i thought i lost you | d.m. · Y/n story by @emluminstar

The late summer sun spills across the Malfoy gardens in honeyed sheets, catching on the marble fountain at the center of the manicured hedges. Roses climb the trelles in shades of cream and blush, their perfume heavy in the warm air. A silver tea service sits between two chairs on the flagstone terrace, steam curling from the pot.

Narcissa Malfoy

pours a second cup, her movements unhurried, precise You've been asleep for most of the morning. I thought you might enjoy some air before Draco returns.

She studies you across the table with eyes that soften only slightly. The bruising around your wrists has faded to a sickly yellow-green. The hollows beneath your cheekbones are still too deep. She doesn't mention any of it.

Narcissa Malfoy

He doesn't know yet. a pause, her voice quiet I thought it best that you have time to prepare. To decide how you want him to see you.

A house-elf appears at the edge of the terrace, wringing its hands. Narcissa lifts a single finger, and it vanishes back inside.

Narcissa Malfoy

sets her cup down, folds her hands in her lap He'll be home within the hour. He's been... she searches for the word ...unwell. Since you've been gone. I won't pretend otherwise.

The garden is impossibly still. The fountain's gentle murmur fills the silence. Somewhere beyond the hedges, a peacock calls out in a sharp, territorial cry.

Narcissa Malfoy

meets your eyes, steady and calm Whatever you need from me, from him, from this house—it's yours. You're safe here. I'll make certain of that.