Hey guys! I'm back! Yes, I know that it has taken quite a long time to update. Please forgive me! I'm always so busy! Here's the next chapter and I do hope you all enjoy it! To those who have reviewed, you get hot chocolate...and cookies...or cake...you choose! And I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations!

Lesbian Lover: I hope you're still reading! I take forever with updates, but they come, I promise! Thank you for the compliment. Feeling is one of the most important parts of character portrayal.

rox4787: Thank you. I'm updating... took me quite a long time, but here you are!

Slythernluvr1516: No, that was probably a different Lily/Narcissa story. I have more written, but I have to edit it before you guys get to see it. But thank you.

Alphawolf69: You're actually the one who pushed me to finally updating this thing...so here! I hope you enjoy...and no... we don't have a ball planned. So, no. But yes with the title. When we first started this story I thought about how fiery Lily's hair looked and how icy all of the Malfoy's act...and then I found that poem...and this is what we came up with!

Here you all go! The chapter!

Narcissa was most certainly not thinking about Lily when she tossed a coy smile over her shoulder at a smirking Malfoy and slipped into the prefect's bathroom. She glanced around to see if Lily was there, but she certainly wasn't hopeful or anything of the sort. Narcissa Black hoped for no one. Still. No harm in glancing.

Lily was in the bathroom. She had run away from her 'friends' and buried herself in a corner of the bathroom where there was a comfortable bench against a wall, right by a painting of the moon rising over a wintry mountain scene.

Narcissa made a point not to smile as she caught sight of Lily, but walked smoothly over and dropped a bottle full of semi-clear blue liquid in her lap. She tilted her chin a bit, proud and arrogant. "If you're brave enough to trust me."

Lily glanced at the bottle and smirked up at her. "You're challenging a Gryffindor's bravery?"

"Well I personally think you'd have been better suited in Ravenclaw, bookish as you are."

Lily smiles. "Ah...but I'm not in Ravenclaw, now am I?"

"And I'm sure it was your inner stupidity and lack of personality that landed you in the House you're currently in." Her insults were beautifully executed, not as crude as her sisters.

Lily jumped to standing, barely keeping from dropping the bottle. "Meaning what, Black?"

She didn't flinch a bit, her posture and her expression didn't move, she masked her surprise quite well. Her tone was a cool and collected as ever. "Meaning you're a Gryffindor, Evans, what else is there to say of that?"

Lily ground her teeth together before she sat back on the bench and glared at the painting with her arms crossed.

Narcissa's smirk was triumphant, and she turned on toe to step to a sink and glance in the mirror. "It's to be expected."

"What's to be expected?" The words were ground out, very much forced between her clenched teeth.

"Your word and action, being a Gryffindor." She replied smoothly, "And probably the state of your hair, at that."

Lily bit her tongue to keep her inner lion at bay. "I don't quite understand what you mean, Narcissa...but I don't like how it sounds..."

She chuckled, twining a finger around a strand of her hair. "Of course you don't. Also attributed to your House, I've no doubt."

Lily stood up. "At least we just say what we mean and don't play around being manipulative. I'd much rather be lionhearted than a slippery, slithering snake!" She accented each of the last three words with a step and shook her head furiously. "We're definitely cleaner..." She walked toward the door, pausing before she stormed out of the room.

Narcissa gasped and spun around, outraged. A rare display of emotion, "I am most certainly cleaner!"

"Oh, and how would you prove that?"

She scoffed, spreading her arms and glancing down at herself. "I should think it rather apparent."

"Well...looks can be deceiving...and if Slytherins think they can judge books by their covers, they're even more mislead than I originally thought!"

Narcissa continued to stare down at herself, considering the word clean. Rather a bit like pure. She sneered, tone a few notches lower than usual. "I assure you, Evans, I'm quite clean."

"Maybe you look it...maybe your blood is... but your heart is as dirty as they come..." It was nearly silent, but as she opened the door she whispered. "Bought and sold just like a horse...meant only for breeding..."

Narcissa froze at the comment, dropping to the floor. Her eyebrows knitted for a moment, then smoothed, her face a mask of cold calm, back straight, hands in her lap, and she fought to keep up the façade.

Lily clenched her fists tightly and glared at the floor as she moved toward the Gryffindor common room. She didn't know what upset her more...the fact that she'd said it...or the fact that it was true.

Bellatrix stormed through Hogwarts looking for her sister, making up some idle excuse to Malfoy as to Narcissa's absence, wand clenched in her fist so tight her knuckles were white against the wood. "I'm going to kill her."

