The tick of the lead crystal clock

"No, Narcissa," I say, helplessly. "No, hey — look at me. Please. Snape couldn't have hurt me, he's like a house cat, yes?" She lifts her head and rubs her damask cheeks. She stares into my eyes. "Will you stay with me, Lucius?" "Narcissa—" She touches a finger to my lips and kneels in front of me, her knees between mine, her finger trembling against my lips. "Please."