Narcissa Malfoy (CotM 2004)

6th Year Joined: Jan 31, 2003 Posts: 577

It's the new month, so you know what time it is. Time for the new character of the month!

This month's character is Narcissa Malfoy.

Do you think she approves of her husband being with the Death Eaters? Discuss!

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Considering her family ties, i bet she is very supportive of him. Plus, for all we know...she could actually be a Death Eater herself, only was unable to attend Voldemort's rebirthing. Because he did walk past certain gaps in the circle which were over the amount of deaths or imprisonments of other Death Eaters. Especially with what happened at the Quidditch World Cup. Plus, anyone Kreacher respects, is totally evil...haha.

Ok, that's all i have for now...

1st Year Joined: Jul 19, 2004 Posts: 74

Ahhh - Narcissa Malfoy, now there's an interesting character. I was never particularly interested in her until OotP, but I think she's going to become increasingly important now, what with her precious husband in the clink. The Malfoys need a new head of the family to continue all that 'kindly' donating, especially now that shame (at least from all the non-DE wizarding folk) has been brought upon them. I reckon she will happily step into the breach to carry out this mammoth PR task.

I'm with you Ninjabartender, I'll bet she's very supportive of Lucius and his evildoings. She's not exactly sweetness and light herself, is she? When Kreacher ran to her with his useful snippets of information, it didn't take her long to put the boot in. And I don't believe for one minute that she wasn't acting of her own free will when she passed that information on. As for her being a DE, though, I'm not so sure. She strikes me more as a rich, pampered trophy wife; she wouldn't want blood on her hands, but she probably doesn't mind if those 'mudbloods and muggle lovers' get what's coming to them (in her eyes, of course - not mine) at the hands of her husband.

In case anyone is any doubt, I don't much like her.

Narcissa's name suggests that her overriding quality is vanity...she reminds me a bit of Lady Macbeth, kind of being all 'oh, out damned spot!' as if to blame her husband for the evil that her life has become, without quite acknowledging that she is corrupt and power-hungry and wicked in her own right. Let's not forget that Bellatrix is her sister. That woman didn't seem to be all that concerned about a bit of blood on her own hands, in fact she seemed to support Voldemort even more fervently that her husband, perceiving herself as his most loyal follower.

Dumbledore asserts that Kreacher saw Narcissa as:

Quote::

the only member of the Black family for whom he had any respect left...Black's cousin Narcissa, sister of Bellatrix and wife of Lucius Malfoy...(OotP 731)

This suggests that she upholds the values dear to the Black and Malfoy families. Of course, as Sirius points out, the world isn't divided between good people and Death Eaters. Narcissa might not have had a Dark Mark and a hood herself, but I don't see anything to suggest that she opposed the Death Easters and her husband's involvement in any way.

The fact that Voldemort used the somewhat cryptic information Kreacher gave Narcissa, in order to formulate his master plan to access the prophecy and destroy Harry, tends to suggest that the Death Eaters took Narcissa fairly seriously. Dumbledore makes it quite clear that is was Narcissa herself to whom Kreacher was reporting:

Quote::

'Kreacher, I'm afraid, has been serving more than one master for months...' (OotP 731)

Quote::

'...he gave Narcissa information of the sort that is very valuable to Voldemort...' (OotP 732)

I would speculate that if Narcissa wasn't a Death Eater herself, she wasn't wailing despairingly on the sidelines, begging Lucius to find himself a day job...

~Ginny

<span style="color:black;font-family:Christmas;font-size:small;]Never mind the darkness, we still can find a way

'Cause nothing lasts forever, even cold November rain[/color]Edited by: <A HREF=http://p072.ezboard.com/bsiriusblackfanclub.showUserPublicProfile?gid=ginevra6>Ginevra6[/url] at: 9/7/04 3:55 am

1st Year Joined: Jun 13, 2004 Posts: 54

Interesting question.

I think, like someone else has already mentioned, that her name is a bit of a clue to her personality. I think that she is probably not only vain of herself but of her family and their position in the wizarding society.

I think that as long as he was getting away with being a death eater she was not bothered a bit about Lucius being one of Voldemort's followers. I am not sure if she was a death eater herself. I think if she had been we would have been told so already. I suspect that she was perhaps just a quiet supporter of Lucius.

