Fic: Star Crossed
Title: Star Crossed
Username: lrthunder
Pairing: Narcissa/Muggle Male (his identity will be revealed in the story)
Type: Het
Prompt #: 16
Rating: R (closer to PG-13, but just to be safe)
Word Count: 2755
Warnings/content: slight sexual content, implied sex
Summary: Narcissa spends the summer at her aunt's house. During the summer, she meets and falls in love with a Muggle. But some relationships aren't meant to last.
Notes: Thanks to my beta, sassy_cat, for looking over my story. Also, the identity of her lover will be clear at the end of the story, although there are clues throughout the story. Also, I tried to make this somewhat sexier and smuttier, but Narcissa was just too classy a lady to allow me to do that. :)
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters/references are property of JK Rowling and associates. No copyright infringement is intended.
STAR CROSSED
“Hello. Can I help you?”
Narcissa Black turned around. A boy about her age stood behind her, holding a box. He had brown hair and was a bit chubby. He wore an outfit that told her he worked in the shop. “I’m fine. I’m just looking around.”
The boy smiled. “If you need any help, let me know. My name’s Vernon,” he said, offering her his hand.
She smiled as she shook his hand. “Narcissa.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Narcissa. Like I said, if there’s anything you need, let me know. That goes double for drills.”
Narcissa didn’t know what drills were, but she was too smart to display her ignorance. “Are you an expert on drills?”
Vernon smirked. “Well, I wouldn’t have an internship with Grunnings if I didn’t. It’s not until after I finish school, but it’s a good company. I would like to work there someday, maybe even become director.”
Narcissa smiled. “It sounds like you have everything planned out. Well, I’ve got to go. I might come back tomorrow.”
“Please do.”
She didn’t believe in love at first sight, but she had to admit there was something about that Vernon bloke that called to her. Now, she couldn’t exactly bring him home to her parents or other relatives. Her cousin, Sirius and her sister, Andromeda, might not have a problem with him, but her other sister and aunt would flay her alive. However, Narcissa was a Slytherin and she knew how to be cunning.
She came back the next day and smiled when she saw Vernon. He was helping a customer, but looked up as she came in. He grinned at her. “Hi, Narcissa. I’ll be right there with you.”
He finished helping the customer, then walked out from behind the counter. “So, is there anything you need today?”
Narcissa smiled at him. “I just needed to see you.” She grinned as he blushed. “Seriously, I think you’re a nice boy and I could use more nice boys in my life.”
Vernon’s smile slipped. Was he jealous? “I guess there aren’t that many nice blokes you know?”
Narcissa hesitated. “Well, you wouldn’t exactly call them nice, but I didn’t come to talk about them. I came to talk about you.”
He checked his watch. “I’ve got a lunch break coming up. In fact, I know an excellent place where we can go.”
Narcissa smiled. “Let’s go.”
Vernon’s lunch break came and they left the store through the back. He checked both ways, making sure nobody saw them leaving. He left the door propped open a little, so they could return. “Follow me,” he said. He took her by the hand and led her down an alley to an abandoned building a few feet away.
Once again, Vernon checked to make sure nobody was watching before he opened the door. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Narcissa asked.
“Don’t worry. Nobody ever comes in here, except for me, of course.”
“But it’s so dark,” she replied. She was tempted to pull out her wand to provide some light, but she couldn’t do magic in front of a Muggle. Not only was it illegal, but she worried it might freak him out.
“Don’t worry. Your eyes will adjust,” he assured her.
“What is this place?” she asked.
“I don’t know. It might’ve been a furniture store or something like that. Whatever it was, there’s furniture still around,” he explained. He grinned at her. “If I ever need to take a nap, I just do so.”
“But wouldn’t you be late returning to work?”
“Only on days when my boss is at the shop. He trusts me, so he’s not there most of the time. And it’s not like it’s a cinema or a restaurant. Business isn’t very high at times, so I can afford to take longer lunch breaks than normal. Just don’t tell him,” Vernon said.
She smiled. “I won’t, if you won’t.”
They sat down on the sofa and talked. If that particular sofa had been in anybody’s house, Narcissa wouldn’t have sat on it. Funny how a dirty, messed up sofa would be used more in an abandoned store than in an actual house. Still, despite its physical appearance, it appeared to be in good shape.
