I must admit, I am going through a bit of Narcissa/Dark Lord-ship moment. Hints at domestic violence. Please enjoy.

She looked herself over for the third time. She needed to be enticing, normally that part came easily. Even in at her lowest it was easy to fake it. Especially when it came to dealing with ordinary men. They were fairly simple but the Dark Lord wasn't ordinary nor was he simple but he was still a man. He had needs, appetites that would need to be sated; she wasn't sure. Although she was never a gambler she was willing to play the few cards she had despite having everything to lose.

She took another gulp of whiskey and whispered a quick spell to mask the smell. Loosely she tied the robe at her waist and entered the hall. It was dark, empty and slowly she made her way to his side of the manor. Quick and determined steps slowed as she neared the door. It loomed in her line of sight and seemed ominous.

Narcissa raised her hand to knock but the door opened before she brought her knuckles against the polished wood. The small crack allowed her a peek of inside. It was nearly as dark as the hall except for the fire that burn and crackled.

She released a breath ready to spin on her heels and leave as quickly as possible without being detected.

"Come in."

The Malfoy matriarch tensed briefly before dropping her shoulders and entering. The door closed with a soft thud. From a chair he rose and quickly she was on her knees.

"That's not necessary Mrs. Malfoy."

Narcissa stood keeping her gaze directed toward the floor.

"What do I owe the pleasure?"

He approached stopping inches from her.

"I wanted to discuss my son. Is there anyway you could call of the task? Or send another? Someone more capable." The woman rambled stopping just before she became hysterical. He hadn't pulled his wand so she figured she should stop while she is ahead.

Silence hung heavy around them and Narcissa grew nervous fearing she may have overstepped. Pulling at the sash around her waist she let the robe slide off her shoulders and onto the floor.

The Dark Lord sighed causing Narcissa to look up. His eyes had grown darker. Her breath hitched as his gaze fell to her lips.

"Are you offering yourself for your son?"

"Yes, my Lord."

The Dark Lord remained quiet only bringing an index finger up running it across her collar bone.

"You think it's a fair exchange?"

"Yes. I would, will do anything for my son."

"Draco will be fine. He has Severus."

Narcissa nodded tears beginning to form in her eyes and she looked down once again. She felt slightly foolish.

"Don't be sad, if Severus wants to live he will honor the vow."

Her head snapped up, how did he know?

He stooped down picking up her robe and handed it to her.

"Have a drink with me?"

Before she could answer he turned walking to the corner and the small table. She did the same pulling her robe closed as he did the same.

"Your sister is disloyal. I wouldn't put my trust in her."

Narcissa sat and accepted the glass offered her. She took a sip of wine, "but she's loyal to you which I'm sure counts far more than her loyalty to me."

"It does." His glass remained untouched.

She nodded looking around and at the bed. Like his wine, it was untouched. Narcissa noted aside from the table the room was immaculate.

He followed her gaze, "Sleep is something that alludes me; my mind is often too occupied to rest. I discovered I don't need much sleep or much else for that matter."

"Oh." She managed to let slip out.

"What do you do in your spare time?" She couldn't help but ask; curiosity got the better of her.

He regarded her a moment, oddly he was in the mood to tease.

"Fuck. I like to fuck."

He watched suppressing a chuckle as she flushed a deep plum. Her gaze shifted to the bed once more.

"There are other places besides the bed for such activities."

Narcissa watched him for a moment realizing he was teasing and laughed.

She took another sip of wine to calm her rising nerves.

"Read. I like to read tomes on Occlumency, art, history and on occasion a romance or two." He stated observing her reaction to this rare bit of information.

Narcissa found herself smiling. Voldemort returned her smile.

"You're amused?"

"No my lord, umm, it's just different nice to find someone that reads about Occlumency. Not many people share the interest. I find it fascinating. Have you read Merlin's volume of essays on Shielding Your Thoughts and other Matters of the Mind?"

"Yes," he leaned forward, "it's a favorite of mine."

Narcissa placed the glass on the table, "mine too."

He watched as her uneasiness morphed into excitement. He wasn't sure why the shift pleased him so much but he wanted to make her blue eyes light up again.

Voldemort was curious, intrigued may have been a more correct word for this looming infatuation.

"Does Lucius make you smile?"

Her face fell at the mention of her husband's name.

"No. Never." She averted her gaze ashamed she had revealed a piece of her life although small she had never shared her unhappiness with anyone.

"Pity." Voldemort whispered. His hatred for the man increased.

"I'm sorry I told you that. It doesn't matter."

"Don't apologize, maybe it matters to me...Narcissa."

"I shouldn't have said anything."

"No, I asked."

She sat back in her chair before leaning forward reaching for the glass of wine. The dark lord grabbed her wrist before taking her hand in his.

"It's late. We should go to bed."

"Yes my lord," her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Tom. Just Tom."

"Yes Tom."

He rose gently pulling her up and closer to him. He pressed a firm and chaste kiss to her lips as nimble hands undid the knot in her sash, and like earlier she rolled her shoulders letting the silk fall to the floor.

Voldemort pulled back looking down at her. Narcissa began to untie the ribbons that held the thin gown up. Long slender fingers halted her motion and she brought her hands down to her sides.

"No. Just sleep tonight."

Once again he took her hand and led her over to the bed. Voldemort move the pillows and pulled back the covers and held them.

Narcissa quietly crawled under the sheets sliding over to allow him room to crawl in beside her.

He positioned himself next to her and Narcissa cuddled up to him appreciative of the warmth his body provided.

Voldemort watched as she settled into an restful sleep. She looked peaceful and he regretted not taking accepting her offer of sex but he knew his time would come. Whether Draco completed his task of killing Dumbledore or not was of no matter to him; Severus would take care of the old wizard. He had no doubts. Tonight she revealed her greatest weakness and would use that brat as bait.