Twilight Gardens

In the November of that year, Lucius nonchalantly mentioned that the Old Man had died in his sleep. Lucius lazily played with a few loose strands of his own hair and said, "The house elves are cleaning his room of the stench right now. I suppose the funeral will be some time next week. I expect the lawyer will be here with the will either today or tomorrow."

Severus' voice was lost. What condolences could he offer to one who wasn't grieving? As Severus continued to feel awkward, Lucius switched subjects over to the next Death Eaters meeting. Lucius' uncanny devotion to Lord Voldemort had already won the Dark Lord's favour and he was therefore privy to a tad more information than most other Death Eaters.

The following Wednesday, the Old Man's funeral drew Malfoys and their kin from all across the Wizarding World. Narcissa arrived beside her parents, looking even more slender than usual in a flowing gown of black velvet. Though she had been trained all her life to behave herself during sensitive social situations, it was impossible for Narcissa to completely conceal her amusement when she saw Lucius and Severus huddling together and whispering into each other's ears. Obligated to personally greet the mourners, Lucius left Severus by himself in the corner of the room. While Lucius stood with his mother dutifully by the Old Man's casket, Narcissa accosted Severus.

"It's unbelievable!" Narcissa grinned menacingly.

Severus looked up, her voice having startled him out of his stupor. He narrowed his eyes, "What is that?"

"It's unbelievable that you and Lucius are more than five feet apart and yet both of you are still breathing," said Narcissa maliciously. "I didn't know such a thing was possible."

Refusing to allow himself to be bullied by Narcissa, Severus replied coldly, "I wouldn't have thought you capable of keeping your legs less than five feet apart."

Narcissa made a gentle growl of indignance. Severus removed his gaze from her scandalized face.

"Actually," Narcissa pronounced, regaining her composure, "it doesn't surprise me all that much that you two are finally starting to pull apart from each other. Now that the Old Man is sleeping with the worms, Lucius will be expected to take a wife and father an heir."

"The Old Man wasn't expected to do that until he was in his fifties," Severus shook his head. "Lucius has yet to reach his twenties."

Narcissa shrugged, "The Old Man didn't have his inheritance depending on his marriage."

"You mean Lucius has to marry or he won't receive his inheritance?" asked Severus sceptically.

"Exactly," nodded Narcissa. "Oh and it is quite a hefty inheritance. I'm sure he won't have too great a difficulty finding a bride, so long as he ends his little relationship with you. He would be the total package if he weren't so interested in your package."

"You seem a little jealous, Narcissa," Severus smirked.