The invitation
Nothing was more enjoyable than a big breakfast in Narcissa’s Opinion. The most important meal of the day, indeed. She loved living at Hogwarts. It wasn’t anything like The Black’s Manors. It felt more welcoming. And breakfast was proof of it. Seeing everyone sharing a big meal in preparation for the day.
Narcissa loved eyeing people and observing their little rituals. Some students were already eating when she arrived in the great hall, others only came in 5 to 10 min before the end. Which, in Narcissa’s opinion was a shame. 10 minutes isn’t enough time to really enjoy a good breakfast.
One student known to arrive late at breakfast was Sirius, her cousin. Her aunt told her to keep an eye on him. Being sorted in Gryffindor when everyone in the family is from Slytherin was a big surprise. But Narcissa wasn’t surprised at that. The block couldn’t even get up early for breakfast. No wonder he was a Gryffindor, they’re all lazy.
When she saw him enter the great hall, he was running late, as usual, and dressed like a fool, his tie not tight enough. Her gaze followed him until she realized where he sat down. The traitor just sat down next to Preppy Alice.
Narcissa's gaze was stuck on her rival. Alice was already finished with her breakfast, as she was there even before Narcissa came.
Yesterday's encounters with Alice had left a weird taste in her mouth. She was expecting snarky remarks and mockery. But Alice was kind? Of course, it was too good to be true. The minute she let her guard down and joked with her, Alice shot her with a comment about her family. Of course, Narcissa wasn’t dumb and knew her family played a huge role in how people were treating her. But still, it wasn’t worth mentioning. Especially because it was one of her greatest fears. Not that Alice knew about it tho. Having friends, only because of her family and not because of who she really is, sucks. Not knowing if people were surrounding her because they liked her or because they liked the power of her family. Even though she hated Alice, she loved to hate her. And she loved her hate back. It was easier to deal with someone who doesn't like you and doesn't lie about it than to deal with people who don’t like you but act as if they do.
“Cissy, are you even listening to me or are you trying to curse the Gryffindor table ?” said a piercing voice beside her. When Narcissa turned around to see where the voice was coming she was met with Rita expecting eyes. Rita loved to know what everyone was thinking and doing at any time but she also loved talking about everyone’s lives but hers.
“Sorry, Skeet, I wasn't listening. What were you saying ?” asked Narcissa concentrating on Rita who was once again spilling every secret she discovered over the past days. Narcissa never understood how She was able to know all those secrets. It’s like Rita could hide in every little corner possible and listen to people without being seen.
“I heard that Slugorn was already deciding who will receive an invitation for his private party” she whispered,” And he’s considering that Gryffindor redhead from 2nd year,” she said spitefully. “She’s too young, 2nd-year students aren’t invited to this party normally, the youngest ever invited was Tom but he was a 3rd year at the time. Could you believe it ?” she asked. Obviously, Narcissa knew about Tom, about how cool and smart he is. About how when he was a 3rd-year student he was invited to the Slughorn club even tho it was a 4th year and older club. Bella told her everything about him, time and time again. Her sister was normally socold-heartedd when it came to guys but this Tom is something else apparently because she couldn’t stop talking about it this summer. Of course, her mom and dad were happy about it. In their opinion, it was time that Bella chose a husband and Tom was completely in line with the family values. Of course, Narcissa was happy for Bella, but even though her sister seems really into the guy, her instinct was telling her that something about him was off.
“And also she’s mud blood” Rita added “can you believe it ? This club isn’t what it used to be I guess” she pointed.
“I guess you won’t be invited then” replied Narcissa, irritated by Rita's comment. Blood purity and all, she was accustomed to it. Toujours pure was the motto of her family so of course, she understood the implication of it. But still, Rita was being unfair. Narcissa knew that blood purity isn’t something really important to Rita, she saw her kissing that boy from Ravenclaw, who’s also a muggle-born. But she was using blood status as an excuse as to why she would “prefer” not to be invited. But they both know Rita doesn’t have the marks to get an invitation. She wasn’t a bad student, she was average in all of her classes. And sadly for her, her family isn’t famous or powerful enough for Sluggorn to disregard her marks.
“That’s not the point” Rebuked Rita completely in denial, “Who would you bring with you to the party” she then asked, a bit too hopeful in her opinion. Narcissa knew she would receive a letter. No doubt because of her family, but still she also got the marks for it so she didn’t care. She also knew Alice would be invited and she would have to endure her presence once again.
“I don’t know,” she answered truthfully.”I guess I need to find someone my parents will approve of. I don’t want the same nightmare scenario as when Andy brought that Ted guy and Mom cried like it was the end of the world '' Narcissa conceded. Andromeda was a fool for thinking mom and dad would be okay with her relationship with a mudblood. As the three Black sisters it was their job to find a pureblood man to continue the lineage, the legacy of the powerful black family. Even after her mom's tantrum Andromeda stuck to Ted. They were now seeing each other in secret. The secret is a big word because Narcissa knew about it. Thanks to Rita of course. But she didn’t say a word to her parents. She loved her sister and wanted her happiness. If messing around with Ted was her choice, She was ok with it. As long as it would not create problems for her. She ensured Rita would not spread the news, so her sister could enjoy her last year at Hogwarts before getting in line with the family values. Ted doesn’t seem like a bad guy, so it can not hurt anyone for the time being.
“I have an idea” confessed Rita with a smirk splattered on her face.
“No I won't invite you Skeet, I need to go with a boy so my parent won't cause a scene” Narcissa answered exasperated “Have you listened to me or are you again trying to fill your own agenda here ?”
“Relax Cissy, I wasn't talking about me,” she said defeated. “I was talking about Malfoy”
“Who? Lucius? He will get his own invitation he's a Malfoy Honey” answered Narcissa.