Now that he is out of the way in Azkaban of course things may change. Not that I can see him being in there for long though. I suspect that she is probably mortified by the fact he has been arrested in this whole business. Not shocked by what he had done but dismayed that he was caught and the family is shamed before the wizards who are running things.

If things had gone the other way I don't think she would have minded though.

I think she might take Lucius's place in Voldemort's circle, at least until his return.

Post subject: Narcissa Malfoy Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 08:52 PM

I'm going to go out on a limb and state that Narcissa isn't even ashamed or mortified that her beloved Lucius was imprisoned. Rather, I think she resembles her relative, Bellatrix, and sees Lucius' arrest as a display of loyalty to the Dark Lord and a badge of honor to be worn with pride.

I do not know if the relationship between Narcissa and Lucius is a loving one (he seems incapable of love to me), but it is evident that she does have mother's love for Draco. We know this because we read about Draco discussing his father wanting to send him to Durmstrang and his mother protesting, saying she didn't want him so far away. To me, this can be interpreted as evidence that, although, she is not particularly in a loving relationship with her husband (again, speculation on my part), she has transferred love to her son and switched her focus to his happiness, not completely, but with Lucius in Azkabhan, I'd be willing to bet Draco will be her new focus.

We know that she has a pinched face and rather sour look, as if she's just smelled something nasty. Perhaps this is merely the result of inbreeding or perhaps this is the result of a 'superiority complex'.

I tend to agree with the 'trophy wife' theory in regard to Lucius and their relationship. However, I'm not sure it was a match made out of love. Possibly it was even arranged. Lucius seems very much like the type of man that would dominate his wife, perhaps even to the point of violence.

Even though her name is Narcissa, we haven't read anything yet that would lead us to think she is narcissistic, but that doesn't mean we won't be given that information at a later date. I agree that in the next two books we will learn more about her as she becomes more integral to the story now that Lucius is behind bars. I think she will live up to her name.

She's an underdeveloped character that I would most definitely like to learn more about.

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1st Year Joined: Jul 19, 2004 Posts: 74

Lady MacBeth was looming large in my mind too, Ginevra, when I wrote my post. The personality and, currently to a slight lesser extent, storyline similarities are quite marked. What�s that saying about every strong man having a strong woman behind him? Wouldn�t it be interesting if in the next book we see that Narcissa was the power behind Lucius Malfoy; that the terrible things he did were in some way to please and satisfy his wife and her own personal ambitions.

I also agree that Draco will become the focus of her attentions. I suppose as a follow on from what I said before, we�ll see the whole Malfoy family dynamic change now. I don�t think she will be ashamed that Lucius has been imprisoned, but we do know that appearances are all important to Lucius and (I�m assuming here) by default Narcissa too. That�s why he sniveled his way back to the other side when he believed Voldemort was defeated and is, at least partly, why he makes such generous donations to St Mungos and so on. So I do think Narcissa will be wary that she�s got a lot of work to do in terms of mending the family�s image.

Post subject: Re: Narcissa Malfoy Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 01:27 AM

EvilKneazle, this is interesting:

Quote::

What�s that saying about every strong man having a strong woman behind him? Wouldn�t it be interesting if in the next book we see that Narcissa was the power behind Lucius Malfoy; that the terrible things he did were in some way to please and satisfy his wife and her own personal ambitions.

Oh very Lady MacBeth (welcome to the Shakespeare coalition!) I wouldn't be surprised. If there Blacks truly are the most noble and ancient pure blood family, then Narcissa's drive for the purification of the wizarding race and having pure-bloods in charge might have been even stronger that Lucius's. It was probably something of an attainment for him to marry into the Black family, and gave him certain criteria to live up to.

Do we know anything more about the extended Malfoy family? Maybe most of Lucius's status, wealth and credibility derives from his marriage to Narcissa?

~Evra

<span style="color:black;font-family:Christmas;font-size:small;]Never mind the darkness, we still can find a way

'Cause nothing lasts forever, even cold November rain[/color]

1st Year Joined: Jul 19, 2004 Posts: 74

Exactly - we know nothing about the Malfoy extended family, but due to the tapestry conversation between Sirius and Harry in OotP we do know quite a bit about the Black family lineage. And we've seen what Sirius' mother thought of her relations who didn't make pureblood matches - the family (with notable exceptions) is not only very proud of their pureblood heritage, but also keen to preserve it. And we've been told how wealthy the Black family are (although if I was that wealthy, I think I might choose a slightly more illustrious address than 12 Grimmauld Place). I think it's very likely that the Malfoy's wealth comes from Narcissa, which does make Lucius beholden to upholding certain criteria.

