Requested by: SnipsT_42
Request: Oh! And maybe a story based off of a Slytherin like Regulus or Narcissa talking to their Hufflebuddy (reader that is like a sibling not romantic), verses them talking to literally anyone else.
A.N: I won’t lie, I leapt at the chance to write for Narcissa. I love her so much. This is based on my own headcanons for her while also sticking to how she carries herself in the books. Also! I’m not sure where this story was going as, despite what I planned, it seemed to write itself XD.
(Ages: Narcissa: Seventh Year, Reader: Sixth Year- Lucius: A year older than Narcissa)
-----
Everybody talks about the ‘automatic’ relationship- albeit of hatred- between a Gryffindor and a Slytherin. The mutual respect between a Ravenclaw and a Hufflepuff. Even the considered intellectual pairing of a Gryffindor and a Ravenclaw. As well as the unpredictability and adventurous lifestyle that a Gryffindor and a Hufflepuff relationship can bring. But no one ever talks about the oddness and soul bonding connection that is a Hufflepuff and a Slytherin. The two Houses that are vastly opposite but yet work so beautifully together. It was poetic. Nothing short of a miracle, yet it occurs far too often.
Everybody knew of the bond between the two Houses, but they never spoke of it- it was like an unwritten rule.
And your bond was no different.
However, much to your peers’ dismay and confusion, your Slytherin companion was with none other than Narcissa Black, a seventh year. The youngest of the Black sisters. Although rather charismatic, though not as much as her younger older sister Andromeda, Narcissa is considered to be the most elegant- regal- of her sisters, surpassing that of her unruly and unpredictable older sister, Bellatrix.
You’ve only met Bellatrix a handful of times, thankfully. Narcissa opting to steer you clear from her. Not because you couldn’t hold your own against her, no, you very much could, but because Narcissa wasn’t sure how long Bellatrix would keep a level head with you being a Hufflepuff. Blood status bearing no part to this for once. Although in truth, what time you’ve spent in Bellatrix’s presence, the witch wasn’t all that terrible, all rumours and facts aside. Andromeda Tonks, on the other hand, you’ve only met once or twice. She, much like Narcissa, was a lovely person to have in one’s company. However, with her disownment a few years back, she no longer talks to anyone she’d once known. Not that you blame her. Narcissa still misses her, you knew this, the Slytherin had confided you with this confession on many the occasion, but you also knew Andromeda wrote her letters from time to time. Her parents, Merlin forbid, were kept in the dark about the letters but you knew about them. Narcissa usually got you to read them out to her in the privet of each other’s company in a closed, isolated room.
Narcissa looked up from her parchment that she had resting on one of her hardback notebooks, a sigh leaving her, before she turned her attention to the railing of the Observation Platform. You both were sat up in the Astronomy Tower, something which neither of you do very often. You caught the look and smirked. “Thinking about Malfoy?” You comment, nudging her leg with your foot. You were sat opposite each other on the wooden flooring. She against the steps and you hunched over your books. It was a playful comment one which Narcissa knew you meant no mocked offence by.
She rolled her eyes. “You wish.” You just laughed, smiling innocently.
Narcissa shook her head returning back to her work.
You’ve only met Lucius Malfoy once maybe twice and truthfully; he gave you nothing but green flags. It took him a hot minute to warm up to you, but he trusted Narcissa’s judgement, nonetheless. You felt safe with him- in a brotherly way- like you do with Narcissa and despite what everyone else may think about the Malfoy heir. You were a Hufflepuff in a Slytherin world and you were content. Frankly, you found the cunning and abrasive House to be the most welcoming and enjoyed their company above all else. Narcissa’s most of all.
“The engagement party is this fall,” Narcissa then said, making you look at her. Her face turned calm, indifferent. “And I’d like you to be there.”
You knew you’d attend nonetheless but the anxiety of not only her parents, but Lucius’ as well got to you. You knew her extended family would be in attendance too. And not many of them would take kindly to a Hufflepuff being amongst the mix of party guests much less a half-blood. Regardless to the fact Sirius would be there- a Gryffindor- would be seen as a separate matter.
