"Tell me a secret."
One grey eye flickered open lazily. "Hm?"
"A secret. Tell me one." Narcissa propped her chin on his chest, grinning. Lucius lifted his head to kiss her briefly.
"What would you like to know?" he asked, stroking her hair softly.
"Oh, just anything. Something most people don't."
He paused, thinking. Narcissa decided to narrow the topic.
"How about something you've always wanted?"
"You," he replied immediately.
"No," Narcissa said, smiling despite herself. "Something else. Did you ever want... Oh, I don't know, to be a Healer when you were little?"
"No."
"That's just an example. Perhaps you dreamed of being a Quidditch Captain from an early age?"
"I was a Quidditch Captain. And Head Boy. And the top of my year." He listed these without enthusiasm.
"Something you really wanted," she persisted.
Lucius exhaled slowly, brow creased as he stared thoughtfully at the ceiling. "Well... I always did want a daughter."
Instantly, his eyes raced guiltily to her face. "I'm sorry," he blurted. "I wasn't thinking. That was unpardonably insensitive of me-"
"Hush." She laid a finger lightly across his lips. "I'm not upset. You're right, a daughter would have been wonderful. Although I love Draco more than the world..."
"As do I," he agreed quickly. She rested her cheek once more to his chest, content.
"Your turn," he prompted.
"My turn?" she echoed, confused.
"Yes. To tell a secret."
Narcissa frowned. She had not planned to reciprocate; she had merely wished to learn a bit more about him.
"What did you want when you were younger?"
She closed her eyes. Her past was so inextricably tangled with Mort, she wished he wouldn't ask, but perhaps there was something...
"When I was five, I wanted a unicorn."
"A unicorn?"
"Yes. I Outgrew that with when I was about nine, though. Then I just wanted nice clothes and pretty jewels," she teased.
"If you still wanted one-" His gaze flicked to a large window, out of the expanse of green. "We have plenty of space."
"No, Lucius," she giggled, placing a tiny peck on his jaw. "But it's sweet of you to offer."
"Interesting bit of post today," Lucius informed her over Draco's loud babbling as they sat eating supper.
"Oh?" Narcissa glanced up, curious.
"A wedding invitation." He passed a piece of parchment over, which she read with interest.
"Evan Rosier and Caroline Lestrange? Really? I wonder how Rodolphus feels about that."
"I'd imagine he's not pleased. Your selfish sister, on the otherhand, will be delighted. Read down a bit more."
Narcissa did, and frowned. "She wants me to be a bridesmaid? But I've only ever met her once!"
"That's one more time then she'll probably have met most of the guests," Lucius told her logically.
"I suppose..." she agreed with a frown. "Well, I may as well tell her we're coming. Aren't we?" she checked.
"I'd imagine so, although I fear it will be a torturous affair."
"Well there'll probably be plently of alcohol," she teased.
"We should keep Rodolphus away from it. It takes a lot to get him drunk, but once he is, it's a mess."
"I'd imagine," she agreed, rising to write a reply.
"Cissy, dear, just splendid to see you again!"
Narcissa could not entirely hide her confusion as Lysandra enveloped her in a hug.
"How have you been?" she continued to gush, drawing away but still keeping a firm hold on Narcissa's arm. "You look lovely, by the way- what a wonderful color that is for you! I hope our bridesmaids dresses aren't dreadful, but I suppose we'll see today, won't we? Lucius, do you mind if I steal your dear wife away for a moment? Thanks."
Lucius was frowning slightly as Narcissa was lead away, and Narcissa glanced over her shoulder with a baffled, apologetic little shrug.
"So, how have you been? This wedding is something, isn't it? Unexpected, that is- I only met little Carolina a time or two!"
"Er... I think it's 'Caroline,'" Narcissa muttered uncertainly.
"Oh, yes, of course! Is that not what I said? Oh, well anyway, I feel bad that we haven't talked more. You and Rabby were pretty close in school, isn't that right?"
"Yes, we were very close. He was like a brother to me for years."
"That's lovely. Now, I think all of us girls are back here- except the actual bride, of course! Funny, the bride herself not being at the rehersal! Well, I suppose the girl needs her rest, doesn't she? Big day tomorrow. I wonder how Evan feels about her frailty. She can't have any children, you know. Not that that's too bad- ruin a figure don't they? Not yours, of course," she added quickly. "Looking at you, no one would ever guess you had a baby! You were lucky though- a boy right away! You know," she dropped her tone to a conspiratorial whisper, "Rabby's asked me to marry him. Just yesterday!"
"Oh, congratulations!" Narcissa smiled, genuinely pleased. "I know that Rabastan is very in love with you; you two will be so happy!"
"I know," Lysandra replied, grinning. "We don't want a long engagement, so we're getting married next month!"
"I'm very happy for you," Narcissa told her sincerely. "He's such a good person."
