SETTING: Lucius' 7th year, second term.

SUMMARY: Lucius isn't acting normal and Narcissa is determined to figure out what's going on.

Lucius limped into the Great Hall, but stood straight in the doorway, making sure his stature was tall and proud, as not to arouse any suspicon. He gritted his teeth behind his lips and began slowly making his way to the Slytherin table. A first year ran by him, knocking him in his side causing him to hiss in pain through his teeth. "Bloody git." He spat to the first year, who ran off quickly. He spotted Narcissa sitting a few feet away and made his way over to her, sitting down next to her quietly, wincing as he did so. The pain was intense, everywhere seemed to be sore. But he couldn't go to the hospital wing. He just had to grit his teeth and bare it. He grabbed a glass of juice and sipped it slowly before turning to Narcissa, giving a small smirk. "Morning." He said simply, keeping his robes wrapped tight around his waist.

---

Narcissa turned to Lucius as he greeted her. He'd been so quiet when he sat down to next to her that she had hardly noticed him. Naturally, the space next to her had been empty since their relationship had been acknowledged as serious by their housemates. She looked at him curiously. "Running late this morning, Malfoy?" She teased and looked around to see if anyone was watching. Her hand wandered over to his thigh to give him a quick squeeze as she leaned over to peck his cheek.

Flashback - Lucius & Narcissa (Seasons Have Changed)

SETTING: Winter Holidays, Lucius' 7th Year.  SUMMARY: Narcissa sees Lucius' Dark Mark for the first time.

It was freezing, Narcissa thought, while sitting on the swing chair in the garden of Black manor. She'd much rather be inside at this moment, but Lucius wanted to talk to her. They both knew this was the only place that they could get any semblance of privacy. Inside the manor, it always seemed like there was a person just lurking about and waiting for him to propose to her; as if it would be some "great honor". As if she wasn't worth anything by herself. It disgusted her, she raged internally and kicked the snow in front of her.

---

Lucius made his way outside to the garden of the Black manor, pulling his coat tighter around himself. He didn't like having to take her out into this weather just to talk, but this was the only place to have even a bit of privacy. He approached Narcissa silently and saw her kick the snow. "Angry?" He asked, pulling off his coat and drapping it around her shoulders gently before taking a seat next to her. He sighed, not wanting to beat around the bush for too long. "Theres been something... I feel you need to know." He started, staring blankly ahead of him at the gently falling snow.

Narcissa & Regulus | Memory [closed]

"Regulus." Narcissa called as she sat with her back against his bedroom's door. "Talk to me."

No answer.

"Regulus, I know you're in there." She murmured with concern, wanting to be there for her cousin. Even if he'd just celebrated his 13th birthday downstairs with presents and cake, he didn't have to grow up just yet.

"How about this..." She suggested thinking of how to get through to him. "Knock once if you are okay. Knock twice if you are not okay."

Narcissa spent hours waiting outside of his door. At least that is what it had felt like in the spanning silence between them. A few adults from his party downstairs had passed by in the hallway, shooting venomous looks at her as she nearly tripped them with her long legs each way. Well, what could she do but sneer back? She wasn't moving. No way. The guests never should have come up to this floor of Grimmauld Place anyway. If they were respectable, they would have waited their turns to use the bathroom downstairs.

"I know how alone you must feel right now. ... I did." She sighed, thinking of something to say that would make him open the door. "When Andromeda left me, I had no one. Bella was never around, too busy with her own things. And my parents." She choked on her words and coughed a bit. "They acted like they forgot her. They still hate it when I say her name."

"I just want you to know. I want -- You don't have to pretend that Sirius never existed with me. If you don't want to, that is..." Narcissa knew what Bella and her parents would think of her for offering that peace but she didn't care.

"And no matter what happens, just know that I understand." Narcissa continued to wait at the door for one knock or two.

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Headcanon #002

Narcissa was once "hot blooded" about life much like Bellatrix and Sirius. She grew up as a chatty child (with anyone appropriate), that is until Andromeda abandoned her. Narcissa never forgot the day that Andromeda's name was burned off the tapestry since a bit of her spirit ashed there too. However when Sirius was burned off, Narcissa carried on with her life like normal, not bothering much with that matter. His departure was not so sudden in her eyes as he regularly disrespected Walburga and their family's name.

