Narcissa Malfoy née Black sat in the sun room of her new home. The lively area was filled with natural lighting that came in from the large glass windows that made the walls and even the domed ceiling. Various plants, muggle and magic alike, were spread all about and aligned by the walls. It was a lovely place really, the prettiest room in the otherwise dark, old manor and as such, her favourite one. Especially since Abraxas Malfoy, her new father-in-law, never bothered to step into it.
"Mistress, Lady Anastasia Forger-Prince is here," a rather nervous house elf said, distracting Narcissa from her thoughts.
"Very well, please escort her here," she replied. She felt a bit bad about not remembering the elf's name but didn't want to go through the shame of asking for it. Especially when she was still establishing herself as the new mistress and she knew that filling in her late mother-in-law's shoes would be remarkably difficult.
"Cissy!" Anya exclaimed, rushing in. Even at fourteen, looking everyday more like a young lady, Narcissa couldn't miss the childish delight her cousin possessed. Just seeing that joy brightened her heart.
"Salut, Anya," she replied, wishing to keep their conversation private from the anxious elf that was now serving their tea.
Anya frowned for a moment but noticing the glances Narcissa gave the elf, replied, "Ah, je vois… Ça va bien? Tout bien avec ton mari?"*
"Oui, tout bien," Narcissa replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Anya's frown grew deeper.
"Tu sûr?" she asked, sceptically, trying to make eye contact.
"Eh bien, le problème est son père," Cissy replied, hesitant.
"Je vois…" Anya replied, thoughtfully.
Just then, the elf finished pouring their drinks and asked, "Is there anything else the mistress requires?"
"No, thank you…" Narcissa said, once more at a loss of how to address.
Anya glanced at her eyes at the odd pause. Seeing the struggle in her mind's eye, she said, "Thank you. We're fine for now but I'm sorry, I forgot to ask… What is your name?"
The elf moved nervously, hands on his ears as if trying to determine if he should answer. When he glanced at Narcissa for approval, she nodded regally.
"I am Dobby, Miss," he answered.
"Well, Dobby, as Anya and I already stated, we are alright at the moment. Please go back to your other tasks. If we need you, we will call," Narcissa dismissed him. Bowing, he popped away.
"Thank you," Narcissa said to Anya.
"Oh, that's alright. I figured that since you've only been living in the mansion for a month, you probably hadn't memorised their names yet. That is a great task for anyone and of course you cannot lose your father-in-law's respect because you have to ask for that information again," Anya waved it off and grabbed her cup of tea. She somehow managed to drink it half as daintely as her papa taught her and she'd often since Narcissa and Becky do.
"But is he really causing you that many issues? The fact that you have felt it necessary to resolve to speak French instead of English around the elves is telling. Do you truly fear that they will spy on us for him?" Anya asked after taking a sip, once more allowing her worry to show.
"I am not certain that he would but I cannot trust him either," Narcissa replied, "It's why I like coming here. It is already warded against eavesdroppers, so I can also add my own shield without him or Lucius feeling them in the wards."
"How were you able to tell?" Anya asked, surprised. Even her parents, who were amazing at all things spying and battle, weren't that good with wards, especially ancient ones.
"Lucius' mother once told me, a long time ago," Narcissa reminisced. Deciding it was time to change the topic, "You've gotten taller since I last saw you."
“I have,” Anya replied, sitting straighter as if in pride until she slumped down remembering with a sigh, “but I’m still one of the shorter ones in our year.”
“Cousin Celeste was always on the petite side,” Narcissa shrugged, unsurprised by the girl’s smallish height.
"Yes, Papa and Oncle Flip say so too," Anya replied as she nibbled on a biscuit. The act hid her uncertainty at her easy lies.
"Oh, how is Cousin Philippe? I haven't seen him in years," Narcissa said, eyes bright as she hoped for news of a favoured family member. She was happy the man had inhereted the Rosier title when her Cousin Pascal, her mother's other cousin and Philippe's older brother had passed on without siring any heirs. Philippe was a nicer, kinder soul.
"He's doing well from what his letters tell me. I have not seen him in a year, however. We do hope to spend the winter holidays there," Anya replied.
"Well, you must take some presents for him and la famille when you leave. Hopefully next year I can convince Lucius to let us join you. This year he will insist we spend it with his father since Abraxas' health has been steadily declining," Narcissa replied. She really wished she could go but she had new obligations.
"Do tell me, how is school?" Narcissa asked after a sip of her milky tea.
Anya smiled. She knew exactly what her cousin wanted to know. Not how classes were going but rather how the ranks had moved and changed ever since she and the Desmond heir graduated.
"Hmm, none of the new prefects are worth noting. Dumbledore clearly chose the blandest ones he could find. Probably hoping that he could maintain more control but we all know that will not work," she said and sipped her tea, "However, it seems the Slytherins are clinging to the one Desmond left and by extension me."
"Truly?" Narcissa asked, intrigued.
"Well yes, since he's my boyfriend now," Anya said, trying to sound casual but unable to hide her blush.
"I see," Narcissa said, taking a sip of her tea to hide her knowing smile. If anything, from what Regulus had told her -he was the only Black cousin she regularly exchanged letters with- Damian Desmond was entirely wiped by his new little girlfriend. In fact, she could recall the last bit of the letter perfectly as she had just been re-reading his letter to form an adequate reply and her littlest cousin had written quite a description on the new social and political situation at Hogwarts and especially in Slytherin House.
….I promise, it is truly a marvel to watch. And our dearest Anya, although genuine and stubborn as always, remains perfectly oblivious of her true power. The youngest Desmond follows her around like a lost wolf pup and has, incidentally, seceded all power and control to her. In truth, tiny as she is, the little pebble has not just created ripples in the quiet lake but waves… It will be interesting to witness the upcoming changes in our society.
