Authors Note: The inscription in the journal that Dru gives to Snape comes from one of my favorite songs by Phil Collins. It's called No Way Out and it's from the Disney Film Brother Bear, as always please remember that I make no profit whatsoever from these stories so please Disney, Rowling and Phil Collins don't sue me! And now with that said back to our story.
Chapter Two
*Severus's POV*
Sitting in my favorite chair with a glass of fire whiskey in one hand and a 12 and three quarter inch ebony wand with a core of dragon heartstring in the other my mind starts to wander to the night I had left school 3 years ago and what I had done to one of the few people in that school who had ever shown the slightest amount of friendship and caring towards me.
**********
"Damn it, Severus Snape! What the hell did you go and do?"
I turn and look into the flashing silver eyes of the 14 year old Ravenclaw coming towards me, "Why what ever happened to 'Hello, Severus. How was your day?'?"
Grabbing my left arm she demands, "If I were to ask you to roll up your sleeve right now, what would I find?"
Being very careful not to let my shock show I pulled my arm away, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"I just got back from my grandfathers where I overheard him and Malfoy talking about a promising young man who was a genius with potions who had just...pledged his service, yes, I believe was the way David put it. Pledged his service to the Dark Lord."
"You weren't supposed to be going home this weekend." I reply turning around and walking to a nearby fallen log where I sat down.
"I know but I was called home on an emergency."
"You could have let me know."
She crosses her arms over her chest and watches me for a moment, "One I didn't have time to use the journal because Malfoy just showed up to take Dylan and I home and two because of your stubborn insistence that we keep our friendship a secret it's not like I could have sent you a message through normal channels. And no changing the subject....Did you take the mark?"
"That is none of your business, Drucilla."
She comes over and sits beside me, "You are my friend, Severus and I worry about you. I've heard stories about what Voldemort does to some of his followers.....I'm scared for you."
Studying the young girl next to me quietly for a minute before responding, "You have no reason to be scared, Princess. Nothing bad is going to happen to me, alright?"
"You know you're the only one who can get away with calling me that?"
Reaching over I take one of her hands in mine, turning it over I gently run my thumb in circles over the soft skin of her palm, "Who would have ever thought that something once meant as an insult would become a term of endearment?"
Sighing softly she entwines her fingers with mine, "Who would have thought that the two of us would stop fighting and snipping at each other long enough to actually get to know one another and become friends?"
"At least Slug's detentions were good for something back then." I reply watching her stare ahead into the darkness of the woods, "What was the emergency that caused you and your brother to be called home anyway?"
"Grams is quickly getting worse. The healers think it's only a matter of days now before she's gone. Dylan stayed home while I came back here."
"Why did you come back? It's so close to the end of term that I'm sure, under the circumstances, that the Headmaster would understand your and Dylan's absences."
"Grandfather already talked to him about it and both Dylan and I are excused until next term to deal with what is going on with Grams....I came back to get my things and to see you before you left. And to see if what I overheard was true or not."
"If I did take the mark, Drucilla it's because it is what I wanted to do. I wasn't coerced into it if that's what you’re worried about. With the Dark Lord things will be different."
"Is it because of Potter and his band of merry idiots? Because if it is trust me when I say that they aren't worth it. They wouldn't know respect and tolerance if it jumped up and bit them on the arse."
"No, it's not because of them...At least not all because of them and I would prefer to keep my other reasons to myself. Are you also including Lupin in that number?" I respond quietly.
"Don't get me wrong...Remus is a great guy but he finds it almost impossible to stand up to Potter and Black, I mean he's a prefect and he lets them get away with anything."
My hand inadvertently tightens around hers slightly as I try to control my jealousy. I knew all I had to do was tell her brother about Lupin's....condition and her grandfather would be sure to find out thus ending her friendship with the Gryffindor prefect. It was so tempting but looking at the expression on her face as she stared ahead, knowing that her grandmother was so near death....I knew that she would need all the friends that she had right now and I knew that I wouldn't be able to be there for her after tonight. The Dark Lord would exploit any weakness in his followers and looking at the beautiful young girl beside me, I realized that she while being one of my greatest joys was also one of my greatest weakness's. Even while I had prepared for the ceremony where I would become a Death Eater hers was the face that I could most clearly picture in my mind.
"We're never going to see each other like this again are we?" Her soft voice interrupts my thoughts.
"We'll see each other again, Princess."
"Not like this." Turning her head to look at me her silver eyes full of concern and sadness, "You know it as well as I do, Severus....After all you were the one who once said that outside of this grove...Outside the walls of Hogwarts we could be nothing more to each other than two strangers who pass on the street." Pulling her hand out of mine she stands up and walks a few feet before stopping.
Clenching my hands into fists I follow her, coming up behind her stopping just inches away, "It's....it's the way it has to be, Drucilla. Your grandfather wouldn't accept our friendship; we all know how David Ives feels about keeping the wizarding race pure."
Leaning back slightly so her head rests on my chest she sighs softly, "And your mother being a pure blood would do nothing to change his mind."
"I doubt that I would be able to hide my parentage from him like I have been able to do to everybody else. He would do anything he could to tear apart our friendship once he found out about it."
"True,” she whispers softly. "He would do anything in his power to keep us apart once he found out that I...." she trails off closing her eyes.
Something in her tone causes my stomach to knot up, "Found out that you what?"
She quickly spins around and gives me a grin that causes my heart to tighten in my chest, "Am best friends with the half-blood prince, of course."
By her sudden change in demeanor I knew she was trying to hide something from me, "That might work with other people, Drucilla but it won't work with me."
"I have no idea as to what you are talking about, Severus."
"The sarcastic remarks, the cutting humor, the caustic wit and the evasive manner that you use to answer questions when you don't want to talk about something, Princess."
"I don't do that." she replies,” I answer all questions asked of me in a manor that befits my upbringing."
"Evasive brat."
"Arrogant git."
"Spoiled princess."
"Jealous?"
"Pureblood harpy."
"Pompous half-blood."
"Geek."
"Snake."
Leaning down to touch my forehead to hers I grin and utter the final insult in the game that we play, "Future...trophy...wife."
