-1NOTE: I own nothing of the Potter universe. Only Onyxia is mine. No money is expected for this story.
Onyxia Keena O'Dwyer looked at her reflection trying to find some difference in her appearance. She was sixteen years old today, and for the life of her, she saw no change. Shouldn't a sixteen-year-old look different from a fifteen year old? She had been certain that she'd at least feel different, but not so far.
Not that she expected so much, it wasn't as though she were part Veela or something. It's just that at sixteen she was nearly an adult and still felt like a child. She should have felt lucky, she supposed, given that her looks hadn't been mauled by adolescence like some of her friends. She thought of Severus Snape and how his skin and hair had gone from fair and silky to sallow and oily seemingly overnight.
Thank Merlin that didn't happen to me, she thought. No, her looks were still above par, in her opinion. Raven black curls shot through with vibrant red tumbled down past her shoulders, setting off her pale complexion and light green eyes. Her lips were neither thin, nor "bee stung", but they did have a natural redness that saved her from learning a lip coloring charm. She was petite and sometimes taken for a younger student while at school, but Nexi never saw that as a downside. She liked how it made others want to protect or help her. It was a benefit really.
"Onyxia, darling, aren't you ready yet?" Her mother asked disapprovingly as she walked into Nexi's bedroom. "I'm all for a fashionably late entrance, but this is YOUR ball after all and it hardly looks appropriate if you're too late." Shaking her head, her mother gathered up the beautiful dress robes made of emerald green satin and handed them to Nexi. "Get ready," she ordered, heading back toward the door. "I'll send Nanny up to help with your hair. Do hurry, the guests are expected within an hour."
After her mother closed the door behind her, Nexi sighed again and took up the dress robes. Might as well get this over with, she thought. Most girls her age might have been over the moon to be having a full ball in their honor, but not Nexi. She knew the real reason her parents were throwing this extravagant parade of wealth. They expected to find her a husband, or at least a prospective match. At sixteen, they had lectured her during the month before her birthday; it was time to start looking toward the future. A future that her parents firmly believed included a pureblood and wealthy husband.
As she dressed, Nexi thought of the other wizard families and the marriages she'd witnessed. All the women were expected to be at home in their well-designed and decorated manors, giving birth to ungrateful pureblood children, and letting their husbands make all the decisions. Hardly what Nexi wanted. She didn't want to be someone's possession. She didn't want to stop thinking or having opinions simply because of the addition of an expensive ring. And she most certainly didn't want to sit around doing NOTHING while a man did everything.
"Missy Nexi?" Nanny, the house elf's voice broke into her thoughts. "Mistress Morrigan told Nanny to come help with Missy's hair."
Smiling, Nexi nodded at the little elf that had been her personal attendant for as long as she could remember. "I suppose I should wear it up tonight, Nanny." Nexi offered, as she sat down at a vanity. The better for the blood suckers to find my veins, she thought to herself.
As a 25-year-old newly appointed Ministry employee, Lucius Malfoy's invitation to O'Dwyer Manor for a ball in honor of their daughter's birthday came as no surprise. Actually if he hadn't been 25 or a Ministry employee, it wouldn't have been a shock to be invited.
Being a Pureblooded heir to quite a fortune made invitations to Wizarding society's many galas expected. Fortunately, he was already betrothed to the Black girl, Narcissa, so he wouldn't be put on display for O'Dwyer's single daughter. For once, he was thankful that his father and Narcissa's aunt had made the necessary arrangements for their future marriage. It did take a bit of the teeth grinding urges away from attending the functions where he was expected to appear.
The grandfather clock chimed 7 o'clock and Lucius had to steel himself from groaning. A glance at the floor length mirror in his bedchamber assured him that his appearance was perfect. He grabbed the cane he'd taken to carrying with his wand hidden in the head and clasped his formal traveling cloak around his neck with a silver snake clasp before descending the stairs to Apparate from the library with his father.
As he took his place beside his father, a house-elf rushed forward with a brilliantly wrapped gift. Grimacing he took it from the wretched creature and concentrated on O'Dwyer Manor. With a pop, both father and son Apparated.
"And when our Purebloods regain control of the Ministry..."
"It really is disgusting how those Mudbloods are allowed to attend the same school as our..."
"Honestly, when will Hogwarts' governors replace that Muggle-loving Dumbledore with someone more appropriate..."
Nexi struggled against rolling her eyes or yawning as she went through the motions of mingling during her birthday ball. Everywhere she turned it was "Pureblood this" or "the Dark Lord that". Honestly, why can't these people just relax and enjoy themselves?
