Epilogue
The next morning Druella came over to help Narcissa with last rites. The small alcove into the gardens by the manor would suffice as a burial ground, as they couldn’t put him in the family plot— especially with Abraxas believing that he had destroyed the remains.
Lucius waited outside the Alcove, tuning out the words that were being murmured. “Not interested in burying your child?” Someone called, bringing Lucius out of his thoughts.
The young patriarch looked up to see Walburga Black standing in front of him. “Druella disapproved of the idea,” he grumbled. “Quite frankly I don’t see a point in me joining anyway. I wasn’t there… I didn’t have a real connection to… it.”
“You Malfoy Men are all the same,” Walburga scoffed. “I suppose the next thing I’ll be hearing is that Narcissa is pregnant again within the week?”
“I could say the same thing about you Black Women,” Lucius snarled, gripping the head of the snake ornament in his wand. “What do you— or really, every other woman in your family for that matter— have against me?!”
“It’s not exactly you we have a problem with,” Walburga replied, narrowing her eyes as she pulled out her wand. “It’s your Father’s potential influence. Man has a reputation. A very dark one as I’m sure you’re aware. Our concern is that you’ve picked up on his habits.”
“You mean torturing your own children?” Lucius countered evenly. “Both of our families seem to have that habit, yet you’re not concerned if she has picked up on it.
“And, if you must know, yes, I’m well aware of my Father’s habits and the rumors surrounding him. But, I would never force that on Narcissa. If she needs time to recover, then time she will receive. I’m not a monster like he is. I saw the toll his deeds took on my Mother before she passed.” He swallowed a lump in his throat that threatened to make him break down; but he stood firm. Malfoys didn’t cry. At least, not when the witnesses were conscious. “I don’t want that in my marriage. I want my marriage to be something I’m proud of. Not just some opportunity to social climb.”
Walburga snorted. “I have my reasons for what I do, Malfoy,” Walburga said darkly. “I’m sure your Father did as well. But, let me deliver this warning: if I find out you’re harming Narcissa in the same way your Father tried to harm me, I will make you suffer slowly and painfully. You will be begging for mercy.”
“Walburga,” Druella called from behind them. Walburga immediately put away her wand.
“Druella,” Walburga nodded, glancing toward her niece, who had just come out of the alcove. “Narcissa. I do hope you are doing a bit better.”
“As well as could be expected,” Narcissa replied softly. “What’s going on here?”
“Your Aunt was just showing me a wand technique,” Lucius said quickly, walking toward his wife, and pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Are you okay?”
“I’ll be fine,” Narcissa whispered. “Best not to do this in present company, though.”
“Later,” Lucius murmured, turning back to his mother-in-law. “Will you be joining us for luncheon, Druella?”
“That would be lovely,” Druella responded politely.
“Walburga,” another voice called. Everyone turned to see Abraxas Malfoy standing there.
Lucius looked to see a smirk cross Walburga’s lips. “Abraxas,” she greeted. There was something in her voice, though. Something that hinted there was some tension between the two. Meanwhile, his father looked… concerned to say the least. “I would stay longer, but I think Orion needs me at the house.” She stepped toward Narcissa and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You have my condolences, Narcissa.”
Lucius watched her walk away, very confused. “I won’t stay long, Lucius,” Abraxas said, watching as Walburga disapparated before turning back to the young couple. “I just came to give my condolences on losing… your son.” He bowed his head a bit.
Lucius’s eyes narrowed a bit, but said nothing; just watching Narcissa’s reactions. “Thank you… A-Abraxas,” Narcissa stuttered, her fingers twitching slightly at her side.
Lucius took the hand into his, squeezing it reassuringly. “We should go inside, you need to rest more,” he said gently.
Narcissa nodded, turning to go inside. Lucius glanced one more time at his father, perplexed by the change… but decided to think nothing of it. His main focus was getting Narcissa better, and then focus on keeping their marriage strong while they waited for more children.