A/N: This story is the result of a wonderful partnership between myself and my friend Marie Clair Roemajji Celts; together we brought together many ideas, a new OC that I'm sure you're going to love to get to know, a new enemy and a storyline full of twists, turns and well of course…magic! It takes place a few months after the war against Voldemort, during the rebuilding of the magical world. WARNING: This has strong elements of a MARY SUE (which is a heavily romantic, love story for those who do not know the fanfiction lingo) and the drama that ensues in future chapters…if you do not like such genres…DO NOT READ and do not flame or post negative reviews, simply move onto another story please! Although a mary sue, this will include a lot of action and adventure that I hope to be known for with my stories! I hope you enjoy, and if you do, reviews are always welcome! Thanks
A Waltz in Darkness
Chapter One
Draco's POV
Another day, another round against my significant other; however, she was far from significant in my eyes…especially as she threw yet another dish upon the floor. Pieces of my mother's china scattered about the floor while Pansy continued screaming at the top of her lungs. No doubt we would receive noise complaints from our land lord this evening. I knew I should not have allowed myself to move into such a chaotic situation and yet, here I was. Pansy and I were involved in a turbulent relationship that was going no where and yet I went along with her invitation to move into her apartment above Scribbulus. Why? Well I wasn't bloody thinking that much is now obvious. But perhaps I just took yet another easy route because despite the arguments, despite the endless torture her voice now brings to my ears…it was all that I've known of this new era in the magical world. This was my new beginning…and it was one hell of a rotten beginning if you ask me.
"YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME!" She shrieked. Obviously. If I had not learned to tune out your excessive nagging and complaining, I would have snapped. I glanced upon the enraged young woman. Pansy Parkinson was once an incredible woman, strong and stubborn like all Slytherins' tend to be. Beautiful to look upon, even when she held nothing but anger in her gaze towards me; her jet black hair and pale features were so fair, there was no doubt she was a princess clothed in her silk night gown and her favorite fuzzy socks bearing the mark of a rose. Beautiful indeed, and yet so very annoying. I rubbed my temples and felt the need to crash my head against the exposed brick.
I don't know how we got to this point, but what was worse was the fact that I didn't quite know how to get beyond it, if such a thing was even possible. I loved the girl once, I truly did. But now I'm searching for any excuse to leave. Well…any new excuse. Every excuse I've found in the past hasn't exactly stuck. I always came back to her for one reason and one reason only: I was weak. I always have been and I suppose I always will be. At least I was enough of a man to admit it to myself now, that's what I tell myself at least.
"Just go to bed Pansy, we can talk about it over coffee in the morning." I breathed while propping myself against the wall nearest the window. I could feel the chill of the winter breeze against the brick.
"Just go to bed? What am I, a child?" She hissed. She truly did not want me to answer that. Yes Pansy, you are a child. You always have been. As faithful as you've been to me and as devoted as you are to remaining by my side; it does not overshadow the fact you are a spoiled brat. Takes one to know one.
After the war, the population changed. Well, the ones that survived anyway. They changed in hopes of becoming better than they were. I was waiting for my change, my grand re-entry into the wizarding world as a new man, a new wizard; but something…or I should say, someone was holding me back.
When I looked upon her now, I see the person I used to be. Angry, confused and still of a mind that the muggle world was a threat to the purity of us wizards. An attractive mindset, but a mindset I no longer shared. I was no longer the so called "Slytherin Prince", my allegiance to the dark lord died long before he did. Perhaps that was what angered Pansy so much, she still loved the child I used to be and she believed, deep down in her heart, that I would eventually turn back into that person.
I heard her heavy stomps heading towards the bathroom until finally the loud slam of the door. Drawing a bath filled with lavender buds…her "feel good" bath as she would call it. Finally, a moment of silence.
I turned my attention outside the window; it was practically empty due to the chill in the air but there were a few individuals scurrying about in search of a bargain, or hot cup of tea.
My eyes suddenly caught sight of an individual I was not expecting. Tamed brown curls, gaze fixed on the ground below…could that truly be Granger? I felt my lips curl into a smirk, so the bookworm was set free from the weasel den huh? Rather odd to say the least, she was always by his side. It was sickening really; it was as if they feared to leave each other's sight. If that was love, I'm certainly glad I wasn't experiencing it.
I studied her closely, perhaps too close because there, under the light of the lantern strung high above the street I saw the hint of tears upon her features. Her eyes, usually glowing with an irritating sense of hope, were red and puffy. She buried her face into the crochet scarf wrapped tightly about her neck; no doubt another creation from mother Weasley.
She stood, unsure where to go. That was a first to see in Granger, what the bloody hell was she doing here, alone, walking about Diagon Alley on such a night? My curiosity was building, I found myself unable to stop my racing thoughts as to why she was here. It would do my pride good to see the "perfect" couple wasn't so perfect after all. A selfish reason, border line unforgivable reason to feel the desire to approach her but could you blame me? After the night I've had anyone's misfortune would make me feel slightly better about my own situation. And besides…it had been awhile seen I've seen the girl, a reunion of sorts was in order.
