Well hello hello! This is the sequel to Valley Of Your Heart. It's been a while my friends and I must apologize. I must also apologize because its been over a year since I finished VOYH and I told ya'll that I wouldn't post the new story until I can post the chapters systematically...well I've only written 4 Chapters but I promise you I'm getting back into it. In honor of it being the month of October and Friday the Thirteenth is approaching, I've decided to post the first chapter of Dark On Fire. I hope you enjoy! Just some warnings now:
This story will contain underaged drinking, sexual themes and themes of abuse. This story will explore our Slytherin team growing up and forced into uncomfortable situations that kids their age shouldn't have to deal with as you all know from reading Queen J.K. Rowling's novels she touches on this anyway (Bless her for the HP Universe, also nothing I write here except for my own characters belong to me; I gotta give credit where it is due).
Other than that! Happy Reading! Review to your hearts content I'll try my best to reply as I am currently back in school getting a Masters in Law! I would also like to apologize if you have read VOYH and the grammar and plot seem a bit iffy, I had written that story ages ago when I was just starting off in creative writing so hopefully DOF meets your expectations. xxx S
Chapter 1
The cold burn accompanied by the finest chilled Russian vodka sliding down Adira's throat warmed her stomach, a pleasant numbness encompassing her. The black tailored cocktail dress hugged her body too snuggly, making her feel trapped and uncomfortable; the chic black ankle strap heels she wore hurt her toes. The young witch stared blankly at her reflection in the window, dark clouds swirling ominously, hiding the setting sun; she couldn't help but wonder how it all turned to shit. Tucking her thick brown locks behind her ear, Adira reached for the bottle once more, preparing herself another shot.
"I hope you don't intend on drinking by yourself." Adira smirked, pouring one more for Clara who stood at the doorway to the billiards room with her thin arms crossed, a white mink stole delicately hung off her shoulders, emphasizing the paleness of her skin. The pastel pink dress she wore was long and rather girly for Adira's taste and yet Clara managed to pull it off without looking like a child.
The two young women clinked their glasses together before knocking their shots back, a slight grimace on Clara's face. "God, I don't know how you like this stuff." Clara coughed, quickly reaching for an assortment of juice laid out on the bar table. Adira merely shrugged her shoulders, enjoying how everything seemed just a little bit fuzzier than they had ten minutes before. She hummed in content, "You get used to it Clara."
"And you're beginning to sound like an alcoholic," Clara mused and poured herself a glass of elf-made wine, "Who else is coming?" she asked sitting upon the dark red settee, her stole thrown along a matching red arm chair.
Adira scowled, her amber eyes glaring hard at the wide window, lights flickering in the distance, no doubt her father had ordered the pathway up to their manor be lit so all could see its magnificence; Daniel did like to gloat about his pretty and expensive things. With a sigh Adira sat down next to Clara, her own abandoned wine glass from earlier in the evening in hand, "Whoever my father invited I suppose. You know he does all of this for show, he's no doubt invited the entire pureblood community, well, only the ones he thinks count."
Clara rolled her blue eyes, the dark liner around them making them stand out, "Merlin, don't tell me Pansy and her lot are coming."
As if summoned by the thought, Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode, and Tracy Davis walked in, Pansy ahead of the two other girls as if she were their leader. All three girls dressed up like their closets exploded, "Talking about me?" Pansy asked, arrogantly flipping her mousy brown hair over her shoulder, it appeared she had grown it out of the hideous bob; not that it really made a difference on her. Clara snorted, "You wish Pansy."
Adira ignored the new arrivals, taking a long sip from her glass and wishing this night would just end. It was absolutely preposterous that her father was throwing this end of summer party; not only did she not want to associate with any supporters of the Dark Lord, but it was also rumored that he would be making an appearance too. The very thought made Adira want to hurl. After a few minutes of Clara and Pansy exchanging insults Adira finally stepped in, "The bar is fully stocked, help yourselves, get plastered I really don't care."