Her thoughts were brought back to her dancing partner when he, once again, stepped heavily on her right foot. What was his name again? McHare, McDair, McNair? Thankfully, the song ended and she begged off from another trip around the dance floor with the bumbling baboon. If the five "gentlemen" she'd danced with thus far were any indication of eligible bachelors in the wizarding world, then her resolve to stay single only strengthened.
They were a muddled blur of vapid conversation centered on their Pureblood greatness, Mudblood intolerance, and dance steps that left her feet begging for an end to the evening. In addition, thank heavens she wasn't simply looking for a trophy wizard, because these gents were sadly lacking in the looks department as well.
Sighing, she contemplated making a dash for the gardens, but realized that her mother was watching intently from one of the tables bordering the dance floor. Great, she thought, now I'm stuck waiting for another inept partner to come "whirl" me round the floor.
There was a tap on her shoulder and she swallowed a groan and plastered a smile on her lips before turning to greet the next troll in line.
Upon Apparating at O'Dwyer Manor, Lucius wasn't surprised to see the cream de la cream of Wizarding society attended. Obviously, O'Dwyer was pulling out all stops to find a husband for his daughter. The ballroom was decorated lavishly for the occasion in dark green, blue, and silver. Rather an odd mix, Lucius thought, for a young woman's birthday. One corner of the room was taken up by a stack of presents threatening to reach the ceiling. Small cafe tables were scattered around the dance floor. House elves catering to each guest's refreshment whims popped up every few moments.
Scanning the guests, Lucius noticed that the Blacks had not yet arrived. He handed the gaudy present to the first House elf that popped up nearby and started making the rounds of polite conversation that was expected.
While listening to Antonin Dolohov go on about how all Mudbloods should be removed from the face of the earth and give examples of how such removal should take place, Lucius saw a flash of black out of the corner of his eye. Turning to face the dance floor completely, he found himself watching a captivating creature being waltzed around the floor with gracelessness that only Macnair could possess. As she was whirled, he caught a glimpse of her pale skin and blood red lips and his breath caught. He held back a chuckle as he saw her shoot her dance partner a glare when he obviously stepped on her foot. Macnair would not be lucky enough for a second dance, Lucius thought.
When the music stopped, he watched her contemplate what he could only assume was a possible escape. The sight of her parents stationed at a nearby table stopped her from moving far. Before he knew what he was doing, Lucius found himself behind her and reaching out to tap her on her shoulder.
She was so small that it was difficult to believe her to be sixteen. When she turned to face him, she had to tilt her head back to gaze up into his face. Her clear, pale green eyes locked on his and he heard his own breath intake. Her black hair was streaked with crimson that matched the tone of her lips. And for a moment, he was speechless.
Turning, she was confronted with a chest and had to look up to see the face of whoever had tapped her shoulder. He was well dressed, his robes perfectly tailored for his broad shoulders. White blonde hair brushed his shoulders and his skin was barely darker than the hair. Finally, she made it to his gray eyes and saw a glimmer of something there. Clearing her throat she brought him back from staring down at her.
"Would you care to dance, Miss O'Dwyer?" His voice was as perfect as his posture and before she could answer, he drew her into his arms.
Unlike her former dance partners, this man knew his way around a floor. Nexi felt like she was gliding. Thankful for a proper partner, she gladly let him lead her across the floor.
She feels so small in my arms, Lucius thought as he moved with her across the dance floor. So light and easy on her feet, it was hardly a misfortune to have asked her to dance. Besides, his father would expect him to make nice with the O'Dwyers, a family as powerful and influential as the Malfoys. He gazed down at her and noticed that she had a small smile on her face.
"I hope that my steps are an improvement over Macnair's." Lucius said, trying for polite conversation.
Her smile broadened slightly for a moment. "Much, but then again, a rampaging hippogriff would be an improvement."
He chuckled, knowing she was correct. "Well, Miss O'Dwyer, how are you enjoying your ball?" He was certain that he knew the answer to this as well.
She barely concealed a sigh before answering. "It's wonderful. My parents did a lovely job of preparing for the occasion." She knew it was a stilted answer, but honestly, she didn't want any of this monstrosity.
Lucius smiled above her head. "Then why, pray tell, were you trying to find a means of escape after your whirl around the dance floor with Macnair?"
Pulling back, Nexi looked up at her dance partner with a raised eyebrow. "How do you know I was looking for an escape? After having my feet mauled by that...Macnair, I might have been looking for a comfortable place to rest."
"You could have been, but there are seats all around this floor and yet you didn't sit." He pointed out simply.