Her eyes sparkle with mischief as she responds, "Touché, Severus....Touché. You always do have to have the last word don't you?"
"I'm surprised that you let me get it in some days." I remark bringing my hand up and brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
Her hand catches mine and holds it against her cheek for a moment before letting go, "I'm going to miss you so much."
"I'm going to miss you too, Princess."
"I have something for you." She said reaching into the pocket of her robes and withdrawing a rectangular wrapped package, "And before you yell about me getting something for you I'm letting you know that it won't do any good because I would have gotten it for you anyway. Consider it a thank you gift."
"A thank you gift?" I question taking the package from her and slowly unwrap it, "And what would you be thanking me for?"
She blushes slightly, "I guess it's because you are the only one who never treated me differently when they found out who I was."
"Oh?"
"All my life whenever someone heard who my Grandfather was it changed they way they treated me....That never happened with you. You treated me like pain in the arse both before and after finding out who my Grandfather was."
"But you are a pain in the arse, Princess." I can't help but tease her as I look at the book in my hands. It was a black leather journal embossed with my house crest; the leather was soft and supple under my fingertips as I ran them over it. Turning it over in my hands I examine it thoroughly from every angle before opening it somewhere towards the middle where I was pleasantly surprised by the cream colored parchment pages contained inside.
"Look inside the front cover."
Turning my attention to her for a moment before doing as she requested, on the inside of the front cover in her flowing script were the following words :
You've given me the strength to see
just where my journey ends
You've given me the strength
to carry on
I look at her oddly for a moment and was about to comment when she said, "Thanks to you, Severus I've come to a decision about what I would like to do when I leave school and...Well, without your support I doubt that I would have ever found the strength inside myself to stand up to Grandfather about it."
I couldn't think of anything to say to that so I reach into the pocket of my robes and withdraw a small black velvet box that I wordlessly hand to her.
"Severus, you shouldn't have." she comments taking the box and examining it closely. My stomach knots up as she slowly opens the box to reveal the silver chain and cauldron pendent nestled on a bed of green silk, it had taken every last galleon, sickle and knut that I had to get that for her but if it pleased her even slightly it was well worth it. She lightly runs her fingers over it before taking it out of the box and holding it up to study it better in the faint moonlight, "It's beautiful....thank you."
"I'm sorry it can't be something more but–"
"Severus, I love it. Would you help me put it on?" she interrupts holding it out to me.
"Of course." Taking it from her outstretched hand I undo the clasp, "Turn around."
She does so and lifts her hair up out of the way as I reach around to place the chain around her neck, once the clasp is fastened I let my hands linger on her shoulders briefly before dropping them back down to my sides.
"Do you really want to know what I was going to say before?"
"Yes."
"What I was going to say before was, " she pauses turning around to face me again, the fingers of her left hand nervously playing with the chain around her neck, "that my grandfather would do anything to tear us apart once he knew that I was.....in love with the Half Blood Prince."
I wasn't sure if I wanted to leap for joy or run screaming from the grove at that moment, "What?"
"I'm....in love with you, Severus. I can't tell you where or when it happened; hell I can't even tell you why or how but I can tell you that I've fallen head over heels in love with you over the past few years."
"You don't mean that, Drucilla. What you are feeling is simply a childish infatuation with someone older, it will pass soon enough."
"I know I'm only 14 but I do know the difference between a childish crush and love. This is not a crush and whether you like it or not, Severus Snape I AM in love with you!"
I couldn't help but grin at the defiant tilt of her head and the stubborn glint in her eyes, once Drucilla Anastasia Riddle set her mind to something she was a force to be reckoned with. My grin quickly fades as the implications of her words sink in, If the dark lord found out about Drucilla's feelings for me it could end up putting her in real danger I thought to myself. It was at that moment I knew I had made the right decision concerning what I had to do to her tonight.
Her voice interrupts my thoughts, "I think I'd prefer one of your sarcastic insults to your silence right now."
"Why is that, Princess?"
"I think I'd feel like I made less of a fool of myself if you did." She comments taking a half step away from me. "I admit I'm no Lily Evans but it's not like I'm a troll either...Believe it or not there are some people out there who wouldn't be repulsed by me telling them I love them."
"I'm not replus—Lily Evans? What in hell do you mean by that?"
"Nothing at all, Severus. Absolutely nothing, alright?"
It suddenly hit me, "You're jealous. You're actually jealous of Evans."
"I don't get jealous and even if I did it would not be over some little no name mu—person like her." She commented crossing her arms over her chest while raising her chin a notch, "I have to admit that I was hoping that the idiot Black was wrong though."
Taking a deep breath I place my hands on her shoulders and stare into her eyes for a moment before speaking, "I assume that you are talking about the rumor going around that I have feelings for Lily Evans?"
"Possibly."
"I thought the Ravenclaw color was blue."
"It is."
"Then why are you looking very green at the moment, Drucilla?" I tease her lightly as she glares at me.
"I told you I don't get jealous.....And even if I did I would be no more jealous of Evans then you are of Remus." She responds dryly, "At least my feelings of discomfort are founded while yours are not."
"What makes you think I could possibly be jealous of Lupin?"
"The look in your eyes the other night after dinner when you saw Remus and I outside the library."
"I have no idea what you are talking about. There was no particular look in my eyes at that moment but if there had been it was because he had his hands on you in a way that was unbefitting your station and his position as Prefect."
"Oh yes because it's so much more befitting someone of my station to be seen collapsing on the floor."
"Another one of your 'dizzy spells' as you call them? I've told you more then enough times that you should talk to someone about those." I lecture her sternly.
"What do you want me to do? Go up to the hospital wing and tell Madam Pomfrey 'I get these nauseous and dizzy spells where it feels like I can see through someone else's eyes?' I currently don't wish to spend my summer in St. Mungo's thank very much."
"Have you told Dumbledore about it?"
"I haven't told anyone about it except you and Remus....It's not something I want to be common knowledge."
"So, your grandparents and brother don't even know?"
She rolls her eyes at me, "Oh yes, let me tell my over protective grandmother and brother about this. I like having my freedom."
"If you had let me teach you Occlumency when I first found out about these spells you would be able to control them by now."