Pansy and her friends made a beeline to the liquor, Clara and Adira rolling their eyes at their eagerness to drink, "Try not to get sick all over the carpet, it was imported from Egypt and it's worth more than your life." Adira called out coldly, sitting down next to Clara who had a wicked smirk on her face. Pansy wouldn't dare say anything rude to Adira, given the current status of her father; it would be unwise to be disrespectful, especially in the Reed Manor. A few moments later Blaise and Theo arrived, looking dapper in their suits, Adira noticed how Clara's cheeks turned pink at the sight of them. Adira had a feeling that Clara's mild interest in Theo from last year had evolved into a crush on Blaise, but neither of them had delved into the relationship conversation in quite some time.
Blaise greeted Adira enthusiastically, they hadn't seen each other since the beginning of summer, in fact, Adira really hadn't seen anyone except Clara, not even Draco. "Oi, does anyone know where Malfoy is?" Theo asked, pouring the group a round of fire whiskey shots; Adira's stomach clenched at even the thought of him being in her home.
Pansy interjected immediately, "He said he had some things to take care of before coming tonight, wouldn't say what." The room was tense and incredibly silent, it was no question that no one knew what was going on between Draco and Adira; except for Clara of course and even she didn't know the full details of what had happened after school ended. With Pansy having more knowledge of Draco's whereabouts than Adira meant that something bad happened between them. Adira and Draco were inseparable after they made up the last day of school. Adira quickly consumed the whiskey, catching Clara's concerned eyes before reaching for the bottle of wine; if she was going to survive this night, she needed to be heavily intoxicated.
Adira knew she also needed to pace herself, especially if she wanted to look presentable for dinner; her father would be furious if she showed up hammered and embarrassed him. Unabashedly Adira laughed, breaking the silence with the bottle in hand, "Who cares, just drink." With a collected hum of approval the awkward tension evaporated and the party really began. Some how someone figured out how to get music going and the elite Slytherin's began to socialize, a few more bodies joined them from other schools around Europe, some the group hadn't seen since they were children and others close family friends. Adira switched her wine with water, ensuring she wouldn't go overboard before joining the adults for supper. Her mother had instructed her to keep everyone happy and entertained in the billiards room and to stay out of the way until called upon; Adira was happy to oblige.
Her back was turned when the doors opened again but she was too drunk to care at that point who or what walked through that door. Her body was swaying to the music while Clara and Blaise amiably chatted and Theo was trying to engage a group of lads in philosophical musings. A strong warm hand crept around Adira's waist, hot lips were at her neck and though no one was saying anything, she knew her peers were shocked.
Maximus Avery was a seventh year at Hogwarts and a heart stopper. With tousled dark hair and warm azure eyes, girls had thrown themselves at him since his third year and some how, here he was with Adira Reed in his arms and not Draco Malfoy who was conveniently standing still at the entrance of the room. Maximus stood behind her, the dark grey fitted designer suit hugging his body deliciously, any girl would have swooned; Adira could have sworn she saw Millicent and Tracy's jaw drop.
"Hello darling," he murmured against her skin, "Having fun without me? I thought I told you to wait." The tone in his voice was borderline scolding and yet his face was relaxed, his posture slack. Adira sighed, her back pressed firmly against his chest, ignoring the faint tingle she felt at the back of her head that warned her something wasn't right, "Sorry, I couldn't help myself."
Maximus spun her around and kissed her firmly, it made Adira feel like it was more for show than actual desire but she gave in to him without complaint; she didn't feel like fighting with him today. Someone cleared their throat rather loudly, Maximus merely smirked into the kiss before pulling away from the beautiful brunette, "Well don't just stand there Malfoy, grab a drink, let the adults finish their business."
She felt like a thousand needles had pierced her heart, like the world had flipped upside down and she was falling, Maximus had to have known the entire time that Draco was there, he did that on purpose and it made Adira feel like she wanted to scream in frustration. She felt like she had been used like a pawn in some one else's game and she wanted to cry. The alcohol had made her emotional, she thought to herself, she had to pull it together. Breathing in deeply she composed herself whilst in Maximus's arms and peered over his broad shoulders.
