So here is my entry for the NaNoWriMo-inspired challenge, set by the lovely Thanatos Angelos Girl on The Dark Lord's Most Faithful Forum =)

This is also probably going to be an entry for the 34 stories, 106 reviews challenge on the HPFC forum. Unless the challenge runners would rather avoid multi-chaptered stories... and if there is enough LuciusNarcissa action in this! It was supposed to be a LuciusNarcissa, but what I have planned so far is more of a Black sisters fic... We'll see where my muse leads, I'll guess ;)

Anyway, this is dedicated three ways: to Xx starlight-moon xX and Mesteria, the Lucissa queens, and to TuesdayNovember, my official, personal squeeing cheerleader.

Both the fic and this chapter are named after The Killers' songs. Actually, the chapter titles are probably going to be lots of Killers songs... ^^

NaNoWriMo-inspired challenge

1. This is due on the 6th of December (all of your work must be finished at this time and i believe this is the right date, if not let the lovely mods fix that!).

2. This entry must be 20,000 words. (5,000 words per week for you goalsetters)

3. Have fun!

You can do this all in a oneshot or (the most likely route) a multi-chapter fanfiction. Also, remember you CAN NOT submit something you have already written or are in the midst of writing.

"For heaven's sake be quiet, girls! I should hope you will act more well-mannered and ladylike this afternoon, unless you are blessed with no higher ambition in life than dishonour the Family by behaving like common banshees!"

Druella Black took a deep breath, her clear blue eyes gleaming with discontentment. Her daughters Bellatrix and Andromeda snickered quietly, but they also did straighten up and regain a bit of composure – though the improvement was regrettably lessened by their superior scowls.

Narcissa Black released a slight, sigh-like breath as well, her little hand raising automatically to brush a straying strand of blonde hair back behind her ear. For a second she made eye contact with her mother, and satisfaction coloured Druella's keen gaze. Then she was strict and business-like again, straight-backed and legs crossed at the ankles.

"Very well," she spoke. "As you are well aware, what the three of you will be attending this afternoon is nothing short of a society event. Though they don't come anywhere close to the Noble House of Black in age and wealth alike, the Malfoy family has turned out to become quite influential indeed. This gathering has been labelled a friendly occasion destined to allow young Lucius Malfoy to become more closely acquainted to the young gentlemen and ladies he shall find himself surrounded with as he is sorted into Slytherin House the next month, and with whom he will spend the majority of his school days. It is also, in fact, a tremendous occasion for the Malfoys to show their only son and Heir into well-bred society, put their newly renovated manor on display, impress the lesser families by their ways and lifestyle, and begin shaping possible associations in the future. This being clear, your father and myself fully expect the three of you to live up to your family name by flawless behaviour and an attitude which, though, evidently, polite, will not leave the slightest doubt in respect of the fact that you do belong to the highest of all breeds, and shall not prove to be overawed by any excessive show of power. Do I make myself clear?"

Druella paused, her gaze imperiously sweeping from daughter to daughter, surveying and judging. Bellatrix withheld a yawn, not without merit, her attention span having visibly veered, erred and then faded into nothingness midway through her mother's admittedly imposing speech. In her defence, she did not slump. In Druella's, she bit back the roar of wrath the mere presence of her eldest offspring perpetually seemed to rouse from her, and moved on to Andromeda, whose expression, incredulous, mocking and all in all thoroughly lacking the proper conviction and concern, did nothing to soothe the mother's nerves. Next was Narcissa; her mere presence was a blessing for the subsistence, or at the very least the good shape, of a few pieces of furniture that adorned the room – and whose destruction would actually have provided endless glee as well as entertainment to the rebellious elders, thus proving to be counter-productive as well as rash and very un-ladylike. Narcissa, Druella pondered, was a blessing, and that was the end of it. The fair-faced, delicate, innocent and perfectly proper ten-year-old gave her a small, soothing smile, and she decided that one flawless daughter was quite enough – the others were only in need of some taming.

Some quick taming, even.

"Bellatrix," she said quite dryly, "I needn't remind you that your first ball is but one year away. You certainly shouldn't disregard a perfectly worthy occasion of establishing ties with male individuals, as I hear from Mrs Nott that you appear to be quite lacking in this area."

"Mrs Nott is hardly the best referee when it comes to my prospects, Mother," Bellatrix immediately shot back, "I don't believe I should have to shoulder the blame for her son being dull beyond belief."