“You know, if this sofa was cleaned up a bit, it could have another use,” she said, smiling at Vernon and scooting closer to him.
His smile froze and he gulped. “What other use?”
She walked her fingers up his trousers. “Do I need to draw it out for you? You’re male, and I’m a female. Of course, only if you want to.” She almost expected him to make a fuss or make excuses.
Instead, he kissed her. It was a soft kiss at first, but grew more passionate. “I take it that’s a yes?”
Vernon grinned. “That’s a yes.”
“Good. Now kiss me,” she ordered.
He complied. She brought him down on top of her, wincing at little at his weight. He seemed to sense her discomfort. “Sorry,” he said.
“Don’t worry about it. I can adjust.” She resumed snogging him as she wrapped her arms around him, bringing him closer to her. She tilted her head back as he kissed her neck. “Yes, Vernon, that’s nice.”
She lost sense of time as they continued to snog. She felt his hands wandering to her blouse and she wondered if she should stop him. However, his lips felt too good. She wanted to feel his hands on her skin.
“Damn,” he muttered.
“What is it?” Narcissa asked irritably. He had pulled away suddenly.
“My lunch break’s almost over. I’d better get back,” Vernon replied, pulling away from her.
“I thought you said you could take longer lunch breaks than normal,” she replied, straightening her clothes.
“Yeah, by about fifteen minutes. It’s almost been an hour and a half,” he replied, showing her his watch.
“Oh, well. How about I come over tomorrow? I usually have plenty of time during the day?” Narcissa asked.
Vernon smiled. “Sounds like a date.”
* * * * *
“So where are you going, Cissy?”
Narcissa turned around and saw her sister, Bellatrix, leaning against the wall. “I’m just going out for a while.”
Bellatrix smiled. “Of course, you are. You’ve been sneaking out once auntie starts taking her naps. You’re probably going somewhere she won’t approve.” She took a step forward and a dark expression crossed her face. “And what she won’t approve of means I probably won’t approve. So, Cissy, I’ll ask again: where are you going?”
Narcissa glared at her sister. “I’m going out. You’re not Mother or Auntie. I don’t have to tell you anything.”
Bellatrix took out her wand and tapped Narcissa’s chest with it. “I just hope our dear cousin and his blood traitor friends aren’t having any influence on you. Or are you spending time with our sister’s Mudblood husband?”
Narcissa smiled coldly. “Bella, rest assured I’m not doing either.”
“Fine. I’ll accept that answer...for now. But remember, Cissy, there is a wizard out there who will lead us to our rightful place. Don’t make the same mistake our dear sister made.” Before Narcissa could reply, Bellatrix turned around and walked away.
Narcissa fumed. While she loved her sisters dearly, she knew Bellatrix could be overbearing. At least Andromeda left her alone.
She crept downstairs quietly, being careful to avoid waking her aunt. If either her aunt or Bellatrix found out where she was going, things would get very nasty.
* * * * *
After her close encounter with her sister, Narcissa was more careful. Sometimes, she missed meeting Vernon for a couple of days at a time. However, he was understanding. She showed her appreciation during their time together. They would sometimes just snog, while other times, they would do considerably more than snog.
After one of those encounters, she sighed happily. “What are you thinking, Narcissa?”
“I’m just thinking how much I love you, Vernon,” she replied.
Even though they were spooning and he was behind her, she guessed he was smiling. “I love you too, Narcissa. I wish I could spend the rest of my life with you.”
She froze. “That’s sweet of you, and I would love to spend the rest of my life with you as well, but…”
“But what?”
She hesitated. “Let’s just say my family wouldn’t be very understanding.”
“Oh, one of those families? Well, if we want to marry, they can’t stop us,” Vernon insisted.
“But you don’t know them.”
“But I know you. There’s nothing about them that can stop me from loving you. Nothing,” he said firmly. To prove his words, he made love to her again.
* * * * *
If Narcissa had to admit it, she did love Vernon. She said so herself. But she knew she couldn’t marry him. Andromeda’s relationship with the Muggle-born Tonks was bad enough. If her family knew about her dalliances with a Muggle, she would be dead. Not figuratively, literally. She knew her ancestors hadn’t hesitated to prune the family tree, as it were.
