A/N: There's no way I could NOT make this fluffy with my mind+those prompts.

Written for AsterLea 's Dads and Daughters Challenge with Cygnus and Narcissa Black 3

Cygnus trailed behind his youngest daughter as she stalked through Knockturn Alley. It was pitch black except for the occasional lit torch hanging in its brackets, illuminating only a few stretches before darkness pursued. He watched as the girl, once his little baby, was magnified. How her blonde hair fell in waves across her back, how her face- even haughty and angry- was smooth and beautiful. An angry flush speckled her doll-like cheeks, her penciled brows furrowed. When had it all changed?

Each of his daughters was unique in their own way, each special. Bella off to marry the Lestrange's boy, Andy- disowned, and it still ripped his heart open. Where did he mess up? Now Narcissa, the last of his children, prepared to marry the Malfoy's heir.

"I don't need your help!" She shrieked at him. He faltered but still followed. No matter how she screamed, he would not abandon her. She still needed him.

Borgin and Burkes was closed, but Narcissa used her want to open it right back up. How she had blossomed from a white rose into a handsome black orchid he would never know. Somewhere along the line she'd grown. She'd flourished.

Like they both had expected, Borgin resided there and looked up only vaguely to see the two. Narcissa's cloak whipped around each priceless dark artifact and Cygnus knew she searched. Oh the girl had wished her mother to come, or her older sister. But this was a fathers job.

Right just now she was acting like Andromeda. The two sure knew how to throw fits. He watched her waxy lips form a sigh but she let no sound escape. In a twisted way, Cygnus was proud of her.

Independence. That's what she wanted to prove. Plus it might've been somewhat personal, like a secret between her and Lucius alone; but he still needed to give his blessings. That's what she brooded on, that he could still withhold what she wanted. She must've though it was her choice, and her choice alone, but she was wrong. Cygnus and Druella had had their say of the courtiers. Yet he still had his doubts. He hated to see his final bird jump the nest. There was nothing.

"Here." Her voice, so level, yet quivering slightly. So she'd found it and was asking. She wouldn't say please, but she needed him for this.

Bright as the sun, shimmering in her round eyes. An uncut diamond placed roughly in a sleek silver band. Nothing but the best for his little girl. And it was the best.

"Okay." And he thought he saw the soften of her pursed lips, but she did not smile or hug him. He hadn't expected that. One could drown in their expectations.

Carrying the package to the counter, Cygnus studied her profile. She had everything. Vibrancy and subtlety. She could be anyone, yet here she was. Close enough to touch, so why didn't he? It was a scary business, being a father.

The moon, rising from its folds, shone brighter than any daughter could. Cygnus felt overwhelmed, stepping back into the street. What was he stepping back into?

"This way Cissy." He gestured.

But she kept walking, turning a sharp corner.

He heard her cry and ran to her, as she lay crumpled on the floor, holding her diamond. She'd caught the sharpness of the edge; the drama queens were always so beautiful. Even with watery eyes her features were close to Veela. Flawless.

"There there," he crooned, gauging the split skin at her hip. And he leaned down to kiss it for her- not just a mothers job. A phantom tear streaked her face and Cygnus refrained from reprimanding. Narcissa was his baby.

The hardest part was always letting go. Somewhere out there Lucius waited for her. He would be good, and Cygnus would be here. It wouldn't be goodbye. But leaving wasn't so hard when it wasn't forever.