"As I told you before when you first made the offer, it makes me very uncomfortable to have someone mucking about with my mind....No matter how much I trust them. There are certain things about myself that I don't want anyone knowing."
"I wish you would put your stubborn pride behind you and realize that whatever it is that you don't want me to know wouldn't affect the fact that you're my best friend."
"I'm afraid it would." she replies looking down at the ground.
"Look at me, Drucilla."
After a moment she lifts her head back up and looks into my eyes, "Yes, Severus?"
Leaning my head down so our foreheads touch, I come to another decision about tonight. I would lie to her about my feelings for Lily Evans, I did love Lily but in the past year or so Drucilla had made a place for herself in my heart as well. "I...have....no....feelings....for....mud-blood....Evans."
Her silver eyes darken slightly, “And....I....have....no....romantic....feelings....for....Remus."
I would allow myself this one single moment of happiness before leaving Hogwarts and Drucilla forever," You love....me?"
Her hand comes up and lightly brushes my cheek with her fingertips, "With everything that I am and everything that I ever will be."
"And the fact that I joined the Death Eaters?"
"Doesn't change the fact that I love you....But it does add to my fear of what could happen to you in the Dark Lords service. I'll always accept you for who and what you are, Severus Snape."
"And just who do you think I am?"
"A good man who is incredibly protective of those he cares for. Also a kind man with a strong sense of justice, even if it is somewhat misguided at times, who would do anything within his power to right the wrongs he sees."
"You have me mistaken for someone else, Drucilla. I'm none of those things."
"You just don't see it but it is true, Severus."
Letting my hands slid from her shoulders to her waist I pull her roughly against me before asking, "Would a good kind man with a strong sense of justice do what I'm about to do?"
"Which is?" she whispers softly.
"Take advantage of his best friend like this." I answer before my mouth claims hers in a hard hungry kiss. The feeling of utter joy that filled me as soon as my lips touched hers was something that I wanted to cherish for as long as I could. As I gentled my exploration of her mouth I assumed that this was the first time she had ever been kissed like this, her response was so shy and tentative. It was almost like she was afraid of doing something wrong so she wasn't quite sure what she should do. Leaving my hands at her waist I pull my head away from hers breaking the kiss, looking down at the shocked expression on her face I inwardly curse myself. Idiot! Why did you go and do that?
"You...kissed...me." She comments while lightly touching her lips with her fingertips.
Removing my hands from her waist I take a step backwards, "I'm so sorry, Drucilla...I don't know what came over me."
"Severus, it's alright.....In all honesty, I just wasn't expecting that from you."
Raising an eyebrow at her, "You don't think I'm capable of kissing someone?"
"It's not that. It's just normally everything about you is so.....proper. I never thought...I mean...Oh bloody hell!" she said before leaning up and pressing her lips to mine. After a moment of shocked disbelief that she would do that herself I savor her sweet innocent kiss while bringing my hands up to either side of her head. I tangle my fingers in her hair and gently pull my mouth away from hers, holding her head in place I lean my forehead against hers while I draw in a ragged breath. It had to be soon before I lost my nerve.
"Severus?" Drucilla whispers softly, the confusion she was feeling evident in her voice and eyes.
"I......" my voice falters as I remove my hands from her hair and wrap them around her pulling her closer to me as I do so.
"Yes?" she asks settling her head against my shoulder while she places her hands flat against my chest. "Your heart is beating so hard I can feel it through your robes."
Slowly beginning to stroke her hair with one hand while the other makes its way towards where I keep my wand, "Princess....Do you trust me?"
"Of course, I do."
"Then close your eyes."
"Why?"
"Please just do what I ask."
"Alright." she responds closing her eyes.
I bring my wand up letting the tip hover mere inches away from her temple. Trying to ignore my sudden blurred vision I lightly kiss the top of her head attempting to capture every part of this moment in my memory forever.
"I really do love you, Severus."
I inhale deeply letting the sweet orange and vanilla scent of her hair wash over me, "I...I.....love you too, Drucilla."
"Can we make this work?"
"I don't know." I reply as a single tear rolls off the tip of my nose into her hair while I close my own eyes preparing to silently cast the spell that would take one of the women I truly did love out of my life forever.
"Promise me something."
"What?"
"That you'll remember this perfect moment forever."
"I promise." I whisper knowing that it was now or never as I start making the wand motions while I silently utter the word of the spell in my mind.
Obliviate
**********
A burning sensation in my left forearm pulls me back to the present. Standing up I quickly place the wand into the puzzle box on the table beside my chair, smiling to myself I knew that the puzzle box would intrigue her while the note that I had placed under her wand would annoy her to no end. With a wave of my wand the package wraps and addresses itself, as much as I would have loved to return her wand in person I knew that it could be dangerous for me to do so since she was staying with Lucius Malfoy. Teaching at Hogwarts was going to be more interesting then I thought it would be. At least the memory charm I had placed on Drucilla, as much as I had hated doing that to her I knew within my first few weeks as a Death Eater that it had been the right thing to do for her safety, was still working. Wrapping my cloak around me tightly a small part of me rejoices at the fact I could be a part of her life again, even if it was just as her teacher for the next two terms. I vow to myself at that moment that as long as it was within my power she never would remember our past....relationship. If the only way I could protect her was to have her hate me then so be it I thought determinedly right before I apparated to answer the Dark Lords summon.
*2 and a half weeks before the start of term*
*Dru's POV*
I was sitting in a large leather chair with my bare feet tucked up under me reading the most interesting book about Potion making in The Malfoy Library when one of the maids comes in.
"Miss. Drucilla?" She asks softly so as not to startle me.
"Yes, Christina?" I say placing my finger in the book to mark my page as I close it. "What can I do for you?"
"A letter and package has just arrived for you." She said placing them on the table next to me.
"Thank you.....Have my brother and Mr. Malfoy gotten back from the Quidditch game yet?" I smile as the girl reddens slightly at the mention of my brother; he had been flirting shamelessly with her since we got here a week ago. I kept telling him one day his charm and flirtatious ways were going to get him in trouble.
"No, they haven't Miss." She answers and curtsy’s slightly. "Mrs. Malfoy also wished to inform you that she's expecting a few guests for tea that would like to meet you."