"Bellatrix!" Druella exclaimed, just as Andromeda was smoothly adding, "but Mrs Nott is surely not to be blamed either. Her second eldest son is actually quite interesting. Bad luck with sharing out the genes, that is all."

"Accidents happen."

"You would be the living proof for that..."

"Girls!"

Druella had actually shrieked, and her daughters fell silent. Narcissa looked up with wide eyes, alarmed. The mother shut her eyes and folded her hands very tightly in her lap, silently counting in her head. One, two, three slaughtered daughters bleeding all over the carpet... No. Her eyelids snapped back up and she glared at her oh so precious offspring with pursed lips.

"Mother," Narcissa utterly shyly, "what are the Malfoys like, actually?"

"Arrogant, nouveau-riche blond people you need to make a good impression on. That is all you need to know."

Narcissa gasped, Andromeda jumped, and Bellatrix turned so sharply it was a wonder she didn't seriously hurt her neck. Druella only blinked, but she felt something cold, like a twist or an icy rush, in her chest. "I think your father summed it up well, if a bit shortly, perhaps," she spoke. "He knows Abraxas Malfoy well."

"Too well. I could elaborate, not that I would, but we are running late."

"It isn't quite four yet, my dear..."

"Yes, I know. Fashionably late. But actually, I need to drop by the Ministry, and your daughters and yourself need to make an entrance. Therefore, getting ready might be a good idea."

"Aren't you coming with us?" Bellatrix interjected, twisting around in her armchair to face her father.

"Oh, I am, but perhaps I will be slightly... late. The Malfoys already know me. It is with our women that we must stand out today." Cygnus waved her off, turning back towards the door already. "Mind your posture, Bellatrix."

Druella sighed and stood, smoothing her dress carefully. "Very well. Bellatrix, I thought I told you to tie your hair back. Floo powder is no excuse for a dishevelled appearance. Andromeda, Narcissa, do hurry up, please. We must be off, as your father very well put."

The girls stood in a well-dressed, straight-backed grouping, and Narcissa let a small smile grace her lips at the presence of her sisters, not too close, but linked and united with her, all the same. Druella surveyed the three of them and nodded once in approval before swiftly closing the distance, summoning the powder with a casual flick of her wand. The door softly clicked after their father and Bella reached out, picking up a tiny handful of the silvery substance. Her mother made a small noise with her tongue, and extended her wand. A ribbon flew out and wound itself tightly around the girl's rebellious curls. She gritted her teeth, Andromeda smirked and Narcissa crossed her fingers behind her back. Perfection was in sight.

"Why don't we leave those lovely girls and boys to get acquainted?" suggested a wrinkled lady whose name Narcissa hadn't quite caught right. "I am quite sure that with Hector, Ares and Bellatrix, they will be chaperoned enough."

Druella absolutely didn't look quite sure of anything of the sort, but Harmonia Greengrass had a firm hold on her arm, demanding attention, and so she was reluctantly led away, much to Narcissa's delight. The young girl had had to kiss countless withered cheeks, curtsey about a thousand times, and have her lovely hairdo ruffled more than she cared to remember. It was about time, she deemed, to leave the ancient people, who she had displayed lots of respect towards, and the clusters of sweet-scented ladies who loved her anyway, to their business. Or rather, have them leave the young to their business. Smiling to herself, Narcissa whirled on her heel, her gaze embracing the whole room. Neither Hector Nott nor Ares Greengrass gave off the impression that they were about to chaperone anyone: they were whispering in a corner, eyeing another group of boys with distaste. It wasn't even worth trying to think the words "Bellatrix" and "responsibility" in the same sentence, and indeed her older sister was sending glares in random directions, and visibly doing all she could to keep a firm grip on Meda, who looked very much like she wanted to go and talk to the younger Nott boy, whatever his name was. However, said boy was hovering in the periphery of yet another group, an expression of inexpressible discomfort painted all over his features. In fact, she noted with dismay, everybody seemed to cling to the people they knew, be it from school or family, and no one had seemed to realize yet that she was evidently the loveliest being in the room. How disheartening. Cissy would have considered it below herself to go and cling to her sisters' sleeves as though she had needed them for anything so simple as to get acquainted to a few people she was either equal or superior to anyway, but that didn't mean she was feeling like going to mingle with another group – it made her look like she was desperate to fit in, and this wouldn't do. A Black was never desperate, and it wasn't about fitting in; it was about standing out. However, the only person she knew, beside her cousin Evan who was an odd individual and didn't even like her, was actually the third Nott child, Alcyone, an unpleasant being, blessed with plain features, a long nose and a haughty attitude that neither her name nor her looks could possibly justify.

