Behind the Closed Doors

Chapter One


The First Encounter


Narcissa Black had always been a happy child. Even though she was the youngest one of her siblings, Narcissa knew she had everyone wrapped around her little pinky. She was the most fair in her complexion when compared to her sisters, Andromeda, the eldest of three sisters, was fiery red and Bellatrix, the second born, was dark…inside and out.

When Narcissa entered Hogwarts, Bellatrix began her fourth year and Andromeda her sixth. Narcissa, like Andromeda, was sorted in Ravenclaw while their sister was in Slytherin. Narci was always around Andy in school. She had always felt closer to her than to Bella and that feeling increased ten fold when she was sorted with her oldest sister.

One night, at the end of the school’s term, Narcissa snuck out of her dormitory in search of Andy who was supposed to return already. Andromeda was a Ravenclaw prefect and was making rounds that night. She was always meticulous with her time and when she had not returned at the end of her shift, Narcissa snuck out to go look for her.

When Narcissa rounded another corridor, she stopped in her tracks at the scene in the hallway. She could hear her sister’s voice, hushed but stern, telling a wizard to let her pass and that something was none of his business. The boy she was talking to was at least a head taller than Andy’s; he was facing her while blocking her from Narcissa’s view.

Narcissa could easily identify the wizard even in such poor candlelight. The wizard had should-length platinum blond hair that was bound by a leather thong at the base of his neck. That coloring was a legendary trademark of all Malfoy family members.

Narcissa quietly walked closer so she could hear their conversation. She knew for a fact that unlike Bellatrix, Andromeda could not stand the Slytherin, and no doubt wanted to get away as far from the arrogant git as possible. Narcissa decided that she would aid her sister if the need should arise.

“Think of what you are doing, Black.” His aristocratic voice chimed in the almost empty corridor. “Do you really think that your family will approve of your little infatuation with a mudblood?” He spat the last word.

“My affairs are none of your, Malfoy.” Andromeda fired back. “Now if you would just let me through, I will bid you a good-night.” She tried to walk around him but he suddenly pushed her against the cold stonewall and imprisoned her between his arms. “Let me go, you insufferable snake!” She pushed at him in vain.

“When I am good and ready,” he whispered and began to bend his head down to… steal a kiss?

Narcissa had had enough. No one was going to bully her favorite sister around, not if she had something to do about it. She took out her wand, aimed it at the Slytherin and said aloud, “You are good and ready now, Mr. Malfoy,” before whispering ‘Wingardium Leviosa’, making the Slytherin fly toward the ceiling and then turning him upside down which in turn caused his wand to fall out of his pocket and clatter to the stone below. Then she shook him for a good five second before looking at her sister with a triumphant smile.

“Narci,” Andy said in shock. “What are you…?”

“Get me down, you little brat!” The Slytherin howled, bending his neck in such a way so he could see his assailant. His frown intensified when he caught her lips moving as she whispered another incantation and then lowered her wand down. The wizard waited to fall since the wand was no longer supporting him. It never happened. “What did you do?” He shouted again, mostly because he was surprised that a first year did not need a wand to deal with him.

“Mr. Malfoy,” Narcissa addressed him once again. “It astounds me that your noble family can carry out such foul mouth wizards as your self.” She said highly, eyes blazing. “How dare you mistreat my sister in such manner?” She placed her hands on her hips as she continued. “You should be thankful that I am willing to allow you hang about all night instead of reporting you to the headmaster.”

“What do you mean hang about all night, you little brat? I am head boy so you better get me DOWN if you know what is good for you! NOW!”

“You are being much too rude, Mr. Malfoy.” Before he could say anything else she waved her wand and silenced him. “You might wake the whole school with your unseemly manner.”

“Narci! You shouldn’t have interfered!” Andromeda admonished, pulling her sister along toward their dormitory.

“And let that git paw you?” She answered a little too loud and then bit her lip like she said something bad. “It seems your presence, Mr. Malfoy, is demolishing my good upbringing. You make me say unseemly things.” Taking a deep breath, she looked up to his wiggling form and said, “My sister and I bid you a goodnight, Mr. Malfoy.” And they both went on their way, leaving the Slytherin wiggling in the air of the cold corridor alone through the night.


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By the next afternoon it was clear to the two Ravenclaw sisters that all the Slytherins knew what had transpired between them and one of the most dangerous Slytherins at Hogwarts at the moment.

Narcissa was not sure whether the obvious glares the Slytherins sent her way were in anger or pity. No one retaliated against her, however, nor lashed out. It felt like a calm before a terrible storm was about to strike. She felt very uncomfortable with the whole situation so she hid in one of the girls’ lavatories in the school. It was a good thing that it was Sunday and she had no classes or homework to attend to.