I groan slightly leaning my head back against the chair, "Not again. Did someone forget to tell me that I'm some sort of knick-knack to be put on display for company?"
The maid giggles slightly, "No, Miss. Shall I tell Madam that you'll be there?"
"Not that I have much choice.......I suppose Narcissa has something already planned for me to wear?"
"She did request that you wear the pale pink frock with pearls. She has also assigned me to dress your hair."
"All for a bloody tea to introduce me to yet another member of her social circle?" I ask removing my finger from the book and placing it next to the letter and package. "And she knows I hate pink! I don't care if it is the most flattering color for 'someone with your complexion' as she puts it. I really hate pink."
She giggles even more, "I believe this friend of hers has an attractive son who just graduated Durmstrang last spring."
I start lightly banging my head against the headrest on the chair, "It's only for another two and a half weeks and then I'll be at school.....Tell Narcissa I will be there promptly at four."
Christina curtsy’s again, "Yes, Miss."
I turn my attention to the letter and package on the table as the maid leaves, the package was addressed to Drucilla Ives c/o Malfoy Manor in a very unfamiliar spiky handwriting and the letter was addressed to Drucilla Riddle c/o Malfoy Manor and it bore the Hogwarts crest. I pick up the letter from the school and tear it open wondering what they wanted this close to the start of term. As I read it I resist the urge to jump out of my chair and shout for joy. It read :
Dear Miss. Riddle,
After much discussion between Headmaster Dumbledore, Potions Master Snape, Groundskeeper Hagrid and myself it has been decided to grant you special permission to allow you to bring your Black Queen Cobra to Hogwarts as your familiar. Special Quarters will be set up for it at either the Groundskeeper residence or in the Potions dungeons. As you know you required the permission of two teachers for this allowance and I'm happy to say that when I explained things to Professor Snape he was most cooperative in granting his permission.
Looking forward to seeing you again this year,
Professor Flitwick
Head of Ravenclaw House
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
I smile joyously to myself as I refolded the letter and slip it back into the envelope, Beauty would be so happy that she would finally get to go to Hogwarts with me. The only downside to that was going to be the not being able to talk to her. I didn't need the whole damn school finding out about my Parselmouth ability, that was only something my Grandparent's had knowledge of and I would prefer to keep it that way. I put the letter down and turn my attention to the package sitting there; I pick it up and study the handwriting. It was spiky and I didn't recognize it at all. Looking closer I find no return address and what I found the oddest about it was the fact that it was addressed to Drucilla Ives, not Drucilla Riddle. Plus, how did the sender know I was staying with the Malfoy’s? I could understand how Flitwick knew because it was Hogwarts after all; Headmaster Dumbledore seemed to know almost everything. I slowly open the box and am startled to see a strikingly beautiful wand case sitting there; I take it out and study it carefully. The rich mahogany wood was polished to a high sheen and it was truly beautiful in its simplicity. After seeing no visible way to open it I run my fingers over the nearly invisible seam where the lid should meet the box until they come to rest on the faintest of depressions in the wood. I smile slightly to myself as I press the indentation and am rewarded with the faintest click. I try to open the lid but nothing happens, my smile grows wider as my eyes and fingers explore the box more. A puzzle box?? How intriguing. I thought to myself. I become more and more curious about the sender as I find another faint depression in the wood and press it to be rewarded with yet another click. I spent a good portion of the next hour figuring out the box; it was not as easy as I thought it would be especially since whenever a wrong switch was hit the entire thing would reset itself. Once the last hidden button was pressed a silver latch in the shape of twin snakes entwined in a circle appeared Interesting...Very interesting I thought to myself running my fingers over the cold metal of the serpents, Is this another piece of the puzzle or the solution that I seek? Deciding that attempting the latch couldn't hurt any I gently lift it up and to my surprise the box opens revealing a bed of green silk. And on that bed of green silk was a 12 and three quarter inch ebony wand with a core of dragon heartstring. I lovingly run my fingers over the familiar length before picking it up and noticing the note lying underneath of it. I pick it up and read it feeling my temper rise as I did so:
Dear Princess,
You really should be more careful about where you leave things.....I would have thought that one such as you would have been more intelligent then to leave her wand with a complete stranger. It shows a complete lack of responsibility but I suppose a silly chit like you can't comprehend the consequences of her actions. But I must say I'm surprised that the granddaughter of David Ives would be silly enough to do such a thing knowing that anyone could use your wand for anything that they wanted and you would be blamed for it. Perhaps you are not as intelligent as I thought pity that is.....I would have enjoyed seeing if you had your grandfather’s knack for chess.
An Acquaintance.
I crumple up the paper and was about to throw it into the flames of the fireplace when I thought better of it. As tempted as I was to throw a out spell to relieve some of my anger I couldn’t because of the damn law prohibiting anyone under the age of 17 practicing magic outside of school. I lightly tap my wand against my chin as I contemplate the letter and the dark eyed man that had sent it.
*Lucius's POV*
I stand there watching the girl that had been entrusted to my care and smile. She sat there oblivious to my presence with her feet tucked under her on my favorite overstuffed chair lost in thought with a wand resting against her chin. She truly is a thing of beauty.... Such a shame that she wasn't a Slytherin because if she had been it would have made my plan so much easier to execute. I thought to myself as I causally leaned against the library door. In all honesty I would have just preferred to make her my mistress but the status of her grandfather in the wizarding community wouldn't allow it. Even after David's hearing this summer the Ives name still held more influence and standing in the community then even my own, after all David would demand nothing less than marriage for his precious granddaughter. And her considerable fortune. I reach into my robes and finger the two small bottles that lay there, after a moment I remove them from my pocket and look down at the labels before turning my attention back to Drucilla. It had been so easy to convince David to let the twins stay with me until the start of the school term while he finished up business in Paris. A few whispered concerns in the old mans ear about the safety of his grandchildren, after all David had named names of fellow death eaters to avoid going to Azkaban, was all it took to convince David that Dylan and Drucilla would be safer here than at home. Here with Narcissa and myself they could be protected from any revenge plotted by former comrades. Here they would be safe and taken care of....Why one could even say cherished in a sense. I smile again as I slip both bottles back into the pocket of my robes, the first bottle contained a poison designed to, if taken over a period of time, make the drinkers death look like the natural end to a slow progressive illness. If started in the next day or so within the next six months I would be a widower. My son without a mother. The second bottle held something even more damning for the young girl in my charge.
