Floriculture

Solanum dulcamara, commonly known as bittersweet or bitter nightshade, is a vine belonging to the Solanum genus, which also encompasses familiar plants like potatoes and tomatoes. Its various aliases include blue bindweed, poisonberry, and woody nightshade, reflecting its diverse range and characteristics. Despite its alluring appearance, this vine carries a deeper symbolism of truth. Just as its berries may appear tempting yet harbor toxicity, the bitter truths of life often lurk beneath attractive facades

Supper was a quiet matter, with only the adults seeming to enjoy themselves. Narcissa felt discontent, despite the festive atmosphere. Even the excitement of presents couldn't dispel the unease creeping into her mind, as if her thoughts were beginning to see beyond the distractions. In the dead of night, unable to find comfort in sleep, Narcissa stepped into the hallway. She hesitated at knocking on Bellatrix's door before turning to Andromeda's. Gently, she knocked, her heart beating out of her chest.

"Andie," she called softly, her voice carrying through the silence. The sound of quick footsteps approached, and the door opened to reveal Andromeda's welcoming presence.

"Do you need something, Cissy?" Andromeda's voice was soothing to Narcissa's restless mind. "I was just writing."

"I can't sleep," Narcissa confessed as she climbed onto Andromeda's bed, seeking comfort in her sister's presence. "Writing what?"

"Just a letter to someone," Andromeda replied with a teasing smile. "Perhaps a secret admirer. Going to tell Mum?"

Narcissa chuckled softly, her thoughts momentarily distracted. "Well, considering her only criteria are pure-blood and wealthy, I suppose not," she remarked, her gaze meeting Andromeda's.

Andromeda's smile faltered, sensing the weight behind Narcissa's words. "Why?" she prompted gently, sensing her sister's hesitation.

"It's just... I don't understand why we're restricted from befriending certain people or just interacting," Narcissa confessed, her voice filled with uncertainty. "I don't understand why Sirius was disciplined, and I don't understand why we have to conform to... to what they want us to be."

"We don't have to, Cissy," Andromeda reassured her, her voice filled with quiet determination. "You can choose who you want to be."

Narcissa sighed, her thoughts swirling with apprehension. "I'm scared," she admitted, her vulnerability laid bare. "I don't want to face the same fate as Sirius. To be disciplined."

“Discipline? You can say what it truly is, I won’t judge,” Andromeda prompted.

“I– punished, I don’t want to be punished like Sirius,” Narcissa, “Why did they do that? He’s only a child.”

Andromeda's expression softened with empathy. "I don't understand it either," she confessed. "But sometimes, the best we can do is keep our heads down and choose our battles wisely."

Narcissa's gaze drifted to Andromeda's finished letter, a silent testament to her sister's defiance. "Will it always be like this? Keeping our heads down while others are punished?" she wondered aloud.

"No, not always," Andromeda replied, her eyes alight with determination. "There are some battles worth fighting for."

Narcissa smiled, a sense of reassurance settling over her. "I'd fight for you, Andie," she declared.

"And I for you," Andromeda affirmed, her gaze softening with affection. "Even if you were to marry the most pompous man in existence."

Narcissa laughed, the tension dissipating with each shared moment. "I don't think you'd let me marry him if he were pompous," she teased, feeling warm.

"Never," Andromeda vowed, tapping Narcissa's nose playfully. "Now, you should rest, okay?"

"Okay, Andie," Narcissa replied with a yawn, feeling a sense of peace over her. "Do you promise to always be there for me?"

"I promise," Andromeda whispered, her voice filled with sincerity.

Narcissa giggled, feeling a sense of contentment settle over her. "Good night, Andie," she murmured, clinging to her sister.

"Good night, Cissy," Andromeda whispered, wrapping her arms around Narcissa in a gentle embrace.

The next morning, Narcissa found herself waking up in Andie's comforting embrace. Sneaking away to her own room, she lay on her bed and stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. If she had confided in Bella, her doubts would have been dismissed without a second thought. It seemed she had made the right choice. Bella would protect her, but Andie would listen. Barely a week into her vacation, Narcissa already felt overwhelmed. Maybe next year she would consider staying at Hogwarts. "Choose our battles wisely," Andie's words echoed in her mind as she tried to steady her nerves. Her parents had never mistreated her, so why shouldn't she listen to their requests?

