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Lucius Malfoy ([info]in_deep) wrote in [info]wished,
@ 2010-06-26 16:46:00

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Entry tags:!2003: 06, !incomplete, lucius malfoy, narcissa malfoy

Who: Lucius & Narcissa Malfoy
What: Impromptu trip to the country
When: Saturday evening
Where: Property at Ranmore Forest
Rating/Warnings: TBA

It was the first time in far too long that Lucius actually had something that required his attention - and yet here he was, deferring all the little chores that Draco's engagement had presented in favor of doing nothing. It felt natural here, at least, to be without something that needed accomplished; at home it was strange and unpleasant not to have an agenda. This had always been a place for retreat. As he walked slowly through the gardens behind the house, a little more wild than those back at the Manor, he tried not to let his mind wander back to business.

But business now was so closely tied to the personal that it was a futile endeavor. With Narcissa on his arm it was difficult to think of much else, and he knew for a fact it weighed even more heavily upon her. He meant to try to distract her from it for at least a couple of days, but it was possible that simply letting it run its course would be better. She would have to come to terms with it - they both would - in short order. Something about the thought of moving out here permanently made his fingers itch, the beginnings of a deep-seated restlessness, but - there it was. He had always been pragmatic, had always worked with exactly what he had, and it wasn't as if this was any sort of end to his -

That was a dangerous line of thought, and one he'd been avoiding. "Someone will have to cut this back," he drawled, looking out over the landscaping to the forest. "It's all well and good to have a little wilderness over the holidays, but I doubt if I could look at it every day with breakfast."



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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-06-26 09:49 pm UTC (link)
"I'll see that it's taken care of before we've settled," Narcissa calmly replied. The place felt a bit foreign to her, though it really was a lovely vacation home. She'd always enjoyed spending time away in Ranmore Forest, but the idea of living there full time had not really crossed her mind. The idea that she would, in fact, one day retire elsewhere was not a reality she wanted to really face. Malfoy Manor was where she had comfortably lived for the better portion of her life. She had tended to it, ran it, and given it her own touches since the day Lucius took her as her bride. It was what she had been raised to do and was the life she wanted. Though she was trying ridiculously hard to wrap her mind around the notion that wherever Lucius was, that was her home, she found she was comparing everything to the Manor.

Not only that, she had much to consider in the way of hired help. Would they bring some with them? Or hire entirely new? The idea of training new staff to exceed the impossibly high standards a Malfoy expected sounded dreadful to her. But would it not be best if the Manor was left fully staffed with those who knew what was necessary to keep it running perfectly? It was giving her a headache to think about. This entire ordeal was one continuous headache.

"Should we leave the interior as it is? Or would you care to make some changes?" She asked, half-heartedly.

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[info]in_deep
2010-06-27 01:19 am UTC (link)
"The dining room will have to be redone," he said immediately. The decor had been put in when the house was meant to be a novelty, a getaway. It wasn't something he was prepared to deal with forever. "It's a little rustic for everyday use. And the main hall, I think - the chandelier ..."

He trailed off, giving her a sidelong glance. He supposed it had been a real question, but it was clear to him her heart wasn't in it. Fair enough - the prospect of redecorating their future home wasn't a proper diversion from the troubles at hand. "There's no need to see to it just yet, anyhow. Once we've settled in, I'm sure there will be any number of things we discover that need a little attention - seeing as I'll have nothing to do but pick it all apart." He intended to be a help to her, even if he'd never really had his hands in it before. "And if there's somewhere else you'd rather go, my love, we'll go. You never said where you wanted to move." Likely because he hadn't asked.

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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-06-27 02:08 am UTC (link)
It was true, he had not asked. That was something she was thankful for though, because the truth of the matter was that she did not want to go anywhere. Initially she tried to make herself belief that moving into a new home could be some sort of new beginning, but it was becoming more and more daunting.

"My home is with you, wherever it may be," she said, smoothly and without missing a beat. That was the truth, even if she was having a hard time believing it. She was heartbroken, and not just because of leaving the Manor. Draco was grown up. Really and truly, grown up. Proud as she was, it made her terribly sad. She'd been distracting herself from it by working so hard to get back into the good graces of society, but standing there in their holiday-but-soon-to-be-permanent residence she was forced into facing every reality she'd been trying to avoid.