Bellatrix was fuming and Narcissa knew it the second she stepped into her line of sight. Her hand went for her wand, but not fast enough. Bellatrix slammed her sister against the wall, wand pressed in against her throat, voice much akin to the warning hiss of a snake about to strike. "Where were you." It wasn't a question, and Narcissa arched an eyebrow. "Primping. My hair was getting a little frayed at the edges." Narcissa was an excellent liar, and Bellatrix knew it. She did not, however, know how to tell the difference between Narcissa's truths and lies. "Were you...?"

James spotted Lily as soon as he left the common room, but didn't say a word as there was soon a loud noise that attracted both of their attention, and they rushed to investigate it.

James came to an abrupt halt when they reached where the noise came from. Lily, however, slipped in silently and took in the scene before her.

Narcissa arched a slender eyebrow and tilted her head to one side, in mock innocence. "Yes." Bellatrix sneered, tracing the tip of her wand sharply up the curve of Narcissa's neck. "Must keep up our appearances then mustn't we." Narcissa smiled, more of a challenge than anything else. "No one is concerned with your appearance, Bellatrix, but I certainly must."

Lily nearly choked on her laughter before she realized the predicament. "Expelliarmus..." It was whispered, but effective, Bellatrix wasn't expecting it and her wand soared effortlessly into Lily's hand.

Bellatrix whipped around with a look of surprise, one that quickly faded to outrage. Narcissa held her wand as gracefully as she did everything else: arm straight, wrist bent down, her pointer finger flexed along the wood. She spoke in a clear, calm voice, "Petrificus Totalus," and her magic flared in her cold gray eyes, rendering Lily immobile.

Bellatrix stormed up and snatched her wand, a far less graceful hold, but deadly nonetheless. She lifted it to Lily's heart, eyes blazing. Narcissa laughed. "Bella, really." Bella wasn't paying attention, she sneered, "Filthy little mudblood...mind your own bloody business" She opened her mouth to murmur a curse, Narcissa cut her off, tugging at the end of her robes and smiling against her cheek from behind. "Let's go back to the commons, Bella, you can kick her around later."

Lily was glaring at them...well, as well as she could.
James just stood outside, listening in on whatever he could catch. He figured out that it was Lily who was petrified; he stole to the shadows, waiting for the other two to leave.

Narcissa slipped her hand in her sisters, nudging her cheek a bit. Bellatrix sneered at Lily, but turned and stormed off, Narcissa in tow. Narcissa made it a point not to look back, thoughts already straying uneasily to what she was sure Bellatrix had in mind. Almost as bad as Malfoy...but she smiled encouragingly when Bellatrix looked back at her.

James watched as Bellatrix left with Narcissa, checked quickly left and right, and then pulled his blank paper out of his pocket. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good..." He checks the Marauders map and finds that Lily's alone in the bathroom. He slips inside and points his wand at her. "Finite Incantatem... Lily, are you ok?"

Lily just shakes her head and dashes back to her dorm room...completely ignoring James.

"Yeah… you're welcome..."

time skip

Narcissa managed to slip away again later that evening, with no intention of going back to her commons any time soon. No one would think to look for her in the library. In fact she doubted Bellatrix even knew how to get to the library...so she deemed it safe enough, and slipped inside with the grace she performed every action with, and trailed through the lines of books to the deepest, darkest corner of the library. She ran her finger tips across the row of books on the shelf level with her waist, collecting a fine layer of dust and silently marveling in such a simple concept as to not keeping her hands clean.

Narcissa, satisfied with the silence, sat gently down in a narrow space between two towering shelves, selecting a book on black magic that would have screamed at anyone but a Slytherin. She then proceeded to do something she'd not truly done in quite some time, as it was frowned upon by her mother and very much not something to be done by a proper pureblood girl, she read.

Narcissa lost herself in words, uncharacteristically oblivious to her surroundings as she flipped through the pages and absorbed spells, potions, descriptions. Her eyes were oddly uncalmed in her current state, flashing with passion and opinion and simple curiosity. And worse, in a most unladylike display, she caught her lower lip between her teeth and nibbled on it gently.

Lily's dorm mates had tried to pry from her what was wrong and she just kept refusing to speak. Finally she just had to disappear. She simply planned on walking through the castle...but a first year had gotten lost and needed help finding the library so she could find her common room, it was a Ravenclaw and Lily would have smiled at this, were it not for Narcissa's comment about her being bookish.

"Here you go, Isabelle..."

"Thanks, Lily!" The girl darted off and Lily sighed. "The library's as good a place as any to avoid my friends...they hate this place..." She smiled and slipped inside, glancing at books here and there, finally slipping into an aisle that turned at the corner.

Lily reached the end of the aisle and turned, not catching the attention of the aisle's only other occupant, quite possibly the library's only other occupant, aside from the librarian. Her eyes widened at the sight of Narcissa Black, but she said nothing.

