Pretence and Pretentiousness
Chapter 8 of 11
nagandsevThe importance of pretences becomes known in more ways than one.
Reviewed
oOoOoOo
Cushion under her knees, Astoria lay in the botanical conservatory listening to the silence. Occasionally in the distance, a faint sound of a peacock's call or an answering cry registered now and then, piercing the soundless air.
As the greenhouse's natural lighting dimmed to early dusk's darkening hues, a chill went through her, and ever so slowly, she sat up, Accioed her clothing, and began to slowly dress. In a stupor-like state, she mechanically tidied her work place, putting away the catalogued notes she had been making before he appeared. Lucius!
Feeling drained, she slowly walked back to the main hall of the manor, halting now and then when she felt the come flow out of her. Her breathing became heavy as she made her way up the cold black-marbled stairs, her thighs rubbing together, chafing from the sticky friction between them.
Making her way to her chamber and quickly warding it, she headed straight for her en suite and soon lay soaking in a hot bubbled bath. She touched herself, feeling a flare of anxiety, hot and deep, within her body and spirit. Draco! What have I done? What am I doing? Where are you tonight?
Lethargically, she finished bathing and dressed herself in a plush sleeping gown and robe, feeling securer in the multiple, thick layers. With one last burst of energy, she plunged under her bed coverings, as if she could burrow away from the world, seeking shelter from her conflicting emotions and fear of the unknown future of what her actions, their actions, would bring. Lucius!
oOoOoOo
A firm, repetitive knocking was heard on her bedroom door as Astoria awoke, muddled and confused. Sleep had obviously come to her while hibernating under her bedding, and she found herself disorientated, not knowing if it were day or night at first.
"Astoria? Astoria, dear. Are you all right?" It was Narcissa. "May I come in?"
Astoria unwarded the room, and her mother-in-law slowly entered.
"We were worried about you, as you didn't come down for dinner. I had the house-elf check on you... You were sleeping so soundly...." Narcissa gave Astoria a concerned look. "We have a big day tomorrow, the morning presentations and speeches for the upcoming charity ball. Our luncheon with Potter and Longbottom. Fund-raising is not as glamorous as it's thought to be." Narcissa gave her a small smile and sat on the side of the bed.
"You miss Draco?"
Astoria's heart was hammering in her chest, and she found she couldn't look Narcissa in the eye. Flashes of Lucius, his scent, his touch, his taste, made it impossible. She could only stare at a patterned spot on the duvet and nod her head in affirmation.
"Yes, Draco shouldn't be leaving you so alone so often... But a wizard has to do what he has to do." Narcissa offered Astoria a light pleasantry. "When he's made Minister of Magic, we'll forgive him, won't we, dear?"
Astoria acknowledged the courteous, somewhat playful remark with another nod.
"This too shall pass," the blonde witch said softly. Astoria flinched as she felt Narcissa take her hand in hers.
"Men can be such... brutes, dear Astoria. Insensitive. Selfish. Quite clueless." Narcissa gave her a strange look but then quickly smiled again. "It is up to us to tame them."
Astoria felt her face burn, flushing. She forced herself to give Narcissa a polite smile.
Narcissa's face became unreadable in response; she rose and said, "I'll have some dinner brought to you. You must keep your strength, my dear." Unexpectedly, Narcissa leaned down and gave Astoria a soft kiss on her forehead, as if she were a child. "For Draco..." Her mother-in-law straightened up and repeated, "You must keep your strength... and nerves, Astoria. One day, you'll look back at this period in your marriage, and it'll be like a long-ago dream...." Narcissa's gaze was as intense as if she were about to incant Legilimens on her, and Astoria held her breath, occluding her mind as fast as she could.
But Narcissa only smiled gently at her again. "Rest well, tonight. I'll see you in the morning." And with that, she left Astoria to herself and pensive thoughts.
oOoOoOo
Hours later, Astoria tossed and turned, unable to sleep as she desperately wished to. She longed to lose herself in deep sleep, wishing for time to go by as quickly as possible until Draco would return from his ministerial travels. She tried to deny that his time away, which had become more and more frequent, created longer and lonelier gaps in her life. With an exasperated sigh, she sat up abruptly and stared around in the soft glowing moonlight filling her bed chamber. Draco... I need you so badly... Where are you?
