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july 1995
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"𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚊𝚗"
𝚒𝚍𝚢𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚌𝚎𝚗𝚝; 𝚜𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚋𝚢 𝚏𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚘𝚛 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚢
Few days in Manarola turned into ten days and while Violetta knew she ought to go back to Druella, she didn't. For the first time in her life, she wasn't worrying about things and although she was aware of the Dark Lord's return, she didn't yet know what it meant for her and her family. And since her parents seemed to be very stubborn and didn't care to explain to Violetta what was going to happen, the girl chose to keep living her life as she has.
Violetta watched the ocean ahead of her ― the small boat she and Fleur had rented ― floating peacefully above the surface. The act of renting a boat and using muggle money was new to Violetta and it felt dirty but she swallowed her pride and went ahead with it.
The sun was shining so brightly against Violetta's perfect porcelain skin and although the weather was rather hot, the ocean wind blew against her face, cooling her down.
Fleur watched Violetta whose eyes were closed as she felt the wind against her face and a genuine smile spread across the brunette girl's face. Fleur has been around many beautiful girls before, she was a part Veela after all but she's sure she has never met a beauty quite like Violetta's.
The blonde witch didn't notice how Violetta had already opened her eyes and was now frowning at her. "What are you staring at?" She chuckled.
Fleur shook her head with a smile. "Nothing, you're just beautiful. That's all."
Violetta grinned. "You don't look bad yourself," she said.
The day on a boat, eating strawberries and drinking champagne felt too good to be real and the realisation that she has to go back to Druella soon was like an unpleasant storm ahead of her. It didn't matter that there had been a moment of goodness between Violetta and her grandmother ― Violetta had made perfectly clear to herself that it wasn't going to erase years of mental abuse.
"Wait really?" Asked Fleur, astonished by the news Violetta had just delivered to her. "So you're the first female born into the line of Malfoys?"
"At least the first legitimate one," shrugged Violetta with a smirk. "Some say that it happened because of the Rosier genes. My grandmother was a Rosier before becoming a Black and she only had sisters and daughters."
"So Malfoys only has had sons before you?"
Violetta grinned. "Yeah, and I don't know if I would have ever happened if I wasn't Regulus' twin."
"Your family must have been surprised," said Fleur and took a sip of her champagne.
"Oh, they were. They had got all these boy clothes, for twin boys," chuckled Violetta by the memory of the time her parents told her the story. "Daddy was about to have a heart attack when he realised he has a daughter and unlike what people might think, it wasn't because he was disappointed. He wasn't just prepared, he nor my mum thought they would ever have to worry about having a daughter."
Fleur nodded with a smile. "So he's protective?"
Violetta bursted into heart warming laughter, the thought of her father being just protective was rather hilarious. Lucius Malfoy was a very scary man to anyone who dared to even look at his daughter without his consent.
"That is an understatement," said Violetta once her laughter started to fade away.
"So...." Fleur bit her lip. "He won't be happy about this."
This.
Violetta knew what Fleur meant. She meant the relationship between them, a relationship that still wasn't exactly exclusive and Violetta didn't know was it ever going to be. This wasn't Fleur's fault, only her own. There were about a hundred reasons why she couldn't tell anyone about her and Fleur, the fear of losing her name being on the top of this list.
The only people who knew about Fleur were Gabriel and Vivian.
And that's how it's going to be for a while or maybe for good.
"I don't believe he would ever accept anyone I see," started Violetta. "And while you're not the boy my father fears that will come and take me away, you are..."
"...a girl, and that's not all right either," finished Fleur with a dry chuckle.
"I guess there is a price when it comes to being a Malfoy," said Violetta quietly.
She has never thought about it ― that there was a price of being who she was ― not even when her teachers have mentioned this to her.
Violetta has never seen that being who she is, has consequences. That she needs to choose because she has never needed to do that. She never had to choose what she wants because she can get everything she wants. But apparently Fleur didn't fall into this category.
