Work Text:
Narcissa felt a surge of amusement she smothered at once as she stared with unyielding eyes at her patient.
“What a pity.’’ She said sternly, “I try to fix you and keep you away from St Mungo’s but you ruin my hard work and come back over and over again. I’d rather not have to look after you this much. Is there no alternative for you traipsing through every dangerous corner in Wizarding Britain and annoying every renowned criminal?”
“I apologize for the bother Miss Black.” Came his answer with considerably more enthusiasm than he should be showing after being reprimanded, ‘’I don’t know how to pay your debt for taking care of me.”
Narcissa twirled her wand again and scoffed as she read her parchment:” You’ve repaid your debt to us a thousand times over with the number of Death Eaters you caught. I’d prefer for you to stay away from this place.”
Harry Charlus Potter chuckled and she worked hard to suppress the need to roll her eyes. She knew that he could not be easily put off by terseness, or one would never get anything out of him if he didn’t cooperate.
He moved restlessly making the muscles under his shirt shift and winced.
“I told you not to move Mr Potter. You should listen to your Healer.” She scolded him again and he smiled sweetly.
“I do listen to every word you utter Miss Black. As a matter of fact, I wish that you would listen to me as well and dispense with the titles. We are close acquaintances and I reckon that Mother is your favorite aunt.”
Narcissa ignored him and took a look at his blood results.
“Not here. This is my work place and at this rate, I should start wondering if you’re concocting schemes to spend this much time here. I’m astonished that you’re considered the best Auror there is with how often you get incapacitated.” She exclaimed nonchalantly and wasn’t surprised when he gasped with fake hurt. She knew how much he loved dramatics.
“Now, you wound me. It feels like you’re don’t trust in my hard work and good intentions. I’d like to remind you like I swore the Auror Vow at the age of eighteen and we Potters take our vows very seriously.”
Narcissa’s lips twitched despite her iron control.
Of course she knew, after all her beloved Aunt Dorea was married to Lord Charlus Henry Potter and she witnessed since young age how fulfilling her life was.
Their love story was the talk of Wizarding Britain. Lord Charlus Potter was a fresh graduate when he, despite the unsavory past and the magical affinity, asked for an audience with Lord Arcturus Sirius Black and asked for Dorea’s hand. He didn’t just ask, He declared her his; the keeper of his Potter heart and called the meeting a simple formality.
It looked like Arcturus admired his bravery and will of steel and agreed which gave birth the first Black-Potter bonding recorded in history.
Narcissa had no doubt that among her relatives; her Aunt Dorea was the happiest. Dorea followed her dream and became a Healer, which was the real reason for Narcissa's career choice.
Dorea gave birth to two sons. James, the elder and Heir Potter and Harry, the younger and Heir Peverell chosen by the family magic no less. It was the news that caused an uproar that lasted for weeks when he claimed the title at the age of seventeen after his customary Blood-Test showed the name that was long thought extinct.
Harry, unlike James, was not fond of spending his time confined in the Wizengamot chambers. He broke the tradition, yet again, and became an Auror. The best Britain had ever seen.
Of course she knew of his talent in defense and dueling, they were classmates after all.
Like she knew of his interest in her…
Harry started chasing her since their fourth year but Narcissa never gave him the answer he wanted. It wasn’t that his feelings wasn’t reciprocated, she was quite attracted to him as well.
But Narcissa wasn’t free do as she fancied. She knew that her father, Cygnus Black III was not fond of the Potters. The prejudiced man still believed in the Pureblood supremacy even though Voldemort was long since vanquished thanks to the combined efforts of the Potters and the Longbottoms.
Narcissa was aware that her father planned to arrange a betrothal contract with one of his close friends. She dreaded which one he would choose, but she knew that she wouldn’t be able to stay idle anymore.
She loved her father and wished that he would veer from the path he was following, however, every passing day extinguished her hopes and made her understand that there would come a day when she would be forced to show him that she was not ‘a thing’, she was her own person free to do as she pleased.
“Miss Black?” Harry’s voice burst the bubble of her thoughts.
“Yes?”
“I’ll be meeting James and Lily later for dinner, how about you join us?”
And of course, Harry couldn’t let a chance pass without asking for another date.
“I’m afraid that I have to decline. I have a night shift.” Narcissa said as she watched Harry carefully, hating his crestfallen expression.
Falling in love with him was not only overwhelming but alarming as well. She never thought that she would ever let her guard down, never allow someone such power over her, and if she did, she might very well become as obsessive and domineering as her sister Bella.
Harry never failed to steer these peculiar feelings in her heart and she wondered how much longer she could resist.
He cleared his throat and fastened the buttons of his shirt. He raked his fingers through his wild long locks, a gesture she linked with nervousness, and stood up.
He towered over her and she liked and hated the feeling at once. It reminded her how strong he was, physically and magically, yet how tender he was too, how much he could shield her from the ugliness of the world.
“I hope that your next answer will be different. Thank you again for helping me and have a nice day.”
Harry bowed and left her to the longing tearing at her heart.