Amortentia.
A few drops in her drink on her 17th birthday should do the trick. I didn't want to give her the reputation of a tart but I did want to tarnish it enough so that none of the pure blood mothers would want her for their sons. Being caught in a compromising position at the twins’ birthday celebration should do it and afterwards I would go to David full of apologies for what had happened...for letting myself get so carried away. But he had to understand that before Drucilla had left for school Narcissa had suddenly gotten ill and I had found myself caring so deeply for the girl while she had helped care for my ailing wife. How wonderful she had been with Draco in that trying time and what an amazing mother she would make for him. After a suitable period of mourning on my part, of course, I would like to marry her. And Drucilla, under the influence of the Amortentia of course, would be at my side professing to her grandfather her feelings for me. It would be perfect. My musings were interrupted by one of the maids.
"Excuse me, sir?" She timidly spoke.
"Yes?"
"Madam was wondering if you would be joining herself and her guests for tea this afternoon."
I inwardly flinch slightly at the thought of appearing at another of Narcissa's teas. I would much rather be spending the afternoon locked away here in my library with a snifter of brandy and a good book but I had to keep up the appearance of a doting husband. "Tell her I'll be there." I answer before entering the library and quietly coming up behind Drucilla.
"I thought I told you to wait here until I could take you shopping to get your new wand." I say mildly displeased with my beautiful young charge.
"It was delivered to me today along with this." She comments handing me a note. I quickly scan it before handing it back to her.
"Interesting. How did this person know where to find you? And why would he be calling you Miss. Ives?"
"I'm going to assume that he overheard Minister Fudge speaking to me...He always insists on calling me Ives. As to how he knew I was here I could only assume that he overheard you and I talking that day.....or........" She stands and moves towards one of the shelves to put away the book she was reading.
I admire her lithe young figure as she stretches up and puts the book in its proper place. "Or what, Drucilla?"
Still facing the bookshelf she softly answers, "Or I'm being followed."
I move up behind her and place my hands on her shoulders turning her around to face me, "And why would they be following you?"
She shrugs slightly, "Pick a reason. I'm young, rich and almost of marriageable age."
"A bit full of ourselves, aren't we?"
"Not so much that as I am practical, Lucius. Plus, add in the bonus of Grandfather being a death eater and things add up."
My back stiffens slightly at her words, "Rumored death eater, Drucilla."
She rolls her eyes at me slightly, "Why must everyone treat me like I'm an idiot? I didn't get into Ravenclaw by not having the brains to add things up and get the proper answer. A good portion of the people recently put into Azkaban were people I've grown up around and you expect me to believe that David, the richest and most powerful of the group, isn't one of Voldemort's followers?"
My fingers tighten on her shoulders slightly, "You don't understand what you're saying."
"I understand that in order to avoid going to prison my grandfather gave the ministry a list of names and just about anyone on that list would desire some sort of revenge on him. And what better revenge than to destroy his only heirs? My only real curiosity is why you weren't on the list, Lucius?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Why my grandfather didn't name you as a Death Eater when he named the others? You do serve the dark lord with my grandfather after all."
I couldn't help the faint tightening of my hands on her shoulders. She was too damn smart for her own good. "He's bewitched me into siding with him. I never would have done so otherwise."
She leans up towards my ear to whisper, "Bull. You are powerful and rich, Lucius....No one could make you do anything you didn't want to do. I'd be willing to bet my entire fortune that you enjoy your service to Lord Voldemort.....immensely."
My shock must have showed in my face because she smiled slightly as she pulled away before continuing, "Slytherins aren't the only ones who consider service to the dark lord. There are many in other houses, including my own, who think that....service to him is better then the alternative."
"The alternative?"
"A very messy and unpleasant death."
"Are you one of the ones Drucilla who would prefer service to the alternative?" I inquire taking a step closer to her.
She places her hands on my chest and tilts her head to the side, "I'm not an idiot.....I know where my loyalties should lie."
I look at the young girl in front of me in a new light, "You really should have been made a Slytherin."
She shrugs as she removes her hands and moves away from me slightly so my hands slide from her shoulders to her arms, "I'm intelligent and devious, Lucius.....Not ambitious. I'm content to just be left alone with my books and my potions; I've no stomach for politics or any such nonsense."
"What made you think I was one of the dark lord’s followers?" I ask becoming even more intrigued by her.
"Your face when I asked why you weren't on my Grandfathers list."
"You honestly didn't know?"
"Like I said before most of the people I've been around for the past few years are in Voldemort's service....So, why not you? After all you do fit the profile of what he is looking for in his followers.....Pure-blooded and you have never made your feelings about muggles and mud-bloods a secret. I'm sure it also helps that you are wealthy and well connected.....Shall I go on?"
I let one hand fall from one of her arms, "No....I trust that nothing that has been said here will leave this room?"
"I'm not stupid. I can guess at the consequences of such an action and I really wouldn't like to experience them." She pauses and looks at me for a moment, "I also realize that right now your protection is probably the only thing keeping my brother and myself from being victims of an Unforgivable curse or a random "accident" caused by someone whom my Grandfather pissed off. You don't throw Dylan and I to the wolves and I won't betray what I've found out about you. Deal?"
I watch her as I nod slightly; perhaps it wouldn't be so bad being married to this girl. She might even hold my interest a bit longer than most women have, "May I offer a piece of advice to you, my dear girl?"
"Of course."
"Be careful whom you voice these thoughts of yours to. Not everyone will take them as well as I did."
"Think about it, Lucius.....I've known for years exactly what my Grandfather and those around him were involved in and have never said a word."
"Why now then?" I ask softly moving my hand slowly down her arm.
"Perhaps I finally decided I could trust you enough to voice these thoughts.....or......" she pauses and grins. "Maybe I'm telling you I know these things because I just wanted to see your reaction. You can choose which one you like better."
I can't help but chuckle at the sheer cheek in her words. I would put up with it for now because it truly did amuse me but when the time came I would bend her to my will. "Will you be joining Narcissa and the rest of us for tea, Drucilla?"