Nexi glared up at him. "I might have, but then you accosted me for another dance."
He laughed and conceded the truth of her statement. Then he turned the table again. "Miss O'Dwyer, you're showing a tremendous lack of manners."
Haughtily she asked, "And how is my etiquette not up to par?"
"Well, we've been dancing for some time now and we've not been properly introduced."
Nexi was caught on that one. He's right, I didn't introduce myself although he obviously knew who I was, but I have no idea who he is. "You're right. I apologize. I am Onyxia Keena O'Dwyer, and you are, sir?" She fought the urge to curtsey before him.
Nodding his head as they continued to dance he answered, "A pleasure to meet you, Miss O'Dwyer. I'm Lucius Malfoy."
Lucius Malfoy, Nexi thought, why does that name sound so familiar? Surely, the surname was because her father had mentioned it during dinner conversation, but the first name was the one that caught her attention. She'd heard that name not long ago, but from whom?
"Lovely to meet you as well, Mr. Malfoy." She answered, hiding her inner search for where his name was familiar from. The song ended and she pulled away, bowing her head and wishing his enjoyment during her ball. As she turned to walk off the floor for a much-needed break, she felt his hand on her elbow.
"Miss O'Dwyer, would you care to take a walk through the gardens with me?" She looked up into those gray eyes and nodded her agreement. He placed her hand in the crook of his arm and together they walked to one of the open balcony doors and out to the gardens.
Night had fallen while she was inside entertaining and the gardens had been lit with fairy lights along the hedges. Smiling into the darkness, she took a deep breath of fresh summer air. They walked along the cobbled path until they found a bench. She gratefully sat down and when her weight was off her aching feet she let out a relieved sigh.
"If Macnair asks me for another dance, I might be tempted to hex him into the next year." She murmured as she slipped her feet from the lovely, but not practical slippers she wore.
Lucius seated himself beside her. "I hardly think it would be uncalled for. Macnair should be banned from ever dancing. No grace whatsoever."
"You'll get no disagreement from me on that matter. Now, Mr. Malfoy, why is it that your first name seems so familiar to me? I've tried to recall where I heard it recently, but sadly I can't seem to remember." Nexi decided it was easier to simply ask the question rather than try to dredge up where she'd heard it.
She felt him shift beside her, but she looked ahead watching the fairy lights play against the leaves. "It's possible that you've heard it in a number of places, however, I will assume you read it in the Daily Prophet when the announcement of my betrothal was printed last week."
She gasped, remembering that she had in fact read his name in an engagement announcement. "That's right; you're to marry Narcissa Black, aren't you?" She turned to see him nod. "Of course, I should have known, seeing as I dread reading the announcements for fear I'll see my own name mentioned."
"You dread seeing your name in the engagement announcements?" He asked, rather shocked. He assumed all young witches dreamt of marrying.
"Yes, dear Merlin, I do." She shivered as though the thought alone made her skin crawl. "The thought of having my future decided, it's just, I mean..." Her voice trailed off, unable to finish the thought.
Lucius studied her in the dim twinkle of the fairy lights. She was lovely, but different somehow from the other witches he knew. She didn't feel the urge to fill silence with her voice. She wasn't on a crusade for a husband. She didn't follow proper etiquette as though her life depended on it. There was something about her that made Lucius want to know more.
"Lucius!! There you are!" A shrill voice carried across the gardens as a pale blonde-haired woman walked to the bench. Narcissa Black, his future wife, stood in front of the bench looking down at Nexi as though she were nothing more than a house elf. "Why are you out here, Lucius? I've been looking for you so we might have a dance."
Lucius stood and offered his arm to Nexi again. "I escorted Miss O'Dwyer outside for some air and rest. She needed a break from the flow of anxious partners." Offering Narcissa his other arm, he walked both young women back along the cobbled path as his mind screamed for more time alone with Nexi. When they walked through the open balcony door, he released Narcissa and bowed his head to Nexi before kissing her knuckles. "It was a pleasure to have met you, Miss O'Dwyer. I do wish we could talk more, but I must attend to my," his voice faltered for a moment, "fiancée. Happy Birthday and enjoy your ball."
Nexi smiled and nodded back before turning to walk in the opposite direction. Narcissa had her hand on his arm again and he turned back to her. "A dance then, Narcissa?"
As he guided his future wife to the dance floor, he noticed that Nexi was in the center of a group of young men all eager to capture her attention. His arms filled with Narcissa as he watched Nexi toss her head back to laugh at something one of her circle said. Her smile stayed in place as another man touched her arm and nodded toward the floor. He watched as the youth led her to the floor and he wished it were him.