Narcissa retreated to the privacy of her office and sat at her desk. She should embrace her feelings and give Harry what they both deserved. Better that than to continue deceiving their hearts.
Carefully, Narcissa uncapped the inkwell and dipped her quill, and began to write a latter that was overdue.
Her father might get outraged but he would come around eventually, he was no match for Arcturus, Melania, Dorea, Charlus and Orion combined.
⋆——————✧◦♚◦✧——————⋆
Harry groaned and glared at James who couldn’t hide his amusement.
“Bloody wanker.” He murmured sullenly under his breath.
“Harry! That’s no way to address your brother.” Dorea chided sternly and he pouted.
“But I’m fine Mother. Narcissa examined my wounds thoroughly. There‘s no reason for me to attend another boring party...”
“But not thoroughly enough, poor Harry.” His blasted cousin, Sirius Orion Black, faked a cough and his mother hissed like an enraged viper.
“I had it with you, young men. James, Harry and Sirius you will make yourselves presentable and do as you’re asked. I won’t have you besmirch your families’ names. James, my dear, have you invited Lily?” Dorea’s voice softened as James’ fiancée was mentioned.
James, the besotted fool, smiled and nodded:”Yes, Lily is eager to spend an afternoon with you Mother. She wants to meet Aunt Melania again.”
Sirius snorted and Harry rolled his eyes. He loved his brother, truly, but his devotion to Lily was sickeningly sweet at times.
He sighed as he remembered the beautiful blond who would not give him the time of day.
Narcissa stole his heart years ago and there was no remedy that could cure him.
It all started when he was roaming the corridors with James and Sirius, going over new tactics that would knock the Lestrange brothers off their brooms.
Their chuckles and rambles were halted as they heard someone talking:”Miss Evans, if you want to become a part of our world you’d better start learning. You’re a gifted witch, yet you failed to grasp the deep nuances of magic. Never address a witch or a wizard as Dark making it sound like an insult. Our magical affinity is not something we chose, it’s ingrained in us since birth. Let’s take your best friend Mr Snape for instance, or my dear cousin Sirius, they’re both Dark wizards however you respect them. What you said to Miss Selwyn is unforgivable. She’s a good Dark witch and nothing is wrong with that. I know that you fancy my cousin and if you want to have a future with him, please do start learning more about the world you want to be part of.”
Harry gasped as a searing pain cleaved his heart in two, while Sirius snorted and James hissed:”Narcissa!”
He ignored them as he rubbed his chest and watched James hurry to ask what happened.
During the argument between her and James, Narcissa stood tall with no facial reaction whatsoever.
Lily seemed disheartened at first, before she put a hand over James’ arm and shook her head:”I think she may be right James. You accepted me as I am and tried your best to learn about my world, it’s time I return the favor. Narcissa is right.”
Sirius shook his head and Narcissa smirked.
“That’s Narcissa for you.” He mumbled, “She managed to succeed with one conversation while we, cowards, failed for years to broach the subject with Lily fearing her outburst.”
Harry nodded absently, his brows furrowed and his eyes glued to Narcissa’s profile.
He knew her of course, she was a distant cousin and someone he like to watch from afar. They had some fleeting encounters during the Black family meetings their mother enjoyed dragging them to.
Unlike the kind Andromeda and the assertive Bella, Narcissa always seemed aloof and icy.
She held herself with the pride ingrained in every daughter of House Black, yet she was unattainable.
Even among the snakes, she was in a class by herself. She was a brilliant student who aspired to follow in his mother’s steps and become a Healer. She was always proper and haughty.
Some accused her of being frigid and called her the Ice Queen but Harry knew better.
Narcissa was his mother’s favorite niece, someone she cherished and guided diligently.
He knew what made her so reserved. It was her father.
Cygnus Black III was a cruel man, someone who, in his quest to have the perfect daughters, abused them mentally.
Each one coped with their father’s behavior I n a different way.
While Andromeda opted to ignore him and follow the path of kindness, Bella enjoyed rebelling against him.
Narcissa became closed off, guarding her feelings with ardor.
He chased her since his fourth year, yet she never gave him a glimpse of hope.
Sometimes, he could swear that she looked at him with love shining in her light blue eyes but every time he tried to get closer, his advances were rebuked.
He wanted so bad to know what went inside her beautiful head. Narcissa was unattainable like a star.
He was startled as Sirius clapped his shoulder:”Let’s get ready Harry, Aunt Dorea will come back soon and I’m nor looking forward to be reprimanded again.”
“But…” He whined.
“Come one Har, let’s spend an hour there and then we’ll sneak out. I want some alone-time with Lils.” James grinned and he shuddered.
He was absolutely not eager to learn about James’ plans.
“Fine. But you’d better keep your word.” He lamented and his two partners in crime exchanged a disturbing look.
※ ·❆· ※
Grimmauld Place was bursting with lavishly dressed guests.
Harry knew how much Walburga enjoyed displaying the Black wealth.
