From the Moment I saw You…

She hated these things. Stuffy old halls filled with stuffy old people and their stuffy music. Not to mention conversations that could bore one to sobs. It was merely an endless repetition of small talk, the same questions asked over and over and over until they became a low meaningless drone that filled her ears, circling around her brain and making her sleepy. She didn't even listen, just smiled politely, nodded at the correct intervals, and learnt to recite her answers with something vaguely akin to enthusiasm.

The worst part however, was her mother's incessant attempts to play match-maker and find her a husband, even if she was only just eighteen. Frankly, it was insulting that she had so little faith in her to find one for herself, but there was more too it than that. The idea of ending up in an loveless arranged marriage, doomed to forever turn a blind eye to her ageing husband's affairs and hang off of his arm at formal events such as this one as some sort of maudlin trophy, did not fill her with joy. It was something she had seen too much of growing up and she was determined not to share the same fait as so many of her mother's friends.

She scanned the hall as she stood beside her mother, suddenly extremely jealous of Bella, who, as a married woman, was no longer obliged to attend such events if she so wished (which usually translated to 'if she threw a large enough tantrum'). All the usual suspects had turned out in their dated and dusty finery; there was one intriguing new addition however. Her cool blue eyes settled on the tall blonde, taking in his angular features and sleek long hair. It was lighter even than her own, and tied back with a neat back ribbon. His light grey eyes settled on her for a moment and a smug little smirk twitched at the corner of his mouth. She averted her gaze, maintaining her impassive facial expression despite the little smirk attempting to pull her own lips into a smile. When she glanced back the boy had gone and she felt her heart sink somewhat. Though, when she thought about it, it was unsurprising. He probably had far better things to be doing than steeling glances at some random girl at his ball.

"Is my ball boring you?" Narcissa jumped as the soft whisper tickled the back of her neck. She looked around to see a small smirk, and twinkling grey eyes looking down at her. Lucius Malfoy looked very smug indeed at the no doubt flushed look on her face.

"No… not at all…" she said, her cheeks burning as her heart leapt into her mouth. He couldn't help but chuckle.

"You're a terrible liar," he said. "It's Miss Black isn't it?" he said, still standing behind her, her mother and the other old crones cackling away with her having not noticed him yet.

"Yes," Narcissa nodded. "Mr Malfoy, am I correct?" she asked, schooling her face into it's usual disinterested expression as she peered up at him. He merely smirked.

"I think I had better relieve you from your boredom Miss Black. It is my responsibility as host after all to keep my guests entertained." Would you care to dance?" Narcissa peered up at him, inclining her head politely, the hint of a curling smile now tugging at her own pink lips.

"If you must," she shrugged, though her heart beat a little heavier behind her ribs. He took her arm and led her out onto the dance floor, leading her seamlessly into a slow smooth waltz. She had to admit she was impressed, and looking up into his cool grey eyes didn't particularly help.

"If I'm honest I don't particularly enjoy these things either," the blonde smirked down at her, his eyes seemingly stuck on hers. She raised a brow at him incredulously.

"Mr Malfoy, I feel inclined to point out that, as host, you decided to throw this little, shin dig. You didn't have to." He sniggered a little and looked up around the room.

"True. Though sometimes one has to be seen doing the 'done thing'. And throwing a summer ball has always been the done thing for the Malfoy family. Just because dear old Daddy is dead, doesn't mean it can stop." The candor with which he spoke stunned her a little and her eyes flickered away for a moment.

"I'm sorry. I'd heard what happened," she said, looking back up at him. But he shook his head, dismissing her words.

"I don't want sympathy," he said, holding her close as they danced, his hand warm and firm on her lower back. "I want to attempt to enjoy a night dancing with the one gem amongst dusty glass" he smirked, making her cheeks warm again.

"As you wish" she said, a small smile on her face as he spun her.

But then it was over. All too soon the dance had finished and she was ushered out of the room, mother and aunt yammering in her ear. Looking back she saw him, standing in the middle of the dance floor, little smirk on his face, and she knew she'd be seeing him again the gem amongst dusty glass.