Whispers of a Raven by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 9

Much to her relief, this would be the final nightshift she would be working until the staff rotation came full circle once more. For the most part, she didn't mind what had once been the quieter periods in the hospital. This was simply no longer the case anymore.

The attacks had been almost nightly over the past couple of weeks, having become more frequent and no less violent. She had lost count of how many muggles she had treated, how many all but dead pairs of eyes she had looked into and bodies she had seen be tagged before they would be disposed of.

She shook her head as she sat up in bed, the early afternoon sun pouring through her window.

Narcissa had never expected being a healer to be an easy job, but she had not been prepared for this. However, she took comfort in the fact that it would not be her dealing with the aftermath of these attacks once her next stint at St Mungo's was complete.

Another trainee would take their turn on the frontline and maybe she could put it to the back of her mind for a while.

Not that she could forget what she had seen, nor the warring thoughts she had regarding her sister's involvement in what was happening.

What Bella was thinking, she did not know. She would not pretend to understand the workings of her twisted logic.

Not wanting to induce a headache, she reluctantly left the comfort of her sheets and readied herself for the day.

Entering the kitchen when she was done, she was greeted by the sight of her father who appeared to be in a sourer mood than usual.

"Whatever plans you have tomorrow night, forget about them," he grumbled. "We are all going for dinner at Walburga's. Apparently, your grandfather has summoned the entire family."

"I'm supposed to be having dinner with Lucius tomorrow," She reminded him.

Cygnus shook his head.

"Then he can accompany you with us," her father sighed. "It's not as though he's a stranger and Rudolphus will be there."

Narcissa nodded.

"I will write to him and let him know."

A part of her still didn't understand why she had agreed to go out with him again. Perhaps it was because she knew it would be expected of her. If she declined an invitation without good reason, it would cause all manner of issues with her father.

It would not do well to be seen snubbing such a prominent heir.

He was charming in his own way and appeared to be genuinely remorseful for what happened during their first date. Both had found themselves on different sides of a disagreement, but Lucius had been the one to seek her out and apologise.

"You'd best do that now," her father suggested.

Narcissa took her leave of the room and returned to her own.

She didn't think her grandfather would mind. He knew Lucius's father well enough and she doubted anyone else would object to his presence.

(Break)

For over a week, Millicent had been avoiding him, palming him off with excuse after excuse but he remained as polite as ever despite how urgent the matter was becoming. What was happening in the world had already required meaningful intervention and not the minimalist effort being given. Now, with the increase in attacks that Alastor was reporting, the were nearing a pivotal crossroads.