February 2nd, 1982
As Lucius entered the mansion, he saw Draco running after Dobby. "Draco," Lucius murmured, kneeling down to embrace his son. Draco smiled up at him, giggling a bit in his daddy's arms. Lucius smiled back briefly before scowling at Dobby who was cowering in his gaze. And there was clearly one other person missing. "Dobby, where's my wife?"
"Sh-sh-she's... she's locked herself in the bed chamber..." Dobby stammered. "She ordered Dobby to keep an eye on Master Draco..."
"How long ago was this?"
"C-couple hours ago, M-master Lucius..."
"Take Draco to Eileen's," Lucius ordered. He hated leaving his son with the house-elf, but he didn't have much choice. If Narcissa was locking herself up— and allowing Dobby to watch their son, something she never did— it could only mean one thing. "Tell her I need her to watch Draco for awhile, and do not report on Narcissa's condition to anyone."
"Of course, Master Lucius," Dobby said, snapping his fingers.
Lucius then apparated to the bed chamber and opened the door; hurrying to the loo that he knew was locked. He stopped briefly, hearing Narcissa's erratic sobs before knocking; hoping to gain her attention. "Darling?"
"I—I'm fine!" Narcissa sniffed.
"Do I need to open the door?" Lucius asked calmly, trying to get an idea of her mental state. If she was hysterical, he would likely need to talk her down. If she was still completely there, he might be able to ease her worries.
"No! Don't—"
"Darling..." Lucius murmured, pulling out his wand and unlocking the door, but not opening it. "Please... let me in..."
"No..."
Lucius sighed, keeping his hand on the door handle. "Flower... let me help you..."
Narcissa's voice hitched. "Okay..."
Lucius opened the door, seeing a shoebox on the floor next to her; no doubt holding the body of the next unborn child. He ignored it, though, as he quickly knelt down next to her; the stench of blood overwhelmed his nostrils, as he pulled her close to him. Narcissa wept into his shoulder.
"Why?" She sobbed after several moments. "Why? Draco was healthy... he was healthy... what did I do this time...?"
"Hush," Lucius soothed, continuing to rub her back. It hurt him to see her so distressed, and he struggled from breaking down as well, as he slowly whispered into her ear. "You did nothing wrong... you did nothing wrong..." After several moments, he pulled back, and picked her up. "Let's get you cleaned up, okay?"
She nodded, allowing him to carry her to the tub. As expected, it was covered in smeared blood; but with a simple wave of his wand, it vanished. He then placed her in the tub, helping her out of her bloody nightdress, before running some warm water. "I can wash up on my own..." Narcissa mumbled.
Lucius paused as he handed her a wash rag. He didn't want to leave her alone, but at the same time, he didn't want to cause her more distress. "Alright," he murmured, squeezing her wrist. "I'll be in the bed chamber if you need anything."
She didn't reply, just gave him a small nod. As he stood up, he paused. "I'm also going to send Severus an owl... he can brew something to help..." Narcissa looked up and met his eye worriedly. "He'll keep silent on the matter."
Narcissa nodded, turning away from him. After sending the owl, Lucius sat on the bed, listening closely for any signs that Narcissa needed him. At the same time, though, he allowed himself to give into worry. He was worried about her health, mentally and physically, and he was slightly concerned about her being able to have more children. Although they both wanted more, Lucius had to be firm that it wasn't his first priority— lest she stress about it. He had seen his mother lose herself over the matter and he vowed that his own wife wouldn't follow suit. After several moments, he started worrying and knocked. "Darling?"
A/N: Rest will be available to registered accounts on A03. Please be advised, mentions of attempted suicide.