It wasn't the first time she had longed for him when he had been away. But it was the first time she felt so intensely marked by despair and anxiety by the lack of his presence. Where did the Minister send him? Prague? Paris? In her irritable grogginess, she threw herself back against the plush pillows and stared up at the mirror hanging above the bed, staring at her form, as if she were a stranger. A forlorn, solitary figure who didn't belong there. Her facial muscles began to tense as she tried to control her lips, which began to tremble as she welled up with sadness and clutched at the nearest pillow to squeeze and cried out unexpectedly, "Lucius!"
She gasped as the mirror above her changed from reflecting her shadowed figure and bedding to the incredulous sight of two forms, two very blond and pale forms, in the dire throes of passion, heatedly consummating their carnal acts before her. Lucius' damn charm!
Astoria was caught between looking away and wanting to watch. Needing to watch. For she found herself mesmerized, witnessing Lucius and Narcissa's harmonious, synchronised, flow of fucking and love-making.
As she watched Narcissa glide on top of Lucius, swaying and riding him in mounting pleasure, Astoria panted heavily, her chest tightening at the exquisite expressions on Lucius and Narcissa's face, apparently both seconds away from coming. And come they did.
Astoria took in every breath and touch they gave each other, every thrust and clenched muscle, every grunt and moan, escalating to a climaxing cry. Narcissa had frozen in orgasm on top of Lucius; Astoria watched as Lucius slowly sat up, gathering Narcissa in his arms, and turned her over. With his apparently-still-hard-cock inside his wife, he began to thrust in earnest, his tight-muscled buttocks vividly flexing in and out as he pumped Narcissa thoroughly.
Astoria touched herself, searching for her clitoris in her wetness, watching Lucius and Narcissa. She whimpered in frustration as she witnessed him come inside Narcissa and listened to her own heavy breathing as she saw Lucius kiss and caress his lifetime lover and partner with indescribable tenderness and attention.
Turning away from the view, she forced her eyes shut. The vision of Narcissa and Lucius, their intimacy, was too searing a sight for her to bear. So... beautiful and... painful...
It was something she longed to experience for herself, have for herself, fill her gaps. But not with Lucius... or do I? She cried out in frustration and confusion, with guilt.
Is that what Draco and I have, the same as Narcissa and ... Lucius? Draco loves me, I know... but... Astoria reflected; she thought thoughts she'd never allowed herself to think before. She became overwhelmed with a wave of doubt, all-encompassing, and squeezed her pillows tighter than ever before in her life. She refused to look again into Lucius' charmed mirror, taunting her with that which was missing in her life.
oOoOoOo
Narcissa arched her perfect eyebrow at Harry. "So, Mr Potter, the Auror department will provide security and clearance..."
"Along with our own inner-department donations and," Harry grinned cheekily at Narcissa, "at least three dances with you during the evening, Mrs Malfoy. It's a deal then?"
Narcissa gave him a smile. "If I'm going to dance with you, we can do away with the last name formalities. Shall we?"
"I'd like that very much." Harry's smile broadened triumphantly as Narcissa arched her eyebrow again in anticipation, and he added, "Narcissa."
"Such a beautiful name," piped in the other wizard at the restaurant table. "One of my most favourite flowers, one of the most beautiful flowers. Sad...but beautiful."
Narcissa's eyes shined with a secret as she gave Neville Longbottom her full attention.
"Becoming a Hogwarts professor has made you so very eloquent, Neville." She complemented him further, "Eloquent and handsome. Wouldn't you agree, Astoria?"