"Yes," she agreed. "So I'm having a little luncheon, not tomorrow but the next day. Just some girls, but feel free to bring Draco, if you'd like. Actually," she continued, "Rabby's having some friends over- they'll be off talking about boy things, politics I suppose, so why don't you and Lucius both come? It'll be fun."
"Er... Alright."
"Wonderful. Now-"
"Lucius!"
Both women turned at the cry, and Narcissa turned in time to see Beatrice fling herself into her brother's arms. Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy followed far more dignity, and Terentia trudged in behind them, looking sullen.
"Sorry I haven't owled in ages," the girl continued, arms still tightly around Lucius's neck. "We've been travelling. How have you been?"
"I've been well, Tricey," he assured her quietly, but did not elaborate. She drew back at last, still not releasing him, but drawing back to see his face.
"'Well?'" she repeated questioningly. He placed an affectionate peck on her forehead and gently untangled her grasp.
"Indeed. Mother, Father, Terentia," he nodded to each of them in turn.
"Hello, son," Aethel gave him a cool smile and strode past with only a brief nod to Narcissa, instead greeting Melvia Lestrange with a friendly embrace and the two began to chat merrily. Terentia followed her mother without a word to either her brother or his wife.
"Hello, Lucius." Abraxas clasped his son's hand warmly and clapped his shoulder, grinning as he drew away. "Dear Narcissa," he continued, holding out his arms. Perhaps Lucius hated him, but Narcissa couldn't help but to smile and hug him.
"How have you two been? How's my grandson?"
"Oh, we're all fine," Narcissa told him quickly. "Draco's just wonderful. Are you all staying at the Manor tonight? He'll be asleep, of course, but you can see him tomorrow morning."
"That would be lovely," Abraxas assured her. "Now, let's enjoy this supper, shall we?"
Narcissa nodded and started forward, but had only taken a step when Bellatrix rushed over.
"Cissy! Darling, you look all happy!" she laughed, grabbing her sister's arm. "It's the sex, isn't it? I always though Lucius would be terribly boring in bed but-"
"Bellatrix!" Narcissa hissed in alarm, dragging her sister away from the guests. "Bella, you can say things like that!" she continued once they were out of earshot.
"Why not?" Bellatrix asked, genuinely confused. "Oh! Unless it's not Lucius! Cissy, you sneaky little- is it the Yaxley boy? He'll be at the wedding tomorrow- how fun! Or someone I don't know?"
"Be quiet, Bellatrix," Narcissa snapped coldly. "Of course it's Lucius. How's your husband handling all this, while we're on the subject of infidelity?"
"Oh," she waved an airy hand. "You know Roddy. He's over there in the corner, sulking like a petulant little boy."
Narcissa glanced in the direction she'd indicated, frowning. Rodolphus didn't look like a child in her opinion; he looked like a man in a great deal of pain as he silently watched the proceedings of the night.
"He's upset, Bella," Narcissa said quietly. "He's worried about Caroline and he hates Evan... Well," she shot her sister a disgusted glare. "That's your fault."
"Lighten up, Cissy. He'll get over it."
"He loves you, you know- why are you so cruel to him?"
Bellatrix shot her an incredulous look. "Would you like to be the cauldron or kettle here, Cissy? You think I don't know it kills Lucius that you're pining after Yaxley?"
"Totally different situation," she said quickly, flushing and looking back over to Rodolphus. He was talking with Rabastan now, who seemed to be trying to coax him away from the wall. Rodolphus made a sharp retort, and Rabastan turned away with a shrug, clearly losing interest. He'd never much liked his older brother anyway.
"I'm going to to have quick word with Rabastan," Narcissa said quickly, slipping away from her sister. However, she did not follow her friend; she went instead to the spot where he'd been standing moments before.
"Hello, Rodolphus," she said quietly. "Lovely weather we've been having, isn't it?"
Rodolphus snorted and took a swig from the tumbler in his hand, not bothering to look at her. "I know you've never liked me, Narcissa, and tonight's not the best night to start."
"How's Caroline?" she pressed.
"Well, she's ecstatic, isn't she? But she's sleeping now. Really, Narcissa," he took another deep gulp of the amber liquid, "go away."
"You needn't be so rude," she sniffed.
"What do you want me to say?" he snarled. "That I've been betrayed by someone meant to be a friend? Sure. That I think my sister will be dead soon? Absolutely. And my wife-" he stopped, and shook his head. "I really don't want to discuss this."
"I understand you're upset- I think you're justified in being so, even if my sister and your sister and Evan won't acknowledge it. I thought that might be of some comfort."
"You know," he turned his head to look at her for the first time. "You're a good kid, Cissy. But go take care of your own husband, yeah?" His eyes sought Lucius, who seemed to be conversing uncomfortably with his father. "He's even more fucked up than I am." Rodolphus shook his head again, drained his glass, and went off for another.
"Lucius?"
"Hm?"