He was dressed in all black, just as she was, his platinum hair striking, eyes sharp and alert and yet he was still so handsome. To Adira it seemed like he had aged so much, he looked more like a man than he did last year, but there was a cold air about him. His beautiful grey eyes were hard and guarded; his face was set in almost a snarl, his posture stiff as he walked into the room with confident strides. Adira wondered if he felt anything seeing her in the arms of another, did he feel angry that it wasn't him? Or perhaps he truly had stopped caring about Adira and wanted nothing to do with her anymore. The mere idea broke her heart into a thousand pieces that she knew she would never be able to pick up and put back together again.
She watched as he made his way towards Pansy who was giggling obnoxiously and handed him a tumbler of chilled fire whiskey, his favorite. Adira suddenly felt hot, like she would combust where she stood, the party continued as if nothing happened, like it was normal for Adira and Draco to ignore each other, for Pansy to be the one Draco gave his attention to.
Maximus possessively kept his arm around Adira, she noticed how he kept Draco in his peripherals at all time, the young witch felt like if she even dared look in Draco's direction Maximus would cause a scene. When they were finally summoned for supper, Draco made a point of offering his arm to Pansy who looked like she had won a million galleons; triumphantly she took it, smugly looking back at Adira as they exited the room. Adira had never been one to even think about using an unforgivable curse on another person, however in that moment she couldn't help but imagine using one on Pansy.
The Reed Manor had three dining rooms, one for casual use which was closest to the kitchen, the second for entertaining a handful of guests in a more intimate setting near the comfortable sitting room, and the third used for the more extravagant parties near the foyer which was often used as a ballroom when Lillian used to invite the crème de le crème of the wizarding world; no matter what their political affiliations were or their blood status. The room felt cold as everyone took their seats, the dark mahogany table looked almost black in the dim lighting of the room, tall thick curtains drawn back to show the impressive land the Reed property was built on lit by a tiny sliver of the moon peeking through dark clouds. Maximus took his place next to Adira, his hand immediately creeping up her leg, pushing the fabric of her dress up. Instead of making her flustered like when Draco constantly had his hands on her, she felt numb.
Daniel Reed sat at one end of the table, Lillian next to him looking superbly elegant and as more of his guests filtered in to the room to sit down, Adira couldn't help but notice that there was one seat left empty at the head of the table. Rising up with a glass of wine in his hand, Daniel adjusted his paisley green silk tie before toasting to the crowd, thanking them for joining him and complimenting their mutual allegiance to the dark arts. Finally the dinner began, house elves conjuring their meals to the table, the wine refilled magically without the need of the poor creatures having to come into the room amongst such prejudiced people. Adira picked at her food, conversation flowed around her, she barely registered that someone was talking to her until suddenly a loud bang reverberated through the room.
Adira could feel her heart race, as she looked up, noticing that her father was glaring straight at her his hand flat on top of the table. His eyes were cold and unforgiving, "Where are your manners Adira," he said coolly, his voice calm yet deadly, "Mrs. Avery asked you a question." The table seemed to grow quiet; Maximus squeezed her thigh a little too hard as if to warn her.
Adira seemed to light up with life, realizing her mistake in withdrawing from the party; she had a role to play, she had an image to keep as a Reed and there was no way she could allow herself to embarrass her family with all these people watching her; observing her every move. "I am so sorry Mrs. Avery, my head was in the clouds, and there is no excuse for my behavior. I am quite excited to start school in the fall, as I am sure my peers are as well; especially with the prospects of a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I truly hope we will get a competent instructor, our past teachers have been less than adequate and I believe that practicing in the Dark Arts of any kind is very important." Adira smiled brightly at Mrs. Avery, who nodded her head in agreement.
The conversation soon picked up again, Adira felt like she could breath as Maximus's grip loosened yet his hand stayed where it was.