“What about your family?”
“What of them?”
“They won’t accept me, I’m not a Slytherin.” You admit, your nerves getting the better of you. Narcissa gave a sympathetic look as her features softened. “I’m just a Hufflepuff.”
“And?” She paused, taking the brief moment to sit up straight and give your concerns her full attention. “It’s my party. I decide who goes. And I want you there.” Her unmoveable determination to defend you even against her own family, something which did knock you off guard, only reinstated the sheer connection you both hold. It made your heart warm. “If it’ll ease your mind, I’ll talk to Lucius about your concerns. He’ll listen. He adores you just as much as I do.” She added before a laugh crept up her throat, a thought coming to mind. “You’ll have Bella there, I’m sure she’ll have no issue in being your bodyguard should you want her to be.”
You smiled. “Thank you, Cissy.”
Narcissa nodded. “In any case, my idiot of a cousin will be there, so all the focus will no doubt be on him.” She spoke, a sense of bitterness escaping her as her tone shifted. You noticed, frowning. She didn’t have to say his name for you know just which cousin she was referring too- Sirius. She loved him dearly, you knew this better than anyone, and as much he may try, she could never hold him in contempt. She understood him too much. Her own feelings and ideologies of the Wizarding world aligning with his. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try to get under her skin. And using you as his means in which to do so wasn’t off the table.
Sirius Black had this obsession with referring to you as his cousin's lapdog. A comment which never personally bothered you, but greatly angered Narcissa and he knew it. "Y/n is not my lapdog, Siri." She spat one day, having caught her in one of her bad moods. She used his nickname. Sirius narrowed his eyes, puffing his chest out as he stood from the bench in the Great Hall to make himself appear intimidating. He wasn’t. It hardly fazed Narcissa.
"Please, she follows you around like a lost puppy." He comments back, his eyes flicking to you. Narcissa pushed you behind her, blocking you from her cousin’s view. "It's sickening, if you ask me."
“Well, no one asked.” She shot back. You glanced to his friends, sharing an indifferent look with them before turning back to the two bickering cousins. “Besides, it takes one to know one,” She looked him up and down. “You’re glued to Potter’s hip like Mrs Norris is to that Squib of a caretaker, are you sure you’re not his lapdog?”
Sirius grumbled, taking a step back as his fist clenched. He knew he’d lost this petty argument despite being the one to have started it. “Sod off, Cissy.”
“With pleasure,” She retorted in the same tone. “Let’s go, Y/n.”
That was just one moment of the pairs’ unneeded bickering. Their feuds never lasted long. A day or two at the most.
“You could just not invite him?” You offered, pulling yourself back to the present. “I don’t think he’d mind.”
“No but my parents will.” She sighed, setting her quill down. Not moments before had she dipped it in her ink pot, so a droplet of excess ink spilled onto her parchment creating an ugly blotch. It was clearly noticeable but Narcissa didn’t seem to care. “As will my aunt and uncle- Sirius’ parents. It’s easier to invite him.” She went on. “Saves on the family drama.”
You nodded. Understanding. You’ve never shared the issue of family drama with being an only child and with very limited extended family, Narcissa knew this, but you did your best to sympathise with her. She was grateful for it, nonetheless.
“I’ll make small talk with him, do my best to keep him out of trouble.” You assured. “If you want me too, of course. Or you could ask Regulus?”
Narcissa watched you for a moment, thinking. “I’ll speak to Reggie,” She confirmed, determined. “I want you by my side.”
You smiled. “Through thick and thin.”
“Through thick and thin.”
-----
A few hours passed before anyone remotely interesting wandered up to the Observation Deck. Not that who turned was interesting, mind. Both you and Narcissa had just finished what homework you wanted to get done and were in the process of packing up when Mrs Norris showed up. And where that horrid cat is, Argus Filch is close behind. “Students are not permitted up the Tower ‘til nightfall.” The Caretaker grumbled, his lantern in hand.
It was still daylight.
