Ad Mortem Festinamus

Narcissa would have liked to pretend that she had given this a whole lot of consideration, that she had resolved reluctantly to attend that party that Bella had spoken of. But it wouldn't have been true. In fact, she hadn't thought more than ten seconds about it, or rather say, her resolution to go had been there right from the start, she had rather tried to find some sound reason why she would not go, and had failed to come up with sufficient arguments.

Bellatrix was positively delighted with her own doing. If nothing else, she had made her prissy little Cissy go to a party - voluntarily - and that was already a huge success. She also took on the negotiations with their parents - since Andromeda's lapse, they were even more protective and suspicious, but she swore that she would look after the girl, and their mother's relief outweighed their father's anxiety by far. Amandine wasn't blind; she found that Narcissa had to learn how to get along with other people, because she and her husband wouldn't always be there. Cygnus on the other hand believed that Bella was a good chaperone, after that disaster with Andromeda, and fortunately, he had no idea that the 'sly scoundrel' could be acquainted with his oldest daughter.

The two witches carefully prepared for the evening; for the first time in their lives really, they were having fun together. They chose their robes together - dark red velvet for Bellatrix, dark blue silk for Narcissa, their jewellery - opals for the elder, aquamarines for the younger, and to relax their father, a stole to disguise Narcissa's décolleté, which they got rid of as soon as they were out of Cygnus' sight. Bellatrix counselled her little sister on the perfect perfume, make-up charms, hairdo, and also advised her how to behave around men. Principally, her attitude was fine - cool, poised, dismissive - but sooner or later, she'd have to show Lucius Malfoy that his advances wouldn't be totally in vain.

Narcissa wasn't quite sure that he'd even try to advance her, all she wanted was to see him once more, and apologise to him, maybe. Bellatrix on the other hand hadn't got the slightest doubt that Lucius would do nothing else but trying to get off with her beautiful little sister - any man with eyes would try to give her the come-on. There was only one thing she hadn't considered in her plot - she hadn't informed the man himself. She hadn't thought of it, she hadn't met him between Christmas and New Year anyway, because his father claimed his son's presence at home. Now Lucius, ignorant of the unexpected appearance of his crush, and determined to try and have some fun that night, had picked up some Italian exchange student that he had met shortly before the holidays, and asked her to accompany him. Isabella was dark and beautiful, with endless legs and a voluptuous bosom, black curls and olive-green eyes - in short: a model that was pretty good in bed, as he had found out in a broom cupboard in College, half an hour into their acquaintance. Pretty as she was, she still bore no comparison with Narcissa Black, but he had given up all hope in this respect.

Host of the party was Rabastan Lestrange in his Bloomsbury apartment. Everyone that mattered between eighteen and sixty-eight was there, even Stubby Boardman, singer of the newcomers of the year, the Hobgoblins, had assented to come and give a private gig. Knowing the rules of effective appearance, Bellatrix had decided that she and Narcissa wouldn't show up before a quarter past eleven, and since they'd have never got Cygnus' consent to go so late, they left his house at eight o'clock and apparated to her and Rodolphus' house, to have a couple of drinks.

She was careful; Narcissa must not be drunk, but three glasses of Champaign did the job and made her loosen up. "So? Are you excited?"

"A little bit... Only a little!" Narcissa suppressed a giggle. "It's just that I haven't seen him for so long..."

"And what will you do now that you will see him?"

"I? Do? I'll do nothing!"

"That's my girl. Let him do it."

"And what do you reckon will he do?"

"Look at you like a child looking at the Christmas tree! And then, he'll scrape all his bravado and come over and say hello and ask you to dance and as soon as he spots a chance, he'll try and kiss you." Bellatrix winked at her. "You've never kissed a boy before, have you?"

"And I'm not about to," Narcissa protested with pink cheeks.

Bellatrix laughed heartily. "We'll see about that, little sister!"

Narcissa's heart was beating madly when they climbed up the stairs, less due to the exertion, but because of the prospect to see him again. She felt in a daze, nodding to whatever Bellatrix said - the blood rushing in her ears made her almost deaf. The door to the apartment opened - they went in - Bellatrix was welcomed by her husband and brother-in-law, and a couple of others. Narcissa hardly noticed all this, she had seen what she had been looking for so dearly.

