Narcissa scopes out Bellatrix after dinner the next day. She had avoided her all day, but she couldn't for much longer. She had promised Lucius that she would try and get a feel for how Bellatrix would react to their relationship. And she longed to be public with Lucius, to have their relationship out in the open. She wanted to sit by him at meals, to hold his hand in the hallways, to laugh over homework. Keeping it a secret was intensifying their relationship, making them both feel like they had to overcompensate for the short time they could spend together. And while that was good and Narcissa was enjoying it- god, was she enjoying it- she craved the small things of a relationship, too.

And, yes, she wanted to sleep with him. She really wanted to sleep with him. It was an unfamiliar feeling, this intense insatiability. And from what he had given her before, she could only imagine what it would be like to feel him fully. The only thing that was keeping her from that ecstasy was her sister. She could face her sister. Bellatrix wasn't that terrifying.

Narcissa takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. She wouldn't let Bellatrix scare her away from having happiness. Drumming up the courage, Narcissa takes one last deep breath and then heads to Bellatrix, taking the seat beside her at the slytherin table. Gratefully, Rodolphus had not arrived at dinner yet. He would know immediately what Narcissa was trying to do, and Narcissa didn't trust him not to inform Bellatrix immediately.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Ice Queen," Bellatrix says nonchalantly as Narcissa takes the seat next to her.

Narcissa bristles at the comment, her guards immediately going up once again. Her face goes just as cold as Bellatrix's accusation, instantly wiping away any emotion. "I've been thinking something," Narcissa begins, keeping her voice emotionless and monotone.

"And what have you been thinking?" Bellatrix asks, taking a fierce bite of the chicken that was on her plate. Her eyes flick up at Narcissa, running over her face. Narcissa immediately throws up a barrier. She wasn't sure why she did, but sometimes she had the eerie feeling that Bellatrix was trying to poke around the corners of her thoughts.

"I've been thinking that I might not want to rely on Mother and Father picking a match for me," she says, testing out the water. "I want to start searching for a proper match for myself."

Bellatrix frowns. "Huh. Interesting. And what has brought about this change?"

"Well, I've seen how happy you and Rodolphus are together-" she's interrupted by a sharp snort from Bellatrix but continues on. "And I'd like to take a hand in my own future. Find happiness for myself."

Bellatrix looks her over, eyes narrowing. "Does this have to do with a particular boy?"

Narcissa dares a look up at her. "No," she says in a nonchalant voice. "No, not yet. But I'm not opposed to it becoming about someone."

"Someone particular?" Bellatrix asks again, eyes tight on Narcissa's face, scrutinizing every detail, reading every bit of emotion.

Remaining completely focused, however, Narcissa keeps her face expressionless. She wouldn't let Bellatrix read her, wouldn't let her twist the vulnerability out of her. "Why? Did you have someone in mind?"

A smile twists on Bellatrix's face, playful and yet domineering. "I'm sure I could rustle up a suitor or two for you."

"I'll be sure to keep them in mind when weighing my options," Narcissa says coldly. "But I don't plan on replacing Mother and Father's choice for one of yours."

"How very independent of you."

"I want to know that you're not going to intimidate any guys I might try and pursue."

"Well, that's a lovely little thought, but someone has to supervise this little experiment of yours."

Narcissa turns fully to Bellatrix, giving her a cold look. "This isn't an experiment, this is my life," she says. "And I don't want you ruining any prospects that I may have. I need to know that I'll be able to find a successful match without you interfering."

Bellatrix strokes her chin thoughtfully. She looks at Narcissa with sharp eyes, scanning Narcissa's face with too much knowledge and perception. "Well," she says. "It's an intriguing idea. But I think you'll do best to let Mother and Father decide on a match for you." Narcissa is about to protest but Bellatrix's cutting eyes stop her from speaking further. "The problem is, Cissa, that you're… You're not one for the dating scene. It's not that you're undesirable, it's just… You're not that inviting of a person." She leans languidly on her elbow, her body loose and relaxed where her words are biting and cruel. "You're detached. Inhospitable. Cold. Sure, there will still be boys who will pursue you-you're a beautiful girl-but it will only be to possess you, little Cissa. To get in between your legs and show off their precious little cocks. They just want to corrupt you, to use you. They're not interested in getting to know you and they're sure as hell not looking to marry you."

Narcissa feels a shiver rupter through her body, just below her skin. She didn't dare move, however, not even to tremble. She didn't dare show Bellatrix how deeply her words were penetrating her. She looks ahead, eyes unfocused.

"Take Lucius Malfoy for instance," Bellatrix continues. She was facing mostly away from Narcissa, but Narcissa could still feel her eyes on her. She didn't dare so much as let out a breath. "I think you handled that situation perfectly, Cissa. He didn't deserve a minute of your time. I mean, I'm sure you suspected, but did you know that he already has a girlfriend? Even when he took you out to Hogsmeade with him?"

"He did?" Narcissa chokes out, the emotion betraying her with her surprise.

Bellatrix nods, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly. "You've met Circe Fairmonth, haven't you? That tall blonde that looks like you if you squint. I guess Lucius has a type. But yes, he and her have been dating for over a year now. Very physical. I suppose it was quite the game for him to ask you out as well. But you're too clever for that. Saw through his little ruse. I applaud that. Don't ruin your wisdom now by deciding to date around. Keep with your original plan to let Mother and Father choose for you. They'll make a good match for you, someone who is interested in marrying you and not using you. I'm afraid you'll get overwhelmed if you try and make a go of it yourself. That's just not what you're built for. And besides, you're more valuable the way you are. Untouched. Don't go ruining that."

Narcissa stands up, completely shut down inside. She shakes her head, but doesn't say a word. She didn't trust her ability to talk, not now. Still silent, Narcissa gathers her things and leaves the table, walking straight ahead without looking back.

Bellatrix, meanwhile, doesn't take her eyes off of Narcissa. She watches closely every move Narcissa makes, her rigidness and her silence, the hardening of her face as she shuts off every single expression of emotion. Once Narcissa has gone, she smiles with satisfaction and takes another large bite of chicken.