Besides, she didn’t know how he would react to magic. Some Muggles, she knew, accepted magic due to their children or spouses. But others hated it. The question was what was Vernon’s opinion on magic? There was only one way to find out, and she had to do so without the Ministry or Hogwarts expelling her.
* * * * *
As a Black, she knew all sorts of spells, hexes and curses. What she needed was a plausible reason to expose her secret as a witch to him. And she might have found the perfect opportunity.
Every time she went to the shop to visit Vernon, she passed an alley that was inhabited by homeless Muggles. Narcissa had to be careful. She couldn’t risk being caught using an Unforgivable, but there was more than one way to skin a Kneazle.
The two men looked up at her as she approached. Before they could say or do anything, she took out her wand and pointed at them. “Petrificus Totalus”, she whispered, causing them to stiffen. They glared at her, but were unable to do anything. It was a good thing she was seventeen, or else the Trace would’ve alerted the Ministry to her use of underage magic.
She could tell they were trying to struggle. “Don’t worry. I just need the two of you to do me a favor. Once that favor is done, you’ll forget all about me.” She proceeded to cast another spell on them. It wasn’t the Imperius Curse, but it was almost as useful.
* * * * *
“Where are you taking me, Vernon?” Narcissa asked. She wore a teal blue dress, while he wore a suit.
“I think our relationship should go to the next level. I don’t think we should spend all of our time snogging,” he replied.
“I agree.”
“I would love for my parents to meet you. I don’t know how well you would like my sister. She likes all sorts of dogs,” he explained.
“What’s her name?”
“Marge. Some say we’re twins; although, I doubt she could ever grow a mustache,” he said, grinning. Narcissa laughed. “How about your family? I know you said they wouldn’t be too understanding, but I would love to meet them.”
Narcissa sighed. “I think you might like my sister, Andromeda, and my cousin, Sirius, but you wouldn’t like the rest of the family. And they wouldn’t like you.”
“Why not?” he asked, frowning.
“Does it matter? What matters is how we feel about each other,” she insisted.
“You’re right.”
They passed an alley and Narcissa’s eyes began roaming. Vernon noticed. “Is something wrong?”
She didn’t want to worry him, so she smiled. “No, it’s just that I’ve never been in this part of the city before.”
He looked at her suspiciously. “Hmmm...I think…”
“Well, well, well, what do we have here, Ernie?” a voice asked mockingly.
Vernon and Narcissa turned around to see two homeless men approaching them. One of them leered at them, while the other smirked.
“Looks like a lovely young couple, Al. And they’re fancily dressed too. They might have some money on them,” Ernie snickered.
“Sorry, but we’re a little busy right now,” Vernon said firmly. He didn’t notice Narcissa reaching into her purse.
“He’s busy, Ernie,” Al mocked.
“Maybe we can make them unbusy,” Ernie sneered. He produced a knife from his pocket. “Now, be a good bloke and hand over that money.”
Vernon snarled and stepped in front of Narcissa. “I’m not going to give any money to the likes of you.”
“Enough of this. Get him!” Ernie snapped.
Vernon raised his fists. Ernie charged, but was met by a punch to the nose. “You fuckin’...”
“I’ll get him, Ernie!” Al snarled. He was quicker than Ernie, but still met Vernon’s fists.
“Do you want more or are you going to leave us alone?” Vernon demanded. Narcissa noticed the bruises on his knuckles.
“Let me handle this,” she said.
“No, Narcissa.”
“Let me,” she replied firmly. She stepped forward, opened her purse and took out her wand. “ “STUPEFY!” . A spell shot from the tip of her wand, knocking Al to the ground. Ernie stared at her, then turned to run. But he was also stunned. “There. That’s that. Now, we can go.”
She expected Vernon to nod hastily. She expected him to stare at her with wide eyes. But she didn’t expect him to say, “What was that freakish nonsense?”
Narcissa gaped. “What did you say?”
He narrowed his eyes. “What was that freakish nonsense?”
“I’m a witch and I just saved both of our lives! Maybe you should be a little grateful,” she snapped. She feared this reaction, but had hoped he would’ve been more rational about it.
“Get away from me, you freak!” he yelled. He turned and stormed away, leaving Narcissa standing there, tears pouring down her face.