"Neville's an exceptional Herbologist; he always has been, actually. Even as a student, he had a green thumb and expansive knowledge in his field of interest." Astoria felt her face burn at being put on the spot by her mother-in-law's unusual inviting behaviour during this lunch meeting with Potter and Longbottom, this last comment being one of many she'd gone out of her way to tease and entertain them with. Astoria tried to glide over and divert Narcissa's subject of interest, saying, "So naturally he has a great appreciation for all things floral, names included."
"How are you with other names, Neville? Astoria's, for example?" prompted the blonde witch bluntly.
"Narcissa, please, don't make him..."
"Well, she's..." Neville gave Astoria a bold, appreciate gaze. "The name itself is a variant of Asteria... She's a goddess." Neville seemed momentarily flustered and blushed deeply, but continued on, "a star maiden... While fleeing a sexual union with Zeus...I mean," Longbottom cleared his throat, "Asteria was pursued by the god Zeus...." Neville hesitated, apparently rethinking how to tell the story tastefully in front of the ladies present. "In order to escape from Zeus' embraces, she attempted to flee, only to be metamorphosed into a quail, threw herself into the sea, and was there metamorphosed into the island Asteria... The island which had fallen from heaven like a star... Zeus made sure she would be forever rooted in one spot, unable to ever flee from him, or anyone else actually, again..."
Neville gave Astoria an odd look as Harry commented, "The ladies didn't need a history lesson, Professor Longbottom."
"No, Harry, I'm quite impressed by Neville's thoroughness in any given subject. We could listen to him all evening, couldn't we, Astoria?" Narcissa added coyly, "Your wife must be a very happy woman."
Neville blushed an even deeper shade of red at this.
"How far with child is she?" asked Narcissa pointedly.
"Eight...eight months pregnant... We're counting the days for the new arrival."
"I'm sure you are," purred the Malfoy matriarch. "It's such a special time, for the witch as well as the wizard. Waiting for the newborn to be born... as well as returning to normal relations between one another. But you're a stellar example of manhood and husbandhood; why both of you young wizards are." She gave Potter an enticing look. "Each generation brings forth its own tributes to the times, those of noble deeds and bravery..."
"And witches of great wisdom, cleverness, and skill," Harry complimented the older blonde witch back.
Something passed between Harry and Narcissa, something that Astoria couldn't quite put her finger on as she watched them lay on the charm and compliments to one another, but Harry interrupted her sober musings by his abrupt standing up and offering, "Shall we?" He walked over to behind Narcissa's chair and pulled it out for her as she rose.
"Harry and I have several meetings over at the Ministry and around London for the fundraiser this afternoon."
Astoria blinked in understanding. "I'll see myself back to the Ministry or Floo home once we're finished going over the strategic planning for our areas..."
"Or perhaps Neville could escort you to the manor?" suggested Narcissa eagerly turning to Longbottom. "I don't believe you've seen our lovely botanical conservatory, have you? Astoria, you must give him a private tour...I'm sure he'll be quite impressed."
Astoria and Neville stared at each other as Narcissa pushed, saying, "As the two of you will be working closely together within both the potions and herbology circles on all sides, liaising with Ministry, St Mungo's and Hogwarts staff for the Charity ball..."
"Exactly, Neville's too busy to..."
"I'd like you to feel welcomed to visit us at the manor whenever you like," continued Narcissa and then turned to Harry. "Let us leave Astoria and Neville to their collaborative efforts, and we shall to ours. Divide and conquer, yes?"
"That's one way of looking at it, a useful strategy at times...if used in the right way," agreed Harry, chuffed by Narcissa's enticing allure. With a nod, Harry allowed Narcissa to sweep before him, attentively following her to the front doors of the restaurant, exiting.
In the awkward silence, unable to speak, Astoria and Neville gave darting glances to one another in between looking at the tablecloth until Neville spoke first. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you."
"Embarrassed me?"
"With the goddess story..."
Astoria softly huffed. "No, I'm sorry that Narcissa is fixated for some reason on forcing you to flatter me..."
"I'm not," Neville said bluntly.
