A/N: 1) For those of you who have read my 'Slytherin Army, Death Eaters Reborn' yes this is the same character and family, but the storyline is much different. I have developed the characters and plot a great deal more. So the names are the same, but that's about it.
2) My sister, RaineArilan, is writing a fic about Alex Bellmonte. These two pieces are meant to be read together. Some of the scenes will be the same, as Tania and Alex interact, but from different POV. Please read her stuff, it's awesome.
3) Please review. Any comments are helpful.
Tania Dethart stood in front of her mirror as a servant smoothed the dark red skirt. Another servant finished her hair, making sure it fell gently around her shoulders, not a strand out of place. The door of her room opened and Tania felt a jolt of panic shoot through her. Annabelle Dethart, Tania's mother, swept into the room. She smiled at her youngest child and only daughter.
"You look wonderful, Little Tani. Tonight will be worth the price." Annabelle took a gold necklace from the dresser and placed in around her daughter's throat. Tania knew very well the price of tonight's adventure. Her mother was still beautiful, but for those who could see, her mother looked thin, pale.
"I won't disappoint you, Mother." Tania promised in her soft tones. Tania never spoke in anything much louder than a whisper. For a moment, she thought her mother would start crying. That was not a good thing. Crying was never worth it.
"I know, Sweet Child, I know. You have never disappointed me." Annabelle touched Tania's cheek, a rare second of gentle physical contact. The door opened again and both women took a hurried step apart. A young man of 15 stepped inside and carefully shutting the door behind him. He smiled at the two, his blue eyes sparkling.
"You both look amazing. Father will not be upset with you this night." He moved closer to stand before them. Tania reached out and straightened his collar.
"You should not say such things, Hunter. Father is never predictable." She did smile at his compliment. He offered an arm to each of them.
"We don't want to be late." He said, leading them from the room and down the stairs. In the entrance hall stood the other two members of the Dethart Family. Kent Dethart took his wife from his eldest son and gave Tania a critical once over.
"You'll pass." He said, coolly. Her other brother, Falon, smirked.
"Falon, do your best to keep your siblings under control. Tania, do not disgrace this family. Let's go." He disappeared with a snap followed by Annabelle. Hunter and Falon led the way outside to an awaiting carriage.
Tania had never been to Malfoy Manor before and was very impressed and more than a little overwhelmed. Her Father was always speaking of the Malfoys and comparing her family to them. She allowed herself one moment of private amusement as she realized that Falon and her Father clashed horribly with the Manor colors. She stayed silent as she was introduced to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, then followed Falon and Hunter as they approached Draco and his group.
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"Good evening Draco." Falon said as they came up. He turned and nodded.
"Hunter, Falon..." Draco trailed off as he noticed her. "Is this your younger sister, Tania, I believe?" It took her a moment to realize that she was expected to respond.
"Yes, I am Tania." She said, quietly. "Good evening, I am honored to meet you." Falon gave her a subtle sign that she had said enough. Draco smirked, an of course you are smirk, but he inclined his head.
"The honor is mine. Would you all care to join us?" Falon responded and Tania let her mind wander. She would soon be forgotten and was not expected to remember the conversation. Soon others came by to speak briefly to Draco before moving on, but she didn't pay them any attention until one girl, dressed similar to Draco came by.
"Draco. Good evening." The new girl said. He looked up and smiled.
"Good evening, Alex. How are you?" he responded.
"I'm quite well. And you?" she continued the formal conversation.
"Looking forward to school. Alex, you know the Detharts, don't you?" Remembering his social duty, Draco gestured to his three companions.
"Not as well as I'd like." Alex offered her hand. "Tania, correct?" That shocked Tania out of her isolation. She fought to keep the shock out of her eyes. Why was Alexandria Bellmonte paying any attention to her? Tania knew who she was, she knew the names and faces of every pureblood house by heart.
"Yeah, she doesn't get out a lot." Falon interjected himself into the conversation, breaking Tania's train of thought. She was painfully aware of her brother and his expectations.Tania quietly shook Alex's hand.
"It's nice to meet you, Miss Bellmonte," she said softly.
"Oh please." Alex smiled. "Call me Alex. It's a shame I haven't met you before. I'll have to start asking my parents to invite you specifically to our gatherings." Tania saw Falon tense and assumed one of his customary flashes of anger was crossing his face. Tania could also see Hunter's hand twitch, his only response to the possibility of more freedom for her. Tania inclined her head gracefully towards Alex but said nothing.
"You really needn't trouble yourself, Alex." Falon said slimily. Tania felt her heart drop. She could almost hear the door slam and the key turning in the lock. How could Tania have been so innocent? Ms. Bellmonte was only being polite. Falon had just relieved her of any obligation.
"Oh don't worry, Falon. I never do anything that troubles me." Alex assured him, sending just a little hope back into Tania's despair.
"It's true." Draco confirmed, joining in the conversation for the first time in a while. "She's quite self-gratifying mostly."
"Well, someone has to do it for me." Alex shrugged off Draco's comment. "I might as well stick to someone I know I can trust to do it right…me."
Hunter chuckled and Tania wanted to, but did not dare . Alex looked as if she had just realized something and glanced at Draco.
"So, Pansy approached me as I came in. Seems to think our outfits were 'cute', Draco." Alex abruptly changed the topic.
"Why?" Draco all but sneered.
"Cause they are," Tania whispered. She had not intended to, but it had slipped out. Everyone looked at her and Tania felt the panic begin to rise. That had not been an acceptable comment. Before she could do anything, Falon casually laid a hand on her shoulder. Tania felt herself pale as the panic turned to fear. She sensed Hunter subtly tense next to her. Please, Oh Please, she begged, Not here, Falon, not now.
Alex laughed lightly. "The girl speaks truth." Stepping forward she threw an arm around Tania's shoulders, removing Falon's grip. "Pansy said they were cute, Draco cause they are. Deal with it."
Draco gave the girls a long withering glare before putting on his Society Face again. "Well, if you three think them cute who am I to argue?"
"Never argue with women, Draco. You'll live longer." Alex grinned and turned towards her. "Care to mingle with me, Tania?" Tania fought to remain calm. To refuse would be an insult to Alex and that would get her in trouble, but if she left her brother she would also get in trouble. Falon opened his mouth to speak, when Hunter placed a hand on his shoulder, as casually as his brother had a moment before. This time it was Falon who tensed, but much more visibly.
"I'd hate to impose." Tania continued to be soft spoken. There, that should satisfy her.
Alex sighed dramatically. "What is with people thinking I'm doing them favors?! Alexandria Bellmonte does not do charity! Come on, Tani. Let's ditch these boys."
What did she just call me? No one calls me Tani but Hunter and Mother, and Falon when he's being the most cruel. She knew a look of utter astonishment crossed her face before she regained control of her features. "If you put it that way I'd be delighted." She said, politely.
"Good. Now you boys play nice. I'll bring your sister back in mostly one piece." Alex waved a hand over her shoulder at the group as she dragged Tania away, who sighed inwardly. She was going to be in so much trouble later, but for now she was going to enjoy this.
A/N: Hope you liked it. Please review.