Waiting | Lucius Malfoy

Chapter Eight | Surrendered

Seeing Narcissa standing in her flat, not a hair out of place and wand in hand, was a shock to Guinevere's system. She had presumed that following Draco's presence in Paris, it would be unlikely that Narcissa would return to England any time soon. She slowed her erratic breathing and took a step from the fireplace as Narcissa reached for her, placing a kiss on each of her cheeks.

"My dear, I apologise for alarming you at this hour. I hope I've not spoiled your night." She looked almost bashful, as she sat back on the edge of the bed, placing her wand beside her. Guinevere stood awkwardly. Narcissa wasn't shy when it came to prying, her social cues were extremely well-tailored. However, Guinevere knew that she couldn't tell her that she'd come from the Manor.

"Of course not!" She sat beside her on the bed, placing the bag of books carefully at her feet, ensuring that the books were clear from Narcissa's sight. "I was just visiting a friend. Is everything okay?"

She placed her hand over Guinevere's. "It's about Draco," she whispered, using her thumb to run gentle circles across the back of her hand. Narcissa had always been a doting mother to Draco and she had taken on the role of 'mother-in-law' in her stride.

"Oh?" She squeezed Guinevere's hand tightly in response.

"He's a mess, Guinevere. I don't know why he did what he did, but he's torn up over it." She sighed, removing her hand to retrieve a handkerchief from her pocket. She blotted her eyes.

"Narcissa, please don't think I'm being unfair but he looked like he was coping alright from the pictures in the Daily Prophet."

"Ah, you saw those. I admit, it was classless on Draco's part, but I can't help but think it was a cry for your attention."

"That may be so, but he hasn't done as much as send me an owl since our breakup. There were better ways to get my attention."

Narcissa stiffened. "Well, now he's been lying to the both of us. He told me he'd tried to get in contact, but you were refusing to speak to him. God knows the boy has a funny way of showing his feelings. I'll have a word."

"No!" Guinevere replied, much too quickly. "I just mean, if I'm honest Narcissa, the damage has been done. There's nothing he could say that could change that now. He's as well saving his ink."

Narcissa's expression evoked surprise before melting into sadness. "I'm so sorry for everything he put you through, my darling girl. I don't think Draco truly understands what he had with you."

Guinevere took Narcissa's hand again, finding herself reassuring her in return. For all the issues she had with Draco, Guinevere could never put them on his mother. Narcissa had tried her hardest time and time again to make sure that she was kept happy, even though she did not need to. She'd truly taken Guinevere under her wing and she valued their relationship, in some ways more than her relationship with Draco.

"Thank you, Narcissa. I have to apologise, I feel as though I've not given you the answers you were looking for. I'm afraid that nothing can be done this time."

Narcissa nodded, picking up her wand from beside her and strapping it back around her ankle. Guinevere smiled, knowing this was indeed a trait she'd picked up from her. As she locked eyes with Narcissa, Guinevere tapped her own ankle, before revealing her wand placement. Narcissa sniffled before composing herself. "You're wonderful, Guinevere. I hope the next man leaves you far happier than my son ever did."

Without another word, there was a crack of apparition and she left her alone in the bedroom. Guinevere's shoulders dropped as she made her way to the bathroom, looking back at her reflection in the mirror.

"She's right," Guinevere whispered to no one. Removing her makeup and tying her hair up loosely by hand, she changed into comfortable pyjamas and got ready for bed. Just as she was falling asleep, Guinevere found herself thinking of a memory that had long been the object of her thoughts.

Draco and Guinevere had just exchanged their Christmas gifts for one another. She had sourced him a first edition of his favourite Quidditch book, something that had taken months of planning. He had smiled warmly and kissed her on the cheek as he opened the front cover. She had popped a message inside and he blushed slightly as he read it. When it came to giving Guinevere her gift, he offered her a ring box, which she opened swiftly to find an Emerald ring engraved with a G, tucked away at the back of the band. It was beautiful and she stared at it in awe as he attempted to place it on her finger.

It didn't fit. Draco had bought her countless rings over the years and his favourite jewellers knew all of Guinevere's measurements. It was a genuine surprise, to say the least, and she sat unsure of what to say. "I'll have to get it resized, but it's beautiful. Thank you." Guinevere reached out to take his hand and he snatched it away.

"Ungrateful bitch," he retorted before leaving the room. Narcissa looked at her with apologetic eyes. She rushed to follow him, quickly followed by Lucius, who was dragging his cane behind him. Guinevere rose to stand by the door, desperate to hear what words were being thrown around.

"She's too good for him, Narcissa. Can't you see it? The poor girl has put herself through hell with him and he has no regard for any of it." She overheard Lucius whispering furiously. Narcissa mumbled something incoherently in response. Guinevere hadn't waited to hear anymore.