There he was, handsome as ever, dressed in black, his bright blonde hair shimmering in the flickering lights of a thousand candles that were floating in mid-air. She was so nervous, she didn't even register her sister and that one's husband whispering - Rodolphus reported under his breath that good old Lucius had come in the company of a mind-blowing Italian, Bella hissed some curses and ordered him to 'take care' of that problem. Consequently, Rodolphus and Rabastan left and waited for Isabella, who had just gone to the bathroom, and 'accidentally' poured an entire bottle of claret over her satin robes. Naturally, that had to be treated with great care - such gorgeous, expensive robes! - and Rodolphus proved considerable talent as an actor in the following hour, during which he dropped a burning cigarette on the fabric, tore the hem line and ruined her satin shoes as well.

In the meantime, Lucius had spotted the one person he hadn't reckoned with, almost spilling his drink with surprise. One glimpse sufficed to make sure that Isabella was nowhere to be seen, and without really knowing what he was doing, he headed towards the entrance to say hello to the sweetest of all creatures. He knew she hated the sight of him, but that didn't count in this second, he just wanted to hear her voice once more, even if it was merely for a rebuke -

"Narcissa!" His voice was quavering and he cleared his throat. "How wonderful to see you!"

"Good evening, Lucius," she replied just as hoarsely.

He shot Bellatrix a swift glance, on the verge of hugging her for her compliance. "What - what a pleasant surprise! Good evening to you, too, Bellatrix -"

"Good evening, Lucius," Bella said, gesturing expressively behind her sister's back. "I suppose you've already met Rodolphus? If you haven't - he's dealing with a little problem, but I'm sure he'll return sooner or later!"

He understood her meaning, wanting to hug her once more. He had totally underestimated her potential kindness! "Sure! Yes, yes - but excuse my manners, Miss Black - I - I was just so surprised to meet you! How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you! And you?" She was beaming at him, thoroughly unable to wipe off that ravished expression.

"Enchanted as always when I see you!"

"And how do you like College? Is it as bad as you've feared?"

"It's even worse, I'm afraid. But don't let us talk about such unpleasant trifles!"

"What would you like to talk about then?"

"I'd like to hear more from you, Miss Black!"

"I thought we had already agreed on first names, Mr Malfoy?"

He smirked and gazed at his own feet. "I'd be glad to return to that, I merely didn't wish trespass your own prohibition -"

She blushed. "Oh! Oh, I see... Please, forgive my bad behaviour that morning, I - I was very much distraught and... My overreaction was unpardonable, I suppose..."

"Not at all, I assure you! I was insensitive and inattentive -"

"Oh no, no!"

Utterly unnoticed by the two lovebirds, Bellatrix raised her eyes to the ceiling, sighed and left unobtrusively. She had carried out her task, and she trusted Cissy's common sense far enough that she wouldn't do anything rash. Lucius shuffled his feet, apologised for his thoughtlessness to call on her on that of all mornings - she fiercely shook her head, assured him that she now thought he was very thoughtful - he modestly declined a couple of times - she vividly insisted just as often - and then he finally managed to gather whatever wits he had got and asked her to dance.

At last! He had thought it would never happen! He had hoped to dance with her on his graduation ball - they hadn't come so far - and the very next moment, she had sworn that she never wanted to see him again. He needn't hear her excuses - a creature so perfect need never excuse - to hear that she had changed her mind was enough to make him exquisitely happy.

She danced lightly, elegantly - of course, he hadn't expected any other thing; everything about her was elegant and light. He had one hand in the small of her back, itching madly with excitement, he felt her body so close to him, closer than ever before, and he spoke a silent prayer that he wouldn't get an erection, because honestly, he had never felt only half as aroused. Narcissa had no clue of his concerns, feeling far too thrilled herself. Her hand was in the small of his neck, his silky hair tickling her fingers, and instead of his worries about possible erections, she was scared that her nipples would show through the thin fabric of her robes; she had never been remotely as aware of them as she was now.

"You're a marvellous dancer," he said lowly, incapable of turning his gaze away from her for a second.