Astoria felt her face blush warm. She couldn't deny, as Narcissa had shamelessly noted, that Neville had become a handsome, confident man, who appeared to know himself and his strengths well. She acknowledged that he had a gentlemanly charm that lured her into him on one level, but not knowing for certain how far his intentions could lead, she kept her shield up.
He quickly shattered it by saying, "I think you're sad... and perhaps Narcissa thinks we could be...I could be... Everyone could use a friend, Astoria."
"We are friends, Neville."
"We're colleagues at times when forced to be...when we're in contact and work together on projects; and we're acquaintances of a regular sort in our potions and herbology circles that overlap, but friends..." He swallowed hard. "I would like...."
Hesitating, as if in conflict with something he was debating, Neville slowly covered her hand with his. "If you ever need a friend, someone just to listen or... I-I'd..."
"Well, well, what have we here?"
Astoria and Neville looked up to see four figures in front of their table, but the commenter of the utterance was someone she could not tear her eyes from...so cold yet burning in his anger. She inhaled sharply. Lucius!
OoOoOo
A/N: Forever thankful to the one and only star_girl for everything, especially for the beta work and making the awesome banner for me on top of everything else to keep my Muse and Lucius happy! She's expanded my universe as only a Ravenclaw can!
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Latest 25 Reviews for Blood and Vows
74 Reviews | 5.64/10 Average
looking foward to more... great story!!!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Thank you so much for reading and the kind, encouraging feedback, truly appreciate it! So happy that you're enjoying it, thanks again!
I've been reading this at AFF - which I hate because they don't send out update notices. Now I discover it's posted here - which is irritating because they no longer send out update notices. Could I get you to post it to your AO3 account [yeah, I looked there, too.] Please, please, please. This is not a pairing I usually read, but your story has my attention now and I'd love to know when the next update is going to be!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Dear Darque Heart, thank you so much for continuing to read, and happy that you took a chance on a rare pairing though it's not your usual preference, truly appreciate it!I think if you tick the 'Add/Update Bookmark icon' near the top of a chapter's page, the system should send you an update notice, or tick the 'add fav story'--but if you just tick the update bookmark icon, that should do it--however, since I don't know when I'll be able to post at AO3 (sorry, I lost my password, etc.--haven't had much free time to write, and haven't been on that site, unfortunately, for years), if you'd like, I could send you an email when I update via your TPP account, if that's okay? If not, I'll try to explore AO3 again when I have some holiday days off from work this summer (plan to catch up on all things fandom
) Thanks again for your continued interest!
Dear author. Thank you so much for writing and sharing this beautiful story. Usually I read only SS/HG stories my favorite pairing. You open my eyes with this incredible pairing. I like Lucius character. He is a bit darker than Severus with very slytherin but interesting motives. I can't help but wish to see Astoria's pregnant with Lucius' child and how they will deal with it even if I feel bad for Draco. Being cheated by his own father is awful but the conflict between one' interests and the family's one is intriguing. What is more important? The Family's line? Individual hapiness? Truly this story is captivating with characters well built. You hook me hard and fast.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
, thank you so very much for reading this even though it is about a different pairing other than what you usually prefer--truly, deeply appreciate it!Also, thank you so much for your thoughtful, insightful feedback--so glad to know that Lucius is coming across as intended, as well as Astoria and Draco (trying to keep the empathy/sympathy for Draco, as I feel for anyone in his predicament) --I'm trying to keep but explore Lucius being Slytherin as well as other, human, areas of him, etc. You've touched on the major dilemmas of each of the characters that will be continued to be explored and wrestled with--one's interests versus larger/family ones, the Family's line, etc., and the innate motivations of Astoria, Lucius, and Draco, and all involved. Again, thank you so much for reading, and I'm so happy that you are enjoying this tale and for your consideration!
In the previous chapter, Astoria was taking herself to the depths with the aid of Lucius, and many things were revealed. One revelation is that Lucius believed he could give a measured amount of Astoria to another, but he discovers he is possessive about her. The review's conjecture was that the characters were at the bottom of the pit as in Dante’s Inferno with the betrayers and, after this, they would claw their way up. The earnest, but human, Neville and the scheming Narcissa also appear. It ends with Astoria and Lucius giving in to their growing attraction and Astoria realizing she will come to him and respond to him as Narcissa does.
