Chimerical

Christmas'61

Flashback: In 1958

The click-clack of her pumps blended in the Ballroom buzz. The annual Christmas Party the Black's threw were generally a hit, but it was nothing compared to the New Year's Eve Ball the Malfoy's threw. Gathered in the Parlor were elegant, poised pureblood witches- sipping champagne and merely "discussing" their recent accomplishments. One thing that hadn't changed the past year was her lack of tolerance for socialising with pureblood Mama's. Lucille silently prayed, hoping that she had downed enough alcohol to make it through the next 2 hours.

Ever since she realised how wrong they were with their superiority complex and all, she could barely stand listening to the same old 'Mudbloods are scum' nonsense. However, she was smart enough to hide her distaste. If her behaviour rose suspicion of any kind, she'd lose all her inheritance, status and family. She'd probably be locked in the dungeon or even possibly dead. She was too young to die. There were so many things she still needed to do— travel Europe and America; explore muggle literature; find love and live her anything-but-mundane life.

She sat down next to her mother, politely smiling and acknowledging her guests. Catherine Malfoy firmly nodded, approving her attire for the occasion. Although she looked invested in the conversation, the Matriarch was as disinterested as her daughter. She cared not for all the gossip and chatter. She hardly cared about frivolous dresses and flashy pearls. But as a woman from a privileged society, it was her duty to host lavish balls and carry out traditions. She had to set an example for her daughter whether she liked it or not. And she did that perfectly; her children thought their mother was perfect and they too, will have to be— it was their destiny.

She turned to her daughter. "You will leave on the sixth. Everything has been arranged."

Lucille nodded. Finally, she thought. She had been wanting to go to America for a very long time. She would go to New York, work in MACUSA for a year and later return to London and take her place in the pureblood society. Of course, nobody else knew of her plan to never return. She would be too far away for the Malfoys's to control her; for her to be a house wife or for her to be silenced.

"Now that you have graduated Lucille, when is the engagement?" Mrs Selwyn asked her.

She fought the urged to roll her eyes. Lucille gave her a tight lipped smile. Was that all they think women were capable of? Running a household and delivering male heirs. She knew that her life had more meaning than that. And honestly, she never wanted kids. She grew up with messed up parents who played perfect to amuse a vain society. Apples and trees, she thought quietly. She was programmed to pathetically fail at motherhood.

"Very soon Mrs Selwyn. I'm still looking for the one." She answered.

Catherine scoffed. "Nonsense, many suitors try to court Lucille everyday. She hardly likes any of them."

The ladies laughed. Most of them really had no say in who they married. But being a Malfoy meant she could do that. She also made it clear that she would get married young only if she was allowed to pick her husband.

"Don't you realise how privileged you are?" Mrs Blackthorne asked.

"Oh don't start your monologue Pricilla; we haven't even made it to the minuets yet." Catherine said coldly.

Pricilla Blackthorne looked away. "The sooner she is married, the sooner she can serve the Dark Lord."

"She will not have to wait for marriage; he has made her the exception." Her mother said smugly. "Lucille has always been the best in her Potions class. Once she is back from America, she will make use of her talents and be the Dark Lord's Potioneer. On another note, what has your son been doing Pricilla?" Her mother asked sarcastically.