Fleur turned away from the ocean and faced Violetta. She placed her palms softly on Violetta's cheek and tried not to flinch by the coldness the cheek gave her. Fleur bit the inside of her cheeks, ignoring the coldness that made her slightly worried. The summer sun has after all shone against Violetta's face for the past hours.
"But you don't mind keeping secrets?" Asked Fleur and watched Violetta's face lit up. "Because I don't mind it."
Violetta wrinkled her nose before leaning to kiss Fleur, giving the blonde her answer.
"What are we going to do when summer ends and I have to go back?" Asked Violetta, her face just inches away from Fleur.
Fleur grinned widely, tucking a stray hair from Violetta's face. "Well I actually am coming back to England," she said and Violetta's eyes widened. "I got a part-time job from Gringotts."
"What? Why didn't you say anything?"
"I just found out," explained Fleur. "So when you go back, I will come with you."
Violetta smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That is wonderful!"
"Lettie! You bloody idiot!"
The two girls parted and Violetta turned to look over her shoulder, knowing the voice calling them. It was Vivian, waving at her frantically. Like always, Violetta had told Vivian about her little get-away with Fleur, just in case.
"Oh great," chuckled Violetta and saw Fleur smiling as well.
When they reached the shore, Vivian didn't hug her best friend but was staring at her sternly. She had her arms crossed over her chest and her lips were pressed into a thin line.
"Can you look any more like Druella with that expression?" Asked Violetta and Vivian dropped her arms to her side.
"You're an idiot," said Vivian but she sounded more like her bubbly-self again. She reached for her best friend and gave her a gigantic hug. "I've missed you, idiot."
Violetta rolled her eyes before breaking the embrace. "The feeling's mutual."
Vivian smirked and her eyes focused on Fleur who was standing just behind Violetta. Vivian smiled at the French girl who returned the smile.
"Hi Fleur," said Vivian.
"Bonjour," smiled Fleur and walked next to Violetta.
Violetta observed her best friend and when her eyes met Vivian's again, she understood. Violetta was in trouble, real trouble this time. While she had informed Druella that she was gone, she was supposed to be back days ago and she hasn't been in touch with her parents or brothers at all during her time with Fleur.
"Crap, crap," groaned Violetta, running her hands through her hair. "I am in so much trouble."
"Oh yeah, yeah you are. Your mother came by my house after finding out that you haven't been at Druella's for days. Narcissa was out of her mind with worry," explained Vivian and she could see guilt travelling through Violetta's mind.
"I didn't tell her where you were or who you were with, but I bet you have to do that yourself."
Fleur glanced at Violetta who bit her lip. She took Violetta's hand and gently caressed it, making the Malfoy girl sigh.
"You should go," said Fleur and Violetta turned to look at her. "It was bound to happen at some point."
Violetta swallowed.
"I'll see you tonight," said Violetta and Fleur frowned at her comment. "I-I'll find a way to get out of the villa and see you."
Fleur nodded with a smile that warmed Violetta's heart.
"I'll cover for you," Vivian joined the conversation. "But we really need to go now. Your parents are at Druella's."
Violetta grimaced, the thought of having to explain where she's been for the past ten days making her anxious. While Violetta does keep secrets from her parents and lies occasionally, it doesn't mean that she enjoys it. She does enjoy lying to other people but not to her parents.
"Then I will see you tonight," smiled Fleur and kissed Violetta.
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Violetta picked her finger nails when entering the premises of the Black summer villa. Vivian was standing just by her side, squishing her shoulder for some emotional support. They walked towards the villa, Violetta's heart pounding against her chest. Things could go down a few ways;
She will apologise and her parents won't ask her any questions.
She will apologise and her parents will ask her many questions.
She will apologise and Druella was going to have her head because Lucius and Narcissa are furious at her for losing the sight of their daughter.