“Yes, he may be a Malfoy, but I heard that his marks in potion are very very low at the moment and I don't think his name is enough to cover that” she stated
* * *
Narcissa isn't a fan of gossip. Especially coming from Rita because it was rarely just gossip it was 95% of the time the truth. And once again she was right. Lucius did not receive an invitation. It was a shame really. His parents must be so angry at him it was not even funny. Narcissa couldn't imagine how terrible it would be for her if she did not receive the invitation. Of course, as predicted, she got it. And that's why, when she was comfortably reading in one of the big coaches of the Slytherin common room and saw Lucius walking towards her, she knew exactly what was going to happen. He strode proudly towards her, scanning the common room to make sure it was empty.
“What can I get in exchange ?” She asked without letting him begin the monologue he prepared.
“Anything you want as long as you don't tell a soul about me not being invited” he answered. It took Narcisa by surprise. “Everyone already knows you did not receive an invitation” she laughed “what are you on about ?” Narcissa asked a bit lost but keeping a neutral expression to her face.
“Only Rita knew about it” Luicius explained “She only told a few people about it but nothing I couldn't deal with” he added smirking.
“What did you do Lucius ?” Narcissa asked him, suspicious.
“Rita told my dorm mate and they were pissing me off about it so I oblivate them, nothing much” he claimed before seating on the couch in front of her.
“That's not really nice of you” she replied not at all surprised by Lucius' way of handling things. Swiping things under the rugs like nothing happen. A true Malfoy, thought Narcissa. “So you want to go to Slugorn Party with me, so you won't have to explain why you can't go” she clarified. “You know Slugorn will probably mention not inviting you during supper, right ?”.
“Nothing I can't handle. I would be there and you'll be at my arm so I'm the winner” he said like he proud gorilla.
“You will be at my arm not the other way around Malfoy” she emphasized “I'm the one with the invitation. Don't forget it” she added smiling.
“So we have a deal ?” he asked hastily.
“Slow here Mister no invitation, what do I get from it ?” Narcissa replied not being naïve. She knew she was the one in power here and she won't let the chance to bargain with a Malfoy away.
“What do you want Cissy?” he asked way more grimly now that he understood he wasn't dealing with someone as naïve as he thought.
“First, you take Regulus in the quidditch team,” she said. Family first, always.
“But he's a first year, we don't take first year in the team.” Lucius argued “and I don't even know if he's good” he deplored
“Oh, he is don't worry. He's a bloody good seeker,” she said beaming, so proud of her little cousin. “And if I'm correct as the captain of the team you can do what you want. You can take a first year in the team for example. So there won't have any problem right ?” Narcissa knew how to play her card right. And she enjoyed seeing Lucius defeated, it added to the fun.
“Right !” he confirmed, his teeth grinding. “Regulus in the team and I'm going to the party with you”
“Oh non Lucius, don't be so naïve. You asked two things from me remember ?” she grinned. “You want to go to the party and you want me to keep the lack of invitation a secret”
Lucius' face was red, of shame or anger, Narcissa didn't know but if it was anger she wasn't the least scared.
“What do you want Narcisa” he growled.
“Narcissa now? Not Cissy Relax Lucius we want the same thing” she assured him. She was really enjoying this. “Once you made Regulus the seeker, and he proved himself to the team, I want to be named captain”
Silence.
Lucius was too stunned to speak.
“So it's a deal ?” She asked with an angelic smile on her face.
“You must be joking !” he explained. “Why would I want to make you captain and especially why after Regulus prooved himself ?” he asked totally lost.
“My dear Lucius, Let me tell you something. I know that my cousin has what it takes to be an excellent seeker but still, he is a 1st year and I don't know how all this pressure will affect his performance. So if you made me captain and I, myself invite Regulus to join the team but turns out he doesn't do well under pressure. What will it says about me ?”
Lucius was livid.
“What makes you think I will accept this ?” he asked anger flaring through his nose. “I will take Regulus in the team but I won't make you captain” he stated. “You can say to whoever you want that I did not receive an invitation I don't care,” He said getting up from the coach, ready to leave.
Narcissa knew this was a bit much to ask from him. But she also knew how to get what she wanted.
“I guess you won't mind that I'll write to your parents about the lack of invitation and how you came crawling at my feet to come with me then ?” she said with the biggest smile on her face and devil’s eyes asking Lucius to test her.
“You freaking c*nt, you won't even try” he roared, branding his wand toward her.
Narcissa knew she has struck where she needed. “I won't do it if I were you,” she tells him, putting her book on the side calmly like there were no wand pointing directly at her.
“What are you going to do, you won't even remember this discussion” he explained like he was a genius and had the upper hand.
“If you do as much as casting a silencing charm on me then Rita will know instantly, and a letter explaining all this shameful discussion will be sent to your parents. So imagine if you oblivate me ?” Narcisa had to admit it. It was really convenient to have an animagus friend. It has its perks.
Don't be ridiculous Lucius.” she said a bit exasperated by how dumb he can be. “You need to go to Slugorn party and I need to be captain of the Quidditch team”
Lucius was defeated and lowered his hand.
“Fine” he whined. “I'll make Regulus the new seeker this afternoon at practice and I'll make you captain after the next match”
“Thanks, Lucius, I'll see you at practice then,” Narcisa said happily “And make sure to have a green tie for the party, My dress will be green, I'll send you an indication of what to wear or not”
“Yeah whatever” he moaned turning his heels and going back to his dorm.
Narcissa took her book back and opened it where she put her bookmark, happy about the situation. She got everything she wanted and next week she'll be Captain of the Slytherin's quidditch team.
“Thank you skeet, you can go spy on someone else now” she declared at the empty common room, not so empty after all.