"You're right about the dining room," she went on to say. What she wasn't sure he was right about, was the idea of settling in. "Just make a note of anything you want changed. Will we be bringing any of the elves with us?"

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[info]in_deep
2010-06-27 03:27 am UTC (link)
He wouldn't press her; he was sure that, given the opportunity, she'd have spoken up if she'd had a particularly strong opinion. "Here, then," he said, lifting his chin casually to survey the border that ran between the gardens and the tree line. "I wouldn't be without at least one. Whatever you need, you'll have." Elves weren't easily replaced, but it wasn't a point on which he was willing to compromise, and - surely, no young man would see his mother off without a proper complement of servants. It wouldn't make him feel any more at home, and he doubted it would help her in that regard, but this was how things were done. The time had come to leave.

... Which didn't change the fact that she was clearly unhappy. He took her hand and raised it to his lips almost as a reflex as they made the slow turn back towards the house. "There's no reason we shouldn't set it off until tomorrow," he pointed out, although the sun was still high in the sky. "You've been worrying too much. It won't do any harm to take the evening."

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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-06-27 05:07 am UTC (link)
No doubt, if she felt she could speak up she would. Narcissa had never been one to keep her mouth shut when she was unhappy. Unless, of course, Draco was part of the equation. He was the only person on Earth whose happiness was placed before her own. By voicing her discontent, it would be terribly selfish. His well-being was never something she would compromise for her own sake, so she did not feel she could say anything.

It did calm her somewhat when he took her hand and kissed it. Affection was what she needed, and any sign of his adoration was taken to heart. He was right; her stress and the depth of her worrying both had worn her down. She walked at his side, taking care to lace their fingers after he'd kissed her hand. "I have much to do," she said. "We have much to do." She was quiet after that, though her mind was still spinning. "Would it be detrimental if we took our bed from the Manor and brought it here?" She asked, and that was about as close as she would get to admitting her dislike of leaving the Manor.

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[info]in_deep
2010-06-27 05:41 am UTC (link)
"We do," he said with a nod. "And it can wait until tomorrow." We, indeed. This was the first time he'd had anything to do for ages, and he should have been jumping at it, but it felt a bit more like nailing shut his own coffin than digging out of a rut.

He was all too happy to give her what she wanted, however, when it came to that. Even if he was burying himself out in the middle of nowhere, that was something that would always make him feel a little taller. "Consider it done. When we return, you'll have to make a note of everything you'd like to bring - it won't be any trouble." There were probably things there that hadn't left the house for centuries, but - they could go back when he was cold in his grave. A few years out of hundreds wouldn't mean much to the ghosts of his fathers. "I'm still a little bigger than he is, after all," he added, side-stepping closer to slip his arm around her waist.

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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-06-27 06:15 pm UTC (link)
Narcissa could not remember the last time she put off something 'until tomorrow.' There had been several times, especially recently, when she wanted to, but she had not allowed herself the leisure. She just figured she could relax when everything was taken care of and their lives were back to some semblance of normalcy. To hear Lucius of all people say that was quite a shock. Then again, it wasn't as if taking a break would be a tragedy.

She smiled somewhat when he agreed to have their bed brought to their new residence. At least she ought to be able to sleep, if nothing else. She took what he said lightly about noting everything she wanted to bring, because that would have meant uprooting the entire Manor and relocating it. Her smile pulled upward as his arm snaked around her waist. It was nice to hear him joking again, too -- even if it was a true statement. She felt he ought to be rewarded for that. Narcissa slid her arm around his front to hug onto him a little. "I would not want you to feel discomfort during your slumber."

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[info]in_deep
2010-06-27 10:08 pm UTC (link)
"No, you wouldn't - I'd make wretched company the next day." Lucius kissed her forehead, pleased with himself for eliciting a smile. "And out here there's precious little to escape to - you'd be stuck, I'm afraid. We absolutely must bring it along." He hadn't intended to spend the weekend assuring her that they could be content here, but that seemed to be what was called for. He certainly didn't mind. It could be a proper vacation, for a day. "For the meantime, we're stuck with the furniture we have - but I'm partial to the lounge on the terrace, and I do think we ought to start scrutinizing the wine cellar. If anything's gone off, now is the time to know." He tried to urge her back towards the house.