* * * * *
Narcissa tried several times to apologize to Vernon, but he wouldn’t listen to her, let alone acknowledge her. Whenever she visited the shop, he would turn his back on her. His rejection hurt her so much that she started spending more time in her room, sometimes not coming out even for meals.
She figured she shouldn’t have manipulated the situation. Had she let nature take its course, then he might’ve accepted her status as a witch. But the more she thought about it, the angrier she became. “Why is it my fault? He’s the narrow-minded bigot,” she told herself. “Maybe Bellatrix and the rest of my family are right about Muggles.”
Despite her anger, she would still walk by the shop. Despite her anger, she was devastated when she saw another blonde young woman hanging out with him. She overheard him calling her “Petunia” or some other name like that. She narrowed her eyes and stormed away.
* * * * *
During the following years, Narcissa all but forgot about Vernon. After seeing that Muggle woman with him, she didn't bother trying to figure out what happened to him. She had married Lucius Malfoy and had a son. She worried about Lucius's involvement as a Death Eater. She worried that the Dark Lord would kill him directly or send him on a mission that would do the same thing. She worried that the Ministry would throw him into Azkaban along with her sister and in-laws.
Fortunately, her husband escaped Azkaban and he worked on building a respectable image for the family. By the time Draco started his first year at Hogwarts, Narcissa had almost forgotten Vernon.
Almost. It was a hot, summer's day at Kings Cross. Lucius sneered and complained about why the Ministry and Hogwarts insisted on using a Muggle place and vehicle to transport students. Narcissa only listened half-heartedly to him as she waited to greet their son. Draco hugged her, and they collected his belongings.
As they walked toward the exit, Narcissa saw Harry Potter walking with a couple. Must be his aunt and uncle, she thought. The uncle turned and she was shocked to see who it was: Vernon. He had started to lecture Potter when his eyes caught hers. He turned all the way around and stared at her. She blushed and he sneered. He grumbled under his breath and yanked his nephew away.
"Mother, what's wrong?" Draco asked.
She turned to her son and smiled. "Nothing, Draco, I was just thinking about the past and how I almost made the biggest mistake of my life." She clasped Lucius's hand and the Malfoys left the train station.
THE END
Username: lrthunder
Pairing: Narcissa/Muggle Male (his identity will be revealed in the story)
Type: Het
Prompt #: 16
Rating: R (closer to PG-13, but just to be safe)
Word Count: 2755
Warnings/content: slight sexual content, implied sex
Summary: Narcissa spends the summer at her aunt's house. During the summer, she meets and falls in love with a Muggle. But some relationships aren't meant to last.
Notes: Thanks to my beta, sassy_cat, for looking over my story. Also, the identity of her lover will be clear at the end of the story, although there are clues throughout the story. Also, I tried to make this somewhat sexier and smuttier, but Narcissa was just too classy a lady to allow me to do that. :)
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters/references are property of JK Rowling and associates. No copyright infringement is intended.
STAR CROSSED
“Hello. Can I help you?”
Narcissa Black turned around. A boy about her age stood behind her, holding a box. He had brown hair and was a bit chubby. He wore an outfit that told her he worked in the shop. “I’m fine. I’m just looking around.”
The boy smiled. “If you need any help, let me know. My name’s Vernon,” he said, offering her his hand.
She smiled as she shook his hand. “Narcissa.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Narcissa. Like I said, if there’s anything you need, let me know. That goes double for drills.”
Narcissa didn’t know what drills were, but she was too smart to display her ignorance. “Are you an expert on drills?”
Vernon smirked. “Well, I wouldn’t have an internship with Grunnings if I didn’t. It’s not until after I finish school, but it’s a good company. I would like to work there someday, maybe even become director.”
Narcissa smiled. “It sounds like you have everything planned out. Well, I’ve got to go. I might come back tomorrow.”
“Please do.”
She didn’t believe in love at first sight, but she had to admit there was something about that Vernon bloke that called to her. Now, she couldn’t exactly bring him home to her parents or other relatives. Her cousin, Sirius and her sister, Andromeda, might not have a problem with him, but her other sister and aunt would flay her alive. However, Narcissa was a Slytherin and she knew how to be cunning.
She came back the next day and smiled when she saw Vernon. He was helping a customer, but looked up as she came in. He grinned at her. “Hi, Narcissa. I’ll be right there with you.”