The second they entered the villa, Violetta could hear running footsteps towards her. She sighed, preparing herself for a full 'Narcissa Malfoy meltdown'. Vivian took several steps away from her best friend, knowing what was about to happen as well.
In no time, Narcissa and Lucius were standing in the foyer and Violetta waved at them, very very awkwardly.
"Hey," she said and instead of an answer, she was trapped into a gigantic embrace by her mother.
"What were you thinking, Lettie?" Sighed Narcissa, tightening her arms around her daughter. "Disappearing like that. During times like these. Do you honestly have a death wish?"
Violetta chuckled nervously before her mother let go of her. The Malfoy matriarch took a step aside and it was Lucius' time to greet his daughter.
"You can't keep doing stunts like this one," said Lucius and hugged his daughter.
"Sorry," muttered Violetta.
The hug between the father and daughter was broken and Violetta slowly managed to find her way next to Vivian; she figured that her parents won't put on a show as long as Vivian was around.
"Thank you Vivian," said Narcissa and smiled at the Gold girl. "For getting her here. I'm sure that there's something for you to eat. If you don't mind, we'll have a talk with our daughter."
"Yes of course," said Vivian, glanced at Violetta and gave her a 'you'll be all right' - smile before leaving.
Violetta watched her best friend leave the room before returning her focus back to her parents. She smiled at them very sweetly, almost faking her smile. She walked towards her parents, her long lashes batting like she was a five years old girl who wanted a new toy.
"I did write Druella a letter," said Violetta.
"A letter where you told me you'll be gone for a few days," came Druella's voice and the woman entered the foyer.
Violetta chuckled nervously. "Yes, well you know, I completely lost track of time," she explained.
Druella arched her brow.
"Were you alone?" Asked Lucius and Violetta snapped her head towards her father.
"Yeah," said Violetta rather quickly, her voice higher than normally.
Violetta mentally slapped herself.
She was normally a good liar so maybe it was the anxiety she was getting from the situation that made her fail at lying. She was nervous since she had no idea what to tell her parents and Druella if they were to find out that she's been with Fleur the entire summer - and not as friends.
"I was alone, yes," repeated Violetta. "And I'm fine, I just enjoyed the sun and warmth."
Narcissa narrowed her eyes at her daughter's words but didn't say anything. She didn't want to admit it but she saw some real change in her daughter, and she wasn't sure what to think about it. For months now, she has felt that Violetta keeps things from her and while she understands that her daughter is a teenager, she still didn't like that.
The Malfoy matriarch has always worried about her daughter. Violetta has always been very headstrong and ambitious and the fact that the Dark Lord was now back, scared Narcissa in many ways.
"Sweetheart," started Narcissa softly. "Are you sure everything is all right?"
Violetta frowned at her mother's question. "Yes mama, everything is good."
Everything regarding Fleur was good, even great.
Then there was the matter of her health. Violetta wasn't worried but she had nose bleeds every now and then― and if she was to mention this to her parents ― she would have to spend the next months in bed. Just in case.
"Is everything all right with you?" Asked Violetta, eyeing both of her parents.
"Yes," said Lucius.
"With the Dark Lord?" Violetta fished for some more information.
Lucius' eyes flickered before he managed to say anything.
He has always known that Violetta was rather quick with her words and was aware of his past when it comes to the Dark Lord. He also knew ― just like Narcissa does ― that out of their three children, Violetta was the one who would most likely join the Dark Lord's ranks if needed.
The girl had an obsession with proving herself to the world and family which was something they all can blame Abraxas for.
"That is none of your concern," he said after a moment of thinking.
Violetta scoffed. "You basically pushed me and Regulus and Draco out of the manor when we got there when school ended. We weren't allowed to stay for a minute because the Dark Lord is there."
"That's enough," said Druella sternly, knowing that Lucius nor Narcissa weren't able to discipline the girl. "Now, is she going to stay here with me for the rest of the summer or what?"