“Narcissa,” Druella's voice interrupted her thoughts as she entered the room without knocking, as usual. Narcissa stifled a sigh. This was her mother's house, after all. “Good, you’re awake. Come.”

Narcissa rose to follow her mother, bracing herself for whatever awaited her. The mantra of choosing battles wisely echoed in her mind as she trailed after Druella.

In the lobby, Lucius Malfoy and his father stood waiting. Narcissa's heart sank at the sight of them. She was not ready to exchange pleasantries so early.

“Hello, Lucius, good morning,” she greeted, mustering a polite smile. Her mother exchanged a look with Lucius's father before nodding.

“This is for you,” Lucius said, presenting her with a small present, his expression hopeful. “I hope it suits you.”

“Thank you,” Narcissa replied, accepting the gift and handing him the green box she had been given. “I hope you like it.”

Opening the box, Narcissa's eyes widened in surprise. Inside lay a beautiful ring, which seemed to adjust perfectly to her finger when Lucius placed it there.

“It’s beautiful, Lucius,” she said genuinely, her smile widening.

“I know, I thought it would look good on your finger,” Lucius admitted shyly.

Before any further conversation could unfold, Orion, Narcissa's father, intervened. “Right, you two can go play outside,” he declared, the command clear in his tone. “Wear your outdoor clothes, Narcissa.”

Narcissa nodded obediently, though a flicker of uncertainty danced in her eyes as she glanced at Lucius.

Once they were alone outside, Lucius looked at her with a mixture of guilt and uncertainty, as if he wasn't quite sure how to broach the subject.

“I’m sorry,” he began tentatively, his voice laced with unease. “I told my father I liked you, and he made me come down here to give you a present.”

Narcissa shrugged nonchalantly, scooping up a handful of snow and packing it into a ball. “No problem at all,” she replied casually, trying to ease the tension. “I like it, the ring.”

Lucius visibly relaxed at her words, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He reached down to gather some snow himself, his movements hesitant yet enthusiastic. As they began to play, Narcissa couldn't help but notice the way Lucius's eyes lit up with every laugh and smile. She threw the first snowball, aiming it playfully at him, and he responded in kind, his laughter ringing out in the crisp winter air.

The most fun I’ve had ever since I came here, and it’s with a boy, Narcissa mused to herself, surprised by the realization. Not my sisters, not my cousins, or my family for that matter, but with a strange boy who came here to give me a gift.

“Not bad, you could be a chaser,” Lucius teased, as he hit her in the arm. “Not a beater though.”

“Not interested in Quidditch,” Narcissa replied, hurling another snowball at Lucius and hitting him in the face. She laughed, feeling a weight lifting off her shoulders with each giggle. “How long are you staying for?”

“Until supper,” Lucius smiled. “Will you miss me?”

“Nice try, Malfoy, I’ll see you in school,” Narcissa retorted playfully.

“Ouch,” Lucius said, feigning hurt and flopping onto the snow. Narcissa laughed, and he joined in, his genuine laughter echoing in the quiet winter landscape. He really was trying to make her smile.

“You feeling better?” he asked, his tone softening.

“A bit,” Narcissa admitted, her smile widening.

“Maybe I can make you smile more when we’re older,” Lucius offered, his voice tinged with hope.

“I think you need to make sure my sisters like you first,” Narcissa laughed, enjoying the lighthearted banter between them. 

As the morning sun began to peak, Narcissa and Lucius trudged back to the manor for lunch, their cheeks rosy from the cold and laughter. However, as they entered the warmth of the house, Narcissa's laughter gave way to sniffles, and she couldn't shake the chill that seemed to settle into her bones. Lucius noticed her sudden change in demeanor, concern etching lines onto his forehead.

"Are you feeling alright, Narcissa?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.

Narcissa forced a smile, attempting to brush off his concern. "Just a little cold, I think," she replied, though her voice sounded strained.