“Calm down, Narci,” Andromeda said soothingly once she had finally located her. Although she was grateful for her little sister’s assistance the night before, she was just as anal about what was coming their way. She was sure that by now Malfoy would have done something to get back at them, but alas, there wasn’t even a tiniest prank thrown their way beside strange glares and hushed whispers.

“I am calm, Andy.” Narcissa assured. “I just feel a little uncomfortable with all the maddening stares, that is all.”

“I know what you mean.” She sighed. “I just wish I knew what those snakes were thinking.” Andromeda puffed angrily.

“Well, aren’t you glad that one of your sisters is in that snake pit?” A new, sarcastic voice echoed in the loo.

“Bella!” Andromeda and Narcissa said at the same time.

“The one and only,” she answered smugly. She slowly walked toward her sisters and then deliberately circled Narcissa, clicking her tongue as she did so. “Well, well, well, Narcissa. It looks like the little princess is not so perfect after all.” She stopped between her sisters, still looking at Narcissa and tapping her foot rapidly on the tiles, creating more echo than was needed. “You have gotten your self quite into sticky situation…with a Malfoy none the less.” She said the last part mostly to herself.

“What do you know, Bella?” Andromeda stepped between her sisters. Bellatrix and Andromeda were never close, mostly due to Bella’s jealousy toward her older sister.

“What don’t I know, you mean.” She smirked lazily and stepped to the side so she could address Narcissa once more before continuing. “I wouldn’t have believed you actually used your spell on Malfoy the way you did if I haven’t seen him floating in the air, upside down no less.”

“Please be more specific, Bellatrix.” Andromeda said sternly.

“Ooh, ‘Bellatrix’. We are being serious, are we not, Andromeda.” Bella mimicked her sisters.

“Please, Bella.” Narcissa prompted her before her sisters could get into their pointless arguments.

“Fine.” She continued. “It was Crabbe that found Malfoy floating like a rag doll. That blimp is always hungry and it is never a surprise when he leaves the common room in search of food. I was still in the common room when the pig returned, all purple in the face for having run back. I watched him stomp up the stairs to the boys’ dormitory and a minute later emerge with that half-blood, Severus Snape.”

“We take potions and charms together. We even partnered up for a few projects.” Narcissa provided absentmindedly.

“So I’ve heard.” Bellatrix rolled her eyes. “Anyway, of course seeing the two of them run out in a hurry made me curious so I tagged along to see what had happen.” She reminisced with a smile. “Imagine my surprise when I found Malfoy, the head boy of school, floating about the corridor. It took about four tries before Snape had finally managed to break the spell our little sister placed on Malfoy.”

“Why ask a first year to do it though?” Andromeda asked confused. “Wouldn’t it insure the gossips?”

“If you were observant enough, you would have known that even though a pureblooded Crabbe is a sixth year like your self, he is dumber than a house elf. And if you are wondering about Snape, well it seems that it doesn’t matter that he is a half-blood. As a first year he has already proven that his mental and magical capabilities are superior even to some of the seventh year students. That was the reason why Malfoy summoned Snape. If that gorilla attempted to brake Narci’s spell than Malfoy might have ended up stuck somewhere between this and next week.”

“We could only hope.” Andromeda murmured.

“Crabbe was the one who mentioned the incident to some of his buddies even after Malfoy warned us not to breathe a word of this.” She smirked again. “He is paying for his mistake right now.”

“Is it only the Slytherins that know?”

“Yes, Crabbe’s punishment was a warning to us all. What happens in the Slytherin stays in the Slytherin.”

“So what now?” Narcissa wondered. “Is he planning to retaliate?”

“I am not sure what to make of his behavior.” She answered honestly. “He did ask me a lot of questions about you though.”

“What did you say?” Narcissa frowned.

“The truth…well actually he used legilimens on me so whatever I know about you he does now as well.”

“Bella, he forced himself into your mind and all you could do is bat your lashes in admiration?” Andromeda asked appalled.

“I admire power, can you blame me?” No. They all knew that Bellatrix would sell their dear mother if enough power were presented for the trade. “And Malfoys have lots of power. Dark power.” She whispered in a trans and than snapped out of it a second later. “That reminds me why I came looking for you in the first place.”

Narcissa and Andromeda looked confused at their sister. Wasn’t she there for moral support or provide information at least?

“You guys are too gullible.” She smiled wickedly. “I just felt pity for you Narci and that was the only reason I let you know what was going on in my house, knowing full well you would never pass it around. My mission was to find you and to rely a massage.”

“What massage?” Narcissa’s throat felt suddenly dry.

“Malfoy is expecting you near the lake at lunch time.”

“The nerve…”

“Stay out of this Andromeda!” Bellatrix warned darkly. “He is no longer concerned with you.”

