Hey, Soul Sister [Lucius/Narcissa]

Chapter Fifty-One

If it weren't for Lucius's arm around her, Narcissa was certain she would've lost her balance. She kept her focus on Andromeda and did her best not to lose the composure she'd so painstakingly kept in place for the Aurors. She'd been rather proud of herself, but now, it was incredibly tempting to crumble.

I don't know if I can lie to her.

Narcissa's heart pounded so quickly and viciously she was certain she would become ill. She glanced to Seraphina, wondering whether the Malfoy matriarch shared her husband's views on Andromeda's dishonor, and when Seraphina only smiled and inclined her head politely, the tight knot constricting Narcissa's chest eased a bit.

Narcissa returned her focus to her sister. Andromeda's mouth was set in a tight, cautious line, and her stomach protruded somewhat, which led Narcissa to wonder how far along her sister was in pregnancy. Andromeda's posture was tense, and though her eyes were reddened, she no longer appeared to be despairing over the news.

"Would you care for tea, Andromeda?" asked Seraphina.

"No, thank you," Andromeda said quietly.

Seraphina nodded. "Shall we let them talk in peace?" She started for the door and gestured the Aurors out with her as she stepped into the corridor and closed the door behind them.

Narcissa exchanged glances with Lucius, who had gone pale. He opened his mouth to speak, but Andromeda spoke first.

"You stay."

Lucius's shoulders stiffened. Narcissa slipped out from under his arm, gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and led him to the chaise, where they sat across from Andromeda, who perched uncertainly at the edge of the armchair by the dormant hearth.

Silence filled the room. As she watched Andromeda fidget with her shirt sleeve, Narcissa wondered whether a silence between the two of them had ever felt so oppressive.

"How have you been?"

Narcissa was so startled by Lucius's voice being the first to enter the air that she dizzied herself turning to look at him. His expression was blank.

"Today notwithstanding, I mean," he continued.

"Fair," said Andromeda with a light shrug. "My condolences on... your father." She sighed and closed her eyes.

Narcissa's mouth went dry. The brief attempt to divert the conversation from the problem at hand had failed far more quickly than she'd anticipated.

"I want the truth." Andromeda opened her eyes and held her sister's gaze, and Narcissa tried her hardest not to falter. "I want to know who killed him."

"Andi, we don't—"

"I don't believe you, Cissy. But I don't think you understand." Andromeda pulled in a long breath. "If either of you had anything to do with this or if you know who did, I'll make sure Ted keeps the Aurors from sniffing in that direction."

Narcissa blinked. She's not serious. She can't be.

"I know what he was capable of." As Andromeda continued, her eyes and the set of her jaw grew hard. "If he... If he had it coming, I'm not going to let the person who stopped him be punished for it."

Lucius's grip on Narcissa's hand tightened, and she ran her thumb slowly along his knuckles, hoping to reassure him. Still, she kept her eyes on Andromeda's, searching them for any sign of deception.