"I trust you can handle this rather delicate situation, I have heard your talents are rather exquisite." Lucius Malfoy spoke in a rather hushed tone to a woman as they walked in the gardens of Malfoy Manor. Narcissa Malfoy, his wife, walked dutifully behind them giving them the privacy needed for the delicate business transaction that her husband was currently in the process of. "Lord Malfoy, delicate situations are what I handle best." The women responded rather frankly, her full lips turning up in a small…smile? Smirk? Narcissa could not really tell. "Yes well the Dark Lord will be willing to pay you handsomely for your services and of course there is much to gain in the form of nonmonetary value, Miss Savalona." Lucius explained stopping their walk at the entrance to his home. Narcissa dutifully walked ahead and began to summon a house elf to bring the party wine. "Yes, I can see the benefit for undertaking this task that the Dark Lord requires, but to be frank I also see the challenge in it as well, which excites me more." The women said as she walked into the home followed by Lucius. She took a seat on one of the leather seats near the table where Narcissa was now pouring a delicious smelling red wine into glasses for her husband and their guest. Lucius took a seat across from her as Narcissa handed them each a glass before taking her seat between them. "So do we have an agreement, Miss Savalona?" Lucius asked after taking a sip of the wine.
The woman in question took a delicate sip from her glass relishing in the flavor of an obviously expensive wine and carefully considered the agreement that now lay before her. Her mind worked quickly in digesting the information as she swirled the glass to release the aroma of the decadent wine. By nature and nurture she was a courtesan, the women in her family have done it dating back to the time of Roman emperors. Each new daughter was taught the art of being a courtesan in order to continue their illustrious family history. Their talents were known in both wizard and muggle worlds alike. She was Antonia Maria Savalona, her mother's daughter and the next in line in the history of her family lineage. At the lovely age of 27 she has already established a lengthy resume and stable reputation, which has caught the attention of the Dark Lord. She took another sip of wine before lowering her glass to the table. "I accept the offer the Dark Lord has to offer and shall do what he asks to the best of my abilities." Antonia said lifting her head slightly.
"Excellent! I shall let my Lord know at once." Lucius said raising his glass to her before taking a sip himself. Antonia nodded before reaching for her glass again taking another sip with a slight smirk on her lips. "We shall prepare a party soon so that you may meet the man that you are intended to… distract." Narcissa finally chimed in, knowing her place to intercede. Antonia smiled at how rehearsed they were. "I wouldn't call it distraction per se, Lady Malfoy, more like beguile." Antonia stated before slowly standing from her seat. "I must take my leave now, there will be much for me to do to prepare myself. I look forward to hearing from you both soon in regards to the party." Antonia curtsied slightly bowing her head to both Lord and Lady Malfoy. "Goodnight Miss Savalona." They both said lowering their heads in equal respect to the women as she turned toward the exit of their home following a house elf. "She does have her work cut out for her, seducing and gaining the trust of our dear old bat." Lucius stated to his wife after the woman had left their presence. "If anyone could do it, I believe that Antonia Savalona can, her family lineage speaks volumes alone." Narcissa responded.
As Antonia exited the grounds of Malfoy manor she was already planning her next move. As she focused on her home she felt the familiar pull of apparition. When she reopened her eyes she stood before her lovely chateau style home; as Italian as she was she always admired French architecture. As soon as she entered her home she was greeted by her faithful maid, Helene. "How was your meeting madame?" She asked with a nervous expectancy in her eyes. "It went well, however very soon Helene I will no longer be needing your services, I can write to my mother if you would like and ask her if she needs an extra hand." Antonia said as Helene followed her to her rooms and helped her undo the buttons on the back of her gown. "As you wish my lady. I would be honored to serve your mother again." Helene said with an obvious sigh of relief in her voice as she finished the buttons on the back of Antonia's gown. Antonia smiled knowing full well how much Helene hated the idea of being around wizards even if her lady herself was one. More than one was too many for her dear Helene. After removing her elegant gown, leaving her mistress in a simple cotton shift, Helene began to undo her up-do and brush out her young mistress' dark hair. Antonia always relished the feeling of having her hair brushed. Sure she could do everything with her magic but Antonia always preferred human contact. Besides Helene has been with her since she was a small child. "Helene, when you are done I would like to send a letter tonight if you could please fetch me my owl and some parchment and ink? I will finish preparing for bed myself." Antonia said with her eyes still closed. "As you wish, my lady." Helene said setting the brush down on the table and slowly left the room to fetch what her lady required of her.
As Antonia waited patiently for Helene to return she thought of the deal she just made with the Malfoys and therefore with the Dark Lord himself. She knew that she had entered a dangerous game; however, she knew she must play her role if she hoped to see the wizarding world survive. Antonia lifted her head as she looked into the mirror, she knew it would be tough but she would prevail she was after all her mother's daughter. She turned her head when she heard Helene return to her room with her small black owl and her writing tools. "Thank you, Helene, you may retire now, we will discuss plans for you tomorrow." Antonia said after taking her owl. "Goodnight mistress" Helene said slowly leaving the room. Her lady was always kind to her and she always cared what was in the best interest for both of them.
Once Helene left her room, Antonia perched her owl on the table. She poised the quill over the parchment to begin her brief letter. Things were being set in motion and one must always be careful with how much information they divulge through tangible sources.
Headmaster Dumbledore,
They have asked for me as you said they would. I must speak with you to make the next arrangements.
-A
Antonia rolled the letter up and sealed it with her family crest. She stood lifting the owl off her table and walked over to the door that led to her balcony. She gave the owl her letter and stroked its chest. "Fly swift, my friend" she spoke to the owl as it spread its wings and began its flight. Antonia watched until she could no longer see its outline and slowly returned to the safety of her room. "And now we wait," Antonia spoke softly to herself as she blew out the candles in her room.