You and Narcissa shared a look.
“Since when?” The Slytherin questioned, placing a hand on her hip.
Filch stared. “School rules state it, Miss Black.”
“No, they don’t?” You shot back, giving Filch a disbelieving look. Filch, annoyed that you’d spoken back to him, opened his mouth to speak but stopped when you yelp, moving to cradle your hand. You’d been kneeling on the floor, picking up one of your textbooks when Mrs Norris swiped a paw at you. You hadn’t even noticed she’d walked over to you. The cat hissed as you glared down at her.
Filch chuckled.
The scratch wasn’t deep, far from it, but it still didn’t stop your body from reacting as if it was. Blood appeared quickly to the surface of your skin, seeping through the four thin lines that broke your skin. Narcissa’s eyes widened in anger as she whipped her head back round to Filch. You stood back up.
She did her best to control her anger.
“My father is on the school board,” She stated, matter of factly. The laughing ceased as Filch’s face dropped. “I don’t think he’d take too kindly if he were to be informed of this.”
“Now, now,” The Caretaker stammered, going back on his words as he called his pet to him. Mrs Norris did so happily. “There’s no need for to inform your father, Miss Black.” He pleaded. “I’m only doing my job.” He reasoned. “Mrs Norris didn’t mean no harm.”
“Your cat scratched me!” You retaliated, going as far as to hold your now injured hand out to him. Narcissa looked over her shoulder to you, giving a look which read ‘I’ll sort this, don’t worry.’ You mumbled to yourself but allowed your friend to defend you in any case.
Narcissa narrowed her eyes as she turned back. “I’m sure.” She spoke, disbelievingly. Answering what Filch had said. “So, if you don’t mind, we’ll be on our way like we were about to do in the first place, had you used your eyes to notice.”
Filch remained silent. This was possibly the first and only time you’d see this reaction from the Caretaker, and you weren’t about to let it go to waste. Narcissa nodded to herself before turned to help you. Picking up your last textbook off the floor and holding it to her chest as she linked arms with you, careful of your hand, she guided you out and down the spiral staircase of the Astronomy Tower.
-----
The Slytherin Common Room was reasonably empty when you entered it. Not that the remaining Slytherin paid notice to you. You’re in here so often because of Narcissa that they count you as one of their own. An unofficial Slytherin as it were.
Entering her dorm, you trailed in behind her. Her dorm mates weren’t there. You didn’t mind them but more often than not you preferred not to interact with them. Narcissa felt the same although she didn’t have the luxury of not interacting with them, so she put up a front- an act. Lowering your injured hand away from your chest slightly, you glanced down at it, removing the bloody rag. The bleeding seemed to have stopped. Narcissa, being the quick thinker she is, fell into her maternal mode and conjured up a rag to press against the wound. You’d insisted it wasn’t needed, it was a cat scratch for Merlin’s sake, but Narcissa persisted otherwise.
Your eyes snapped to where Narcissa laboured over her bed, a small medical kit in hand. You smirked. “Didn’t take you for a nurse.” You eyed the medical kit as she looked over her shoulder. The Slytherin chuckled.
“When you live amongst idiots,” She began. “It’s hard not to acquire medical essentials.”
“Augustus Parker?” You guessed, knowing exactly who she was referring too.
“The very same.” She sighed, nodding. You laughed. The clumsy yet charismatic fifth year Slytherin, had thought it funny to mess with the patch of Chinese Chomping Cabbages Professor Sprout had grown in one of the Greenhouses. Least to say, it hadn’t ended well. “He fancies you; you know?” Narcissa changed the topic. She gave you a knowing look.
You shivered. “No thanks.” He was ‘easy on the eye’ as Bellatrix would put it, but he wasn’t for you. Narcissa laughed. “Rather take my chances with the Merpeople.”
“You’re too harsh on the poor boy.”
“Am I?” You said back, uncertain. Narcissa fell quiet but that sweet yet mischievous smile- the one you’ve seen a thousand times- remained. “He’s nice and all, but he’s just…”
“Not the right one.” Narcissa finished and you nodded. “I understand.”
