"I'm going to ask her to marry me." Lucius announced, drawing the ring from his pocket and waiting expectantly for his friend's reaction.
"On Christmas, mate? That's tacky. She'll be so high off endorphins anyway, she's practically guaranteed to say yes."
"Well," He snapped tersely, good humour evaporating at Rodolphus' words, "anything that can tilt the tables in my favour, right?"
"She'll regret it the next morning. I don't think she likes you that much."
"Of course she likes me! Every woman likes me. Besides, I don't care what you think. I'll ask her tomorrow during the ball."
"Suit yourself." If Lucius had been just a bit more alert, he may have noticed the resentment in the other man's tone. "I'm off to bed, I s'pose."
"I as well, to my last night as a bachelor."
"Good luck with that."
Christmas morning the following day was hardly an affair- Lucius was no longer a small child waiting for presents beneath the tree. The day passed in a flash, and he was soon standing in the Black's festive hall. Immediately, his gaze began to roam the crowded area for those flashing eyes, that secretive, brief smile, the seductive swish of his beloved's hips- she was never difficult to spot in a crowd of people, his Bellatrix.
"Lucius, doll, there you are. Haven't you a kiss for your sweetheart?"
"Bella," He breathed, spinning to catch her up in an embrace. "I've much more for you than that!"
"Oh really? Let's see then."
He'd prepared a speech, but before he could stop himself, he was reaching into his pocket and withdrawing a small, black box. Bellatrix's eyes widened.
"Bellatrix Black, will you marry me?"
She was momentarily speechless, before crying, "Yes!" He kissed her again, spun her around, and-
Woke up on Christmas morning with a start. The real Christmas morning. Sunshine was already streaking through his windows, so Lucius figured he'd slept just a bit too late. No matter; he was feeling optimistic. If his dream had been any indication, he was going to have a splendid Christmas anyway. Grinning, Lucius got up and headed for the closet.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Lucius Malfoy, I'm glad you could make it. Happy Christmas."
"Mrs. Black, hello. Have you seen Bellatrix?"
"She was over near the balcony last I saw her- Evan Rosier, how has your mother been recently?"
She had already moved on to her other guests, and Lucius set out in the direction she'd indicated. He spotted Bellatrix surrounded by men, as usual. He very nearly told them al to leave his fiancé alone, but settled for edging through the pack and taking Bella's arm.
"Oh, hello Lucius. Tell me, Rabastan, what happened nex-"
"Can I speak to you privately, Bellatrix?"
She considered the request for a moment, and then shrugged. "Alright then, for a second."
He steered her away from the rest, into a darkened alcove.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Happy Christmas." He breathed, reaching into his pocket.
"Could you not have said that out there?"
"No," His heart was hammering, throat dry. "What I wanted to say- ask, really, I wanted to ask…"
"Spit it out!"
"Will you marry me?"
She was speechless for only a moment, before bursting into laughter. "Marry you? No Lucius, I won't. Though it is a pretty ring. Excuse me; I've admirers to tend to." With a final chuckle, she flounced off, leaving Lucius stunned, humiliated, and numb.
No? Just, no? She hadn't even considered it. She'd laughed at him. She-
"Mr. Malfoy? I couldn't help but overhear, when you both just walked in, and I was sitting... But I'm so sorry about my sister; she can be so cruel. And foolish." The petite blonde stuck out her hand and smiled shyly. "I'm Narcissa Black."
Lucius would later recall that Christmas as the best of his life.