Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, A Song of Ice and Fire to George R.R. Martin, i don't own anything and i'm just playing around with these wonderful characters of these great stories.

Author's Note: Thanks so much for reviewing, OpheliaBlack. Yes, there aren't many crossover-stories out there so i'm really looking forward to your crossover. I'm glad that i got Cersei and Tywin's characters right, don't want to turn these guys OOC. Hopefully i can keep it up ;)

The Serpent and the Lion

~Chapter 1: The Dance begins~

One of the Dark Lord's Death Eaters escorted them to Malfoy Manor. Cersei was accompanied by her father's council member, Lord Petyr Baelish. First she wanted to have Jaime in her entourage but had quickly decided against that notion. Her brother's temper was unpredictable and too much of a risk. Just one wrong step and there would be a bloodbath. No, it was better to be joined by her father's advisor. What she needed was a quick and attentive mind. Someone who was highly skilled as a consultant for negotiations. She knew that she could depend on him.

Her companion with the small pointed chin beard smiled slyly as they walked through the large gardens. "An impressive place. The Malfoys certainly are a rich family. No wonder the Dark Lord has chosen this Manor as his current residence."

"It serves its purpose.", she agreed. The Manor was located in Wiltshire and there were no Muggles living around here. A fitting place to use as a base of operations.

She glanced at him and whispered in a low tone so that only he could hear her, "Are there any news from Varys?"

He shrugged. "I'm afraid, there are no new reports from the Spider, Mylady. Perhaps this is a good sign. This man brings only dark tidings. An ill-omened messenger like him should dress in black."

"Dark wings, dark words.", she muttered.

He nodded. "So they say. Look, we've arrived at our destination."

Their escort, a man wearing a black cloak and his face hidden under a skull mask, opened the door to the hallway.

They followed him inside and were greeted by Lucius Malfoy and his wife Narcissa. Lucius bowed slightly, took her hand in his and kissed her golden lion ring. "Lady Cersei, it's a great honor to have you here as our guest."

She nodded. "Thank you, Lucius. But tell me, how long has it been since we last saw each other?"

"It was the evening of the Quidditch World Cup, Mylady. You looked beautiful that night." He took a moment to behold her graceful figure and added with a smile. "Beautiful as always."

"And your words are flattering as always, Lucius. But please, enough of the pleasantries. We both know all too well that many things have changed during the last few months. You look very exhausted, my friend."

"We are at war, Mylady. And the Dark Lord honours us with his presence. There are...", he paused for a second as if he was carefully choosing his next words and continued slowly, "There are many things on my mind, i'm afraid. And sleeping is a luxury which I can no longer afford."

"It truly grieves me to see a great and skillful wizard such as yourself in such a poor and sorry state." She stated, noticing his tired face and the dark rings under his sunken eyes. His wife, Narcissa didn't look any better.

She gave him a disappointed look. "I wonder, Lucius, where has your pride gone? I've always heard the Malfoy family belonged to the most respected pure-blood families in Britain. What would the great Abraxas Malfoy say if he saw you now? That aura of your commanding and daunting presence completely gone. A pity, really. You're no longer a family worthy of our respect. A family we would call our equals."

"We still are!", he suddenly snapped and Cersei couldn't help but smile at his sudden outburst. For generations there had always been rivalries between their families. And Cersei just kept up the tradition of mocking one another when she saw an opening to do so.

She glanced at Lord Baelish who shared her mocking smile. "Ah, have I offended you, my friend? My apologies. Sometimes I tend to speak my father's words. It's a bad habit of mine."

Her host glared at her cooly and quickly cleared his throat. "It is time to bring you to our Master. He is eagerly awaiting your arrival."

"Of course, please lead the way." she said softly.

Lucius turned to them and snootily sneered at Lord Baelish. "Your escort has to stay here. His lordship has instructed me that he wants to speak to you alone."

Her companion wanted to raise his hand in protest but when he saw Cersei's emerald eyes flashing at him he paused and stepped aside.

This is certainly unexpected but it changes nothing. I can handle this alone. She thought warily.

She followed the blond man through a large hallway, heavily decorated with family portraits lining the walls.

Probably his ancestors, she thought as she studied the many different faces. Everyone of them wore that same arrogant smirk on their lips.

After minutes of walking they've finally reached the end of the hallway and Lucius waved at her to come closer. He looked at her nervously and his hand suddenly held her arm in a tight grip. He moved closer so that he could whisper in her ear. "I know why you're here. But I can only offer you a word of advice. Don't make the same mistake as we did. The Dark Lord...", his voice suddenly broke and Cersei never thought she'd see the tall and mighty Lucius Malfoy crestfallen like this. He seemed to compose himself again and continued with a pleading voice "You can't bargain with the Dark Lord. You don't know him like I do. He... he is dangerous. You should turn away and leave this cursed place while you still can."

Cersei frowned, her face darkening. "I appreciate your concern, Lucius. I really do. But I act under my father's direct orders and I can't turn back now, it's not an option."

"Then this will be your downfall, Mylady. I can assure you that." he predicted with a grim voice.

