Floriculture

Narcissa stood near the Hogwarts Express, the weight of her family's expectations heavy on her shoulders. From a young age, she had been taught that her mere existence was a blessing to the Wizarding World, that she was already better than everyone else simply by virtue of her bloodline. Her parents stood beside her, their expressions a careful mask of pride that slipped only momentarily when they thought no one was watching. She was the last one to board the train, a reminder of her status as the youngest and most cherished daughter of the noble House of Black.

"Do you see them?" her mother's voice was soft but commanding as she gently held Narcissa's shoulders, directing her gaze towards a group of students who stood apart from the crowd, their clothes and demeanor markedly different from her own.

"Do not associate yourself with them," her mother instructed firmly.

Narcissa nodded obediently, her heart heavy with the burden of expectations placed upon her. Her mother, though often stern, was a gentlewoman compared to her distant father, who rarely showed any outward signs of affection. But Narcissa knew better than to underestimate the quiet pride he held for his youngest daughter, even if he would never openly admit it.

"You are a woman, in the noble House of Black," her mother reminded her, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Never forget that, Narcissa."

Before Narcissa could respond, her father interjected, his voice unexpectedly soft as he addressed her. "Write to us," he said, his eyes betraying a rare moment of vulnerability as he looked at his daughter.

Before boarding the train, Narcissa gently kissed the back of her parents' hands, offering them a small, resigned smile before turning to make her way onto the Hogwarts Express. As she walked, her thoughts churned with the weight of her family's expectations, a silent monologue echoing in her mind about the importance of not associating with the "wrong sort." She couldn't afford to be seen with anyone who didn't meet the standards of her esteemed lineage, not if she wanted to maintain her place in the hierarchy of society.

Finally finding her sisters who had boarded earlier, Narcissa approached them cautiously, her gaze flickering nervously between the crowded platform and her siblings. Bellatrix, as always, was quick to voice her disdain for those she deemed unworthy, her sharp words cutting through the air like a whip.

"I swear every year they let on more of those mudbloods," Bellatrix remarked disdainfully, her eyes narrowed as she watched the crowd outside the train. "Dirt of the wizarding world."

Andromeda, ever the voice of reason, sighed in exasperation, her patience wearing thin with her sister's constant rants. "Not this again," she muttered, closing her book with a resigned shake of her head. "You might get into a fight before we even get to the school."

"No one could hear me," Bellatrix retorted defiantly, her tone unapologetic as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Narcissa kept her head down, a silent observer in the midst of her sisters' discord. She knew better than to engage in their arguments, understanding all too well the consequences of defying the expectations placed upon them by their family.

"You excited?" Andromeda asked Narcissa, breaking the tense atmosphere with a hopeful smile.

"Yes, a little nervous but yes," Narcissa replied, returning her sister's smile with a small one of her own.

"Any idea what house you want to be in?" Andromeda inquired, her curiosity evident in her voice.

"She's going to be in the same house as us," Bellatrix interjected confidently, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You're just like us, Cissy."

Like them, Narcissa thought, uncertainty flickering in her chest. She was like them, wasn't she? But as the train began to move, Narcissa couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, she was different.

"Probably Slytherin," Narcissa replied to Andromeda's question, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she glanced out the window at the passing scenery. "Where else would I be?"

Bellatrix smirked, her tone dripping with subtle disdain. "Certainly not Gryffindor," she remarked under her breath, a hint of pureblood supremacy coloring her words. "That's where all the mudblood sympathizers end up."

Andromeda sighed softly, her troubled expression speaking volumes as she exchanged a glance with Narcissa. Though she remained silent, the weight of her disapproval hung heavy in the air, a silent plea for Narcissa to consider her own path.

Narcissa nodded slowly, her gaze flickering between Bellatrix's confident smirk and Andromeda's worried eyes agreeing with Bella, and not Andie.

Narcissa found herself lost in thought, do I want to be like Andie or Bella? Does it matter in the end? How do I know who I am if they always end up speaking for me? Before she knew it, they had arrived at Hogwarts, the castle looming in the distance. As the students filed off the train and onto the platform, Narcissa's heart fluttered nervously in her chest, her steps hesitant as she followed the crowd.

As Narcissa made her way towards the castle, her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces among the sea of students. And then, she saw her – Alice Fortescue, standing near the entrance to Hogwarts with a warm smile on her face. Narcissa couldn't help but feel drawn to her, captivated by her kindness and the genuine warmth that seemed to radiate from her.

Approaching Alice, Narcissa couldn't help but notice how pretty she was, with her kind eyes and welcoming demeanor. With a confident stride that mirrored Bellatrix's assertiveness, Narcissa approached Alice, a small smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

"Hello there," she greeted, her tone polite but tinged with a hint of superiority. "I couldn't help but notice you standing here all alone.”

Alice chuckled softly, her friendly demeanor unfazed by Narcissa's slightly haughty tone. "Oh, I'm just enjoying the view," she replied with a smile. "And you must be Narcissa Black, right? I've heard quite a bit about you."

Narcissa felt a surge of pride at the mention of her name, her chest swelling with a sense of importance. "That's me," she confirmed, her tone confident. "And who might you be?"

"I'm Alice Fortescue," Alice introduced herself, extending her hand in greeting. "Nice to meet you, Narcissa."

Narcissa accepted Alice's hand with a polite nod, her mind racing with questions. She couldn't help but wonder about Alice's blood status, a question that had been ingrained in her since childhood. Without thinking, she blurted out, "So, Alice, what's your blood status?"

Alice's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of discomfort crossing her features. "I'm pureblood," she replied hesitantly, her tone tinged with confusion at Narcissa's blunt question.

Narcissa's smirk widened, a sense of satisfaction coursing through her veins. "Good," she remarked casually, her words laced with the same arrogance that Bellatrix often displayed. "We don't need any Muggle-borns or sympathizers polluting our ranks, do we?"

Alice's expression darkened at Narcissa's words, her friendly demeanor replaced by a steely resolve. "I don't believe in blood purity," she replied firmly, her voice unwavering. "I believe in treating everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their blood status."

Narcissa's smirk remained at Alice's defiance. The other girl scoffed and turned away

As Alice turned to walk away, her head held high, Narcissa couldn't help but feel a sense of regret wash over her. She had wanted to be friends with Alice. But now, she realized Alice was not near her level at all.

As she watched Alice disappear into the crowd, Narcissa couldn't help but stare.

“Shame, she was pretty too,” Narcissa noted before turning away, Alice Fortescue was part of the wrong sort she needed to avoid.