I turned to the bathroom door, I could still hear water pouring into the claw foot tub and I realized my curiosity was now about to consume me; I had to know. Surely it would make for a better evening that this.
Before I could debate the consequences of my absence, I had already left the apartment. I pulled my black coat tightly around me and began weaving around the corridors then gliding down the cast iron stairs that led to the door leading me to the very street my old Gryffindor rival would be.
I had to give Granger some credit, she was indeed a hero; Potter would not have succeeded in the war without her brilliance. Why she chose to waste her time with the two Gryffindor ideas was always a mystery to me; and then of all the people to devote her heart to, she chose Weasley. I mean what on earth do the two of them talk about? He had about as much depth as a puddle. And his intelligence; well let's just say I doubt he could even spell the word. Yes she was a hero, and it was very unlikely to see a hero in a state of tears these days, I had to admit my excitement was building.
I reached the streets and felt myself growing frantic in my desire to learn of her troubles. But she had vanished from my sight. The freezing mist falling from darkening clouds wasn't making it easier to spot her.
"Looking for someone?" a voice asked. My eyes widened when I realized the origin of those words.
"Granger." I muttered while straightening my coat and allowing my composure to find its way back into the way in which I stood. I shoved my hands into my pockets and turned to see her standing against the brick wall of the very story I lived above. I cocked my head a bit higher as I presented a sneer to her still woe filled expression.
"Not used to seeing you without your oversized baboon latched to your arm, trouble in paradise aye Granger?" I sneered.
"I think you have a piece of china stuck behind your ear Malfoy." She snapped. I narrowed my gaze, Damnit Pansy…you surely know how to cause a scene for the entire world to hear don't you?
"Ouch, someone isn't in a playful mood today." I spoke but I realized she was fighting back tears in my presence. Although partly thankful she was refraining from crying her eyes out in front of me, I felt a cringe of regret within me for my desire to cause more damage to her fragile state. A knot swelling in my stomach and a sense of pity for her was building. I had truly become too soft for my own good.
I stood, studying her features and realized I actually felt sorry for her. I shook my head slightly, hoping to shake these pathetic feelings from my mind, but to no avail. I released a sigh of aggravation before saying the unthinkable.
"Let me buy you a drink." I said, cursing the haste in which I delivered such words. So much for finding happiness in the sorrows of others, what the hell was becoming of me?
She turned to me, raising an eyebrow at my request but not repulsed by it; well that was a shock. I was half expecting a slap across the face, and then I would dish a few witty remarks before realizing this was completely and utterly the worst decision I had made and that I should have indeed remained in the apartment, at least I knew what to expect there whereas here, I felt utterly unprepared.
It had been ages since I spoke to Granger, and the last time she saw me…I was far from my best. In fact, I was clawing my way from the depths of a shattered life driven to the dark side. Could this be a new beginning for us both? Two enemies, two players from different sides of the war now standing in a different light, this was becoming all too weird if you ask me but I couldn't help but enjoy the idea that she wasn't angry, or detested the fact I had just asked her for drinks. She still must harbor hatred for me and yet she was entertaining my request. Then, to both our surprise, her lips curled into a gentle smile that I could not help but return.
"Make it two." She whispered, embarrassed at her own response. Two drinks huh? Now that I could do.
The Leaky Cauldron was dead, no surprise there; and it would seem the conversation between Hermione and I was just as dead…no surprise there either. We were hardly the long lost friends reuniting over a mug of ale; we could not be more different. Thinking back on it, I suppose her and Weasley must have more in common than she and I.
I motioned for my second ale while noticing Hermione's eyes were fixed on her nervous hands fiddling with the tarnished handle of her mug.
"What happened?" I broke the silence and asked. She escaped into her thoughts, carefully contemplating her words before releasing them into the smoke filled space between us.
"I'm…different." She whispered.
"Well I could have told you that Granger." I smirked but her eyes remained upon her hands. I then allowed my gaze to travel to her exposed arm; there was the scar that caused my heart to sink within my chest. She had carefully positioned a set of bracelets upon it, but there was no way to hide it completely…the word mudblood etched deep into her skin. A painful reminder of just how different she truly was. Especially from me.
"Please don't stare at it." She snapped, quickly pulling her coat from behind the chair but I placed my hand on it before she could slide her arms into it.
"You don't need to hide your scars from me Granger…you forget we both have our own mark to bear." I said while shoving my sleeve above my elbow revealing the very mark that ruined my entire life. The dark mark, clever title, for it was truly a dark mark reminding me of my weakness…a dark reason my family was left ruined beyond repair. I was shocked at how freely I attempted to relate to her, but the fact remained…we had something in common.