“Like I care…”

“You better start caring, sister, if you want our family to remain within the circle of high society.”

“What are you talking about? What does our family status have to do with yesterday’s incident?”

“You know very well that the Malfoys were interested in bonding with the Black family seeing as how our family is more than six centuries old and pureblooded. Why else do you think Malfoy was trying to get closer to you?”

“But what does Narci have to do with this?” Andromeda asked both relieved and frightened.

“The Malfoys are still interested in the Black family.” Bella stated and pursed her lips, a gesture that she was not going to give out anything more on the topic.

“You cannot be serious that he is actually considering.” She worriedly glanced at Narcissa and then at Bellatrix. “He makes me sick!” Andromeda huffed.

“What?” Narcissa asked, not really understanding the turn their conversation had taken. She was still very naive in many aspects of life.

“It’s nothing, Narcissa,” Bella replied. “Go on to the lake. You do not want to keep him waiting for too long after what you did to him last night, do you?” She ushered her sister out of the lavatory with impatience. “Do not frat, Narcissa. The yard is full of students if you are afraid to speak alone with him.”

“I am not afraid of having a civilized conversation with Mr. Malfoy.” Narcissa answered.

“No, Narci.” Andromeda said in a panicked voice from the entrance of the lavatory. She tried to walk to her little sister but the invisible shield prevented her from doing so. They both knew that Bella was responsible. “You don’t understand…”

“Oh, go on, already. Think of the pride you would bring our parents just by meeting with him.”

“Alright,” Narcissa agreed and faced Andromeda. “I will let you know how it went when I return to our dorm.” Leaving her sisters alone, Narcissa went to have the conversation with the notorious head boy.

TBC…
(THE TEXT BELOW IS AN ADDITION TO THIS CHAPTER)

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It did not take Narcissa too long to reach the lake. The blue waters looked calm, which indicated that the squid was asleep below its’ surface. Narcissa could see a few students out, sitting on the green grass or walking around the lake, enjoying a beautiful, sunny day. The head boy, however, was nowhere in sight.

As Narcissa began to head back to the castle, she noticed a tall wizard leaning against the trunk of an old tree not too far from her. The leaves were casting a cooling shadow around him. Malfoy. Sucking in a deep breath of air, Narcissa squared her shoulders as she approached the Slytherin. Once Narcissa was facing the wizard, she made sure to keep at least three feet between them just in case the older boy wanted lunge at her.

Lucius just stared at the blonde nymph. He still could not comprehend, how this little slip of a girl…a first year witch, who barely reached up to his sternum, nonetheless, had bested him, Lucius Malfoy, the night before. The Slytherin couldn’t help but smirk down at Narcissa as she tried her best to be patient.

“My sister explained that you wished to see me?” Narcissa finally asked. She was already agitated from all the stares the Slytherins have been giving her all morning, having Malfoy to do the same was becoming really nerve wracking.

“Yes,” was all that Lucius replied and then persisted to inspect the witch that would belong to him alone once she reached maturity. Lucius had a few hours to think while he was hanging upside down in the corridors the night before. At first he thought of all the ways he would painfully make the Black sisters pay. After the humiliation they had put him through, his body and mind was vibrating with retaliation.

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Plotting against the Black family would not be a problem. He knew that calling off the betrothal between him and Andromeda would be a low blow to the Blacks, but honest to Merlin he did not want anything to do with that mudblood-loving little slut. Their fathers agreed upon the betrothal the past summer. He couldn’t even remember what the redheaded witch looked like at the time until he saw her at the welcoming feast.

Lucius was smart enough to understand that if he and Andromeda were eventually to wed, they would have to get more acquainted with one another. She did not seem to be too sore on the eyes so courting her; in Lucius’ mind was the first step to that union. However, no matter how many times he tried to corner her, that Tonks mudblood was always lurking around her. Seeing Tonks and Black make out under the bleachers of the Quidditch pitch was the last straw for Lucius and the reason why he was confronting Andromeda in the first place that night.

Lucius wanted to talk to his father as soon as possible and let him know that he was no longer interested in the union and wanted nothing more to be with Andromeda Black. As far as Lucius was concerned, Andromeda was a blood traitor and therefore had no business polluting any Malfoy linage.

The longer he hung, the calmer and more rational he became. Lucius could not help but think of the youngest Black sister. That little firecracker actually had the power to deal with him. Her blazing blue eyes, wild blonde hair and stubborn chin made her look absolutely amazing - so strong and powerful and beautiful. Even at the tender age of eleven, Lucius could see the beauty she would become one day. All he had to do was wait until she reached maturity and that was exactly how he would kill two birds with one spell.

