Chapter 09 - The Young Heir of House Black
Few were the expectations that Narcissa held for the roles she would play in life, and certainly being a tutor was not among them, especially for a cousin who until recently didn't even exist. However, she accepted the responsibility of instructing the boy with an unusual pleasure, observing her husband's expression of anger upon learning of the boy's existence, making the remaining days of the year considerably more enjoyable.
Although she certainly did not show this happiness while savoring a delicious piece of chocolate cake, delighting in watching her husband's fit of rage, breaking all the fine oriental porcelain in the mansion.
Definitely, she wasn't happy to see her husband's misery... what a terrible wife she was...
However, she was filled with curiosity regarding this newly appeared cousin, the same one who had thwarted all the plans of her simple-minded husband. The letter she received from her great-uncle, although containing basic information about the boy, left much to be desired in terms of details. The old patriarch carefully concealed important details about the young man in the skillfully written nuances of the letter.
This indicated that Arcturus Black was assigning significant importance to the boy, which further heightened Narcissa's curiosity. The man was not someone who easily attached himself to mediocre individuals.
As the tutor appointed by Arcturus for the boy, it was evident that she was summoned to shape him into a true Black in every aspect. Her cousin had spent nine years in a Muggle orphanage, and thus, Narcissa anticipated encountering an individual lacking manners, awkward, and with little courage to meet others' gaze. Transforming the boy would undoubtedly be a challenging task, but she was determined to accomplish such a feat.
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Crossing the Secure Barrier that enveloped the entire mansion's territory, Narcissa gazed upon the imposing structure that had been her home for much of her life, her icy and cold blue eyes carrying a touch of nostalgia.
She advanced on a black high heel along the stone path that meandered around the fountain, heading towards the majestic stairs that led to the massive oak doors. Intricately carved into the wood, the crest of House Black, a raven with red eyes and wings spread open, adorned the doors.
While ringing the doorbell, Narcissa allowed herself to reminisce about the days she had spent in this mansion. Although marked by the strictness of the rules, she learned that the best part of her life was living in this mansion with her sisters, cousins, uncles, and grandparents. A place where she was not seen as a monster in everyone's eyes.
Perhaps that's why her mother, Druella, and her aunt, Walburga, raised her and her sisters this way, forging strong women to survive in this world.
As she reflected on the dearest memories flooding her mind, Narcissa noticed that the door had swung open. A man, dressed in a black suit adorned with silver threads, stood before her. His nearly all-white hair displayed two black stripes on either side of his head, and his impeccably groomed beard followed the same pattern. Tall and broad-shouldered, he did not seem at all like an elderly man, despite having fought for a lengthy seventy years. His black eyes were as icy as one would expect from someone with a long history of battles.
Narcissa's cold countenance broke into a gentle smile as she looked at her great-uncle – Arcturus Black.
"Narcissa, it gladdens me to see you in good health," he said in his hoarse and serious voice, which seemed to soften as his eyes fell upon her. He extended his hand, displaying the Patriarch Black's ring. Narcissa bowed and gently kissed the ring, greeting one of the few remaining relatives still alive.
"The feeling is mutual, Grandfather," she replied, casting a kind glance at the man.
If anyone witnessed this moment, they would surely think they were under the influence of an illusion spell, for the cold and arrogant Narcissa Malfoy never smiled, not even to her own children.
"Come in, tea is served, we are just waiting for you," Arcturus Black said, making way and gesturing for her to enter.
"Thank you, Grandfather," expressed Narcissa, stepping into her childhood home.
The two walked through the slightly dim corridors in silence, not an uncomfortable silence, but rather one that invited tranquility.
Upon entering the dining room, Narcissa immediately noticed the absence of her aunt Walburga Black's Animated Portrait. Typically, it would be hanging on the wall facing the door, the first thing to be noticed upon entering the elegant dining hall. Though perplexed, she chose not to question it immediately.
Then, her eyes fell upon the child seated on the right side of the table, a chair traditionally occupied by the heir of House Black.
Looking at the child's appearance, she was genuinely surprised. She had expected to see a mannerless beggar, but what she was witnessing was a small and charming prince. He bore no resemblance to her cousin Regulus; the only similarity they shared was the hair, sleek and as black as a raven's feathers.
However, Narcissa noticed something crucial, something Arcturus had not mentioned in the letter he sent her. Staring into the child's red eyes, everything became clear to her. She understood why Arcturus wanted her as the boy's tutor, and comprehended the need for such confidentiality.
The boy would be of utmost importance in the future, a pillar that would sustain the entire British wizarding community. More precisely, he would be utilized as a weapon to deter enemies within and outside of Britain. Simply by his existence, the whole of England would benefit internationally—no one would dare attack another country when there was a man who could literally command entire exercises of cursed spirits.
After all, the history books were there; it was not uncommon for one magical community to attack another. The entire world was a struggle for resources.
Excluding a few Noble Houses on Albus Dumbledore's side, all the other Noble Houses in England would easily bend their knees before him. They would finally have someone who could stand up against Albus Dumbledore in the Wizengamot, someone who would fight for their rights.
Quite literally, he would be a king.
"Dear Grandfather, you truly know how to surprise a woman," Narcissa remarked, looking at the man's presumptuous face and speaking dryly. She knew he had done it on purpose, merely to embarrass her.
"Hahaha," Arcturus responded with a low, hearty laugh.
He looked at his grandniece and gestured for her to sit in the chair on the left, facing the boy.
"Take a seat, let's talk over tea."
Narcissa released a resigned sigh and gracefully sat in the chair, her cold eyes fixed on the boy.
Translation by AI.
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Author's Thoughts: Narcissa finally made her appearance, and, to be honest, I really liked how I portrayed her.
Besides introducing Narcissa, I took the opportunity to present the idea of countries attacking each other for resources and emphasized Asterion's importance in the future of the wizarding world, something interesting that I've prepared for the future! I'm not sure if you would like something like that, but I'm very satisfied with what I've written so far!
Buy a cookie for 1 dollar and take me to the dark side!
Ko- fi.com/Asterionblack
Gratify my ego by donating a dollar... Maybe I can post two chapters per day... >.>