He finished helping the customer, then walked out from behind the counter. “So, is there anything you need today?”
Narcissa smiled at him. “I just needed to see you.” She grinned as he blushed. “Seriously, I think you’re a nice boy and I could use more nice boys in my life.”
Vernon’s smile slipped. Was he jealous? “I guess there aren’t that many nice blokes you know?”
Narcissa hesitated. “Well, you wouldn’t exactly call them nice, but I didn’t come to talk about them. I came to talk about you.”
He checked his watch. “I’ve got a lunch break coming up. In fact, I know an excellent place where we can go.”
Narcissa smiled. “Let’s go.”
Vernon’s lunch break came and they left the store through the back. He checked both ways, making sure nobody saw them leaving. He left the door propped open a little, so they could return. “Follow me,” he said. He took her by the hand and led her down an alley to an abandoned building a few feet away.
Once again, Vernon checked to make sure nobody was watching before he opened the door. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Narcissa asked.
“Don’t worry. Nobody ever comes in here, except for me, of course.”
“But it’s so dark,” she replied. She was tempted to pull out her wand to provide some light, but she couldn’t do magic in front of a Muggle. Not only was it illegal, but she worried it might freak him out.
“Don’t worry. Your eyes will adjust,” he assured her.
“What is this place?” she asked.
“I don’t know. It might’ve been a furniture store or something like that. Whatever it was, there’s furniture still around,” he explained. He grinned at her. “If I ever need to take a nap, I just do so.”
“But wouldn’t you be late returning to work?”
“Only on days when my boss is at the shop. He trusts me, so he’s not there most of the time. And it’s not like it’s a cinema or a restaurant. Business isn’t very high at times, so I can afford to take longer lunch breaks than normal. Just don’t tell him,” Vernon said.
She smiled. “I won’t, if you won’t.”
They sat down on the sofa and talked. If that particular sofa had been in anybody’s house, Narcissa wouldn’t have sat on it. Funny how a dirty, messed up sofa would be used more in an abandoned store than in an actual house. Still, despite its physical appearance, it appeared to be in good shape.
“You know, if this sofa was cleaned up a bit, it could have another use,” she said, smiling at Vernon and scooting closer to him.
His smile froze and he gulped. “What other use?”
She walked her fingers up his trousers. “Do I need to draw it out for you? You’re male, and I’m a female. Of course, only if you want to.” She almost expected him to make a fuss or make excuses.
Instead, he kissed her. It was a soft kiss at first, but grew more passionate. “I take it that’s a yes?”
Vernon grinned. “That’s a yes.”
“Good. Now kiss me,” she ordered.
He complied. She brought him down on top of her, wincing at little at his weight. He seemed to sense her discomfort. “Sorry,” he said.
“Don’t worry about it. I can adjust.” She resumed snogging him as she wrapped her arms around him, bringing him closer to her. She tilted her head back as he kissed her neck. “Yes, Vernon, that’s nice.”
She lost sense of time as they continued to snog. She felt his hands wandering to her blouse and she wondered if she should stop him. However, his lips felt too good. She wanted to feel his hands on her skin.
“Damn,” he muttered.
“What is it?” Narcissa asked irritably. He had pulled away suddenly.
“My lunch break’s almost over. I’d better get back,” Vernon replied, pulling away from her.
“I thought you said you could take longer lunch breaks than normal,” she replied, straightening her clothes.
“Yeah, by about fifteen minutes. It’s almost been an hour and a half,” he replied, showing her his watch.
“Oh, well. How about I come over tomorrow? I usually have plenty of time during the day?” Narcissa asked.
Vernon smiled. “Sounds like a date.”
* * * * *
“So where are you going, Cissy?”
Narcissa turned around and saw her sister, Bellatrix, leaning against the wall. “I’m just going out for a while.”
Bellatrix smiled. “Of course, you are. You’ve been sneaking out once auntie starts taking her naps. You’re probably going somewhere she won’t approve.” She took a step forward and a dark expression crossed her face. “And what she won’t approve of means I probably won’t approve. So, Cissy, I’ll ask again: where are you going?”
Narcissa glared at her sister. “I’m going out. You’re not Mother or Auntie. I don’t have to tell you anything.”