When Regulus died, her closest cousin since birth, the depression that followed had left her irreparable. She hadn't known that he was a Death Eater until it was too late. Since Regulus' funeral, Narcissa's behavior gradually turned icy on the outside. Even relations with Bellatrix and Lucius were strained for some years; they were easy to blame for Regulus' death. Years after the First Wizarding War, Narcissa rarely showed her heart to anyone. With Lucius and Draco, their love for one another were private displays that were mostly kept indoors (besides their spoiling of each other with luxury items).

001. Family Portrait - 2/2

GRANDFATHER Pollux Black (FC: John Barrymore) Pollux is nothing like his party-loving and good humored son, Cygnus. Pollux is a stern, always serious man that forced his daughter Walburga to marry her cousin just to keep the family pure. "What would Grandfather say?" A common expression in the House of Black. Ultimately, it is Pollux that decides who gets burned off the family tree. The wizarding community and even family members have every nerve to be timid around this renowned Dark Wizard. Pollux greatly favors Bellatrix and Regulus at family gatherings, leaving Narcissa often in the shadows. While Narcissa supports the legalization of the Dark Arts and married well, she does not hold esteem in her grandfather's eyes for not fighting in the war. Narcissa considers Pollux to be a hypocrite, since he never became a Death Eater either. Out of respect, Narcissa maintains a civil relationship with her grandfather, but she would never seek him out on her own.

GREAT AUNT Cassiopeia Black (FC: Ethel Barrymore) Cassiopeia has always been the rebel of the family since she chose to remain single for reasons unknown to Narcissa. Growing up, Andromeda had been her favorite girl because she was named by her. When Andromeda married Muggle-born Ted Tonks, Cassiopeia withdrew herself from the family greatly. Grandfather Pollux does not have a good relationship with his sister and blames her for 'influencing' Andromeda's decisions. However, it is unlikely that Cassiopeia maintains her relationship with Andromeda. Cassiopeia has never shared any sympathy towards Muggle-borns or Half-bloods in public. Cassiopeia never attended Naricssa's wedding and for that reason, she resents her.

001. Family Portrait - 1/2

MOTHER Druella Rosier (FC: Honor Blackman) One day Cygnus was living large, enjoying the single life and the next he was quoted on his engagement to Druella in The Daily Prophet. “Love potion?” The rumors had run rampant for a few days about this notable bachelor’s sudden change of heart. Yet in short time, both respectable families had made sure the media was being positive about the upcoming nuptials. Druella is a perfectionist and what she wants, she usually gets. She is an incredibly difficult wife and mother to please. Her children constantly strive to impress her, but usually fall short. Even after years of marriage, Cygnus and Druella have an “explosive” relationship. They often engage in fights that destroy room after room and then a week later, they’ll be teasing each other at the breakfast table.

FATHER Cygnus Black (FC: Laurence Harvey) Narcissa has an enviable relationship with Cygnus. She is his absolute favorite as his youngest of three daughters. Narcissa is Cygnus’ model example of what all Pureblood girls should aspire to be: proper, beautiful and married to a man with influence. When Narcissa was born, Cygnus resisted using astronomy to name her because of her striking blonde hair. No constellation would fit Narcissa, for she represented the sun to him and became the center of his life. Therefore, Narcissa is named after a flower and has never stopped blooming in Cygnus’ eyes. Cygnus has yet to confess to his youngest that his health is deteriorating. He will die before years’ end.

January 13, 1979 | Narcissa & Barty (Interesting Things Happen In The Dark)

Just a little bit further Narcissa Malfoy thought walking down a dimly-lit side street behind London's theater district. Accompanying footsteps had been trailing her every move and she was baiting her stalker to properly greet him. Being the keenly aware person that she was, she knew that the Muggle man had been following her for a few blocks and hadn't detoured once. While any other woman might have sought the safety of a crowded venue or alerted an authority figure, Narcissa was not one to be easily intimidated and certainly never by Muggle filth. She wasn't a Death Eater like her sister or husband, but she had no qualms regarding their methods and stringent politics. Narcissa carried Bellatrix and Lucius in the back of her mind always, assessing how they would react to certain situations out of loyalty to them. 

On this fateful night with this particular Muggle, Narcissa had come to the decision to punish him personally. It would be bring her no greater satisfaction than to see his dirty blood pooling at her feet as he begged for mercy which he wouldn't receive. He had brought this upon himself by following her, she rationalized. He chose this destiny, unfortunately for him, he probably thought he could mug her or take advantage of her. Bless Salazar that she wasn't a common helpless female. In fact, women everywhere should be grateful to her for eradicating this bottom feeder.

