Confessions

...I thought you were beautiful...

The wind was sharp against his skin, pinching lightly at his cheeks and nose as it made his long hair rustle against his cloak, tugging at the neat black bow that held it in place. Winter in Scotland was always ghastly. Had it not been for the girl at his side he would never have voluntarily come up to the highlands in January. He'd much rather spend his Saturday afternoons by the fire, a book in his hand. But it was a Hogsmeade weekend, and having left Hogwarts, any time he could grab with the girl seemed worth it. Besides the weather today wasn't too awful. The wind was sharp yes, but the sun was shining brightly, and at least it had stopped snowing.

Lucius felt a small hand slide into his, gloved fingers intertwining. He looked down at Narcissa, the sun shining in her bright blonde hair, her pale cheeks flushed. Her light blue eyes were turned up to him as she huddled a little closer, those perfect pink lips curling into a small half smile.

"Cold?" he asked, giving her hand  a small squeeze.

"Why? Are /you/?" she teased. He smirked and rolled his cool grey eyes.

"I was merely making sure you didn't want to go inside. I wouldn't want you to catch a chill."

"Careful Mr Malfoy, or I might start to think you really care about me," she teased. He didn't answer right away, merely giving her hand another little squeeze. She certainly was perceptive. It was rare for Lucius to care about anyone other than himself. But Narcissa, Narcissa was different.

"Would that be so terrible?" he asked with a little chuckle. She looked back down at the snow crunching softly under their feet as they walked. Was he imagining it, or had her cheeks gone a slightly darker shade of pink?

"No, no I suppose not..." she mused softly, her smile becoming a touch more genuine.

They walked in a comfortable silence a little longer, their hands remaining intertwined as they approached the frozen lake,  watching as the giant squid waved it's tentacles through a hole in the ice. He felt her shiver a little besides him and he couldn't help the smirk that pulled at his lips. He knew she was cold, not that she'd ever admit it. She was without a doubt one of the most stubborn people he had ever met. He wrapped an arm around her slender shoulders, tucking her into his side without a word. She nestled into him, wrapping her arms around his torso, grateful as he sheltered her from the wind a little. She looked up at him, seeing the smug little smile on his lips and scowled.

"What?" she asked, but her scowl only made him chuckle more.

"Nothing," he grinned, making her pouted in response, looking like a spoilt five year old who hadn't got what she wanted. He couldn't help but find it somewhat adorable, chuckling lightly to himself.

"Lucius Malfoy tell me what you're laughing at!" she demanded.

"You flower," he grinned. "I knew you were cold!" She hid her flushing face against his chest and he shook his head lightly, still smiling.

"You're being mean" she pouted, swatting at him a little as she peaked up at him, her eyes twinkling, her cheeks flushed pink. Merlin she really was beautiful.

"I'd never be mean to you Narcissa," he said, a hint of sincerity colouring his words.

"You're mean to everyone else," she teased.

"But I'd never be mean to you," he said, looking down at the girl in his arms. "I'm pretty sure that is not the way one goes about getting the girl hm?" 

"Are you saying you like me Lucius?" she teased, smiling up at him.

"Narcissa, I think you know perfectly well how I feel." Her teasing was merciless. Damn she really was going to make him say it out loud wasn't she? 

"I don't know Mr Malfoy," she said with a cheeky grin. "You're very hard to read." Lucius had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. She was impossible, that much he knew. But then again, it was also why he liked her. She was the only person who had the guts to tease him, to poke fun at him and challenge him.

"I'll show you then," he murmured, bending his blonde head to gently capture her pink lips, feeling her freeze in surprise against him as a little gasp escaped her. He tightened his arms around her slender waist, holding her to him as he kissed her, keeping it soft, tender. When at last he pulled back, for once, she was speechless. He gave her a small smile, cupping her beautiful blushing face in his hands.

"Now do you see how I feel?" he chuckled, and she gave a little nod. Perhaps she had known all along, perhaps she hadn't. He'd probably never know. But then again, where would be the fun in that?