Bellatrix took out her wand and tapped Narcissa’s chest with it. “I just hope our dear cousin and his blood traitor friends aren’t having any influence on you. Or are you spending time with our sister’s Mudblood husband?”
Narcissa smiled coldly. “Bella, rest assured I’m not doing either.”
“Fine. I’ll accept that answer...for now. But remember, Cissy, there is a wizard out there who will lead us to our rightful place. Don’t make the same mistake our dear sister made.” Before Narcissa could reply, Bellatrix turned around and walked away.
Narcissa fumed. While she loved her sisters dearly, she knew Bellatrix could be overbearing. At least Andromeda left her alone.
She crept downstairs quietly, being careful to avoid waking her aunt. If either her aunt or Bellatrix found out where she was going, things would get very nasty.
* * * * *
After her close encounter with her sister, Narcissa was more careful. Sometimes, she missed meeting Vernon for a couple of days at a time. However, he was understanding. She showed her appreciation during their time together. They would sometimes just snog, while other times, they would do considerably more than snog.
After one of those encounters, she sighed happily. “What are you thinking, Narcissa?”
“I’m just thinking how much I love you, Vernon,” she replied.
Even though they were spooning and he was behind her, she guessed he was smiling. “I love you too, Narcissa. I wish I could spend the rest of my life with you.”
She froze. “That’s sweet of you, and I would love to spend the rest of my life with you as well, but…”
“But what?”
She hesitated. “Let’s just say my family wouldn’t be very understanding.”
“Oh, one of those families? Well, if we want to marry, they can’t stop us,” Vernon insisted.
“But you don’t know them.”
“But I know you. There’s nothing about them that can stop me from loving you. Nothing,” he said firmly. To prove his words, he made love to her again.
* * * * *
If Narcissa had to admit it, she did love Vernon. She said so herself. But she knew she couldn’t marry him. Andromeda’s relationship with the Muggle-born Tonks was bad enough. If her family knew about her dalliances with a Muggle, she would be dead. Not figuratively, literally. She knew her ancestors hadn’t hesitated to prune the family tree, as it were.
Besides, she didn’t know how he would react to magic. Some Muggles, she knew, accepted magic due to their children or spouses. But others hated it. The question was what was Vernon’s opinion on magic? There was only one way to find out, and she had to do so without the Ministry or Hogwarts expelling her.
* * * * *
As a Black, she knew all sorts of spells, hexes and curses. What she needed was a plausible reason to expose her secret as a witch to him. And she might have found the perfect opportunity.
Every time she went to the shop to visit Vernon, she passed an alley that was inhabited by homeless Muggles. Narcissa had to be careful. She couldn’t risk being caught using an Unforgivable, but there was more than one way to skin a Kneazle.
The two men looked up at her as she approached. Before they could say or do anything, she took out her wand and pointed at them. “Petrificus Totalus”, she whispered, causing them to stiffen. They glared at her, but were unable to do anything. It was a good thing she was seventeen, or else the Trace would’ve alerted the Ministry to her use of underage magic.
She could tell they were trying to struggle. “Don’t worry. I just need the two of you to do me a favor. Once that favor is done, you’ll forget all about me.” She proceeded to cast another spell on them. It wasn’t the Imperius Curse, but it was almost as useful.
* * * * *
“Where are you taking me, Vernon?” Narcissa asked. She wore a teal blue dress, while he wore a suit.
“I think our relationship should go to the next level. I don’t think we should spend all of our time snogging,” he replied.
“I agree.”
“I would love for my parents to meet you. I don’t know how well you would like my sister. She likes all sorts of dogs,” he explained.
“What’s her name?”
“Marge. Some say we’re twins; although, I doubt she could ever grow a mustache,” he said, grinning. Narcissa laughed. “How about your family? I know you said they wouldn’t be too understanding, but I would love to meet them.”
Narcissa sighed. “I think you might like my sister, Andromeda, and my cousin, Sirius, but you wouldn’t like the rest of the family. And they wouldn’t like you.”
“Why not?” he asked, frowning.
“Does it matter? What matters is how we feel about each other,” she insisted.
“You’re right.”
They passed an alley and Narcissa’s eyes began roaming. Vernon noticed. “Is something wrong?”