"Yes, not that I have much choice in the matter." She replies dryly moving away from me and over to the table where her wand was laying.
"Oh?" I inquire resisting the urge to stare at her as she bends over slightly to gather up her things.
"I do believe that your dear wife is on a matchmaking mission."
"And what makes you say that?" I ask taking a few steps closer to her.
"One of the maids informed me that one of the guests for tea this afternoon has an eligible son who has just graduated from Durmstrang." She turns back to me after she straightens up and grins slightly. "Don't worry, Lucius.....I'll bite my tongue and be a good girl today. Quiet and restrained....Demure and ladylike. Nothing like my normal self at all."
I smirk as I hear the sarcasm dripping of her words like poisoned honey, "You have it in you to be quiet and restrained? I'd like to see that."
*Dru's POV*
"It's such a shame about you dear." One of Narcissa's guests was saying to me, "Your brother being put in such a fine house like Slytherin and you being out in Ravenclaw. Why I believe that you're the first member of your family to not be put in Slytherin in the past 100 years. Poor David.....How is your grandfather dear?"
"He's doing quite well and I believe it's been more like 125 years. Would you like some more tea?" I ask gritting my teeth and plastering a fake smile onto my face. Without waiting for her answer I stand up and head over to the long table where the refreshments were to refill both mine and the old hags’ cups. I take a sip of my tea wishing it was something stronger as I scan the room; this had been so far the most painful of moments I had spent here at Malfoy Manor. Between being treated like a prize broodmare, I honestly thought the one woman was going to ask to check my teeth at one point, and having my house repeatedly insulted I was coming quite close to my breaking point. My eyes settle on my brother who had his arm around Marina as he chatted with yet another former Slytherin about the chances the house team had this year. At least Dylan was having a good time I thought making my way back to the woman I had been talking to and place her cup down in front of her. I grin to myself when I notice that she had dozed off thereby releasing me from my responsibility of talking to her, I quickly move away and start quietly moving around the other guests slowly making my way to the exit of the room. A hand on my arm stops me when I look over to see who it was I was pleasantly surprised.
"Amy, how are you?" I ask covering her hand with mine.
She smiles sadly at me before answering. "A bit on the lonely side....It's quiet without Michel around."
I lead her over to an empty seat in the corner and sit her down, "Is there anything I can do for you?"
Shaking her head she keeps her hand on mine, "They told me that you were the one who......found him. Did you see anyone leaving the shop that might have done that to him?"
"When I got there the place was completely deserted. I'm sorry I can't be of anymore help.....Does the Ministry have any idea of what might have happened?"
"No, but they do have a few leads." She whispered as her eyes began to fill with tears.
"Like?" I ask reaching over to grab a nearby napkin and hand it to her.
She dabs at her eyes before answering me, "They think it might have been either a werewolf attack or rouge Animagus."
"I'm sorry Amy, I truly am. Is there anything I can do?"
"His funeral is tomorrow.....Do you think you would be able to make it? I know it would mean so much to Michel.....You were so much like the daughter we never had to him." She smiles and reaches over to touch my cheek, "You're still so much like that to me as well."
I reach up and press her hand against my cheek, "You and Michel have always meant so much to me. It was the two of you that nurtured my love of potion making when my Grandparents tried to discourage it, saying that it was an unladylike profession."
"How someone could not encourage one with a natural gift like yours is beyond me. I've never met anyone who was more suited to the art of potion making then you are."
I impulsively reach over and hug Amy, "You and Michel were the closet thing I ever had to parents."
"'Cilla, that's not right to say. David and Shirley loved you very much; it's disrespectful to them to say something like that." She gently scolded me while returning the hug.
"I know but its true.....I swear you and Michel were more proud of the grades I got on my O.W.L.S than my own Grandfather was."
"Well, how could we not be? Outstandings in every subject is something to be very proud of, 'Cilla."
"One would think that wouldn't they? What time is the funeral tomorrow?"
"One o'clock. Are you going to be there? I know that Reese would be happy to see you."
I can't help but grin slightly to myself as I think about Amy and Michel's 20 year old son, "He got back from America ok?"
"Yes he did and he was saying how much he's looking forward to seeing you."
"Was his fiancée able to come along on this trip?"
"No, she didn't and one would think that she would try considering the circumstances."
"Amy, I'm sure that ours isn't the only country where Aurors are very busy seeking out the practitioners of the dark arts."
Amy quickly changes the subject back to my attending the funeral, "Will you be there tomorrow?"
I stand up and smile down at Amy, "I'll do my best."
*Later that night
I make my way towards Lucius's private study in hope of having a word alone with him about being able to attend Michel's funeral tomorrow. Ever since I had come to Malfoy Manor I had been kept on such a tight reign it wasn't funny. I thought back to the conversation that he and I had had in the library before and everything was finally starting to make some sort of sense to me now. Now, if I was to survive with my sanity intact for the next two weeks here I had to play Lucius's game, as much as I hated to I was going to have to cater to his ego if I was to have any freedoms at all. I shudder slightly at the thought of having to touch him again in any manor but that was all part of playing his game....I knew that I was safe from any of his advances until I was 17, even Lucius wasn't that stupid as to try and seduce the underage girl who was left in his care. Especially when that girl came from a family as rich and powerful as I did. It was after my birthday that worried me. But I would cross that road when I came to it until then I thought to myself I would rely on my wit and intelligence, and a little bit of cunning, to make Lucius think he was doing me a favor in letting me go to the funeral. I square back my shoulders and raise my chin a bit as I stop in front of his study door. I had gotten to know the habits of the house pretty well in the past week so I knew that after Narcissa had taken a sleeping potion and retired for the night Lucius came to his private study for a couple of hours to enjoy a brandy and.....other endeavors. I quickly run my fingers through my long light brown hair letting it flow loosely over my shoulders before raising my hand and lightly knocking on the study door.
"I thought I left orders to not be disturbed." A very irate looking Lucius answered the door.
"I'm sorry." I answer smiling sheepishly, "But I was hoping we could talk some more but since I'm disturbing you....Good night."
