13
"Dark or light green?" Alice held up two fabric swatches, studying them in the afternoon light that streamed through her chamber windows. “How can their be so many shades of green?”
"Light green," Narcissa replied with quiet authority. "As we've discussed."
Alice lowered the swatches, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. The silence stretched between them until Narcissa set down her teacup with practiced grace.
"Something troubles you."
It wasn't quite a question, but Alice recognized the subtle invitation to speak. "I was thinking about the Minister's visit."
"Ah." Narcissa's expression remained carefully neutral, though her eyes sharpened with interest.
"Have you heard anything? About what's happening in the muggle world?" Alice asked, trying to keep her voice steady. "It's just... there's been no news, no letters, nothing since..."
"Since you were given to the Dark Lord," Narcissa finished, her tone carrying just a hint of distaste at the word 'given.'
Before she could respond, they heard the distinctive change in the guards' footsteps that heralded his approach. Both women rose smoothly as the Dark Lord appeared in the corridor, deep in discussion with Dolohov about the architectural plans.
"My Lords," they chorused, curtsying.
His eyes fell on the fabric swatches still in Alice's hands, then moved to the selection of robes floating nearby. "Still undecided, Lady Waters?"
"She knows it's to be green, my Lord," Narcissa interjected smoothly, a hint of exasperation in her tone. "We were merely discussing the exact shade."
"There are so many shades of green here," Alice gave a little mock-frown, feigning exasperation, "more than there were actual colors in the muggle world, it seems. Fabric-wise.”
But instead of dismissing her, he actually paused, considering. A flicker of amusement crossed his features. "The ancient chamber does have certain... properties that respond to lunar influences." His lips curved slightly. "The pale green would be... appropriate." He paused, then added with a glint in his eye, "Shall I choose your hair ribbons as well, Lady Waters?"
Narcissa's face remained perfectly composed, but Alice caught the slight widening of her eyes at this exchange. Antonin gave a cough that sounded strangely like a laugh.
"Thank you, my Lord," Alice replied, unable to completely hide her pleased smile. “I will try not to bother you with any more wardrobe questions."
"A wise decision," he said dryly, though there was that hint of amusement in his eyes again. "Come, Dolohov. Let us continue our discussion of the chamber's modifications."
After they'd gone, Narcissa turned to Alice with an expression of carefully controlled astonishment. "You never cease to surprise, do you?"
"Was that... inappropriate?"
"Inappropriate?" Narcissa's laugh was soft and brief. "To casually discuss fashion choices with the Dark Lord? She shook her head slightly. "It was either brilliant or foolish. Though given his response, I suspect the former."
Alice sank back into her chair, finally voicing what had been troubling her all morning. "I feel so... useless sometimes. I was sent here to help… form some peace between our worlds. Instead, I spend my days reading about magical theory and discussing wardrobe choices."
,"It’s all so different from what I expected. Back at the Manor… you were all so guarded. Now… it feels as though you’re actually telling me the truth about things.”
"You were a pawn then, Alice," Narcissa corrected, her usual reserve softening slightly. "A young girl, wrapped in pretty promises and handed over to the most powerful wizard in history. That you've managed to become something more… that’s entirely your own doing. And now… perhaps you are more deserving of the truth.” That you've managed to become something more... that's entirely your own doing."
"But I haven't heard anything about what's happening out there. Are the protective measures in place? Are my people safe? Does anyone even..." She stopped, swallowing hard.
"Care?" Narcissa finished gently. "Perhaps that's a question you should ask the Minister when he arrives."
Alice looked down at the green fabric in her hands – a shimmering pale green, like moonlight on water, she thought. The color of time passing, of illusion, of change. "Yes," she said slowly. "Perhaps I should.”