Beyond a Constellation

Monaco

Narcissa's steps emulated against the wooden staircase as she rushed toward the fireplace. Excitement fluttered in her chest despite her composed exterior. She clutched her luggage tightly as she made her descent. Today marked the beginning of a newfound freedom.

"Narcissa," Druella's sharp voice called out. Her gaze swept over her youngest daughter, taking in every detail with a critical eye. "Remember what we've discussed." She warned, "This trip is not an excuse for frivolity."

Narcissa turned, steadying her expression and keeping it neutral. "Of course, Mother. I understand."

"Do you?" Druella's eyes narrowed slightly. "You are representing this family. The Blacks do not indulge in recklessness. Is that clear?"

Before Narcissa could respond, Cygnus entered the room, commanding even in silence. His expression somewhat stern. "Your mother is right," he said, "You're young, but that's no excuse for carelessness. I trust you to uphold our family's reputation."

Narcissa nodded, her practiced poise unwavering. "Yes, Father."

She turned back toward the fireplace, preparing to grab the Floo powder, when she felt a sudden, unexpected weight on her shoulder. Turning slightly, she found Cygnus standing closer than she anticipated. His expression softened, and before she could process what was happening, he pulled her into a firm embrace.

The gesture stunned her. Cygnus Black was not a man of affection, not one for hugs or tenderness. Narcissa stiffened for a moment, unsure how to react, but then she gave into the embrace, her hands tentatively resting on his back.

For a brief moment, the world seemed to quiet. The cold detachment she had always associated with her father gave way to a warmth that felt foreign yet oddly familiar, like a long-forgotten memory. Something she couldn't name stirred within her, a tiny piece of herself that had long been hidden beneath layers of poise and duty. Perhaps it was the girl she had once been, yearning for a moment like this—a moment that said she was seen, valued, loved.

"Take care of yourself, Narcissa," he murmured, his voice so low it barely reached her ears.

She blinked, trying to mask her surprise as she whispered back, "I will, Father."

The hug ended as quickly as it began, and Cygnus stepped back, his face once again unreadable. Narcissa turned toward Druella, whose expression mirrored her own confusion.

With the Floo powder clutched tightly in her hand, Narcissa stepped into the green flames. She paused for just a moment, glancing back at her parents. Cygnus's gaze lingered on her longer than usual while Druella's stern features shifted slightly; maybe it was a flicker of concern.

"Malfoy Mansion," Narcissa called, her voice steady, and in a swirl of emerald light, she vanished.

The room fell silent except for the soft crackling of the fire. Druella turned to her husband, her arms crossing over her chest. "What was that?" she asked, her voice dripping with disbelief.

Cygnus's eyes remained fixed on the fireplace, his expression distant. "She's my daughter," he said simply, as though it were explanation enough.

Druella frowned, her lips pressing into a thin line. "You've never been sentimental, Cygnus. What has gotten into you?"

For a long moment, he said nothing. He didn't understand it himself. Perhaps the reality of sending her away with another man stirred something within him. Then, with a quiet sigh, he turned away, his voice trailing behind him. "A father's instinct, maybe? Leave it be."

Druella watched him leave, her confusion deepening. In all their years together, she had never seen Cygnus Black act with such tenderness. And yet, in that fleeting moment, he had shown a side of himself she had never known.