But in this chapter, it’s not clear things have reached the bottom. How much will Draco have to be involved in any resolution? At the moment, he is not included, and he is suspicious of his wife, of the business deal, and his father’s activities. Lucius, acting to neutralize a threat, has crossed the line. It is not clear how much Narcissa knows; she appears absorbed by her efforts to restore the family’s position.
On the other hand, a legitimate commercial arrangement looks feasible, and the Malfoys appear to care for each other. A resolution is possible based on the aristocrat view that conventional standards do not apply to them. Except there has been deceit, and that will make things more difficult.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
, thank you so much for continuing to read this and for your very thoughtful and generous feedback! Draco will have to be involved in some resolutions, and in reference to Dante's Inferno, even though she is definitely not an Uncommitted, Narcissa is selective for various reasons and past experience, more about her and her point of views a bit later on.Hmmm, on reflecting about the last review and this one/the characters are at the bottom of the pit... I'm not sure if all of them will be able to claw their way up and out, to a new dawn--thank you for giving me more to think about... They may be wallowing a bit longer in the bottom circles:-) ... for it seemed for a while that Lucius had become quite adapted to all the circles and the rings of hell/life, but maybe, even for him, there could be a different restoration to life and participation of sorts in it.A bit more character exploration of how all involved, albeit aristocrats (and the definite entitled belief that conventional standards do not apply to them), will deal with the deceit and various choices presenting themselves, etc. What started out as a smut fic for a fanfic friend quickly turned into something much more--still not quite sure what, lol! Again, thank you so much for your observations and commentary, truly appreciate it!
Please consider completing this. It is a wonderful story.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Thank you so very much for your kind comments, truly appreciate it! I've almost got the next chapter finished and will work on it tonight and tomorrow and hopefully get it posted soon afterwards. The ending is finished, just have to connect the dots with full narrative, etc. :-) Your comments are just the nudge I needed, thanks again, so happy that you are enjoying it.
A complex chapter, but it might best be described as first traveling to the lowest depths of the Inferno, where we find the betrayers, and then beginning the climb out the other side.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Thank you so much for continuing to read and getting through all of this and for kindly leaving some feedback--yes, for Astoria, as well as for Lucius, in his own way, experiencing what's she's experience will help her to focus in the uncertain current state of affairs; Lucius will make further precarious decisions, protective ones from his point of view, but risky-- yes, each will help the other to climb up and out of this quagmire, one way or another. Thank you again for reading and the review, truly, deeply appreciate it!
A chapter revealing the multi-faceted Lucius. He is imperious, but he is jealous of Neville, and he reminds the catty women that Astoria is special. He remains imperious, but assures Astoria she is above responding to Pansy and Daphne, and he declares he wants to please and worship Astoria who realizes this is her attitude toward Draco.In a reversal, Astoria comes to him and takes what she wants.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Thank you for continuing to read and for the detailed and thoughtful feedback, truly, deeply appreciate it! Lucius is reclaiming his role in the post-war wizarding world, slowly but surely; yes, he is reminding the others of their place in his inner circle, as well as discovering, deciding, and declaring Astoria's meaning to both himself and how the others are expected to treat her. Astoria is questioning and discovering further aspects of herself, and Lucius; and yes, in a cliched in vino veritas depiction, she is letting the truth set her free and arousedly act in the moment. This will perhaps be a new path for her to continue on, sans cordial; thank you again for reviewing!
Good description of their passion and her yearning. Lucius, at this point, is interested in sex, domination, and heir, but he evinces no romantic feelings.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Thank you so much for continuing to read and for the feedback, truly appreciate it! Yes, Lucius is pursuing fully his interests and pleasure; well, their interests and pleasure; he is in agreement with her to fully engage and enjoy some sexual activity and to now sire an heir together, however, he is withholding romantic feelings from her, whether this is on purpose or because he is incapable or because it would make even him too vulnerable, etc. Thank you again for affirming what is coming across!