He didn’t dislike his aunt per se, nevertheless she was not his favorite.
He wandered through the ball room, greeting acquaintances and old schoolmates. James ran to his fiancée as soon as she showed up and he couldn’t blame him.
Lily was a brilliant witch; beautiful, talented and kind. She, and her best friend Severus Snape, were running an apothecary in Diagon Alley and their business was thriving.
His mother was proud of her beloved future daughter.
He heard Sirius' groan and his head swiveled around. He stiffened when he noticed the newcomers.
Cygnus Black III was escorting Lord Abraxas Malfoy and his son, the irksome Lucius Malfoy.
He knew that Lucius had his eyes on Narcissa for years. His advances were thwarted repeatedly, but the git never stopped.
“Bloody peacock.” Sirius snorted.
“I don’t like this Padfoot.” Harry gritted and Sirius nodded.
“Narcissa will never agree, don’t worry Har.”
His blood froze as Cygnus steered his guests toward the office room. Lucius threw a lecherous glance toward Narcissa and Harry detected how she became a shade too pale.
She didn’t move, she held Lucius' gaze for a minute or two before she muttered something to his mother.
Dorea startled him as she winked and linked her arm with Narcissa’s.
“Har, I don’t the look in Aunt Dorea’s eyes at all. I think it’s time to flee.” Sirius tugged at his robes and Harry couldn’t agree more.
“She’s heading our way so it’s too late. Plus, I haven’t greeted Narcissa yet.”
“Mate, you can show her your love later. Bloody Hell, Aunt Dorea’s smile is frightening.” Sirius wheezed and tugged harder.
“Padfoot…”
Their argument was cut as his mother and Narcissa reached their side.
He noticed the way Lucius’ eyes narrowed and couldn’t smother his amusement. He never liked the git, he personified everything he despised.
“Harry, I believe you met your savior yesterday.” Dorea’s voice was dripping amusement, but he wasn’t paying her much attention.
His eyes were riveted to Narcissa. She was a vision to behold. Her pale champagne dress made her seem like a golden queen, which she was.
“Good evening Narcissa.” He took her hand in his and glided his lips across her soft skin.
There was something different in her eyes; they stayed glued to his as he lowered her hand gently.
“Good evening Harry, Sirius.” She bowed slightly and Sirius mimicked him.
“At least you didn’t forget about me, cousin.” He interjected with his usual sarcasm and Harry yearned to punch the infuriating dog or make him disappear.
“Well, I have to help Melania and Walburga. They should be looking for me. Sirius, come with me.” Dorea gave his obtuse cousin a meaningful look.
He looked at him for help and Harry tilted his head urging him to leave.
“But…” Sirius objected.
“I think you should help Aunt Dorea Sirius.” Narcissa demanded and Sirius pouted but followed his mother anyway.
“So, how’s work going? I’ll try not to add to your burden so often.” Harry joked and stopped as Narcissa’s reaction wasn’t what he expected.
“Do you really want to talk about work now of all times Harry?” She got closer and he caught a whiff of her perfume.
It was the same fragrance he smelled in his sixth year when they were introduced to Amortentia.
Purple gardenia mixed with amber and wind.
It suited her to perfection. Narcissa was as sensual as they came yet few witnessed the moments she bloomed in secret and released her most potent perfume.
She was an unforgiving wind that you couldn’t help but surrender yourself to.
Harry was unsettled by her proximity. He raised a hand to ran through his hair but her mocking brow made him hesitate.
He worked hard to tame his wild Potter locks and it wouldn’t do to ruin Sirius' efforts. Moreover, he wasn’t eager to suffer his whining.
“I was trying to start on a neutral ground. I’ll ask for that date later.”
Narcissa gripped his hand, a first occurrence that made him dizzy, and his eyes widened as she smiled radiantly:“I’d rather have you ask tonight.”
The passion buried beneath the hoarse, simple words filled him with an almost indecent pleasure. So easily, she reached down to the deepest region of his heart and took residence there.
“You mean that I’ll finally have you all to myself for an evening?” He held her hand tighter in his, running his thumb over her skin.
As he checked the words that left his lips, he shook his head a little, vaguely surprised that he’d uttered his inner thoughts so bluntly.
Whatever was happening that night, it had shaken him badly, yet he was immensely thankful.
Narcissa cast a sidelong glance to their right and following her gaze, he scoffed when he beheld Lucius' red face.
He was close to bursting.
Narcissa smoothed his collar and continued in a casual tone, as if they were having an ordinary conversation and not declaring their intentions to the whole gathered guests who were following them with eagle eyes.
“It means that we’ll have many dates Harry, followed by a long splendid life together. It means that you’ll cease the crazy gambles with your safety just to steal my attention. Rest assured that you had it since we were fifteen. But first, we should dance.”
Propriety had no power over him as he drew her closer and whispered in her ear:”As my lady whishes.”
He felt her smile against his neck and couldn’t help his smirk.
Narcissa was the one his heart chose years ago. He could wait for her a hundred years, a thousand years if need be for she was certainly his future.