She didn’t want to worry him, so she smiled. “No, it’s just that I’ve never been in this part of the city before.”
He looked at her suspiciously. “Hmmm...I think…”
“Well, well, well, what do we have here, Ernie?” a voice asked mockingly.
Vernon and Narcissa turned around to see two homeless men approaching them. One of them leered at them, while the other smirked.
“Looks like a lovely young couple, Al. And they’re fancily dressed too. They might have some money on them,” Ernie snickered.
“Sorry, but we’re a little busy right now,” Vernon said firmly. He didn’t notice Narcissa reaching into her purse.
“He’s busy, Ernie,” Al mocked.
“Maybe we can make them unbusy,” Ernie sneered. He produced a knife from his pocket. “Now, be a good bloke and hand over that money.”
Vernon snarled and stepped in front of Narcissa. “I’m not going to give any money to the likes of you.”
“Enough of this. Get him!” Ernie snapped.
Vernon raised his fists. Ernie charged, but was met by a punch to the nose. “You fuckin’...”
“I’ll get him, Ernie!” Al snarled. He was quicker than Ernie, but still met Vernon’s fists.
“Do you want more or are you going to leave us alone?” Vernon demanded. Narcissa noticed the bruises on his knuckles.
“Let me handle this,” she said.
“No, Narcissa.”
“Let me,” she replied firmly. She stepped forward, opened her purse and took out her wand. “ “STUPEFY!” . A spell shot from the tip of her wand, knocking Al to the ground. Ernie stared at her, then turned to run. But he was also stunned. “There. That’s that. Now, we can go.”
She expected Vernon to nod hastily. She expected him to stare at her with wide eyes. But she didn’t expect him to say, “What was that freakish nonsense?”
Narcissa gaped. “What did you say?”
He narrowed his eyes. “What was that freakish nonsense?”
“I’m a witch and I just saved both of our lives! Maybe you should be a little grateful,” she snapped. She feared this reaction, but had hoped he would’ve been more rational about it.
“Get away from me, you freak!” he yelled. He turned and stormed away, leaving Narcissa standing there, tears pouring down her face.
* * * * *
Narcissa tried several times to apologize to Vernon, but he wouldn’t listen to her, let alone acknowledge her. Whenever she visited the shop, he would turn his back on her. His rejection hurt her so much that she started spending more time in her room, sometimes not coming out even for meals.
She figured she shouldn’t have manipulated the situation. Had she let nature take its course, then he might’ve accepted her status as a witch. But the more she thought about it, the angrier she became. “Why is it my fault? He’s the narrow-minded bigot,” she told herself. “Maybe Bellatrix and the rest of my family are right about Muggles.”
Despite her anger, she would still walk by the shop. Despite her anger, she was devastated when she saw another blonde young woman hanging out with him. She overheard him calling her “Petunia” or some other name like that. She narrowed her eyes and stormed away.
* * * * *
During the following years, Narcissa all but forgot about Vernon. After seeing that Muggle woman with him, she didn't bother trying to figure out what happened to him. She had married Lucius Malfoy and had a son. She worried about Lucius's involvement as a Death Eater. She worried that the Dark Lord would kill him directly or send him on a mission that would do the same thing. She worried that the Ministry would throw him into Azkaban along with her sister and in-laws.
Fortunately, her husband escaped Azkaban and he worked on building a respectable image for the family. By the time Draco started his first year at Hogwarts, Narcissa had almost forgotten Vernon.
Almost. It was a hot, summer's day at Kings Cross. Lucius sneered and complained about why the Ministry and Hogwarts insisted on using a Muggle place and vehicle to transport students. Narcissa only listened half-heartedly to him as she waited to greet their son. Draco hugged her, and they collected his belongings.
As they walked toward the exit, Narcissa saw Harry Potter walking with a couple. Must be his aunt and uncle, she thought. The uncle turned and she was shocked to see who it was: Vernon. He had started to lecture Potter when his eyes caught hers. He turned all the way around and stared at her. She blushed and he sneered. He grumbled under his breath and yanked his nephew away.
"Mother, what's wrong?" Draco asked.
She turned to her son and smiled. "Nothing, Draco, I was just thinking about the past and how I almost made the biggest mistake of my life." She clasped Lucius's hand and the Malfoys left the train station.
THE END