One Shot

Disclaimer: Not mine, no money, etc.

This was written for ladyinthecloak who requested a prompt during Potter Place’s Saturday Night Drabble chat. Information on that can be found after!

Narcissa looked down at the lovely jade pendant in Lucius’ hands and smiled appreciatively. “I adore it.”

“And I adore you.”

She’d not told him yet of her illness or how each passing day slowly stole what was left of her life. She didn’t want to see the sorrow that would be sure to follow, so when he’d suggested that they go to America on holiday after Potter had finally defeated the Dark Lord, she couldn’t resist. It would be their last time away together while she still felt well enough. She only wished that Draco could have joined them. That would have made the holiday complete.

“Why did you choose this place, Lucius? Sedona, Arizona?”

He pulled her close and Side-Along Apparated with her to another location. “Look,” he said, nodding behind her.

“Oh! Breathtaking! What is this place?”

“It’s called Oak Creek Canyon and is just north of Sedona. When Severus experimented with certain rocks for one of his little projects, he came here to procure some, and of course, he had pamphlets lying about.” Lucius shrugged. “I vowed then that if I were ever able, I’d like to see the place for myself.”

“Thank you, Lucius, for bringing me.” Narcissa looked around, taking in nature’s rugged beauty. A curvy creek flowed nearby amidst several trees and rocks of various sizes, its backdrop a tall, rocky mountain with many layers stone in various shades red, orange, and brown hues.

“Of course none of the pamphlets mentioned how hot it would be here,” he quipped, giving her a light, lopsided grin, which made him appear boyish.

Her heart nearly melted at the sight. “Interestingly enough, I’ve barely noticed. You’ve done nothing but surprise me since we’ve got here—the lovely lunch in the room after we checked in, this gorgeous pendant, which will match perfectly with my new robes, and now this scenery.”

Lucius brushed her long, pale locks from her face and leaned in to kiss her lips. “There’s another place that I’d like to visit while we’re in Arizona.”

“Oh?”

“Taliesin West, which is over in Phoenix. Severus met with the wizard who built it, and he told me about it and had information on the place. It’s up for sale. I thought it might be an investment.”

“What is it? A manor?”

“Actually, it’s a Muggle museum, of all things, but the architectural work is stunning, especially by our standards. The atmosphere seemed positively regal, fit for a Malfoy.”

“I look forward to seeing it.”

“And you shall, but not at the moment. Let us enjoy this peaceful place.”

Narcissa nodded, allowed her husband to take her arm in his, and she strolled with him along a trail, feeling content to be alive for the moment and to be with the one man who’d always meant everything to her.

AN: ladyinthecloak wrote an excellent story that I had the honor of beta reading called “Travel, Conspiracy, and Men.” That story takes place in Phoenix, Arizona and features Lucius, Hermione, and Severus. Sadly, Narcissa has already passed on in that story, but I thought this might be a nice little tribute to her.

When I saw the prompt she made for drabble night (Narcissa, Sedona, Jade—gem), I had the want to write a short companion piece in that story’s honor.

You can find it at:

http://www.thepetulantpoetess.com/viewstory.php?sid=9571