Narcissa opened the door to meet the chill October wind, though hardly shivering in her sleek navy bathing suit. The girl ran gracefully across the dry grass and dove into the black waters of the lake.

Bitingly cold water surrounded her in an icy embrace, but she just kicked forward across the disturbed surface. The only light outside was that of the quarter moon that shone like a reluctant smile in the dark sky. She spun onto her back and floated on the water. With a relaxed sigh, she pulled the black band out of her hair and let it float around her. Silvery blonde strands covered the water, rising and falling with the small ripples that spread through the lake.

She closed her eyes and floated, like a pale star in the night sky. Her thoughts stayed light, as calm as the waters around, with only a few unexpected ripples to move.

Then she was swimming, racing across the lake, slicing through the freezing waters efficiently. Back and forth, careful to avoid the darkest sections and any unidentified ripples, for the lake was full of creatures.

The bell stroking midnight knocked her out of her peaceful reverie. Narcissa turned to the shore and swam up to it. When her slender feet touched the rough sand and rocks, she dragged herself from the inviting water and out into the crisp air. She meandered to the castle door, savoring the icy wind that froze her, keeping her mind from her troubles.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Lucius stared into the flames pensively. Narcissa only hated him more now, but he… He didn't know what he felt, but for some reason, those lips of hers got more tempting but the minute.

The girl on his thoughts was swimming alone in the lake at the moment. Lucius had watched her from the Heads' window until the night-vision, binocular spell had worn off. Lucius shook his head as his thoughts remained focused on Narcissa. In appearance they were the same, but in personality they were fire and ice. That's why he hated her, he told himself. She was just competition to be eliminated. He felt himself barely accepting the argument.

The portrait hole swung open to reveal Narcissa, who was drying herself off with her wand. A dark blue swimsuit covered up to her collarbone, but long, slender legs stretched endlessly to the floor.

"Out late tonight, eh, Cissy?" asked Lucius lazily, rising languidly to face her.

She glared at him through damp strands of silvery blonde hair. "Turn around," she said, annoyance flashing in the icy depths of her blue eyes. He just smirked wider. "Accio!" she said, pointing her wand up the staircase. A piece of fabric floated down and she pulled on the long skirt, keeping her eyes locked on his.

"Scandalous," Lucius remarked lightly. "Ladies don't show their legs and 'Blacks are always ladies,'" he mimicked, sliding over to her.

She narrowed her eyes. "Did you just mock my mother?" she asked coldly.

"No," he reassured her earnestly, "I was mocking you." Now he was very close.

"Back off," she said, leaning back.

Lucius blinked innocently, silver eyes dancing. "I'm not intimidating you, am I?" he asked, taking another step forward and looking down into her eyes.

"You don't scare me," she retorted, taking another step back nonetheless.

Lucius raised an eyebrow. "You're kind of cute when you're scared."

She growled softly. "I hate you."

"I hate you too," Lucius told her before leaning in to catch her lips with his. Instead of punching him, as she had promised, she kissed back passionately. He prodded her lips gently with his tongue, seeking entrance.

Suddenly, she pulled away, a hand over her mouth. "Malfoy!" she said, eyes wide and breathing ragged. "You broke Rule 356," she managed to say.

He smirked, masking the emotion coursing through him. "And you broke Rule 604 by showing your legs. I won't tell if you don't."

"You kissed me… again! I told you not to do that!"

"What have I ever done what you told me to?" he asked lazily, crossing his arms with a raised eyebrow, fighting to control his rapidly pulsing heart.

Narcissa began pacing the hard wooden floor, bare feet threatening to slide. "But… you don't even want to marry me!"

Lucius nodded in ready agreement. Narcissa continued, "You hate me. You said yourself that I'm annoying."

Lucius nodded again. "Don't forget stubborn, rude and possibly demonic," he added helpfully.

She started to nod, then stopped and stared at him. "You never said that last one."

Lucius smirked wider. "That's right. I was just thinking that."

Narvissa scowled. "You're so…"

"Annoying? Chauvinistic? Smart? Devilishly handsome?" he offered, smoothing back his golden blonde hair.

"Yes! I mean… no! Wait!" she said, shaking her head.

"Let me know in the morning," he said, faking a huge yawn before turning around and walking up the stairs to his dormitory.

When he was safe in his private room, he put a hand to his lips. He was looking forward to seeing that girl again.

These new emotions worried Lucius; he felt as though he was losing control of his thoughts. Power was everything, and Lucius felt it slowly slipping away from him.

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