I turn to leave when a hand on my shoulder stops me, "It's alright, my dear girl. Why aren't you in bed?"
Turning back to face him again I grin a little bit, "My brain wouldn't shut off and I was hoping for some intelligent conversation."
He steps aside to allow me entrance to the room, "By all means then, please join me."
I walk into the room studying my surroundings as I do so. Everything was tastefully decorated in shades of green with silver accents and the soft rug under my feet, besides costing more than most people would see in their entire lifetime, showed twin serpents facing off against each other. Proudly displayed over the fireplace was the Slytherin house crest perfectly reflecting the personality of the occupant, I feel his eyes on me as I run my fingers lightly over the spine of a leather bound book housed in a deep mahogany bookcase. Looking at a few of the titles he has on his shelves causes me to smile a genuine smile when I turn to face him again, "And I thought your collection in the library was impressive.....This absolutely takes my breath away."
He chuckles as he walks over to the wet bar and pours himself a brandy, "Most women my dear," he paused to take a sip of his drink, "Would be complementing my taste and asking me who decorated."
"And those same women would also be sizing up your bank account."
"Your bluntness and honesty is....." he pauses for a moment.
"Going to get me into trouble one day?" I finish for him.
He laughs while pouring another, smaller snifter of brandy which he brings over to me, "I was going to say quite refreshing."
I take the glass from him letting my fingers causally brush his as I do so. I had been in his presence for almost 15 minutes and I didn’t feel the need to vomit or scrub my skin until I bled. So far so good. "You do realize that I'm not old enough to drink yet?"
"So, that only looks like red wine I normally see you drinking at social gatherings?" he lightly teases me pulling his hand away from my glass.
"Of course....I would never do anything as illegal as to drink before I was of age." I grin taking a sip of the brandy while watching Lucius head back to his chair. I admit I couldn't help but stare for a moment as he lounged casually in a set of deep hunter green, almost black, silk pajamas with a deep black velvet robe delicately stitched with silver snakes and matching slippers. His long silver blonde hair was tied back at the nape of his neck with a black silk ribbon. I had never seen Lucius like this before and I honestly never wanted too. I take another sip of brandy trying to control my rising blush.
"Is something wrong, Drucilla?" He asks placing his hand on the silver serpent headed cane at his side.
I put my drink down and make my way towards the door slowly, "I just realized how wholly inappropriate this is, Lucius. Please forgive my intrusion."
"Whatever do you mean, my dear?"
With one hand on the doorknob I turn back to face him, "It's late at night, I'm in your personal study and you're dressed.....like you are."
He rises and comes over to me taking my hand in his leads me over to a seat by his chair. After seeing me seated he retrieves my brandy and hands it to me once again, "Your intelligence makes it easy to forget how sheltered your upbringing was but let me assure you that there is nothing inappropriate how this situation. You were entrusted into my care by your grandfather until you started school and I would never take advantage of David's trust in me. Anyone saying otherwise shall have to answer to me."
I stare down at my glass, "I seem to be constantly apologizing to you tonight, Lucius. Please forgive me it’s just I've never seen a man in his night attire before and have never even imagined that I'd be seeing you of all people like this. It's an odd experience to say the least."
He lightly reaches under my chin and lifts my head up so he can look into my eyes, "I've known you for how many years, Drucilla?"
I think for a moment, "Ever since you and Grandfather went into a joint business venture together....About seven...maybe eight years?"
"Exactly so you should have no qualms about feeling comfortable with me in.......any situation."
"I just said it was an odd experience and very inappropriate, not that I was uncomfortable. It's just seeing you like this," I pause for a moment to find the right word, "makes you seem more human and approachable."
"One could say the same about you." He replied taking his hand from under my chin and returning to his seat. "You wear your disdain for others like armor keeping people at a distance."
"I am very approachable. Except when I'm reading." I pause to take a larger sip of my drink letting the liquid burn its way down my throat and fill my body with its warmth. "Ok, maybe you're right and I not the most approachable person in the world and yes I am quite open with my disdain for those that deserve it."
"Don't get me wrong," he comments watching me closely, "you should remain aloof and untouchable to those below your class but you should be more welcoming and warm towards those of your own station."
"Gee, that's a ton of people." I say somewhat sarcastically. "Besides you and your family I can count on one hand the number of people I know who even come close to being near my own social standing. And believe it or not, Lucius I'm more open with you than I am even my own Grandfather."
"I’m honored. I've seen you Drucilla; you're more open with a tea cozy than you are with David." He replied taking my glass from me before rising to refill his own.
"Why, Lucius....was that a trace of sarcasm in your voice?" I say starting to feel oddly relaxed from the brandy. "I dare say your dear wife would not approve."
Coming back over he hands me my glass before taking his seat again, "True, she thinks that such things are for the lower classes."
Taking another sip of brandy I reply, "Personally, I think of it as an art. Something to be honed and cultivated."
"Or a weapon perhaps?" He asks his intense grey eyes boring into my own. "But you must be careful not to offend out rightly; subtlety is an even greater art."
"Don't worry, Lucius. It usually takes a while for the small minded to realize that they have been offended."
"And when they realize it, Drucilla?" He leans forward in his seat enough so that his knee lightly brushes mine. "What do you do then, my dear girl?"
"Use my considerable charm and resources to pull my arse out of the fire." I say closing my eyes and leaning my head back against the chair for a moment.
"Why did you come to see me tonight?"
"For some intelligent conversation just like I said before." I answer raising my head and opening my eyes to look at him. "I was bored and couldn't sleep so I decided to seek you out because...." I stop and lower my eyes slightly hoping that my next words would have the desired effect on the man in front of me. If they did I would soon be asking him about attending the funeral tomorrow.
He reaches out and lightly takes my hand in his, "Because why, Drucilla?"
"Because I truly do enjoy your company, Lucius. It's rare when I enjoy anyone's company besides my brothers and I feel I don't have to watch everything I say or do with you. I honestly feel that I can be myself around you and you'll still accept me." I keep my eyes fixed on my glass not daring to raise them for even a moment in fear that if he looked into my eyes he'd be able to see through everything I had just said.
"Do you really expect me to believe that? Why are you really here?"