Now, now. Narcissa took a deep, slow breath, straightened up slightly, and coolly gazed around the room one more time, assessing the groups and the possibilities they offered without losing her head, as a Black should. The elders were out of the question. No matter how special and worthy of attention she was, it would still not do to flaunt it by openly overruling common courtesy and hierarchy. Most of those boys and girls were at Hogwarts already, sorted, as they all should, into Slytherin, they owned wands and had started learning how to practise magic. Real, actual magic, not what she had read in some boring books... Therefore, going to them immediately was out of the question. It would have been out of line, and Narcissa Black didn't step out of line. She dutifully followed the line, and, occasionally, drew it herself. Next... next were the unsorted, of course. Those who were her age, one year older – or younger. She immediately dismissed younger – if she got acquainted with somebody, it would be somebody potentially influential, somebody it would be useful and, perhaps, pleasant to know. The only younger child was the Goyle boy anyway, and he was sitting on the floor, looking every bit like the perfect picture of consanguinity's results. Repressing a shudder with difficulty, Narcissa dismissed his blank look from her mind – really, it couldn't have been worse, except maybe if he had drooled – and endeavoured to focus on business. Business meant the girls her age, as it would hardly have been proper to walk over to the boys and start talking, just like that, on her own. And so business meant Alcyone, and those surrounding her.

Cissy walked forward, smiling pleasantly. In the privacy of her own mind, she went over every detail: not looking too nervous, but not overconfident either – neither weak nor superior, but just like she belonged. Belonged in the group already, belonged among them, into high society. Like she did.

Lightly, smoothly, she stepped through the invisible line that marked the boundaries of the small grouping, smiling like an angel they should welcome as it was called for.

"Hi, Narcissa," Alcyone drawled in her unpleasant, nasal voice.

"Alcyone," Narcissa replied gracefully, "hello, girls. My name is Narcissa Black."

The others were staring with something somberly suspicious lurking in the depth of their pupils, yet they responded appropriately, whispering their own names and nodding their heads lightly to her. None of them was extremely pretty – well, not perfectly pretty, just plainly pleasant to the eye, and even this notion remained vague. Old, familiar names could have drawn Cissy's attention, but she took it for granted that everyone standing in this room would have flawless ancestry. Really, the idea of her mother, Mrs Malfoy, or even Harmonia Greengrass, allowing their precious offspring anywhere close to a person of dubious parentage, was nothing if not ludicrous.

Silence was dangerously stretching on, and Cissy knew she had to push things a little, though really, they should have been the ones to welcome her and make her feel comfortable. She was a Black, and thus basically the guest of honour in their tiny gathering. Anyway.

"So lovely to meet you all," she said sweetly, "no doubt we'll have more than enough time to get properly acquainted, both before and after we join our rightful house and begin with our schooling. Have you seen Lucius Malfoy yet by the way? I was told he was to come and meet us very shortly."

"I have only seen Mrs Malfoy," chirped a girl Cissy remembered to be a Yaxley, "and I have to admit I was quite distracted even then. Those gardens are marvellous!"

"Aren't they?" Narcissa agreed pleasantly, though she mentally rolled her eyes at the obvious, nearly wide-mouthed display of amazement. "Very tasteful choice."

"They're stunning," another one exclaimed in a very nearly offended tone, "I am quite sure those are extremely rare specimens."

"Surely," Narcissa murmured politely, as a third person exclaimed: "And the furniture!"

Who has brought them up? She thought with disbelief, while Alcyone interjected: "Oh, quite fancy, I'll give you that. Daddy has quite impressive pieces as well, though."

"Quite valuable," the Yaxley girl approved, nodding her head fiercely.

There was a move on the corner of Narcissa's eyesight then, catching her attention. She glanced at her sisters, who were going calmly towards the door, their heads held high as though their behaviour was absolutely normal and not even slightly questionable. Then they were out, and something tremendous happened to Cissy: she glanced at the prattling little geese she was surrounded with, and recklessness suddenly seemed extremely appealing to her.

"If you'll excuse me," she said smoothly, "I must be off. My family has business with the Malfoys, I will be back in a moment."

And before anyone had a chance to react, she curtseyed rapidly, twirled on her heel and hurried out, gloating in silence and hoping to catch up with her siblings, quite stunned at her own behaviour.