The ends of her blonde curls gracefully bounced off her breasts as she twirled to face the stranger. She should have at least pretended to be a lost little lamb, but she could hardly contain her excitement to inflict pain on this weakling. It'd been far too long since she used a clever hex on someone other than a house elf. Maybe she'd cast boils on his most sacred member or what if she removed it completely? A purely deviant smirk was etched across her face while imagining the man's screams, the man's emanating fear. Suddenly and purposefully, Narcissa pulled out her wand and cast a freezing charm before he took a step closer. As if he ever had a chance at touching her... She bit into her cheek, circling around the man with a vulture's precision as she carefully considered her options.

Off from somewhere behind her, a noise indicating an animal or someone was near set her concentration off. She pouted and snapped her head to see what had interrupted her playtime. A child -a boy- around the age of her cousin Regulus was observing the scene she was making. He was standing close enough to see any dismemberment. Where had he come from? Unbelievable, Narcissa thought, she thought they were alone! Why would an underage man be out this late on a full moon? He should be tucked away in his warm bed, away from the monsters that roamed the night. Unable to cope with the possibility of having a witness to her crime, Narcissa knew to let the Muggle free of her wrath. The thought of having a Ministry investigation in her manor wouldn't go over well with Lucius. He'd give her the cold shoulder for weeks if she aroused any suspicion to their good name. Narcissa licked her perfectly painted lips as she contemplated her next move.

Narcissa's heels scraped the ground as she moved closer to her subject until they were inches apart. Her long eyelashes fluttered as she softly murmured  "Imperio," and bore her eyes into his. In a cold, devil may care voice, Narcissa continued: "Walk back in the direction of the highway and into upcoming traffic. And whatever happens, you will not move."

She sighed, wishing she could have kept the Muggle for longer. "Will you be a doll and make your death as painful as possible?" She whispered, puckering her lips in a snap.

"Off you go." She dismissed the Muggle with a flick of her wrist, hardly showing enthusiasm for the ordeal and tucked her wand away for safe keeping. 

Now... it was time to deal with the boy. She quickly adjusted her hair and strutted in the direction of where the little voyeur was standing. It was time they had a conversation about his curfew.

IYS:  ϟ  PLOT | RULES | CHARACTERS | APPLY  ϟ

I got a black magic woman Got me so blind I can't see that she's a black magic woman She's tryin' to make a devil out of me

(Santana/1970)

01/05/1979: Narcissa & Regulus (Series of Unfortunate Events)

Getting more annoyed by the second, Narcissa looked around the train's cabin for two open seats. They needed to sit down soon and ideally far, far away from anyone else. This would count as the third time that Regulus and Narcissa had moved locations since they started their journey. Shortly after sitting down the first time, a widely obese woman had sat down on the other side of Regulus -all but sitting in his lap- so that wouldn't have been appropriate for the 2.1 hour trip back to London. Their second post hadn't been any better when an obnoxious child kept trying to play with her flowing blond locks. Narcissa was just about to hex the damn Muggles -all of them- but showed exemplary self-restraint by leaving the scene faster than one could say 'Crucio!'. As if it wasn't bad enough that they were traveling like the vermin, they weren't even in so-called First Class because the cabin was sold out. Their situation was hardly ideal, but they didn't have a choice. Earlier the cousins had awoken to a snow-covered Paris, which made Narcissa uncomfortable about traveling by broom.

Narcissa was ready to pass out. Her limbs were growing weary and she needed to change out of her high heels before she fell flat on her face. All she could think of was her inviting bed back at Malfoy Manor. She wanted to sleep for days, even if her husband would never allow it. Sadly, she didn't think she could make it back to the manor in her sorry state.

"I might need to spend the night at your house." Narcissa lamented and quietly yawned, settling deeper into their new and hopefully last seating arrangements. "... Nevermind what your mum says."

Regulus' mum had a tendency to be strict about receiving visitors. "She'll know it was my idea." 

Narcissa got on with Orion just fine, but Walburga notoriously favored Bellatrix as the daughter that she never had. Walburga could be harsh and often condescending to her, which made no sense. Narcissa had married above-average and rarely showed disrespect to any relatives. At least Narcissa had the decency to teach Regulus about their roots, beyond the blood running through their veins. She could hardly believe that this had been the kid's first real trip to Paris.