She felt a pull, it was almost as if she were being called to look at him, her eyes met his in a clash of fire and ice; Maximus was too enraptured in a conversation with his cousin about Quidditch to notice her exchange with Draco. His eyes said it all, they were soft and comforting and Adira couldn't help but smile delicately back at him before resuming the conversation with Mrs. Avery. It was no surprise that since the incident in the Ministry, the Malfoy's had fallen from grace. Narcissa, despite her natural beauty, looked rather worn and fatigued sitting next to her son; Adira noticed that she barely spoke to anyone except for Blaise and Pansy's mothers. Daniel had forbidden Lillian from socializing with her long time friend, but Lillian would not give Narcissa up, not even when her husband threatened to kill her. Part of Adira was hopeful that her father had shown her mother compassion and allowed her this one small thing, and yet her intuition warned her that there was something darker at play. Daniel Reed was a stubborn man; Adira knew better than anyone, she was quite stubborn herself a trait obviously inherited from her father. He wouldn't give in to his wife's wishes, not unless it benefited him.
Adira was relieved when the lone chair at the end of the table remained empty for the rest of the night. She knew her father was very irritated by the Dark Lord not showing up for his prestigious guests and that made Adira beyond pleased. Slowly their guests left one by one until it was only Clara, Maximus and Draco lazily drinking wine from dinner in the sitting room whilst they waited for their parents to finish up any business they still had with Daniel. Adira couldn't understand what in the world Daniel wanted from Narcissa for her to still be there, another reason for her to be suspicious of her father's intentions.
"Well I think that went relatively well," Clara sighed, her stole wrapped tightly around her; she looked absolutely cozy, "Did you see the look on Tracy's face when she nearly knocked her glass over; I swear I have never seen a girl turn red so fast."
Adira smirked, she had noticed because Maximus's cousin was dared by Maximus to flirt with her, inevitably making her nervous. "She looked like a tomato it was so embarrassing."
Adira sat next to Maximus, unclasping her heels and about to take them off when his hand shot out, circling her wrist in an uncomfortably tight grip, "Do you really want to take your shoes off while you still have people in your home Adira?" He asked, clicking his tongue and letting her go. He began clasping the small buckle on the band around her ankle, his calloused fingers brushing against her skin softly, "You don't want to look sloppy do you, you're father would be disappointed."
Adira felt ashamed, like she had done something unforgivably wrong, "I'm so sorry, you're right. Thank you." Her face felt warm with Clara and Draco's eyes on her, they almost seemed shocked and perhaps even disappointed; Adira assumed it was because of how stupid she was for thinking it was appropriate to remove her shoes in front of them. Maximus kissed her softly, taking her smooth hand in his; Adira was too lost in his warm eyes to notice the shared look between Draco and Clara.
Draco frowned, a look of disgust on his face as he watched how Adira submitted to Maximus without even a second thought. He would never tell her what to do in such a manner that made her feel inferior. Draco thought Maximus was well out of line, Adira was in her own home, it was not inappropriate to take ones shoes off in the comfort of their home. Adira was amongst her friends now, not strangers and acquaintances she barely knew, it was not rude in the slightest to remove her shoes.
Draco couldn't understand why he was getting so upset over this little thing. Perhaps it was because he really didn't like Maximus Avery, something about the older Ravenclaw boy didn't sit right with him. He was almost glad he wasn't in Slytherin, otherwise he'd have to see him all the time, and all over Adira no less. He definitely didn't like how he behaved as if Adira was his property. Adira did not belong to any one, she was her own person, and she was bright and independent and beautiful; he could not believe she was taking orders from this pretty boy.
Before Draco could open his mouth to object, Narcissa walked out of the dining room, head held high and Lillian close behind her. "Come now Draco, time to go." She said, directing him towards the fireplace. Adira noticed how her dear mother looked terribly upset, "Cissy, I—" she was stopped by Draco's mother hushing her.
"I understand Lilli, I'll be in touch," Narcissa quickly embraced Lillian, eyes glistening with fresh tears before turning on her heels, "Good night." She called over her shoulders, Mr. and Mrs. Avery appearing to be on their way out too. Draco was relieved the Averys were leaving; he felt appalled by the idea Maximus would be spending any more time with Adira, especially alone. He knew he was at fault for not communicating with her; he wanted to desperately tell her what was happening but he couldn't. He wanted to confide in her as he once did and yet he knew it would be impossible now. Everything would be different this year, everything had changed and yet he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right with Maximus Avery.