The corridor was long and bordered by many doors, and Cissy hesitated for a second, before deciding that her sisters would have eloped outside – it was both safest, and most logical given their personalities and Bella's restlessness. Keeping her chin high under the penetrating stares of countless white-blond-haired paintings, the young girl made her way through the lavish manor towards the entrance hall and its marble steps that opened into the gardens. Her sisters were nowhere to be seen, she noted with displeasure, intimidated both by her grand surroundings and the obvious fact that she had no right to wander here alone.

Dunderheaded though they had been, the girls had had a point: those flowers were like nothing she had ever seen. Not that the Black estate's gardens weren't a most delightful sight, but every family of her acquaintance had opted for a more classical, original yet not overly flamboyant look. The Malfoys were different – they were risqué, and their money was flaunted everywhere, not merely implied by an even luxury. Narcissa took a few steps forward, focusing on a small patch of blooming lilies of stunning pink and red colours, delicately freckled, among which a few pure white flowers were standing out. Their petals looked soft and smooth, their colour so vivid they gave off a feeling of true warmth, nearly akin to human skin – and she reached a careful hand, enthralled by their prettiness.

"You'd better not do that."

A small cry of shock escaped Cissy's lips, and she whirled around, her heart hammering. The person who had called out to her stood on the front steps, glaring down at her with narrowed eyes. He was taller than she, and it was obvious, from his white-blond hair, that she was actually facing the young heir of the household. Despite her growing panic at having gotten caught somewhere she should not have been, and by such an imperious and haughty-looking individual at that, Narcissa could not help but feel secretly delighted that she was being the very first to meet Lucius Malfoy. Special, as she should be.

"What are you doing here?" the boy went on, still towering above her from his perch on the steps. "The guests were supposed to be waiting in the bay-windowed room."

"There was but very little entertainment to be found there." Narcissa very much wanted to add that she had followed her sisters out, yet she was sure that this would make her look not only bad-mannered, but also quite clueless. Independence and self-confidence were a better strategy if she wanted to duck her way out of this with her head high, and a stronger voice would have helped quite a bit indeed in achieving that much, while she was at it. "I found it quite rude of the young host not to be tending to his guests – " she stressed the word, like he had, with slight disdain – "and so I decided it was best to go looking."

"Really." He stared her down. "I wouldn't have sorted you as the overly adventurous kind."

There she couldn't keep her cheeks from flushing a deep shade of crimson. "Hasty judgment is hardly recommended, Mr Malfoy," she chastised, keeping her voice firm and steady with some effort. "And 'adventurous' is quite a vague notion indeed, I would say."

"How adventurous would you be then, if I were to compare you to, say, the two older girls who left the room right before you did?"

Narcissa started, caught off guard. "Ladies are not to be compared, Monsieur," she said in an offended tone, praying that he wouldn't call her bluff, "they are all quite special, as you must be aware. More complex to assess than flowers and furniture."

Lucius Malfoy eyed her pensively.

"You do sound quite special indeed, Miss Black," he said softly, stepping down towards her, "but that doesn't make you allowed to pick my mother's flowers. Those might not be complex, but they are valuable."

"I wasn't about to pick them!" Narcissa stammered, horrified. "I would not be so ill-mannered!"

"Lying is disgraceful. Stargazer lilies are admittedly quite appealing, and you had your hand reached out to them."

"They were looking so soft," Narcissa confessed in a haste, lethally embarrassed. "Almost like human skin. I only wanted to check."

Lucius raised his eyebrows. "That is quite a bizarre thing to ponder about. The consistency of flowers."

"I would rather say 'unusual'," she responded in a small voice, trying to keep sounding proud. All of a sudden something dawned on her. "How did you know my name?"

He had a little smirk. "How did you know mine?"

"I am at your house," she pointed out.

"And I am well aware of the identity of my guests," he shot back. "As word choice goes, shall we deem you 'noticeable'?"

Narcissa turned pink at what sounded very much like flattery, in an odd way.

"But let us step back into propriety's boundaries," he suddenly said. "My name is Lucius Malfoy. Very pleased to meet you."

"I am Narcissa Black," she retorted, "and the pleasure is all mine."

He cocked an eyebrow. "Should we get back inside then? As you very well put, I have guests to attend to, and I have a feeling the rightful place for you is not exactly outdoors either."

She couldn't help but smile brilliantly at him. "Very true," she breathed, "let us go."

He gestured for her to go forward, and so she did, dancing up the front steps before disappearing into the shadows of the hallway. With a hint of a smile, she heard him follow behind her.