"Are you unhappy that your family is here?" Narcissa emerged from the bathroom. Lucius was sprawled on the bed with his hands tucked behind his head, scowling at the ceiling.
"Hm."
"They're only going to be here a few days," she reminded him, crawling across the matress to flop beside him and blowing a strand of hair off his forehead. He did not reply. "Knut for your thoughts," she cajoled, stroking his neck and shoulder.
He paused but she waited patiently. Narcissa was certain that he'd eventually come to share his innermost thoughts with her, but it was not yet something he was accustomed to.
"My father..." he started haltingly. "He didn't let me know that he'd be here; that they'd all be here. He still thinks of this as his home, and that we're just children, or guests..." he exhaled sharply. "I certainly hope he does not intend to ask us to leave."
"We can't leave!" Narcissa exclaimed, sitting up. "This is our home now!"
"I quite agree, although there would be little legal grounds for us to stay should he ask us to vacate." He placed a warm hand at the base of her spine. "Lie down, darling. It was only a thought."
She obeyed, smiling at the term of endearment he seemed to have not noticed using. Undoubtedly he called her by pet names in his mind, but was tentative about using them. She curled up to him, and he lifted his head to kiss her.
"Lucius-"
He looked up, startled, as the bedroom door swung open. Beatrice poked her head inside. Her eyes grew huge when she realized her brother was not alone, and she immediately withdrew, closing the door behind her.
"Tricey," he called, already sitting up and climbing out of bed, reaching for his robe. "I'll just be a moment," he promised Narcissa, and swept from the room.
"Tricey," he repeated, moving down the hall until he reached her room. "Open the door, Beatrice."
After a moment, the lock clicked and she peeked out at him timidly. She was seventeen years old now, but with her hair in a long plait down her back and a childish white flannel nightgown on, she looked much younger.
"Lucius..." she whispered. "I made a horrible mistake, didn't I?"
"Yes." He did not bother softening the truth.
"I wanted to hurt her because you couldn't. I wasn't sad when she lost the baby. I thought that if she couldn't have children, you would be able to leave her, find someone who loved you. She was horrible to you," she reminded him. "I didn't know that you would be happy with her." She blinked rapidly, before crying at last, "I'm so sorry, Lucius!"
"I know," he told her quietly. "I know you are. And you know I have not remained upset with you. However, you must apologize to Narcissa."
"She won't forgive me," Beatrice predicted quickly.
"Probably not. But you still must do it."
She scowled. "Fine."
Lucius quirked one eyebrow as she brushed past him, but she did not look back at him. Instead, Beatrice strode down the hallway and pushed open her brother's bedroom again.
Narcissa glanced up, surprised, and Beatrice closed the door behind her.
"I'm sorry that I pushed you. I still don't like you, though."
"I don't like you either," Narcissa replied coolly. "And if you've come in here to insult me, I'd rather that you leave."
"I came in here tell you-" her eyes flashed momentarily, but the anger immediately drained from her face, and she slumped against the door. "He's broken, you know? He's always been broken. You don't have to fix him- I don't think anyone can- just don't break him anymore, alright?"
"He's not broken," Narcissa contradicted swiftly. "Or... if he is, it's not permanent condition."
"You can put him together, wrap him up in Spello-tape, and he might look perfectly fine, but he's never been whole to begin with. So you have to either leave him alone, or keep your promises." She took a step closer to Narcissa, her gaze intense. "I know all about Rodtimer Yaxley. You're in love with him still, I can see it on your face just when I say his name. If you'd choose him over my brother, then leave Lucius alone. If you break him any more..." she shook her head despairingly. "He tries so hard. But he has limits. He's only human."
Narcissa regarded her for several long moments, before asking quietly, "You really love your brother, don't you?"
Beatrice nodded vigorously. "I do. And I wish he hadn't had to marry you. Anyone else would have felt lucky to be his wife, and he got stuck with the one pureblood girl in all of Europe who hated him just for existing. So think about it carefully: if Rodtimer Yaxley came along tomorrow and asked you to run away with him, would you do it?"
Yes. Narcissa's expression remained impassive.
"Because if you would, then don't let Lucius fall any more in love with you. I just hope it's not too late now." Beatrice shook her head and turned away, resting her hand on the doorknob for a moment. "Good night, Narcissa."
She slipped out of the room and Lucius came in a moment later, looking somewhat hopeful.
"We're still not friends," she told him quickly. "We don't like each other."
He looked disappointed, but not surprised as he settled into bed beside her. "Understandable. And I won't ask her to stay any longer than the ceremony- assuming that my father does not invite all of them to stay indefinitely."
"I'm sure he won't," Narcissa assured him, rolling over and kissing him.
He kissed her back, and Narcissa wrapped her arms around him securely, trying to push Beatrice's words from her mind.
It's not as though I'll have the opportunity to leave him for Mort. It's not as though I'll never love Lucius.