"I should forward that compliment to my father - he's shown me how to dance - but from what I've heard, he wouldn't do you justice."

"Oh well... I would lie if I claimed that he hadn't frightened me a little... But if you allow me, I'll face up to him squarely."

"Is that - was my father the reason why you've - uhm - why I haven't heard anything from you ever since...?"

He looked straight into her eyes when replying, "No... I swear, a thousand times I meant to call on you. I thought of hardly anything else since then. Your father just clarified the point, you know? You said you hated the sight of me, and I just believed you. I know I've never done anything to deserve your regard, and I didn't want to - to molest you..."

She blushed again. "I was that awful, was I?"

"You could never be awful, Narcissa. You're perfect, just the way you are."

"Oh yes, I perfectly frightened you away!"

"I was a coward when I let you of all persons frighten me, wasn't I?"

"I don't know!" She remembered Bella's advise and put on her most mysterious smile. "But I believe that bravery is widely overrated."

He laughed. "You think so?"

"Yes!" She laughed as well. "Though that does not mean that I wouldn't have been pleased if I had heard from you."

"You cannot imagine just how much better the past few months would have been for me, if I'd had the slightest notion that you could feel that way!"

"I bet you never had to wait that long, right?"

"No. But neither someone only half as worthy to wait for."

"You expect me to believe that?"

"You needn't believe. All I want is that you give me a chance to prove it. All I ever wanted was to get one chance to prove you how much you really mean to me." He looked so earnest, Narcissa thought she would swoon if it weren't for his arms holding her straight. She had forgot all her objections, all her doubts. At some point during those past months, she had realised that she wanted nothing but him, despite all those doubts, that her self-imposed constraint hadn't made her happy, but the time they had spent together had, strangely enough. They had had some real fun together, she had missed him, she had missed everything about him, even the come-ons that she had always claimed to resent so much.

They danced the next four dances until they both were out of breath, and Lucius lead her out onto the balcony. He had completely forgotten about his original companion, who was getting more and more impatient in the kitchen, uttering Italian curses under her breath with each of Rodolphus' clumsy faux-pas. Poor Rodolphus would do anything for his wife, and to say the truth, he increasingly enjoyed his mission. Annoying that bitchy witch was fun, and he discovered so far unknown creativity. The robes couldn't be saved, so much was sure already, nevertheless he assured Isabella that everything was fine, absolutely no problem, his wife removed stains far worse than this on a daily basis...

"Whadis wrong wiss you, Signore Lestrange? I ged see impression sat you are doing sis on purpose!"

"Signorina, please! My only wish is to be helpful! Potassium is a sure remedy for custard stains!"

"I know a spell, Signore Lestrange, sat is a sure sing!"

"Oh no. No, no, Signorina Falluci. My wife swears that nothing works better than potassium. A spell might do more harm than good!"

"Don't talk such nonsense, Signore Lestrange!" She produced her wand, but he tried to unwind it from her hand, they struggled and - a well-aimed push with his elbow hurled a bowl of punch all over her. She screeched, she gasped, hurling a real curse at him, missing him by inches, and then his saviour came through the door - his beloved wife, showing her most sardonic smile.

"Rodolphus!" She cried, pretending to be scandalised. "What are you doing there?"

"Bella, it's so good you're here! Signorina Falluci wouldn't believe that potassium is the only way to remove custard!"

"Honey, potassium is good for yolk. Let me give it a try!"

Isabella protested, but nobody could stand up to Bellatrix Lestrange when she was on her way. Two minutes later, half of Isabella's skirt was on fire, she was shouting madly, Bella sprayed water at her out of her wand, ruining her hairdo, too. This was the straw that broke this camel's back.

Out there on the balcony, Lucius and Narcissa had toasted, watched the first premature fireworks and to say who of them was more thrilled would have been a hard one to call. He had asked her whom she was going to kiss at midnight, trying his best to sound as if he was joking, and she had forced herself to laugh, even though her heart was beating so hard she could barely stand upright. "I'm not sure yet! Perhaps you, if you're nice!"

