Around the hall there were exclamations of surprise and happiness as people discovered who they'd been dancing with all night. Narcissa couldn't share their sentiments. This was humiliating! Just one more thing her fiancé could hold over her head. She clapped her hands over her eyes to stop herself from seeing him again.

Warm gloves took hold of her hands and lowered them from her eyes. She reluctantly opened her blue eyes, sighing. "It wasn't that bad, was it?" Lucius asked lightly.

"I…" Narcissa paused. Honestly, she had enjoyed herself with him, but it was Lucius. He was stubborn and annoying and handsome and stupid and… annoying! "I…"

She tried again.

Lucius glanced around, dark silver eyes sharp. "Let's go somewhere quieter," he suggested smoothly. "I can hardly hear myself think in here."

Narcissa nodded, looking at all the surrounding groups. She suddenly saw someone's hair flashing from green to black and she found herself leaving Lucius without realizing it, stalking over to the student dressed like the Muggle version of a witch.

"Andy!" she snapped, grabbing the Metamorphmagus's shoulder. "What are you wearing?"

"I'm a witch," Andromeda told her, seeming surprised at her anger.

"No," Narcissa said dangerously. "You're dressed up like a Muggle."

Andy blinked. "You know," she said matter-of-factly. "Muggles aren't that bad. They're really sweet, and Teddy says—"

"Muggles. Aren't. That. Bad?" Narcissa repeated incredulously. A growl ripped from her throat. "What have they done to you? You've been brain-washed."

"You're the one who's been brain-washed!" Andromeda exclaimed. "Father's always told us that Muggles are stupid—"

"Which they are!" Narcissa snarled. "I'm writing Father. You're not staying in Gryffindor any longer."

"I won't go!" Andromeda shouted. By now the two sisters were starting to draw attention from the other students. "You're not in charge of me!"

"Oh really?" Narcissa spat. "I—"

"You're not Mother!" Andromeda told her harshly. "You tried but you're not."

A strong hand caught hers before it could connect with Andromeda's facec. "Narcissa," Sirius said sharply. "Stop it."

Narcissa whirled on him. "You can't tell me what to do!" she snapped, fuming.

"You're causing a scene," he said in a slightly mocking tone. Indeed, they were. Students around the room were staring at them and McGonagall was approaching quickly.

Narcissa snatched her hand from Sirius's grasp and spat, "This is it, Andy. Bella's right about you." She turned to Sirius. "And you! No piece of blackmail could ever make me love some Muggle-loving blood-traitor!"

"What's going on here?" McGonagall asked, reaching them.

"Family issues," interjected Lucius. "Narcissa was just leaving," he added, gently drawing the blonde away.

Narcissa followed, eyes flashing. McGonagall didn't try to stop them because at that moment, Dumbledore stood back up on the dais. "I know we've all had a splendiferous time, but all good things must come to an end in time, and so must this. Everyone is to be in their dorms in thirty minutes."

"Muggle-loving little idiot," Narcissa muttered under her breath as Lucius led her to the doors.

"Shame, really," Lucius said, opening the door for her. "I had liked her."

"Me too," she said wryly, glaring at everyone who passed them.

"Even the purest can go bad," he reassured her calmly.

"We have Sirius and Andromeda. Are there any Malfoys?" Narcissa asked, swinging her white mask lazily in her hand.

"None that live long enough for word to get out," Lucius said darkly as they separated from the main group towards their secluded dormitory.

Narcissa couldn't muster any surprise at that statement. "Some sacrifices must be made," she acknowledged.

"Mmhm," Lucius said distractedly, looking from side to side.

"What—"

Seeing that the hallway was empty, he turned to her. "Go ahead," he said.

Narcissa blinked. "Pardon?" she asked, confused.

"Rant. Slap me. Grumbling about Andromeda's been a good outlet, but you're a time bomb," he said. He seemed flustered for the first time. "You've been acting strange recently, Cissy. Polite. There was no explosion because I tricked you into dancing with me." He watched her warily. "This is part when you're supposed to yell at me," he hinted.

Narcissa watched him carefully. He was being so open. "Why would I—You…" She though back over the night; dancing with Lucius, how sweet he had been, helping her get away from McGonagall.

Seeing that she wasn't about to exploded and realizing the vulnerable position he had put himself in, he quickly drawled. "I mean, I'm fine with not being attacked. I suppose my charm and looks have finally won you over.

Narcissa sighed. "You are so annoying." Then she rose to her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his.