With that, she lifted her eyes to me. My heart rate quickened slightly at the intensity behind her eyes, I had never seen her in such a state. So close to tears and yet closer to screaming out loud, releasing a fit of anger that I knew she had been holding long before she decided to join me for a drink.
"I need a minute…excuse me." She muttered, I watched as she scrambled for her coat and hastily wrapped her scarf around her neck before making her way through the doors of the pub. I blinked a few times before it truly sank in, she wasn't coming back. Part of me desired to chase after her, but that part of me would soon be silenced after a few chugs of my ale.
"Well I have to thank you for the entertainment for the evening Draco. How I do enjoy a good show." Spoke a voice I knew all too well.
"You know I'm always here for your entertainment Dalisay." I sighed. I watched as she planted herself in Granger's sit and began drinking her drink, obviously she wouldn't be allowing her to return even if she intended on doing so. I couldn't help but laugh at the sight, Dalisay was not one for subtleties.
"Marking your territory are we?" I asked. I reclined back into my chair, folding my arms across my chest while awaiting an explanation for her presence.
"Of course not, marking Pansy's territory." She winked, her dark eyes glistening from the candles scattered about the pub.
What could I say about the young woman before me, except that she was a spitfire, one powerful witch from the Philippines who has taken a liking to dark witches and wizards. She prefers her company to be as dark as her jet back hair she was twisting between her fingers.
"You going to tell me what the hell you were doing with the likes of her?" Ah, so glad to know even a witch from out of town could see Granger was not going to win me any popularity awards with those closest to me. It mattered not; I was not eagerly awaiting another moment with the girl. I do believe the brief moment we shared would suffice for a lifetime.
"Did Pansy send you to spy on me?"
"Now Draco, you know I'm only looking out for you." She said in a sweet tone. A lie no less.
"Alright, alright, yes she called and asked if I would see if you were around. She was worried about you." Worried? Yeah right, she felt the leash loosen around my neck is closer to the truth.
I turned to Dalisay who was wiping ale foam from her red lips and sighed, I hated she was forever in the middle of our "lover's quarrels" but it's a position she would remain in. She was in fact, a good friend. She had grown close to Pansy and in turn, became close with me. It was a strange relationship, she was a strange individual but I liked it. And I enjoyed having an element of devious mystery about, it reminded me of the old days.
"I won't tell her you were here with that mudblood. It can be our little secret." I chuckled at the remark, knowing that such a secret would not be kept for long.
"Well, shall I escort you home good sir?" She asked with a smile.
"Not this time Dalisay, I need some time to think before returning the lion's den." That was certainly putting it mildly. There was no telling what awaited me at the apartment. My things may be set ablaze by a spell of some sort, the door may be locked because she knew I always would forget my key upon the mantle…ah, the joys of home sweet home.
"She's just trying to adjust, we all are. Things are different now; it's going to take time for everyone to find themselves again." I pulled Dalisay into a hug, an action she was quick to return.
"Say hello to Pansy for me." As if she wouldn't be calling her the moment I left. Oh well, time for a long, cold walk home.
I pushed through the doors of the pub and was welcomed by a gust of frigid air, how suiting for the night I've had. I wasn't used to being left at a pub, quite the opposite. I found myself becoming angry at the thought that my offer for a drink, my complete change in attitude to indulge her problems was answered with being abandoned. The more I pondered the situation, the angrier I became. Figures. She hadn't changed at all, and her expressing herself as being "different"…well, I saw no difference in her. She was still the entitled; know it all…she was everything I detested in a person and I surely would not be allowing my perception of her change so easily. She likely deserved the troubles she was facing.
"It wasn't you." Spoke a voice behind me. I rolled my eyes at the sound of her steps hurrying to reach my side.
"I'm sorry I left…the way I did. This is just a lot…I've had a rough day…well, more like a rough year." Was she really expecting me to indulge her emotions for a second time? I felt the need to yell, to tell her to suck it up and deal with her problems but I remained silent. I clenched my teeth so tightly, my jaw began to throb.
"You truly want be to feel sorry for you? Look around Granger…we've all had a rough year. Get over it." I spat while watching her expression harden. Finally…a familiar expression.
"You haven't changed one bit Malfoy. You know I actually thought for a second there…you were different…but you are still the same arrogant child you've always been! Here's money for the drinks…perhaps you can buy yourself another while you enjoy the company of your worthless self!" She screamed, throwing a wad of money in my face before storming off, leaving me as shocked as I was the moment I saw her here in the first place. The shock quickly faded as I shrugged, I then glanced down at the fallen paper and coins by my feet. Hardly enough to bend down to pick up, I didn't want her filthy money…I was above it, just as I was above her. A beggar can indulge themselves tonight with this. I purposefully stepped upon the currency before continuing my path towards the apartment.
A/N: Well, what did you think? It wasn't revealing much of the storyline yet but that is soon to come! Hope you enjoyed the first chapter! Please review -Amelia