He would humiliate Andromeda by passing her for her baby sister and keep Narcissa under his thumb for the rest of her life. In his mind, the plan had no flaws. In his mind Narcissa Black would become his. He knew that his father was still interested in uniting their families together. Lucius would accommodate his father’s wish as long as it would be the youngest Black sister he got to marry. No one else would ever take the place of the next Madam Malfoy.

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“Mr. Malfoy!” Narcissa was exasperated. She had been trying to address him the last minute. When he eyes finally focused on her she asked once more, “What is it you wish to discuss with me?”

“You,” he finally answered and took a sudden step toward her.

“If you are wishing for my apology, sir, I assure that you will be disappointed.” She stated proudly. “I did what I did last night because I was protecting my sister. Even though you are her betroth, you have no right to mistreat my sister in any way.”

“I am not.” He stated calmly.

“Not what?” Narcissa drew her eyebrows together in confusion.

“Her betroth any longer.” He explained.

“What?” she asked aghast. Narcissa knew that her parents would be die from embarrassment if the Malfoys would breach the contract.

“I am no longer betrothed to your sister or at least I won’t be once the documents will be disposed of.” Lucius explained. “I have already spoken with my father earlier this morning regarding this matter and he will allow me to do as I please.” He spoke so calmly like he was talking about the weather and not her family’s dire situation.

“Don’t you think that you are making your decisions too suddenly?” Narcissa stammered. “You should way your options carefully before making such drastic decisions.”

“You little brat,” Lucius sneered, somewhat annoyed, “you actually dare to tell me what I should and should not do.”

“All I am saying is that if you make such irrational decisions, others will suffer.”

“You have got to learn something about Slytherins, Ms. Black,” he calmly explained. “Unless something is a direct benefit to us, we don’t give a flying hoot about it.”

“It was my understanding, Mr. Malfoy, that your family valued purity in our world.”

“Oh, believe me when I say that pureblood matters to my family above anything else,” he assured her. “And that is the exact reason why I no longer want anything to do with that blood-traitor sister of yours.”

Narcissa did not reply right away, thinking over what he said to her or the real reason behind it. “Why are you telling me all this, Mr. Malfoy? I am just a child for heavens’ sake, am I not? Honest to gods, I came out here prepared for any hexes you might want to throw my way. What is the point in telling me that you no longer wish to have anything with my sister? Shouldn’t you be negotiating this with my father?”

“I have spoken with my father this morning and I am sure that he has already sent an owl to yours. For the reason why I am telling you all this is because I want you to be aware that even though I am no longer interested in Andromeda, I still wish to bond our families to continue the Malfoy line.” He waited for the information to sink in.

“You mean you want Bellatrix to replace Andromeda?”

“Good heavens, no.” Lucius actually shuddered at that disgusting notion. “I absolutely see nothing appealing about your dark sister. That witch is crazy without a doubt and I have no desire treading in that water.”

“Then…”

“It’s you,” he cut her off. Lucius took another step toward her. “I pick you to carry out the next Malfoy line.”

Narcissa blinked, twice, at the crazy wizard. “Hanging upside down throughout the night must have really addled your brain cells, Mr. Malfoy, for I have no intentions treading in your water. I am but a first year and it disturbs me greatly that you have even a slightest notion in that platinum blond head of yours that I would ever agree to this.”

“I never planned to ask you or get your approval, you little brat. I will not have you question my decision.”

“You, sir, are crazy!” She turned around and began to make her way back to the castle, completely dismissing the frustrating wizard.

Unfortunately for her, Lucius Malfoy did not take it lightly when someone dismissed him. In rage, Lucius grabbed Narcissa by her blonde tresses before she could take her third step and roughly pulled her back to him, turning her around to face him in the process. Lucius bent down so they could see eye to eye, seething quietly as he informed her in a whisper.

“You might be a child now, but you won’t be one forever. You will grow and mature, becoming the envy of most witches. And when that happens, I will have you.” Narcissa tried to pull away but he only held tighter, twisting her silky hair harder. With his silver eyes scorching, he continued. “These are my last few weeks here in Hogwarts and therefore I won’t be able to be around to see you turn into a swan. That does not mean, however, that I will be left out of the loop. Heed my warning now, brat, and make sure that you stay pure and untouched. If I find out that you are playing around with wizards, giving them false hope, not will I only destroy them but you will also find out what it means when I am really displeased.” The crazy wizard actually kissed her forehead before lightly pushing her away from him.

Still in shock, Narcissa stumbled backwards as she tried to get away from the Slytherin, shaking her head in denial all the while. Collecting her wits, Narcissa stuck her nose in the air before turning back to the castle.

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So what do you think? I am not too sure I want to continue since not too many people liked this story. Only a few gentle souls replied.