As delightful as it is to share this news with you, my dearest cousin, I believe I must wrap this up. Before I must leave you, however, I want to reassure once more that as the new Heir of House Black you are under my protection and I am willing to assist you in any way you need. I know the Houses of Prince and Briar have taken you under their wing too, but legally and magically you are still bound to our House and the Rosiers. From what I understand your cousin Philippe is an honest man who cares for you all too. But the connection is more distant, both of blood and of geography, so do not hesitate to ask for my help.
Lovingly,
Reggie
It was somewhat sad, Narcissa thought, that her two younger cousins felt it necessary to protect her when it should be her duty to them. But then, when they saw Bellatrix's insanity and Andromeda's deflection, what else could they presume?
"Reggie told me as much," Narcissa added before asking, "When will you have the formal family meeting?"
"Well, as I'm sure you know, Demetrius is marrying Posy Parkinson this October," Anya said, nibbling on a macaroon.
"Yes, October 31st, how trite," Narcissa said with an eye roll. Really, celebrating on All Hallow's Eve was so predictable. Even Bellatrix had done it.
"Quite," Anya snorted then added, "And everyone knows November 2nd is the superior choice."
"So you've been invited?" Narcissa pressed. She really hoped Anya wouldn't be foolish enough to assist.
"Yes," Anya shrugged.
"And you will be attending?" The older blonde asked, surprised.
"Of course not, we sent them our deepest regrets. Every Slytherin knows that the first rule of survival is never meet the enemy on their playing field. I'm not about to enter the viper's nest. You can tell me all about it afterwards, anyway," Anya said with a delighted smile.
"Good," Narcissa smiled in kind. She was glad Uncle Loid had taught the younger girl well.
"Yes, we'll just have them join for the Yuletide instead. As I said, we're hoping on spending it with the Rosiers this year. It was Damian's idea, really. Papa was reluctantly impressed," the younger Slytherin said with a fond smile as she recalled that conversation. Her papa had looked so constipated, frustrated to realise the young boy actually cared for her enough to plan things to her benefit. Her mama said he just wanted excuses to hate Damian.
"Ah, I must say I am too," Narcissa said. It was clear Regulus was not wrong at all. The youngest Desmond boy was so whipped they could just maybe get him to aid them… In fact, if they played their cards right, Narcissa might just be able to make the changes to witches and wizarding children rights she so desired.
"Any news you wish to share? Like how were the Honeymoon travels to Mykonos and Lake Como?" Anya asked, intrigued.
"They were alright. Too sunny for my taste," Narcissa replied with a frown. She had been forced to carry her parasol everywhere to protect her from it.
"Oh Cissy," Anya laughed in delight.
"Some of us burn, Anya," the older girl huffed in annoyance. Somewhat jealous of her younger cousin who always tanned perfectly, never ruining her beautiful skin.
"But I do have some exciting news," she added. Anya leaned forward intrigued.
"I saw Anna recently," Narcissa said, being careful to use the lesser known nickname for Andromeda. Anya sat up straighter in delighted surprise but took the cue easily.
"I see, how is she?" She asked, neutral as she could.
"Happy, pregnant," Narcissa said and Anya's face lit up in delight.
"Truly? Oh, how wonderful," she said, barely containing a squeal. She could see in Narcissa's eyes that she was even more delighted than her. She was certain her cousin couldn't wait to become an aunt.
"Yes," Narcissa said, allowing herself a smile before she became serious once more, "I also wanted to inform you, as I plan on letting Reggie know too, that I will be starting my studies soon."
"You are truly going to go through with it?" Anya asked, worried and weary.
"This is exactly why I have to do it, Anya. Why I'm even here in the first place. To protect you and Reggie and Anna and now Anna's child. If I ever have children in the future like I hope to, I need to protect them too. And sure, I already had the Black and Rosier connections but now I have the Malfoy and…"
"And you have the Prince and Briar back up too," Anya replied, resolute.
"Yes, that too. And with my study of magical law, I may actually be able to do something. I'm just as much of a Slytherin as you, Anya. I cannot sit idle when there is so much to do. When I'm capable of using my power to enact the changes I want. So if all goes as planned, I'm starting this Spring. Even so, I won't be idle meanwhile. I'm studying up as much as I can right now and I already have some changes in mind. As pureblood children, we have very little right in this world, halfbloods and muggleborns even less. I cannot let something happen to Anna's baby. Not when I can do something about it," Narcissa said, a determined look on her face.
"Good. You were never meant to just sit still and look pretty," Anya said with fire in her eyes, "What do your husband and parents say of the matter?"
"Mother protested, Father pretty much washed his hands off of me as soon as the wedding party was completed," here Narcissa sighed, sounding disappointed about that last fact, "Abraxas is too sick to stop me and Lucius is wrapped around my little finger."
"Very well," Anya nodded steadfastly, "The Houses of Prince and Briar will back up your proposals when the time comes. After all, Grandpapa adores you and Uncle Yuri will do whatever Mama asks of him. I'm certain Reggie will help you in the same way when it's his turn and meanwhile, we can work on efficient arguments to convince your father. You've told me repeatedly that he likes a good argument. And well, your husband will always do as you ask and I know, when possible, Oncle Philippe and the Rosier House will give you the necessary support."
"Good. I will need all the help I can get for this endeavour to succeed," Narcissa whispered. Anya nodded in support. It was about time they started creating bigger change in the British wixen world. Hogwarts and their own Houses and families were merely stepping stones on the way there. It would be a long and hard battle but together, with their family, friends, and trusted allies they would succeed.