The Marauders Rise (II)

Malfoy Manor

June 7, 1974

A large and ornate mahogany door opens, and the bright afternoon sun spills onto a beautiful and glittering foyer floor. NARCISSA, clutching a large trunk, steps into the house and takes in the scene.

NARCISSA: Wow.

From behind her, LUCIUS enters, also holding a trunk.

LUCIUS: Welcome home, Cissy.

NARCISSA: This is where you live? (she sets down her trunk and walks throughout the huge foyer, gazing up at the tall, cathedral-like ceiling).

LUCIUS: Malfoy Manor. Born and raised.

NARCISSA: (turning to face him and smiling) Well, thanks for having me. You know it's difficult for me to go back to Grimmauld Place right now-

LUCIUS: Of course. I understand. (he takes her hand and briefly spins her around, as if they were on a dancefloor).

NARCISSA: Woo! You've got some moves, Malfoy.

They continue to dance rather amateurishly, smiling and laughing, before LUCIUS holds NARCISSA in a tight embrace and kisses her passionately.

LUCIUS: It all begins now.

NARCISSA: (resting her hands on his chest) If we're gonna do this- you have to promise me that you'll be safe.

LUCIUS: Of course I'll be safe. Safe from what?

NARCISSA: Lucius, come on. We both know what tattoo is on your left arm right now. And we know the kind of danger that that puts you in. That puts both of us in.

LUCIUS: I know. I promise- no dangers. No trouble.

NARCISSA: Make sure my sister watches your back. Because you're my family now, Lucius. And my family is my life. No matter what, I'll stand by you and you'll stand by me. Okay?

LUCIUS: On one condition.

NARCISSA: (curiously) A condition? Which is?

LUCIUS gets down on one knee and produces a beautiful, shining diamond ring. He quietly slips it on NARCISSA'S finger and holds her hand tightly.

LUCIUS: Narcissa Black. Will you marry me?

NARCISSA, slightly stunned, gazes at the ring on her finger and begins to cry tears of joy. She looks at LUCIUS and smiles.

NARCISSA: Yes. Yes, I will. (She holds his face in both of her hands as she kisses him once more) I love you.

LUCIUS: I love you, too.

Together, LUCIUS and NARCISSA stand in each other's embrace in the huge foyer of Malfoy Manor, with quiet music playing in the background and the late afternoon sun illuminating their faces.