I think quickly as I pull my hand from his and stand up. He'd see right through tears so I scratched that idea, perhaps insulted with a hint of hurt would work I thought as I placed my glass on the table next to me...Please let this work. "I thought perhaps you were different. I can see how horribly wrong I was, I will never make that mistake again. Goodnight, Mr. Malfoy."
Turning quickly I straighten up to my full height with my head held high and walk over to the door. Once there I place my hand on the knob and turn it only to find it unyielding to my touch, I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not but it showed that he didn't want me to leave at the moment. "Please unlock the door, sir. I wish to go to my room."
"Face me." The tone in his voice was one of outright demand I’m screwed I thought to myself as I turn around and watch him placing his wand back into his cane. I keep my eyes on his as he slowly approaches and stops a foot or so away from me. "You either play a very dangerous game, Drucilla Riddle or you really did mean every word you just said."
Raising my chin a notch higher letting my bottom lip tremble just slightly, "I know better than to play games with you.....You'd see through me in a heartbeat." Letting the faintest trace of the fear I was honestly starting to feel enter my voice I ask, "May I please go back to my room?"
I saw the brief look of triumph flare in his eyes as his hand reached over and cupped the side of my face. He watched me for what seemed like forever before speaking again, "It doesn't please me to hear you call me Mr. Malfoy. You've been calling me Lucius for years and will continue to do so no matter what. I don't care if you are angry or insulted but you will not refer to me as Mr. Malfoy again. Is that understood?"
"Yes."
"Yes, what?" He asks leaning close enough for his brandy scented breath to tickle my cheek.
"Yes.....Lucius."
Leaning down he brushes my forehead with his lips, "Good, now that we have that settled would you like to join me in a game of wizard chess?"
*About two hours later*
Lucius and I were on our third game of chess and I was starting to feel the effects of my fourth glass of brandy. I was going to have to bring up the subject of Michel's funeral before I was too incapacitated to do so.
"Amy Fitzpatrick was at Narcissa's tea today."
"Isn't she one of the owners of that potion shop in Knockturn alley that you like to frequent?" He asks studying the board.
"Yes, she and Michel have also been friends of my family since before I was born. Grandfather does almost exclusive business with Valeria’s when it comes to potions and supplies."
"Isn't Michel Fitzpatrick the one whose murder scene you wandered into a few days ago?"
I close my eyes and take a deep breath as a vision of Michel lying on his worktable flashes in my brain, "Unfortunately yes....Amy told me that Michel's funeral is tomorrow and I'd like to go."
"Absolutely not."
"Lucius, unless my grandfather returns from Paris in the next few hours I'm the most logical choice to be the families representative at the funeral."
"They might be pure-blooded but they are beneath us socially, Drucilla. A representative is not needed."
I think for a minute trying to figure out the best way to handle this. It dawns on me after a moment, "But some positive press for my family name is, especially after Grandfathers hearing this summer.....Even though he was cleared of all charges there are still some people out there who would love to see my family ruined."
"True." He said leaning back in his chair and watching me closely. "And how do you think that by attending it will give your family the positive press that it needs?"
"Michel's murder was highly publicized, correct?"
"Yes."
"So it makes sense that his funeral would be just as publicized and I'm sure that Minister Fudge will be using it to his advantage so why shouldn't I use it to mine as well?"
"You make some very good points, Drucilla but I still don't think it would be a good idea for you to attend."
"And why not?"
"Because," He said rising to refill our drinks. "If you are being followed by someone whom David somehow wronged you could be putting yourself into unnecessary danger."
"I'll hire a bodyguard then." I say walking over to Lucius and lightly put my hand against his chest stopping him before he got to the wet bar. "It's also very important to me, Lucius."
He looks at my hand on his chest before looking into my eyes, "You're going to attend even if I forbid it aren't you?"
"If you forbid me from going and I go anyway it would show a complete lack of respect towards you. It would be quite rude of me to do that to my host." I say tilting my head to the side and smiling slightly at him.
He puts our glasses down and places his hand on mine removing it from his chest but keeping a hold of it, "That didn't answer my question Drucilla Anastasia Riddle and you know it."
"In all honesty Lucius, if it was anyone else but you I probably would try and sneak out to attend." I answer truthfully figuring that might work, "But growing up as David Ives's granddaughter taught me quite a few things and not to cross powerful people was one of them so if you forbid me from attending I won't."
"You flatter me, my dear." He said tightening his hold on my hand before dropping it.
"I'm just being truthful." I answer reaching for our glasses and walking over to the bar to refill them myself. "Is there anything that I could say or do to convince you to let me go?"
He watches me pour our drinks for a moment before coming over and placing his hands on my shoulders turning me to face him, "If I were to allow you to attend there would be conditions."
"Like?" I ask looking up at him.
"I would be attending with you and you are not to leave my side for even a moment."
"Alright." I answer as a feeling of nervous anxiety fills my stomach.
"If Minister Fudge is there you are to smile and be polite regardless of anything he might say. You might be above him socially but your family could use his continued support."
"As he could use my Grandfathers continued flow of galleons."
"Better to let him think you need him more than he needs you, Drucilla."
"So if he insults my intelligence or talks to me like I'm a child what am I supposed to do? Just let him get away with it?"
"For the moment yes. I expect you to hold your tongue, smile and be perfectly charming. I know you have it in you to do so; I've seen you use it enough in the past 8 years when you've wanted something." Pulling me closer he leans his head down towards mine, "When you want something you are a force to be reckoned with, Drucilla. Don't be afraid to use your gifts to your advantage to get what you are rightly entitled too. You just need some tutoring in how to exactly do so which leads me to my next condition."
"Which is?" I whisper softly somewhat disturbed by his speech and proximity.
"For the next two weeks that you are here there will be no more hiding in the library shirking your rightful social obligations."
"What do you mean, Lucius?"
"You are pure-blooded and from a very powerful family, Drucilla. For the next two weeks that you are here you will act in a manor that befits one of David's heirs, you will learn to host teas and parties as well as formal dinners. I understand that your education in such matters has been overlooked since your Grandmothers death but Narcissa and I are about to change that."
Feeling a little more than slightly overwhelmed I can't help but say the first thing that pops into my head, "You have got to be kidding me."