Narcissa ignored her mother's question and moved to stand next to her daughter. She smoothened Violetta's hair and smiled at her softly. She has missed it, smiling.
Ever since the Dark Lord had returned which meant that she had to send her children away, Narcissa stopped smiling. She only smiled at her children and husband but with her husband gone for missions and children out of the country ― there was no reason for her to smile.
"I think I should go home," said Violetta.
"Lettie, we would love for you to come back home but it isn't exactly safe at the moment," said Lucius.
"So what? I'll be stuck here for the rest of my life?"
The thought of leaving Violetta with Druella made Narcissa's stomach turn and while things were going on, Narcissa and Lucius would at least be able to look after their children.
"Are Reggie and Draco going to spend the rest of their lives somewhere else as well? Do I need to remind that Draco has to go to school after the summer?" Asked Violetta, weeks of frustration building up on her.
"Don't raise your voice, Violetta! I've taught you better," said Druella sternly but Violetta ignored her grandmother with a roll of her eyes.
"Violetta Narcissa Malfoy! If you keep acting like that, I will make sure you stay here with me as long as it takes to make you into a proper lady."
Violetta pressed her lips into a thin line. While she's been used to getting yelled at by Druella, she was slightly surprised ― Druella has been quite nice over the summer but maybe Violetta's little disappearance stunt had made Druella anxious and angry.
"Stop scolding her, Druella. She's my daughter," sighed Lucius, massaging his temples. "Do you mind leaving us? This is a family matter."
Druella shot a nasty look at Lucius. "I'm family."
"Just leave!"
Everyone turned to look at Narcissa who has never in her life raised her voice against her mother. She has never dared to do so but the anxiety of the Dark Lord's return, Violetta's sudden behaviour and disappearance had made her completely lose the calmness that normally surrounds her.
"Narcissa!" Gasped Druella in horror but she didn't get to say anything else since Violetta grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the room.
"Please," said Violetta and slammed the door in front of her grandmother's face, leaving the older woman to stare at the closed door in distraught.
Violetta knew she was about to get in big trouble with Druella over this, but it was exactly what she was counting on. Her parents would never leave her alone with Druella after this, meaning that Violetta was allowed to go back home.
Of course this meant that things will get a little bit complicated with Fleur but if Violetta's been able to see her in secret under Druella's prying eyes, she was able to do it in England.
"You shouldn't had done that," sighed Narcissa, crashing on a couch behind her. "She'll be furious with you."
Violetta shrugged and walked over to her mother. She sat next to her and placed her head on her shoulder. "Can I come home? Pretty please," she said.
Narcissa placed a kiss on Violetta's temple and glanced at Lucius who was clearly thinking what to do.
"She hasn't umm... hurt you or anything?" Swallowed Narcissa, praying to Merlin that Druella hasn't raised her hand against Violetta.
"No she hasn't, mama," said Violetta and lifted her head from her mother's shoulder. "But now, after I quite literally dragged her out of the room....who knows what she would do."
"Yes well, that wasn't wise," said Lucius and sat down on a chair just opposite of the couch where the two Malfoy women sat. "Why are you so eager to come back to England?"
"I don't want to waste another minute of my life to Druella's lectures or to those boys who come here with ridiculous bouquets or jewelries," groaned Violetta. "And I've missed you two, and I've missed Reggie and Draco."
"Oh sweetie," sighed Narcissa and pulled Violetta into a hug. "We've missed you terribly but you do know that things aren't exactly like they used to back home."
Violetta shook her head against her mother's shoulder. "Well I don't really know. You haven't said a word."
"And that's because of your safety," said Lucius.
"Please, can I come home?" Asked Violetta when she pulled away from her mother's arms, her brown eyes staring at Narcissa's identical ones. "I will be safe. I have no interest in anything that's going on there. I just want to come home."
Narcissa turned to look at her husband, a worried expression written all over her face.
That was what Regulus Black had said to Narcissa - a lie he had told her since he was already marked by then.