“You do?”
Narcissa hummed as she patted the open space beside her on her bed. You sat down, outstretching your injured hand to her. She took it gently. “I thought the same way about Lucius when my parents first introduced me to him.” You fell silent. “Truthfully, although I knew it was expected of me to marry him, I didn’t like how he carried himself. He was arrogant, self-centred.” She admitted, distracting herself from your gaze as she tended to your hand. Dabbing a bottle of antiseptic to a clean rag, she cleaned the scratches. You hissed, your body tensing for a split second. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” You assured, forcing yourself to relax. You nudged her to continue. “What changed?”
“You.”
You frowned, staring at her. Me?
“You changed his perspective on people. Got him to get off that pampered pedestal his parents placed him on. He’s a better man for it. So, in truth I owe my engagement to you.”
It felt odd for Narcissa to be speaking so freely. She confides in you, yes, but never to this extent. Despite sharing secrets and trusting each other with your lives, Narcissa Black was still very much a tightly wound coil. She looked up when you didn’t respond. “I… you’re welcome?”
She smiled, one to relieve the awkwardness she knew you were feeling. “You’re my closest and most valued friend, Y/n/n.” She consoled. “And I mean it.”
“And you’re mine.” You returned just as meaningful. Narcissa smiled. “Through thick and thin.” You then said, repeating the personal saying you both share. You held your non injured hand out, forming a fist but extending your pinky.
“Through thick and thin.” Narcissa echoed, a small light-hearted laugh leaving her as she took in the use of the pinky promise gesture. She returned it, wrapping her own pinky finger around yours.
After a moment, Narcissa let go of your hand and returned to wrapping your other hand. Taking a gauze and placing to the back of your hand, she got you to hold it down as she grabbed a clean bandage. It took her no longer than a matter of minutes to wrap it securely and tie a knot with the end.
“There you go.”
“Thank you.” You answered, contently, glancing down at the white bandage as Narcissa moved to clean up the mess. The medical kit went back into her trunk at the foot of her bed as the bloody rag disappeared at the wave of her wand. She stretched, dusting her skirt off.
“Tomorrow, fancy going to the Three Broomsticks?” She asked, turning to you, smiling. “I could use the walk; this castle is more overbearing on the weekends.”
“I’ve got nothing planned.”
-----
Narcissa had forgotten just how… unruly, the Three Broomsticks is on a Saturday morning. It’s usual clientele putting her on edge. The atmosphere warm with the smell of Butterbeer, Firewhisky, Mulled Mead and Red Currant Rum alike. The Slytherin wasn’t much of a drinker by any means, not that she should be at her age, neither are you, but all the events her family put on would beg to differ.
“Did you want to go to the Hog’s Head?” You offered with a smirk as you caught the Slytherin glaring at a few Gryffindors. They’d been periodically staring your way since you both entered the pub.
Narcissa shook her head. “Too snobby for me.” She reasoned. “Besides my mother enjoys that pub so, no.”
“Fair.” You nodded.
As if on cue Madam Rosmerta wandered over carrying two foaming pewter tankards of warm Butterbeer. “Here ya go girls, enjoy.” The pub owner announced, placing them both in front of you two. You smiled in return, watching her leave, tending to the other customers.
The pair of you fell into conversation, talking about anything and everything as you sipped on your beverages. It was nice. There was something simplistic about it which made you want to spend an eternity here with Narcissa. Just talking, that’s all you were doing.
And as you enjoyed the company of your best friend, the more the minutes seemed to tick by.
Narcissa, you noticed, kept flicking her eyes to a table toward the middle of the pub. You both were sat, cosy, in a corner booth. Frowning, you peered over your shoulder. It was the same Gryffindors you’d clocked when you walked in. “They still staring?”
“Annoyingly so.” Narcissa answered, grumbling. You drank more of your Butterbeer. You both had moved onto your second one.