Lucius in full bloom. His lust, desire to dominate, and wish for an heir have found someone who is vulnerable to all three.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Thank you for continuing to read and for the feedback, truly appreciate it! Yes, in this opportune situation, all of his intense interests and needs are in full drive--he has nothing to lose and a pleasurable amount of indeterminable involvement to gain--he's plunging forward and is determined that she willingly embraces him and the situation fully, equally, well, as equal as he allows--thank you again for the read!
Lucius alternates between treating Astoria with disdain and expressing raging, possessive jealousy even though acting kindly and respectfully toward her when the family is present would make life easier for all of them. He cannot find his balance. Perhaps because he is in the grip of his emotions, and the loss of his usual total control has undone him. It may be that Astoria senses this on some level, and his wild behavior touches her deeply.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Thank you so much for reading and for the generous feedback, truly appreciate it! Yes, trying to capture Lucius in an erratic phase, in this unexpected turn of events, he is volatile, and approaching her from every angle and testing her limits and reaction to him, his conditions, his terms. However, a wildness has been unleashed within him, and yes, it seems that it has touched and tapped into a wildness within Astoria, which will be explored, as unforseeable as it is for her in her previous ignorance of her own nature. But perhaps Lucius' sense of self, his unbalance at this time as you pointed out, is because he will also be undergoing an unknown experience to some point in his effort to regain full control and balance in his life, etc. I'm struggling with trying to capture them having this irrational but undeniable chemistry between each other along with everything else going on. Thank you again for your feedback, it helps me understand what is coming across, again, truly, deeply appreciate it!
A depiction of Astoria's dilemma: the intense emotional and physical attraction of Astoria and Draco contrasted with her lust for Lucius, a future of deception, and an intrusive Lucius.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Yes, Astoria and Draco's past and present, current attraction is presented, and the different levels and lust discovered in and with Lucius has presented itself. A future of deception is a heavy burden to bear for Astoria, she will struggle with whether she is able to handle it or not--an intrusive Lucius will no doubt help her to dig deeper and enlighten her, using and polishing up various Slytherin attributes. Thank you so much for reading this and the generous feedback of what is coming across in between the ginormous amount of pwp--truly, deeply appreciate your perceptive, exacting commentary! Thank you again!
Things are proceeding. Draco is being a dutiful son while still trying to protect Astoria from Lucius and trying to keep his father from his old ways. Lucius has lost enough that he cannot be reasonable or understanding. Astoria is trying to find a way through all of this, but succumbing to her own wild needs. There are hints that she will soften Lucius as she steeled Draco.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Yes, Draco is trying to hold firm with his current loyalties to the new order, his role and sense of authority that accompanies this, and protecting his family members from being further harmed--reminding his father of his erring ways to be checked and controlled, susceptible to his dubious habits, etc. Everyone is trying to disassociate themselves from the dark past; they may or may not be successful with this, and some things may merely manifest in other ways. Lucius will need much more time, if he is even willing to sincerely attempt and control himself, truly; he may be unable/unwilling, as his bitterness runs deep, scarred for life.Astoria's little secluded world has been invaded, and she has had and will continue to react/interact in ways she's never experienced before, in the process discovering new things about herself and the world beyond her borders. Yes, she will continue to affect both of her Malfoy men in exactly the way as perceived. Thank you so much,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
, for your kind and generous time and detailed feedback to this tale--truly, deeply appreciate it! It has inspired and given me clarity and motivation in how I'll, eventually, finish this tale (I have the ending, but the last remaining chapters' scribbled notes can now be developed and filled in towards it, etc.). Thanks again!