Lucius frowned, not convinced by her reassurance. "You should rest," he suggested, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Let me get you something warm to drink."

Narcissa nodded gratefully, touched by his thoughtfulness. As Lucius hurried off to fetch her a cup of tea, Narcissa couldn't help but feel a warm flutter in her chest, grateful for his presence and concern. 

Silly Lucius, we have house-elves for that, Narcissa thought to herself.

As they gathered for brunch, Narcissa found herself seated across from Lucius, her stomach fluttering with a mix of nervousness and gratitude. Despite her lingering discomfort, she couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her as Lucius placed a steaming cup of tea in front of her. Bellatrix wasted no time in questioning Narcissa about her condition.

"What happened to you? Did you play outside without me?" she inquired, her tone a mix of concern and playfulness.

Narcissa chuckled weakly, shooting Lucius a brief apologetic glance before responding, "Just a little cold, Bella. Lucius was kind enough to bring me some tea."

Bellatrix's piercing gaze bore into Lucius, while Andromeda's smile seemed to hold a hint of challenge. Sensing the unease, Narcissa exchanged a nervous glance with Lucius before focusing on her plate. Bellatrix wasted no time in addressing Lucius, her tone sharp and accusing.

"So, what were you doing with my sister all morning?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

Lucius shifted uncomfortably under Bellatrix's scrutiny, his hands fidgeting with his napkin. "We were just... playing outside," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Andromeda's smile widened, almost as if she were enjoying the spectacle. "Playing, hmm?" she chimed in, her tone teasing yet laced with underlying curiosity.

She knew he was trying his best to be polite and considerate, but under her sisters' intense scrutiny, he seemed to falter. Narcissa cleared her throat and spoke up, hoping to steer the conversation away from the awkwardness.

"It was just harmless fun," she interjected, offering Lucius a reassuring smile. "Isn't that right, Lucius?"

Lucius glanced at Narcissa, gratitude flickering in his eyes before he nodded in agreement. "Yes, just... harmless fun," he echoed, though his voice still carried a hint of unease.

“Oh you two, they’re just children, let them play,” their mother interjected silencing the two. Narcissa and Lucius both sighed in relief. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad letting him inside her brain. She should try soon.

The vacation passed quickly, she had frequent visits with Lucius, and on the train ride back, they promised to sit together… away from her sisters who reluctantly agreed. 

"So, Narcissa, I see you've found yourself a new friend," Alice remarked, her tone laced with sarcasm as she glanced pointedly at Lucius, who was seated beside Narcissa. Alice was with some Gryffindors. That meant Sirius was around. Narcissa bristled at the implication in Alice's words, but before she could respond, Lucius intervened, his voice calm yet firm.

"We're just sitting together," he stated, his gaze unwavering as he subtly positioned himself slightly closer to Narcissa.

Alice scoffed, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Right, just sitting together," she echoed mockingly. "Must be nice to have someone to protect you, Narcissa."

Narcissa's cheeks flushed at Alice's taunts, but she refused to let her get the best of her.

"I don't need anyone to protect me, Alice," she retorted, her voice steady. "Least of all, from you."

Alice's smirk widened, her gaze flickering between Narcissa and Lucius. "Of course not," she replied dismissively. "After all, you're a Black. You can handle anything, can't you?"

Beside her, Lucius placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "Ignore her, Cissa," he murmured, his voice a comforting presence. "She's just trying to get a rise out of you."

Narcissa forced a tight-lipped smile, grateful for Lucius's support. "You're right," she replied, her tone more confident than she felt. "Thanks, Lucius.”

Alice decided to leave. Narcissa exchanged a glance with Lucius, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as they both peeked out to ensure Alice was truly gone. When Lucius flashed her a cheeky grin, Narcissa couldn't help but chuckle softly before settling back into her seat beside him.

"A few more years of this madness, huh?" Narcissa mused aloud.

Lucius nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring her sentiments. "Seems like it," he replied. "But hey, at least we've got each other, right?"

Right?

Even with the doubts in her mind?