I'm not saying Lucius doesn't have the same convictions as Narcissa; he must have to have become a DE. But I do wonder if he would have got as far in if he hadn't been encouraged by Lady MacBeth...oops, I mean, Narcissa.

Post subject: Re: Narcissa Malfoy Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 02:40 AM

Quote::

I'm not saying Lucius doesn't have the same convictions as Narcissa; he must have to have become a DE. But I do wonder if he would have got as far in if he hadn't been encouraged by Lady MacBeth...oops, I mean, Narcissa.

Hehe, precisely! I certainly think Lucius had similar aspirations, which would have drawn him to Narcissa and the Black family in the first place, but yes, I think her ambition and status fuelled the convictions he already had. For a pure-blood wizard Narcissa must have been bachelorette of the decade: tall, slim, blonde, filthy rich and well-bred. Quite a lot for Lucius to live up to.

I was just looking at Narcissa's introduction at the world cup in GoF, and noticed that Lucius introduces her to Fudge as though they had never met before. So it's Lucius who does the Ministry involvement (bribery) on the family's behalf.

It's also interesting to note that she got her way in terms of Draco's schooling. With the Malfoy background, it would have made far more sense for Draco to study under Karkaroff, as Lucius had wished, but apparently Narcissa wanted him closer to home. Or maybe the Blacks wanted Malfoy on the school board, keeping tabs on Dumbledore?

~Evra

<span style="color:black;font-family:Christmas;font-size:small;]Never mind the darkness, we still can find a way

'Cause nothing lasts forever, even cold November rain[/color]

1st Year Joined: Jul 19, 2004 Posts: 74

Oh yes - you know, I hadn't even considered the fact that she got her way on Draco's schooling, but it's a brilliant, small and subtle example of how she probably wears the trousers in the Malfoy family. We hear so little about her, don't we? Hmm, I definitely think we will be seeing more of her in the next book, now that Lucius is out of the picture for a while.

Post subject: Re: Narcissa Malfoy Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 09:16 AM

There is no question in my mind that Narcissa not only loves the entire Voldy gig, but revels in it. I think she really lives it. I also believe that Lucius needs no prodding by his wife. I think he is just as nasty all on his own. In other words - a match made in heaven.

I do think that Narcissa probably puts up a good front - socialite, etc. I do think that there will be more from her. Otherwise, the mention on the tapesty is a bit much. Besides, I think from Draco's mommy at school might make things interesting.

It also makes me wonder if the Malfoy's feel true love. For example - could Narcissa place the same kind of charm on Draco as Lily did Harry? I cannot believe that a family so deeply embedded in eveil would be capable of such things.

But back to Lucius - like I said, I think he needs no prodding. Would Lucius sacrifice Draco if Voldy asked? I am thinking he just might do so. And would he be strong enough to do so? But as they say, behind every strong man is an even stronger woman. I think Narcissa may just be stronger than her blonde hubby. I think we will be seeing her in the last books.

Post subject: Re: Narcissa Malfoy Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 05:23 PM

Quote::

It also makes me wonder if the Malfoy's feel true love. For example - could Narcissa place the same kind of charm on Draco as Lily did Harry? I cannot believe that a family so deeply embedded in eveil would be capable of such things.

I have a hard time imagining any love in the Malfoy family. I can see the marriage between Lucius and Narcissa as more of a social arrangement - either for money, status or reputation, rather than actual love. Narcissa was from a respectable pure-blood family, the Blacks, and so was Lucius. It is a perfect match socially, and we know that Lucius cares a great deal about his reputation. Obviously, if this is true, then they probably had Draco because they wanted an 'heir' (for lack of a better word) to the Malfoy name and fortune.

From witnessing Narcissa, Lucius and Draco at the World Cup, it didn't seem as if there was any love between them, at least judging by Narcissa's expression. There is the fact that Narcissa wouldn't let him go to Dumstrang because it was far away, but she could have other reasons for that. We know Lucius would have sent Draco there in a heartbeat, probably to learn the Dark Arts. Maybe Narcissa feels lonely, because she doesn't really love Lucius, and likes having Draco around.