The chapter begins with Astoria at the end of her rope. She only wants to hide under the covers.Narcissa appears, and she is as mysterious as ever. Perhaps she knows what her husband is doing and still indulges in passion. But Lucius believes he is getting no affection from her. Perhaps she is flirting with Harry and Neville. Perhaps she is playing a role and getting out of it what she can.Lucius appears and Astoria is stricken. He does not make her comfortable or happy.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Yes, Astoria is having a bout of intense anxiety; in her aloneness, she knows not what else to do. More clarity on Narcissa a bit later on, as the story unfolds; she is and also has been a survivor of many a thing, and her motivation and objectives will be more explicitly revealed. Lucius' unexpected appearance, reminds Astoria that she is not her own woman, and his penchant for being unpredictable, friend or foe, whether he will be civil or threatening unnerves her momentarily. Her world, their world, has staunchly changed.Thank you so much for continuing to read this and for the detailed feedback, truly appreciate it!
From the way the characters were depicted inthe first chapter, the story could become either tragedy or character development. Lucius's focus is still on continuing the family line, and he changed his strategy with the new revelation, but he is developing feelings and admiration for Astoria. Astoria, despite all her misgivings, may be finding an anchor in Lucius.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Dear
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
, thank you so much for continuing to read this and for the feedback. I was trying to capture and set up the Malfoys in murky territory, and from this point, have them struggling on to survive and sustain and reclaim, and slowly move forward. Continuing the family has plunged Lucius and Astoria into the same stream, and both must accommodate the other in mutual interests--yes, out of this interaction will be mostly character development and exploration. As keenly insightful as always, she will indeed find an anchor in Lucius, despite either one being, perhaps, satisfied with the terms, etc. Lucius' change in how he is viewing Astoria will allow him to relate to her differently than he has ever before, and yes, feel differently about her, slowly but surely, including but beyond the mere sexual, etc. Thank you again for reading, truly, deeply appreciate it!
Glad you have updated this tale, its very good!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Thank you so much for continuing to read and for the supportive feedback, truly appreciate it!
So happy you're enjoying it. Working on the next chapter, New Year's resolution: to finish this baby (this year)--lol! Thanks, again!
Someone needs to make this into a film!!!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Only if Mr Issacs agrees to revamp his role--and only if you get to help co-direct him with me, us filling in for his rehearsal partners at many a private rehearsal which I would insist on/part of the contract - lol! Thank you so much for the read and support!
Response from morgaine_dulac (Reviewer)
I say: once you've finished, let's send dear Jeason a copy!! (Okay, haven't had the guts to send him a copy of Slytherin Seduction yet...)
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Only if Mr Issacs agrees to revamp his role--and only if you get to help co-direct him with me, us filling in for his rehearsal partners at many a private rehearsal which I would insist on/part of the contract - lol! Thank you so much for the read and support!
Response from morgaine_dulac (Reviewer)
I say: once you've finished, let's send dear Jeason a copy!! (Okay, haven't had the guts to send him a copy of Slytherin Seduction yet...)
Please, ma'am, I'd like some more. Now! :-)
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Thank you!!! Will try to get Lulu to finish his business and send the written account of it off to the naughty beta asap;-) Thank you again!!!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Thank you!!! Will try to get Lulu to finish his business and send the written account of it off to the naughty beta asap;-) Thank you again!!!
Thank you! This chapter might just have saved my sanity. I am deeply in love with your Lucius!!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Awwww, thank you for continuing with this (hope it was read *during* one of those meetings-lol!)--and squeeing that you are enjoying this Lucius--again, thank you so much--really appreciate it!xx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Awwww, thank you for continuing with this (hope it was read *during* one of those meetings-lol!)--and squeeing that you are enjoying this Lucius--again, thank you so much--really appreciate it!xx
Oh you are so mean to leave me hanging right there. What a hot and sweaty little story you have going here. Looking forward to more. I love the way you write Lucius!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
LOL! Lulu is one to be a mean tease, isn't he?
Will try to get him to finish what he's started soon!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
, thank you so much for the read and the lovely feedback--really appreciate it!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
LOL! Lulu is one to be a mean tease, isn't he? Will try to get him to finish what he's started soon!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
, thank you so much for the read and the lovely feedback--really appreciate it!
Oh I am sure she is going to say much more than just please....