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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-06-27 10:26 pm UTC (link)
"I suppose there might be worse company to be stuck with than you when you're in a foul mood," she mused. "A troll, perhaps." She let him lead her back towards the house, though she was still put off with the idea of living there, or anywhere else. It felt like a tomb, despite it really being a lovely property. They'd spent so many years together in the Manor and gone through so much, it hardly seemed right to call any other place her home. She'd known that the day would come when Draco inherited it, but up until quite recently he was still a boy. It felt as thought he'd become a young man over night, and happy as she was for him, it broke her heart just the same. Now their son would take his place, and she and Lucius would retire here. Live out the rest of their days. It was... thoroughly depressing. Her smile had faded somewhat by the time they reached the house.

"Perhaps we ought to open a bottle now and make sure the lounge on the terrace is still to your liking." The wine would be a nice distraction, she hoped, though she feared it might make her more brutally honest. Nonetheless, she would risk it.

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[info]in_deep
2010-06-27 11:27 pm UTC (link)
"A troll, indeed. That's very nice." Lucius, for all his reluctance to condemn himself to a life of quiet virtue, was less troubled by the thought of giving up the Manor than he might have been. It had been his home his entire life, but it wasn't as though he were selling it; so long as it stayed in the family, it was where it belonged. And he was relieved, though he would never say so to Narcissa, that it was still here to be passed along - and that Draco was still here to take it. The inheritance was proof that not everything had been ruined, and it would lift a heavy weight from him the day it was accomplished.

"We shall." He bade her sit when they reached their destination, called up a bottle of wine from the elf they'd brought along, and took his place beside her as the glasses appeared in front of them. He put his arm around her; she had gotten stiff again, and although he couldn't fool himself into thinking a little wine would fix anything, he could try. "It's all about as I remember it, I'm happy to say."

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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-06-27 11:51 pm UTC (link)
Even in her state of mind, she could admit she felt comfortable sitting beside him. It wasn't the house's fault she was discontent. There were just far too many changes taking place for her liking, and seemed to be happening all at once. It was bad enough she'd fallen from her status as practically the queen of high society to some lowly peasant working her way back up through the ranks. Now she had to lose the home she'd fought so hard to protect. It was, quite honestly, a pity parade for herself but she was exhausted and fed up with the changes occurring that were beyond her control.

She leaned into the comfort only her husband could give, closing her eyes until she was presented with a glass of wine. It was good; good enough that she took another sip before responding to him. She did smile at his words. His happiness was something she did yearn for after all that had happened. Hearing him say he was happy, even if it was just about the house or the wine, was a step forward as far as she was concerned. "I'm glad it pleases you," she said, letting her head rest against his shoulder.

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[info]in_deep
2010-06-28 03:33 am UTC (link)
"Always so very conscientious," he said, running his fingers quietly through her hair. Especially now, when their duties seemed to have switched - she'd risen to the occasion admirably. "I hope it pleases you. I know it's a difficult change," he continued, against his better judgment, "but you've worked too hard not to enjoy it, in the end." And he knew very well that if she were unhappy, he wouldn't be enjoying himself - for any number of reasons.

"Draco will be close by," he added. He was certain that was at the root of her despondency. "And the grandchildren, of course." He was only half teasing.

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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-06-28 04:17 am UTC (link)
It was considerate of him to acknowledge her recent hardships. That did not make them go away, but she was glad he was aware of them and not completely oblivious. "It's a lovely house, and has always served us well in the past. It will make a suitable residence for us," she said, answering without truly answering.

He hit a nerve bringing up Draco, though she felt certain he was trying to bring her comfort in knowing he would be close. "Do you believe Miss Greengrass will be a suitable wife to him? I know there's nothing to be done of it now that they've announced their intentions, but I'm curious to learn your thoughts."

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[info]in_deep
2010-06-29 02:33 am UTC (link)
He let the evasion pass without comment, though it dulled his spirits a little. She was in no hurry to go anywhere, he supposed, and she wouldn't be pleased, try as he might to convince her. When she declined to discuss something, he knew it was better to let it be. He moved along, taking a slow sip of his wine before answering. He was fairly certain of his answer, but it wasn't something he thought she'd appreciate being taken lightly.

