Lily rubbed her eyes, stretching as she woke up in her familiar four-poster. Her usually smooth forehead was creased as she frowned, remembering the afternoon before.
I was just being silly, she thought, Narcissa had obviously just reached her breaking point, and I just happened to be there. That's all. Satisfied with her logic, the red-head got up, gathered her robes, and headed for the showers. She let the streaming hot shower water pound against her back and shoulders, loosening muscles she hadn't realised were taut. I'm glad I was there. I mean, I'm glad she wasn't alone when it became too much. Even if she is a Slytherin. She massaged product in to her hair, enjoying the faint raspberry scent of her shampoo. It would be nice to have another girl friend. Vanessa hasn't really been around since she started dating that Ravenclaw boy, Benjamin… whenever we talk it's been "boys this," "boys that," and I just don't get it. I guess one day I'll meet my Prince Charming. Blue eyes, blond hair – unbidden, the image of Narcissa's face rose, and Lily chuckled quietly to herself. I suppose Lucius is handsome in a cold, arrogant way. He and Narcissa will certainly make a striking couple. Why does that make me sad? Perhaps because she doesn't seem so thrilled with him.
Having stepped out of the shower and dressed, Lily took particular care to brush her hair until it was gleaming. She winced at the dark circles under her eyes, and dug through her trunk until she found a small wooden box filled with foundation, mascara, lipsticks, nail polish. Pulling a face in the mirror, she applied a light layer of foundation and concealer. What the heck, she mused, if I'm going to bother with the war paint, why not go all out? An unaccustomed hand applied some gold eye-shadow, black mascara, and blood red lipstick. Perfect.
"Lily!" Vanessa sat next to her at breakfast, brown eyes wide. "You look lovely! Why all the makeup? That's so not like you! Who is he? Did James Potter finally catch your eye?"
"Ness!" Lily laughed, "No!"
"Okay, Sirius then! Remus? Surely not Peter!"
"You know the only one of those boys I can speak to for more than five minutes is Remus, 'Ness."
"Oho! The quiet one gets the girl! I knew it! You two were always "studying" together."
"No, no, it's not Remus. It's not any boy. I just felt like looking extra pretty today, okay? For me." Lily could hear a defensive note creeping in to her voice.
"Okay, Lil, if you say so." Vanessa's sing-song voice was clearly disbelieving. "Hey, it's nearly time for class. Chat later!" With a flip of her black hair, Vanessa scooped up her bag and was gone.
Charms seemed to take forever to reach, that day. Finally, before the bell even rang for class, Lily skipped in to the classroom. She was rewarded with a shy smile from the blonde girl sharing their desk.
"Hello, had a nice morning?"
"Yeah, you?"
"Well enough. Look," Narcissa picked up her wand. "Accio quill!" She pointed her wand at Lily's open bag, and was rewarded with a glossy eagle feather quill flying in to her open hand.
"Good work!" Unthinkingly, Lily put an arm around Narcissa's shoulder and squeezed her gently in a half hug. A pink blush stained the other girl's cheeks, and they both jumped as the bell clanged. Lily let her go and motioned to the quill in her hands, "it's beautiful. Are you sure you don't want it back?"
"Goodness knows Lucius sends me more than enough of the things." She rolled her eyes. "I saw you admiring it. And see? It matches your eye-shadow today. It was destined to be yours. You look very pretty, by the way."
"Thank you." Lily plucked the quill back as Professor Flitwick walked in to the classroom. Narcissa picked up her own quill and scrolled a quick message on a scrap piece of parchment.
Will you meet me this evening? The clock tower, 8 o'clock? I hope to see you.
Lily paced nervously back and forth on the open top level of the tower, chill wind whipping at her hair. She paused, leaning on the railing and staring out over the grounds. I wonder why Narcissa wanted to meet all the way up here? She shivered, pulling her cloak tighter. Not even couples come up here – it's far too cold! She eased her breathing in to rhythm with the tick tock of the giant clock above them. Hanging from the ceiling were the four large bells, held magically in place against the gusty weather.
"You came!" A light and obviously delighted voice came from the top of the staircase.
"Of course. Why wouldn't I?" Lily turned and was hit by the full force of Narcissa's smile. Her eyes were bright, and her cheeks were flushed pink from the cold. She walked over, noticing the other girl carrying a small basket, and was startled by a quick hug.
"I'm sorry – was that too forward?" Shy Narcissa was back in full force. "My family is not very demonstrative, I guess you'd say. I haven't really had many outside friends." She mumbled.
"No – no, it's fine." Lily smiled. "Don't go getting all shy on me again."
"Romi told me about this place," Narcissa said abruptly. "She came up here one night – she was so angry at Mother and Father when she learnt about Lucius – and found out if you sit underneath the bells, the charms that protect them from swaying also reach the ground. It's like a protective bubble." She picked up her basket. "I had one of the house-elves make us some hot chocolate, and brought a blanket and some cushions to sit on. And some flame jars for light."