Narcissa flipped another page, her white blonde hair pooling around her and falling in silvery strands across her face, like spider webs. The corners of her lips tugged to a slight smile as she read something that amused or pleased her, it was hard to tell which. Her back remained arched and straight, but she bent her head a bit to gaze at the book.

Lily took a step closer, wondering what book she was reading. Soon, she was close enough to read right over Narcissa's shoulder.

Narcissa lifted her gaze to stare straight ahead as something whispered words of warning in the back of her thoughts; she leaned back a bit and brushed against Lily. Instinct kicked in and she was on her feet in seconds, poised to fight, wand out, a spell already on the tip of her tongue.

Lily took a step back. "Sorry, I was just curious what you were reading..." She whispered it softly, it was a library after all...

Narcissa let her wand drop and swallowed her spell, bending to pick her book back up and showing the cover to Lily, eyes flashing their irritation.

Lily read the cover. "I don't think I've ever even seen that book..." She smiles. "I'm sorry for intruding..." She turns around.

Narcissa glanced at the book and arched an eyebrow, black magic...she refrained from laughing and cleared her throat instead. "Lily." She said the name quite simply, slight French accent, a distinct command to stop where she was and turn around.

Lily stops and glances over her shoulder, half-turned to face her. "Yes?"

Narcissa brushed back her hair, book tucked neatly in the hook of her arm. "I would highly suggest that you mind your manner with my sister."

Lily nearly laughs. "Like I really try to upset Bellatrix..." She shakes her head. "I stand up for people...and that's all... Stupid Gryffindor bravery, I guess..."

"Stupidity, I'd call it. Bellatrix might not know as many spells as you, and she might not flick her wrist so precisely, but she wont play fair. And I do not need standing up for, thank you. Whatever led you to believe that I needed your assistance, then or ever, is obviously attributed to the same 'bravery' you speak of." She arched a single slender eyebrow, highly annoyed and just a little insulted—if not disappointed—that Lily hadn't turned full face.

Lily shrugged. "I can't help what comes as instinct..." She turned fully facing Narcissa. "If I could I would avoid danger at all costs..."

Narcissa scoffed, sneering a bit. "Danger is more than necessary; it's delightful. And besides, what would you know."

Lily shrugs. "That I can't seem to stop myself...even if they 'don't need the help'...It's who I am..." She shrugs again. "I'll talk to you later, Narcissa..."

"You'll talk to me now, if I want you to, Evans." She snapped, haughty and snide.

Lily raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And you want to talk?"

"Of course not. Not with you, especially." She turned and slid the book back to its former place.

Lily shook her head. "Then who cares if I said I'd talk to you later..." She bit her lip before turning and walking around the corner to find a book.

Narcissa scanned the shelf and continued to sneer. "Obviously, you don't grasp the underlying concept of this conversation, mainly my superiority. You wont talk to me unless I tell you to. You've already caused enough trouble with your mindless blundering."

Lily's hands formed fists. She shouldn't let Narcissa get to her...there was no reason this attitude of hers should have upset Lily so much; Lily was normally very levelheaded. "Fine. Whatever..." She was scanning the book titles and deliberately not looking at Narcissa.

Narcissa fell silent for a moment or two, expression completely unreadable, poised and calm as ever. She selected another book, Hexes and Curses: A Dictionary, and said quite softly, "I'm not a horse."

Lily bit her lip, momentarily confused. "Huh...?"

Narcissa put the book back, uninterested, and turned to Lily. "I'm not a horse."

Lily looks up at her, suddenly remembering her previous comment. "Oh...?" She was still annoyed at Narcissa's better-than-thou attitude and raised an eyebrow. "And how do you propose to prove that?"

Narcissa folded her arms, striking quite the pose, and tilted her chin in pride. "I don't have to prove anything to you, mudblood."

Lily laughs mirthlessly. "Then I guess you stay a horse..." She opens the book on charms and begins flipping through it.

Narcissa had had enough; in a flash of white blonde fury she held Lily against the bookshelf with one hand and pressed the tip of her wand against the curve of Lily's throat with the other. Narcissa, of course, hadn't pushed or shoved Lily back, but had rather swept her there, and pinned her there now, voice dangerously low. "I am not a horse."

Lily smirked darkly. "Until you actually prove it...you are...maybe a magical horse who can curse me...but a horse... something created purely for breeding... "

Narcissa again caught her lower lip between her teeth, but this time she bit, and hard, to keep from using a curse that would get her in a great deal of trouble. She waited a moment, and then released her lip with a warm intoxicating breath, the scent of spring rain and wild flowers. "It doesn't matter. Whatever I am, I'm ten times better than you, and so your opinions mean about as much as, if you'll excuse the pun, horse shit." Narcissa never cursed, at least not that sort, and she smiled to think she'd done so.