As for the whole Death Eater subject, I think Narcissa doesn't take an active role, but supports her husband. Obviously she must be all for getting rid of Mudbloods, because otherwise I doubt she'd last long in a marriage with Lucius, but maybe she doesn't entirely like the idea of joining the Death Eaters. I can see her taking the same kind of approach as Sirius' parents - thinking Voldemort has the right idea, but not necessary approving of his methods.

I think Narcissa is a very undeveloped characters in the books, and there is much left for discussion in relation to her. I do hope we find out more, because we know so little about her, and it would be interesting to find out the answers to some of these questions.

<span style="color:teal;font-family:verdana;font-size:xx-small;]Voldy took out his wand and made a couple of big boxes appear out of thin air. He began unpacking the contents, which were revealed to be black T-shirts with a Dark Mark printed as an emblem on the front and the words 'I'm with Voldy, he's the man!' on the back.

'I got a few extra shirts after equipping the Death Eaters, and thought you guys would want some.' He said picking up a shirt and throwing it to Snape.

'Whoa, way cool!' Snape giggled like a schoolgirl and hurried to put the shirt on.[/color]

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"Not that, silly," Sirius chided her gently. "That's just Aragorn and Jasmine - they're so close together that the writing has overlapped."[/color]

Post subject: Re: Narcissa Malfoy Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 07:37 PM

Quote::

There is the fact that Narcissa wouldn't let him go to Dumstrang because it was far away, but she could have other reasons for that.

Jas, I'm beginning to think this could be really significant...If Narcissa is really so keen on making sure Draco is nearby, even though it means he is studying under a headmaster whose principles the family doesn't agree with, then why does she never visit him? Surely she isn't that concerned about how far their owl has to travel with his parcels of sweets (Sirius sent Harry post from Africa!) She doesn't even turn up when Draco is 'injured' by Buckbeak.

I suspect Narcissa's desire to have Draco at Hogwarts has more to do with his proximity to Harry...I've been thinking about Lucius's decision to sneak Riddle's diary into Ginny's possession. Apart from the irony of her belonging to a family of blood traitors, she's not the most obvious choice. If she hadn't happened to find out that Harry had retrieved the diary after she tried to get rid of it, the plan would not have been completed. She was wary of the power the diary had over her, it was only fear that Harry might find out what she had written about him and what she had been doing that prompted her to get it back.

So my guess is that from before the first opening of the chamber, the plot - initiated by Narcissa - had been to use the diary and the chamber to target Harry. Lucius could have slipped the diary to practically any Hogwarts student in Diagon Alley, many of them more likely to comply with Riddle's scheme than Ginny, but when he realised from Draco's snide remark as Ginny defended Harry, that she was infatuated with him - as well as being the little sister of his best friend (which they knew from Draco), Lucius decided that she was the best person to implement their plan...He figured that out, but Narcissa might have been the mastermind behind it... Draco has to get his lack of brainpower from someone, and I think it might be his dad. The Blacks are clever. Very clever.

~Evra

<span style="color:black;font-family:Christmas;font-size:small;]Never mind the darkness, we still can find a way

'Cause nothing lasts forever, even cold November rain[/color]Edited by: <A HREF=http://p072.ezboard.com/bsiriusblackfanclub.showUserPublicProfile?gid=ginevra6>Ginevra6[/url] at: 9/13/04 4:39 pm

Post subject: Re: Narcissa Malfoy Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 07:38 AM

Evra - I think you and Jas have both pointed out significant things. First, like Jas said, that Narcissa does not want Draco far away.

And Evra - I think you bring up a good point a well:

Quote:

...He figured that out, but Narcissa might have been the mastermind behind it...

If Narcissa really is the mastermind behind such plots, then it leads me to believe that she may have more insight into Voldy and his inner workings and plans than even Lucius. Otherwise - why not visit the school like you guys said. Or show up anywhere, like to her son's Quidditch games, or when he got hurt, etc.

I think it is very strange that she has never made an appearance. Especially with Lucius being as involved with everything. The only time we have actually seen her was at the Quidditch World Cup - and we all know what happened there. A coincidence that Death Eaters were there? I do not think so.

But back to the main points. There is some reason Draco is at Hogwarts. I think he is there primarily to spy on Harry and keep his parents up to date not only on what is going on in the school, but what is going on with Harry and even Dumbledore. It is almost the same idea as Arthur staying at the MOM while in the Order. You need someone on the inside.

The question is will Narcissa use her son to implement something even more dastardly.