up and leave. He looked up, and gave a brief nod.

"Of course." But instead of leaving, he drew his wand a pointed it at the lights, which dimmed. Narcissa's nerves began to overwhelm her as she watched his silhouette shrug off his jacket, pull of his shirt, unfasten his belt, and lay them neatly on a chair. However, he paused sudddenly while removing his trousers. "Are you alright, Narcissa?"

She realized too late that she'd given a whimper af fear. "I'm fine." She managed. With a doubtful nod, he finished undressing, and approached her cautiously. She recoiled slightly, but recovered quickly.

"Will you turn the lights off?" All the way, preferably. She couldn't bear the idea of actually seeing him during the imminent events.

Lucius flicked his wand again, and the room went black.

"It's not bloody fair!" Rodtimer roared. Rabastan flinched as yet another priceless vase smashed against the wall. "It's wrong! She doesn't want to be with him- Malfoy's a monster! He'll hurt her! He'll completely drain any bit of happiness from her life- this kind of thing should be illegal!"

"Rodtimer, calm down. Malfoy won't hurt her. He might be an agressive tyrant, but tyrants don't kill those who don't oppose them."

"But they oppress them! It'll be worse than death- he'll destroy my Cissa!" He bellowed, face contorted with rage.

"Rodtimer, breathe! She'll survive! She'll be fine!"

Rodtimer spun on the spot, fists and jaw clenched, eyes flashing dangerously. Rabastan stumbled back, ready for another outpouring of wrath- but it didn't come. Like a gust of wind, all the fury drained from him, leaving him with...nothing. He sat down hard on the floor, looking rather dazed.

"But what about me, Rebastan?" He whispered, voice cracking. "What will happen to me?"

As he drew his knees up and began to sob in earnest, Rebastan had the sense to back silently from the room.