It was late into the evening and Narcissa was at her dorm.
She was seated on her four poster, nursing a letter in between her hands. she stared down on it, taking in its details. the envelope was an expensive, thick kind of paper, taking on a more yellowish colour. It was neatly folded, a Black stamp sealing it close and hiding its contents from the outside world.
The lake poured in from outside the windows, Its greenish shade soft and calming, stretching endlessly. The atmosphere was one of calm and serenity, which Narcissa didn't feel at the moment. Narcissa’s thoughts were quite negative, and it felt as though she was focused on everything wrong. The dungeons chill has never bothered her much before, She'd always bask in the comforting and familiar feeling it provided, finding sanctuary in the space. But now? The coldness felt as though it was seeping beneath her skin, flesh, and right into her very bones. it was an unpleasant feeling, not one of comfort.
She was sitting in her four bed poster, Contemplating whether she wanted to read the letter or not. A crease found its way between her brows as she frowned at the envelope, as if it could tell her what to do.
Narcissa was conflicted. She wanted to read what her sister had to say, yet she was unreasonably nervous.
Bellatrix has left Hogwarts the previous year, leaving Narcissa utterly alone in that school, along with her older sister Andromeda. Andromeda whom Narcissa barely interacted with, the shame too hot down her throat, causing it to close in on itself.
Andromeda lately has been surrounding herself with people she knew their family wouldn't approve of, causing constant spats. The slit between them was only worsening, tearing and tearing each day, and Narcissa could help but wonder what would happen when her family’s relationship with Andromeda would be torn completely? What would happen then?
The biggest conflict within the family was between Bellatrix and Narcissa. their views too different, Their personalities too stubborn to leave any room to say anything. Both their minds has been made; Andromeda saw Muggle borns as equals, And Bellatrix loathed them so deeply it was seemingly rooted within her soul.
Narcissa may have some distaste towards muggle borns, as they really did not belong in the wizarding world, but It never bothered her as much as it bothered Bellatrix. really, Bellatrix would do anything to commit to the House of Black, turning an ignorant eye to their more questionable statements.
And wishing to get rid of all Muggle borns, is in fact, questionable. Narcissa just wished they’d stay where they belong in the muggle and simple world. That they wouldn’t attempt at something that clearly wasn’t for them.
This morning, The family owl had dropped a letter in Narcissa’s lap. As Narcissa’s eyes wandered down the table, searching for Andromeda, she was surprised to find out her sister had taken it upon herself to switch seats to the hufflepuff table.
She also noticed Andromeda had no letter from anyone, which made her stomach clench around the food she had only eaten mere seconds ago. With a silent prayer not to get nauseas, she opened the letter and searched for the bottom of it to find the writer’s name.
The parchment was old and smelt of books and some rich fancy smell Narcissa couldn’t quite catch on, but it smelt like her house.
Narcissa did deeply miss her mother and the candles she would buy to make sure the house smelt just right.
She also knew how much Andromeda despised that smell and would open windows constantly, scowling whenever their Mother would question why.
At the bottom of the parchment, in black ink, there was written in big, swirly letters, a name.
Or, to be exact, Bellatrix’s name.
Narcissa almost immediately shut the letter. Merlin knows if anything she wrote could be risked to be seen by others.
So, now, Narcissa being in her cold dorm down the dungeons and in her four poster, drawing the curtains closed for privacy and lighting the space with a gentle swoosh of her wand, muttering Lumos quietly, she began reading the letter.
Dear Narcissa,
How are you doing, little sister?
Must be unbearable since I have left Hogwarts, isn’t it?
Narcissa scoffed, rolling her eyes fondly. She silently agreed with Bellatrix. Having her big sister with her was indeed comforting at times.
Well, I am doing brilliantly. Mother and Father have been glad to have one of us around. Said it was about time one of us joined their cause with our great Lord, Voldemort.
And there it was. the reason why Narcissa had been nervous. Her family's blind faith in a Dark lord. Being so trustful of someone is terrifying for Narcissa.
personally, if she could, she would not be so quick to join him with endless of support and praises.
So, yes, Narcissa is in fact skeptical. she has every right to be, doesn’t she?
Her family was full of so much hatred towards Muggle borns they'd really support anyone offering a permanent solution to their existent.
Personally, I reckon next year when Andromeda gets home they’d be less excited. Andy has made it unbearable to speak about politics with her, always spouting her muggle nonsense. I am pretty sure the crucious curse is the only way to knock some sense into her.
What?
Narcissa bit her bottom lip. She was aware her family have been using dark magic, of course they were— being as ancient and pure as they were, they needed a way to keep themselves in line. Hell, Narcissa have once heard her cousin, Sirius’ pained screams, begging for aunt Walburga to stop.
It was during the previous Christmas at Grimmauld Place. Aunt Walburga insisted to have the family over.
Sirius, being the prat that he is, made a joke of the whole thing and was very disrespectful towards some their more far family members.
What really broke hell loose was when Sirius had to make a speech, being heir and all, and made that the worst.
‘Wow, so many faces I haven’t ever seen. How lovely seeing all of you! Still obsessed with blood purity and allat? When’s the last time we had cousin marriage,” Sirius bellowed, folding his arms.
‘truly, I am so very pleasant to see you all. May not have normal relationships outside the fam', but incest is the best way to keep us going, right?!’
Narcissa only shook his head at the banter but didn’t think much of it. That was until she went to the bathroom, and heard shrieks full of horror down the corridor. She got close just for a bit of sight space, and immediately rushed away. Poor Sirius.
But doing it on Andy? Their sister? That just seemed too far. It is far when it’s on Sirius too, of course, but to wish it to happen to their sister? A blood of their own? That is just ludicrous.
Not that Narcissa would voice her opinion to Bellatrix, the older girl was easy to tip off edge, her temper of a troll’s.
I am more than happy to update you that more families have decided to join for our Lord’s cause. Soon enough, I’d send you a letter with names of those families’ children, so you could mix with the right people. One vehement family I can give you their names now would be the Malfoys. They have a son, right? Your year. Make sure to look into that.
Narcissa knew well enough who Bellatrix was talking about. Lucius Malfoy, one of the most beautiful people Narcissa had ever laid her eyes upon. Gorgeous long blond hair paired with his gray storm eyes and pale skin. Maybe, just maybe, Narcissa should take Bellatrix’s advice.
Cissy, I already know you are well aware of our families’ distaste for non-pure bloods, but I’ll say it just once in case you’ve been.. curious, like Andy. Do not mix with those people. They’re pathetic, their place in the wizarding world is a mistake people would begin seeing too late. I am not there to protect you, Little sister, you must do it on your own. Don’t let those people fool you, you’re a bright girl. Bring pride to our family. Bring pride to me.
Miss you,
Bellatrix.
Narcissa felt the unshed tears burning her eyes. How she wished for her family to just get along. For Andy to get in line, willingly, for everything to be perfect. How tried she was for feeling torn between two worlds she tried understanding just as much.
That night, she fell asleep late, her mind leaving her occupied with thoughts.
The next day she sat beside Lucius in Charms. He gave her a small smile, but except for that they didn’t converse. Narcissa noticed his gaze would wander towards her every once in a while throughout the lesson, his gaze curious yet fascinated, and she counted that a small win.
She could only hope Voldemort would fulfill her family's wishes, and make sure to support him in all he'd do so her family’s satisfied. Poor Andy.