The cousins had barely rested a moment during their 5-day holiday. Narcissa's enthusiasm to play tour guide had only flourished after witnessing Regulus flinch seeing the portraits of Sirius at their family's estate. It had reminded her of how she used to flinch seeing any of Andromeda's things before they were cleared out. Narcissa knew that there were no words in any language that would heal the loss of a sibling. Both of them had been abandoned by their own flesh and blood, but commiserating over the fact wouldn't get them anymore. They needed to live regret free and move forward! So instead of dwelling on their significant woes, Narcissa knew that great distractions were in order. The cousins had strolled through the Arc de Triomphe, devoured the most delicious sweets from various bakeries in the city, taken the wizard's tour of Versailles Palace and of the Louvre. And needless to say, they had also shopped. Diagon Alley paled in comparison to the extravagant Boulevard Haussmann. Regulus was dashing in all of his new blazers, as he should look.

"Mum! Look! Look!" A young boy behind them shouted, jumping up and down in his seat. Narcissa groaned at their interrupted silence. What did it take for everyone to shut up?

"Yes, dear." The woman that had to be his mum replied tersely. "It's just an... owl." The surprise was evident in her voice, taking note of the bird flying near their window.

Narcissa instantly stood from her seat and looked over to their window out of curiosity, having heard the entire conversation since they were alarmingly loud. With one quick glance at the Malfoy's white eagle, she plopped back down in her seat in horror. Narcissa was positive Regulus had thought that she wanted to move seats again seeing the look on his face.

"That's my...." She said in shock, head snapping in Regulus' direction to explain. "I wrote Lucius early this morning before we left our home. Our owl is out there in this fright with his reply." She chewed on her lip in wonder. She couldn't think of a way to retrieve his letter from their current position. 

They were stuck on the train for at least another hour before arriving in London. She only hoped that the stupid animal wouldn't lose her letter. She surely looked forward to hearing from her husband and prayed that he didn't have any pressing matters to discuss with her. After all, it had been days since they last spoke to one another.

Lucius & Narcissa Malfoy.  December 31, 1978 ---> Read

Dec. 31, 1978: Down In A Rabbit Hole [Closed]

(aka "This is what The Dark Arts feel like.")

Heart pounding violently loud, Narcissa awoke gasping for air on her bedroom's floor. What had she done? Her eyes darted around the massive room in wonder, since her head felt much too heavy to lift up. She purred, arching her back as she remembered what happened. She'd been casting a particularly advanced Dark Arts to temporarily allow her to feel how others felt just by touching them.

Rolling her stiff neck side to side, Narcissa wondered if it even worked. Too bad there wasn't a person around for her to test it on. The magic had truly affected her, it felt like her limbs were made of steel. She didn't mind it as much she probably should, but it's not like had somewhere to be. Besides, Lucius wouldn't be home for hours (at least that's what she thought), so a spell diversion had been just what she needed to pass the time.

The rush was completely worth the paralysis, Narcissa giggled with a wicked grin on her face. She wasn't clear on how long she'd been passed out for, but it was as if she'd abandoned the corporeal world for a weightless existence. Narcissa's mind was instantly flooded with the visuals that she had experienced as she remembered the spell's incantation. It was as if she'd been seeing her body from the inside, every blood cell that's coursing through her body had been visible to her. 

The acute rapture of being so connected with her senses caused her body to hum with pleasure as she experienced aftershocks from the spell. She felt as if she finally knew herself in a way that she hadn't ever before. For a short time, the magic had removed all of her feelings, but it hadn't left her numb either as controlled substances would have. It was as if every negative part of her body had been replaced by warmth that tingled down to her toes. During the spell, she had disconnected from the usual way her mind works. While she hadn't forgotten herself during spell, her sense of self had hardly mattered at the time. She had been nothing, but the magic's energy. And it was extraordinary.

Static electricity was still trailing down Narcissa's spine at the very moment, the magic was vibrating deep within her. She knew that she'd be carrying that exact feeling for days as a reminder of what she'd done to herself. It wasn't pleasant nor comfortable either, regardless the feeling didn't scare her, instead she welcomed the possession. She was used to so-called hijacker effects from spells after years of Dark Arts experiences as positive reassurance.

Narcissa sighed and attempted to stretch her body across the floor. She might as well enjoy the ride, she snickered, and closed her eyes to once again relieve the experience. She moaned in satisfaction while goosebumps continued to cover her body, but she hadn't noticed them at all, too overwhelmed by the flashback.

Headcanon #001

Narcissa didn't have much of an opinion about her engagement to Lucius. Her entire family gushed about how wonderful it was that he 'accepted' her, which she found too condescending. Any man would be have been interested in her, she was the perfect diamond in comparison to the other girls her age. Narcissa took a vow of purity until marriage as a child, therefore making her completely exclusive to the man she'd marry.