"Yes," he said. "It's a little strange, of course, that she insist on working, but I hardly think that will be a lasting problem. Once they take over the Manor - well, she simply won't have the time, as you know better than anyone." It seemed like the sort of thing one might have to grow out of. "Aside from that, I have no objections. Draco does seem very happy, and as far as I can see, they care for one another." He gave her a faint smile. "Both very nice things to have in place before the wedding, if at all possible."

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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-06-29 04:33 am UTC (link)
It really was odd that Draco's future bride was choosing to work, but that was not really her concern. As long as she upheld the traditions of the family and kept the Manor running properly, and above all else made Draco happy, she would be content.

"If she has the time to work once they're married, then she is not spending enough time tending to the Manor," she said, flatly. She did smirk a little at his comment. "I take it that's a lesson learned," she said. She and Lucius had gotten off to a bit of a shaky start, but the outcome was a strong marriage. "You're right though. He does seem happy, which he deserves. I just worry for him so.. No matter how old he gets, the worry never goes away. I hope this girl can uphold our standards."

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[info]in_deep
2010-06-29 10:23 pm UTC (link)
"Oh, very well learned - it's so much more pleasant, this way." He kissed her temple and then settled back again, unable to refrain from mentally marking the hedges that needed clipping. "I know it's difficult to stop - impossible, perhaps. But - until she gives you some cause for concern, I hope you'll try. There's so much less to worry about." She deserved a break from it, and he was sure they both should have been able to breathe easier now that the stakes were less life and limb than they had been. Fretting over moving house or wedding arrangements, as important as they were, seemed like a luxury. ... Although not so much of a luxury that he couldn't think of other ways he'd rather be spending his time away. "He'll do very well. He could hardly do otherwise - I'm certain he's inherited his mother's excellent taste in partners."

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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-07-01 04:09 pm UTC (link)
"I quite agree," she said with a knowing smirk. She and Lucius had not started off exactly thrilled to be spouses, but over time they grew to know and love each other. At least Draco seemed to already have that part taken care of. The thought only brought her minimal comfort. Lucius was right; she ought to stop worrying for the time being, but this was her baby.

Having mere wedding plans to focus on really ought to have been a luxury compared to worrying about how she was going to get the family back to the top of the social hierarchy, or worrying about keeping Draco alive, her husband sane, and her home intact. Taking a step back and putting things into proper perspective made her relax a little more against Lucius.

She was not entirely convinced with the idea of someone else running the Manor, but it wasn't as if it was happening that day. "How is it that you manage to pay yourself a compliment while speaking of me and your son?" She asked, turning her head up to look at him with a raised brow.

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[info]in_deep
2010-07-02 12:12 am UTC (link)
"Is it not deserved?" He smiled down at her, pleased to see her looking a little less troubled, at least. "Very well - your taste is second only to my own, which I don't mind saying is undeniably exquisite. Satisfied?" He kissed her jaw, drawing her a little closer to him. He had no difficulty at all in shifting his concern from Draco to himself, not now, when there was so little he could do for the one and so much for the other. At the top of his list was convincing Narcissa that a semi-retirement wouldn't be the end of the world. Passing the family home and all of its attendant responsibilities to his son was a success, and one that left him free to pursue other things - not that he knew what they were to be, of course. Not many of them, anyhow. "You know me; I'm not one to sing my own praises."

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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-07-02 06:06 pm UTC (link)
Stroking her ego while simultaneously giving her kisses was one way to calm her down. Lucius knew her well, without question, but she hoped that he was being genuine with her and not just avoiding the reality of the situation. Though perhaps past behavior did not excuse him or warrant it, she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Loving him as she did, she had to.

"Of course not. You have me to do that for you," she teased. The painful irony of the whole thing was that this was what she'd been waiting for. Not retiring, but just having carefree moments with Lucius without the threat of impending doom lurking around every corner. She had that now, but could not let herself enjoy it to the fullest. Just let go.. she thought to herself.

She shifted up enough to lightly kiss the corner of his lips. "I thought you knew. The reason I married you was because you were so humble," she said, smirking. "Not for your devastatingly handsome face, your charm, your intellect.. How boring.."