“I’m sure they’re just jealous.” You reasoned, jokingly. Narcissa tore her gaze away from them and back to you as she, too, drank her Butterbeer. “I mean look at us. What isn't there to like?” Narcissa rolled her eyes. You sighed, you didn’t like it when Narcissa acted this way, it brought nothing good. “Cissy, come on, just ignore them. They’re Gryffindors, they’re just being idiots.”
She shook her head. “Gryffindors I can handle but them-” She paused, eyeing them as the group turned back to their little huddle. Their backs now all facing away from Narcissa and you. “I don’t like how they stare, it’s off-putting.”
Tilting your head, you drank the dregs of your tankard while looking back to the Gryffindors. One of them peered over his shoulder in your direction, mouthing something to his friends before laughing. The others followed suit. It was then that you understood Narcissa’s anger. They were talking about you or her or even both of you. You swallowed, connecting your gaze with Narcissa.
“How about we leave, go to Zonko’s or Honeydukes?” You offered, the need of wanting to be anywhere within Hogsmeade but here in close proximity to them. Like Narcissa said, Gryffindors you can handle but these lot were different. They weren’t like the usual gossiping peers you usually deal with.
Narcissa thought for a moment before agreeing. “I think that’s wise.”
Finishing the dregs of her own drink, you both carried your tankards over to the bar, handing them to a barmaid before turning to leave. However, you had to pass the table of Gryffindors in which to do so. Narcissa sighed and held her arm out to you, allowing you to loop arms.
You could feel Narcissa’s tension as you both grew nearer to the table of Gryffindors. She did her best on refraining from speaking up and saying something to them. And she was doing well, too, until you both were within earshot of the table. Until they mentioned Narcissa’s name. She tensed. Contradicting to popular belief, Narcissa hated people talking about her, especially when it was nothing but senseless gossip and rumour.
“Did you hear? Narcissa Black is engaged to Malfoy.” One of the Gryffindor’s spoke, amused at his own words.
“Na, my bets were on Black and her lackey, I mean look at them. Y/n follows her everywhere.” Another said causing them all to laugh. The third shook his head.
“Well, I heard she’s marrying Malfoy next year.”
“Lucius is just a stuck up weasel-” The second one said but was cut off when he saw a seething Narcissa behind his friends. You stood to Narcissa’s left, an unamused expression sporting your face, you arms crossed. “Narcissa, hi…”
“It’s rude to gossip, don’t you think?” The Slytherin spoke lowly, an edge to her tongue. “Didn’t your parents ever teach you manners?”
The Gryffindors fell silent.
It was quite the sight to see a speechless Gryffindor, much less a group of them. You had to stifle your laugh. Narcissa shot you a look but, despite her currant anger, the look held nothing malice if anything it was playful. You smiled back at her.
The quick pause obliviously unsettled one of the Gryffindors as he cleared his throat. Narcissa turned back to him. “S-sorry Narcissa.” He stammered. When facing something that greatly annoyed her, her temperament was the spitting image of Bellatrix’s, and everyone knew it.
“You better be, because if you ever speak of my affairs again or bring Y/n into it, I’ll make sure you can’t so much as raise your wand for the rest of the year.” She threatened, acting as if she were going to draw her wand. “Understand?”
The Gryffindors nodded, gulping. “Understood.”
Narcissa huffed, giving a single shake of her head in satisfaction before letting her arms drop to her sides. You nudged her arm. “Come on, let’s go.” You advised, lightly grabbing her elbow as so pull her away. She allowed you to. The Gryffindors kept watch as you both left their table, Narcissa knocking one of their Butterbeers over in the process before leaving the Three Broomsticks entirely.
The second you were outside and several paces from the door, you looked to Narcissa. She connected your gaze and for a moment you both just stared, faces indifferent, before you both broke out into a fit of laughter. “Did you see their faces?” You creased.
Narcissa flicked her hair. “Serves them right.” She defended but even she saw the amusement in it all.
“Remind me never to get onto your bad side.”
“Trust me, you never will.” Narcissa vowed.
With the moment coming to an end, you looped your arms back with each other and left to go to Honeydukes.