Until very recently, she had meant that she would never want to kiss anyone, the idea that someone stuck his tongue into her mouth - eww - but right now, she had forgotten all about her disgust. In fact, both of them had nothing else in mind than kiss each other as soon as possible, but typically, they both also staunchly believed that their secret hopes would tumble and crash down if they just acknowledged this. He had taken off his overcoat and put it over Narcissa's bare shoulders, she had meant to decline, but when feeling that the fabric was still warm, and that she could smell his scent, she said nothing. The closer midnight came, the less they were talking - Narcissa was getting more and more worried because she had never kissed anyone. What if he didn't like it? If he thought that she was a boring cow or something? If she disappointed him?

Of course, Lucius wasn't worried about his abilities as a kisser, but nonetheless nervous. How long had he waited to get a chance with her - how dearly had he craved it? What if he messed it up? If she felt rushed by him? Inside of Rabastan's apartment, people began the countdown for midnight, and determined to prove that he was no coward, Lucius took Narcissa's glass and threw it over the balustrade together with his own. Narcissa swallowed, putting on a saucy smile that belied the bees in her belly. Oh dear, she felt all weak and dizzy, overwhelmingly excited, and he came closer and closer.

Five - he stood directly in front of her, only inches separating her breasts from his chest -

Four - he put an arm around her waist -

Three - his other hand reached for her neck -

Two - he looked into her eyes, deeply, longing - or was this only her wishful thinking?

One - he seized her near, faintly smiling, and closed in for a kiss.

She could not have described the sensation - the havoc inside her, she was melting away in his arms, the sensation of his lips on hers was like glowing embers, burning her, taking her breath away, making her arch against him as close as she could... He was very gentle, much more than she had expected, he tasted as marvellously as he smelled, and without quite knowing what she did, she kissed him back with a passion that she hadn't meant she could possess. She let her hand glide through his silky hair, and then, she felt him open his mouth the tiniest bit, she felt his tongue tipping against her bottom lip and retreat again. Sod all her childish notions, this was incredible, she opened her lips, too, and very slowly, so very tenderly, he began to play with her, explore her mouth with his tongue.

It wasn't the least bit disgusting, but the very opposite, she clang to him like dear life, convinced that she'd sink on the spot if he let go of her now. His arms were strong - for the first time in her life, she could see one merit in Quidditch - his chest was heaving, his kisses grew harder, more demanding, and she was happy to give in without any serious opposition.

She was so totally bewitched, it took her quite a while to register that something had hit her hard over the head - perhaps she wouldn't have noticed it at all, if Lucius hadn't stopped to kiss her. Only then, she heard that someone was shouting - in Italian - shouting curses and very rude insults - a female voice - and rather bewildered, she turned around, seeing a witch in thoroughly ragged robes which threw glasses at them while continuing to scream on top of her voice. Behind her, Bella, Rodolphus and that one's brother came running, trying to stop her from getting her wand.

Narcissa shot Lucius a swift glance, finding him look like someone who had just been caught in flagranti, and at once she knew everything. This witch was - what - his present girlfriend - or mistress - whatever, it was all the same. How could she have been so stupid?! Had she truly believed he had waited for her?! Had she been that naïve?! Oh, Mary Mother of Jesus!

She took a deep breath, pursed her lips and swirled around, slapping him twice with the back of her hand. She didn't wait for an answer, but turned back to the outraged witch, telling her in Italian that she was sorry, that she had had no idea that he was already engaged for the evening, that she was free to do with him as she pleased, and just in case she felt like beating him up, she ought to give him a good kick from Narcissa, too. And thus, she threw his cloak away and marched out, her head up high. She was followed by Bella and Lucius, too, but a quick Stunner kept him from pursuing her any further. "Did you know this?"

Bella did her best to keep pace, gasping, "Not until we arrived -"

"And still you let me make a complete idiot of myself?! Thank you, sister, thank you very much!"

"Get off it, Cissy! That bitch means nothing to him -"

"Of course not! He cares for nothing and nobody!"

"He cares for you!"

"Yes, from twelve a.m. to noon!"

"Cissy, be sensible!"

"I am sensible, at last! Now I don't want to hear another word on the topic, or I swear, you will regret it!"