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[info]in_deep
2010-07-03 05:25 pm UTC (link)
"Yes, I've often been told my humility has a certain irresistible appeal - although you may be the first to accuse me of having an intellect, as such." He arched an eyebrow, setting his glass aside, and traced a finger along the side of her face, down to the jewelry lying at her throat. "For my part, I found your frugality inexplicably attractive." He had already let go of the troubles at hand, if they were troubles, and had even managed to tune out many of the minor annoyances scattered throughout the gardens. Not that he would have objected to going inside, of course. If it became absolutely necessary.

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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-07-04 03:06 pm UTC (link)
She laughed softly, her eyes following his finger down to the necklace she wore that clearly stated she was anything but frugal. "How perfectly suited we are," she said before pressing a kiss where his neck and jaw met. She lifted one hand to lightly stroke her fingers against his cheek, and to slowly lure him down for a kiss. Moments such as this, she supposed, would make leaving her Manor more acceptable.

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[info]in_deep
2010-07-07 09:56 pm UTC (link)
"Perfectly." He certainly failed to see any reason why they shouldn't be quite happy. Narcissa would adapt, he had no doubt. She'd made her way in situations far worse than this, and with far more on her shoulders. He was rather tempted, in fact, to offer to take up some of the work she'd been saddled with: this place would be nowhere near as labor-intensive as the Manor, and he rather liked the idea of taking things in hand again. Otherwise he was bound to end up useless and irritable, and neither of them would benefit. He happily allowed himself to be lured, resting his hand at her waist as he returned the kiss. "All the more reason to retire together, hm? No more interruptions."

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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-07-08 08:09 pm UTC (link)
"I suppose, though I detest the word," she said. When she thought of the word 'retire,' it made her feel as though she was old, resting peacefully in the last years of her life. By wizarding standards, she and Lucius were still in their prime. Not exactly young, but definitely not old. Not even middle aged, really. Retiring was a difficult concept to grasp, and she did not think she'd transition well. Still, there was very little she could do about it, if anything at all. That too, did not settle well with her. The only reason she'd stopped talking about it was because his touch and kisses had soothed her.

She leaned into him and sighed softly. This was the part of retirement that she could accept. "I am glad to have this time with you."

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[info]in_deep
2010-07-08 11:55 pm UTC (link)
"I'm willing to adjust the vocabulary, of course. I'll say anything you like." As she knew perfectly well, he never scrupled to sweeten the truth. Retire was imprecise, in any case - although at the moment it pleased him to think of it as a vacation, he had learned that he was terrible at relaxing for more than a week at a time. It had occurred to him that perhaps they could find something to occupy the both of them, although it still grated on his sensibilities to think of her too heavily involved in anything too far outside the home ... even after all this time. "And I have all the time in the world to get it right, too. I promise to try to be a quick study, if you put in the effort."

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[info]porcelain_doll
2010-07-10 09:15 pm UTC (link)
Over-involving herself in anything outside of her home and her family's affairs wasn't something she'd ever been too terribly interested in. She'd stepped in when Lucius was absent to preserve their son's life, and often she demanded the truth of her husband's whereabouts when he was involved in the Dark Lord's missions, but all of that she looped into her family's affairs (if she was going to be widowed and her son fatherless, she wanted to know why). That was was enough for her. Yet now that she had no Manor to run, she seemed to have little else to do but involve herself in matters outside of their home. It was proving useful in getting the Malfoy name more positive recognition, but she wondered what would happen when Lucius resumed that position. Where would that leave her?

"I suppose I'll have little else to do besides put in the effort," she said. "But I've never done anything half-way. You'll be a master at saying what I want to hear in no time." She slid one of her arms around his front to hold onto him and closed her eyes. Count your blessings, Cissa, she told herself. Begrudging as she was to admit it, she was grateful for everything she had.

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[info]in_deep
2010-07-15 06:43 pm UTC (link)
"I rather thought I already was," he muttered. Goodness knew he tried, but she was nothing if not exacting - an invaluable characteristic. "Ah, well. I find I can't bring myself to worry too much about being the only object of your attention." He reached very carefully over her to take up his wineglass again, and decided that he'd done something right, clearly. This was a much better resolution than he'd achieved in most of their other disagreements. It helped that time wasn't working against them in this instance. He didn't mind having a tricky knot to untie with the right tools and a leisurely amount of time to go at it, and in such pleasant - well, very-nearly-pleasant - surroundings. "And what do you want to hear now?"

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