Lily rolled her eyes. "Ooh... I'm so sorry, how could I ever have said something so offensive... You've shown me the error of my ways..." She spoke with heavy sarcasm, but her eyes were wide and her heart raced gently.

Narcissa, smug and confident, caught Lily's gaze and held it, gray blue eyes icy in their resolve. Her wand whipped up the side of Lily's neck, under her chin, tilting her head up so Narcissa could better keep her gaze. Narcissa's free hand brushed down Lily's side, finding her pocket without having to look down, and pulling out her wand. She held it coyly behind her back, her own wand still pressed under Lily's chin, that and her gaze continuing to keep Lily pinned. "Watch your tongue, Evans."

Lily swallowed and spoke softly. "Why should I? It's the only thing I have left as a weapon..."

Narcissa laughed, pressing her wand harder, delighted and thrilled at the role reversal, so entirely used to being up against a wall. "Your tongue doesn't concern me in the slightest, you've no weapons left."

Lily smiled softly. "Are you so sure about that?"

Narcissa traced back her memories pinned against a wall, Bellatrix holding back her wand, laughing and taunting and demanding she just stand there like a good girl and look as pretty as she was supposed to. Narcissa's voice steeled, and she was colder still. "Quite sure."

Lily shrugs as fire seemed to leap from her. "Then I'll just have to prove you wrong..." She knocked Narcissa's hand aside, and before Narcissa could utter a curse, Lily had her lips on top of Narcissa's as she grabbed her wand

Narcissa knew this part, too. Though she'd only grabbed for her wand once. Bellatrix taught her not to do that again...she learned quickly to stand quietly and look as pretty as she was supposed to. She'd learned a few other things, too. She slammed Lily back against the books, every inch of her employed to press and pin. She grabbed the wrist of the hand in which Lily clutched the wand, grip iron tight, and held it high over Lily's head, also pressed against the books. Narcissa's wand came quickly back up to slam under Lily's chin, forcing her head to stay up. Narcissa the advantage of height, and used it to her every ability. Her kiss was furious and haughty and demanding all at once. She was quite lost in the rush, years of restraint and compliance coming to a boil and spilling over with a few clever twists of her tongue. She pressed harder, pushing down on Lily with her lips and up with her wand.

Lily whimpered softly and shivered, her lips and body melting against Narcissa's forceful claiming.

Narcissa nearly purred at the submission, only pushing harder, determined to hurt Lily as much as Bellatrix would. She couldn't quite reach that point, though...she didn't have that instinct for pain. But she tried, and she purred all the while, happy enough just that she was trying.

Lily whimpered once or twice more, shivering fervently as she completely became submissive to the taller young woman.

Narcissa was overwhelmed with the dominance, suddenly obsessed with it, in love with it, fascinated and entranced by it. She raked her teeth down Lily's lower lip and slammed a knee between her legs, nails digging into Lily's wrist.

Lily gasped and groaned softly, shivering at the leg between her own.

Narcissa's thoughts finally caught up with her emotions; her eyes, previously slanted and cold, snapped open wide and filled with a silent horror. She leapt away from Lily as if she were the one holding a wand to her throat. Her body went rigid, wand still pointed, still graceful—it was natural to be so, by now—and her expression was still calm except for the look of horror in her eyes. This was not particularly good, Narcissa slowly decided, stone still.

Lily whimpered at the loss of contact and slowly lowered her wand to where she could use it if necessary as her mind caught up with her as well. Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap... Lily wouldn't back down, though...

Narcissa didn't move, her thoughts continued to swirl. This was not particularly good at all, she decided, instinctively tilting her chin up. Narcissa Black, Malfoy's prized fiancé, she was liquid grace, she was perfect. Right. She sneered, arching an eyebrow, though the horror in her eyes still left a few streaks. Her voice was as cold and proud as ever. "If you'll excuse me, I've better things to which I might lend my time."

Lily shrugged and licked her lips. "Sure...I'm almost certain that you must go find your stallion..." She put a guard spell around herself wordlessly and slipped away, back around the corner of the aisle.

Narcissa let her wand drop as Lily turned the corner, too troubled to be bothered with insults. She ran her fingers through her hair and frowned, leaning back against the bookshelf with a sigh. "Bellatrix is going to kill me for being out this late." She said it quietly, to no one but herself, and wondered if she'd ever be able to just stand there and look as pretty as she was supposed to again.

Lily went around the corner, running to the other end of the aisle and straight back to her dorm. She made it into her room before she was bombarded with questions. She replied mutely and buried herself in her blankets, prepared for a fitful night.

Hope you all enjoyed it! Please Review! Thanks to you all!