Goodbyes Date: 19th August Time: Mid-morning, just before this Location: Malfoy Manor Characters: Narcissa Malfoy, Draco Malfoy
Narcissa hugged her tall son, kissing his cheek and smoothing his hair as she stepped back. He didn't look quite well, and he'd been quiet and avoidant enough to make her worry, but she was carrying out an exercise in self control.
A suitcase stood a few feet from them, charmed small and light, and Narcissa had her light cloak over one arm as it was drizzling outside. She was leaving to spend a few days at Langdale, with Lucius and Bellatrix, and while she would be back for the gala (and had bought a lovely new robe in black and gold), she might extend her visit after it as well. Her plans were flexible, able to change.
"Now," she said, hands on his shoulders, gaze on his eyes, "this is the bit where I ask over and over again if you'll be okay while I'm gone, and you roll your eyes and tell me that you're not eleven years old and off to Hogwarts for the first time."