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
LOL! Cottontail, I absolutely agree with you! In that position/situation, she'll probably say anything Lucius wants her to say... Thank you so much for the read and the feedback--really appreciate it!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
LOL! Cottontail, I absolutely agree with you! In that position/situation, she'll probably say anything Lucius wants her to say... Thank you so much for the read and the feedback--really appreciate it!
Lucius, you naughty, naughty boy!! Laughed out loud on the bus at him making an entrance. People are looking at me strangely. Oh, if they knew...
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Hey, love! Public transport--that's okay;-) As long as it wasn't in a meeting--lol! Yes, naughty Lulu, someone should spank him! *hands feather duster over to Astoria* xxx
Response from morgaine_dulac (Reviewer)
*hands feather duster over to Astoria*? Is that a new plot line?
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
LOL! Absolutely--Lulu's kinky enough for *anything*
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Hey, love! Public transport--that's okay;-) As long as it wasn't in a meeting--lol! Yes, naughty Lulu, someone should spank him! *hands feather duster over to Astoria* xxx
Response from morgaine_dulac (Reviewer)
*hands feather duster over to Astoria*? Is that a new plot line?
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
LOL! Absolutely--Lulu's kinky enough for *anything*
*splutter* Now I know why you told me to NOT read this on my way to work. This requires a very, VERY cold shower. What a delicious prick he is!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Isn't he, though? Curse him (Imperio 'come hither' curse - hehe!) Thank you so much for the read and the feedback--really appreciate it!!!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Isn't he, though? Curse him (Imperio 'come hither' curse - hehe!) Thank you so much for the read and the feedback--really appreciate it!!!
OH I am quite confident she will say PLEASE!!! 
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Hahaha! Hmmn... I'll have to commiserate with poor Astoria and think about if I were stuck in that position, what would I do? Thank you so much for your continuing support!xx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Hahaha! Hmmn... I'll have to commiserate with poor Astoria and think about if I were stuck in that position, what would I do? Thank you so much for your continuing support!xx
I never even thought that Narcissa might encourage Astoria to cheat to continue the Malfoy line. That is sick. And I do mean that as a compliment. Would it be wrong to confess that I hope it takes a while for Lucius to get Astoria preggers?
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Hahaha! Not at all! I hope for Astoria's sake, it also takes a while for him to knock her up; however, pregger Astoria will find that Lulu also likes the *weight* and *feel* of a full womb on his manhood - lol! Narcissa is a very practical woman *evil cackle* So, yes, more diabolical decadency in the old Malfoy manor *nothing too new* And thank you for the compliment --Cissy's intentions as sick, absolutely! Wouldn't want them any other way - lol! Thank you again for the feedback! Really appreciate it!xx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Hahaha! Not at all! I hope for Astoria's sake, it also takes a while for him to knock her up; however, pregger Astoria will find that Lulu also likes the *weight* and *feel* of a full womb on his manhood - lol! Narcissa is a very practical woman *evil cackle* So, yes, more diabolical decadency in the old Malfoy manor *nothing too new* And thank you for the compliment --Cissy's intentions as sick, absolutely! Wouldn't want them any other way - lol! Thank you again for the feedback! Really appreciate it!xx
I wonder how long he was standing there? I expect he will have more than one snide comment about boring Draco and his missionary position.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Oh, yes, he'll be quite cynical about the fruit of his loins lacking imagination with Astoria, and knowing Lucius as we do, he'll make up for where Draco is amiss ;-) Considering Lucius' voyeuristic tendencies, he probably was there right after Draco's return, but unfortumately for Lulu, he didn't have much to watch before it was over ;-P Thanks again for continuing the read!!!xx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Blood and Vows)
Oh, yes, he'll be quite cynical about the fruit of his loins lacking imagination with Astoria, and knowing Lucius as we do, he'll make up for where Draco is amiss ;-) Considering Lucius' voyeuristic tendencies, he probably was there right after Draco's return, but unfortumately for Lulu, he didn't have much to watch before it was over ;-P Thanks again for continuing the read!!!xx