"Ah, good idea. I'd been wondering what made you come all the way up here!" She helped her friend spread the thick blanket on the cobblestones, casting a few charms to make it heated and soft.
"I knew you could just have charmed the floor, but a blanket just feels nicer, don't you think?"
"Definitely." Lily laid down, propping herself up on one elbow as Narcissa did the same and began pouring them mugs of cocoa. "This is nice." She added idly, gesturing at the bluebell coloured flames lighting up the tower.
"I'm glad you like it."
"Narcissa, can I ask you something? Something personal?"
"Of course you can. We're friends." At that statement Lily felt a warmth in her stomach that had nothing to do with the hot chocolate she was sipping.
"How do you feel about Lucius? … If that's too personal, I'm sorry." She added as the silence grew.
"No, it's not. I – for some reason I feel I can trust you. Romi was so angry. She said Mother and Father had no right to bargain away my future to the Malfoys before I'd even started at Hogwarts. It was finalised last year, on my fifteenth birthday. In reality, it was decided when I was a little girl. I've spent every summer with the Malfoys as far back as I can remember." Her voice was soft, and Lily leaned in to hear her, shifting their mugs where they wouldn't be accidentally knocked over.
"That's terrible!" She whispered.
"It's traditional, for Purebloods." Narcissa continued. "Romi was engaged to one of the Lestrange brothers. She fell in love with Ted Tonks, knowing full well that Mother and Father would never allow her to marry a mu – sorry, a wizard who wasn't a Pureblood." She shrugged sadly. "At least Lucius is kind to me, in his way."
"Do you love him?"
"Love is not a necessity in a Pureblood marriage. Family ties supersede personal preferences." Her voice held the weariness of someone who'd learnt the statement by rote. "I mean this in the most non-offensive way possible, however I want you to know… you are not my family's preference, but I am glad we're becoming friends."
"Me too." They laid in comfortable silence.
"What about you, Lily? Have you ever fallen in love?" Narcissa's voice was wistful.
"Me? Merlin, no."
"I hear James Potter has taken quite the fancy to you? Do you not find him handsome?"
"James Potter has been a thorn on my side since I met him on the train as a first year." Lily snorted. "I am yet to meet a boy that makes my heart flutter, although I guess in time there will be one. Why, do you find him handsome?"
"Certainly not. You said it perfectly – I am yet to meet a boy that makes my heart flutter. I do not think there shall be one."
"Oh, Narcissa, you mustn't think that! I am sure you can come to care for Lucius in time, and if not there will be many other wizards waiting for your attention. Why wouldn't they, for a beautiful young woman like yourself?" She put a comforting hand on the other witch's arm.
"I do not think you understand." She paused, and Lily could see her gathering the courage to speak. She leant closer, seeing the tears brimming in Narcissa's eyes.
"You can tell me. Do you not want to marry Lucius? Is it not just your sister's estrangement upsetting you?"
"It has never been boys that make my heart flutter." Before Lily could fully absorb that startling reply, soft lips pressed against hers. Time stopped. She could hear the pounding of blood in her ears, her green eyes taking in the tears on Narcissa's face, and the vulnerability in her expression as she pulled away just as quickly as their kiss had started. Lily put an arm around Narcissa's waist as she shifted to get up.
"Wait. Please. I … wasn't expecting... that is, I-" I think I liked that. Her brain filled in. Trusting her instincts, Lily drew Narcissa close and kissed her back. Soft, curious kisses passed between the two young women as they cuddled. Narcissa had shifted so she was leaning slightly over Lily. Her supporting hand slipped on the rug as they finished a kiss, and she fell forward slightly before regaining her balance. Lily's eyes widened as Narcissa's chest was pressed up firmly against hers, cheeks turning scarlet.
Above them, the bells started chiming the hour, and the two girls scrambled away from the near deafening noise.
"Didn't think about that." Narcissa laughed. "Sorry." They stood next to each other at the railing, eyes bright. "So…"
"I don't know what to say." Lily admitted sheepishly. "I've never done anything like that before. With another girl, I mean." The bells stopped chiming, and they sat back down. Narcissa was quiet now, her face drawn. "I do like you as a friend. I am just not sure – not sure what to think. Hey, please, don't cry!"
"They'll kill me. Oh Merlin, what have I done." Her voice was ragged, and Lily got the impression Narcissa wasn't staring at her, but instead at a scene in her mind. "I should never have let this happen. This is what happens when a girl like me hopes for things she will never possess. What girl has a right to dream for more than the love and riches of Lucius Malfoy, after all?"
"What are you talking about?" Lily kissed her, distracting Narcissa from her bitter monologue. "This – this is new for me. I need to sort things out in my head. But this, you" she kissed her again, "gives me butterflies like no boy ever has. Okay?"
"Okay." Narcissa still seemed dazed. Lily gave her a hug, feeling the tension in her slight frame.
"I think we should both get some sleep. Tomorrow's Saturday, we can talk again then." Both the girls rose, and Lily efficiently packed everything back in the basket. "We're okay, Narcissa."