Cersei peered at him with an expression of faint disfavour. "We shall see how well the Lion dances with the Serpent, shall we not?" She abruptly took her wand and opened the heavy wooden doors with a quick motion.

"Lucius, if you would be so kind enough to leave? I have an audience with your Master." She dismissed him and averted her eyes.

Lord Voldemort's right hand glared at her for a moment, turned on his heel and walked away, his cape billowing behind him like the black wings of a bat.

She closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath. There was nothing to be afraid of. If her sibling Jaime would be here at her side he'd say this to her.

I am a Lion of the Rock, she reminded herself and finally turned to face a large room. It seemed to be a meeting place. She could see a huge and ornate table in the center. A hooded man sat at its far end. A pitch-black shadow in the ominous darkness and a large green snake resting at his feet. The only source of light was a nearby fireplace. Its flames casting eerily shadows on the white walls and pure marble floor.

She didn't know if he had noticed her arrival but she decided to wait. It was better not to interrupt the Dark Lord's musings. After a seemingly long period of silence his gaze suddenly turned to her. His voice a low hiss as he saw her standing at the doorway. "Ah, you must be the envoy Lord Tywin has sent me. Come girl, have a seat."

Scarlet eyes regarded her thoughtfully, watching her every step. His intent gaze made her feel uneasy, even vulnerable. As if his eyes could penetrate her inner mind's defenses and see right through her. It was unnerving but she tried to compose herself. She knew it was all a matter of appearance. The first impression was what counted the most. That was also the reason why she chose to wear flowing robes of green silk, perfectly matching the green of her eyes. The lion of Lannister was embroidered in gold thread on her shoulders. A sign that she valued her family above everything else. She was well aware that green was also the colour of Salazar Slytherin, Lord Voldemort's ancestor.

She couldn't say if he was pleased or not. His face was concealed under his hood. Only his eyes were visible. Two red rubies glinting in the darkness.

The young woman bowed courteously and sat next to him. Her every move graceful and her green eyes never leaving his.

She started, her voice sounding matter-of-factly. "Mylord, it is an honor to finally meet you in person and I hope we can come to an agreement that will be beneficial for both of us."

"You are his daughter, correct? I believe Cersei was your name?"

"Yes, Mylord."

"I must confess myself disappointed. I've expected Tywin Lannister himself, not his daughter.", he remarked in a displeased sounding voice.

"The Lord of Casterly Rock must always remain at his seat. It's an ancient tradition. I hope you can forgive my father." She explained apologetically, feeling her uneasiness again. It was even worse, now that she was so close to his presence She couldn't deny that there was an malicious and sinister aura around him. It just didn't feel right. Her only hope was that her emotionless mask didn't betray her thoughts and feelings.

"Lord Voldemort never forgives and never forgets, my dear. But it is a lesson Lord Tywin shall learn soon. For now I allow you to take his place and accept you as his envoy."

She respectfully inclined her head.

"So then, tell me, what can the Lord of Casterly Rock offer me?" he asked her curiously.

Cersei allowed herself to smile. "Everything, Mylord."

"Everything?"

"Everything you desire shall be yours. If we'd offer you that boy... Harry James Potter. Would that be sufficient?" She smiled inwardly. That half-blood wizard, Harry Potter was her trump card. This would surely tempt him.

His eyes gleamed dangerously as she mentioned the boy's name. "Harry Potter? Why should you succeed in capturing that boy where all my Death Eaters before you have failed?"

She lifted her head, pride filling her voice. "Your Death Eaters are no Lannisters. And a Lannister always pays his debts."

Voldemort leaned back in his armchair, his hands neatly folded on the table. "I can assure you I will capture Harry Potter myself. It is only a matter of time. But I begin to wonder if your family is really willing to join my cause."

"How can you doubt us?" She asked him, wondering if something had gone wrong.

"My loyal spy, Serverus Snape visited me yesterday and I have received very interesting information regarding a new recruit of the Order."

She felt her stomach instantly tighten. "What kind of information?" she asked him hoarsely.

"It seems that your younger brother, Tyrion Lannister has recently joined the Order of the Phoenix. Is this how you prove your loyalty to me? To secretly ally with my enemies and plot behind my back?" he hissed in a furious tone.

That ugly little monkey-demon. I swear by the gods, this time I'll kill him myself! I shall have his ugly head on a spike! She thought angrily, carefully keeping her anger at bay.

She sighed and grimaced. "I should have told you this sooner. It was my brother's idea to infiltrate the Order. He plans to destroy them from within. My father thinks that Tyrion is acting like a fool here but he allowed it nonetheless. It doesn't matter if he succeeds. We now have a spy in our enemy's ranks. It should prove useful, Mylord. Don't you agree?"

Cersei never once blinked when she told her lie. She was an expert in selling lies and half-truths convincingly. It sounded genuine to her own ears and she was sure it should do the trick.

The Dark Lord suddenly stood up. The fire's red flames dancing in his serpentine eyes. He looked down on her, making her feel weak and small.

"Are you aware that I can invade your mind to find out if you've told me the truth?"

She nodded, her calm voice giving nothing away,. "Legilimency, yes."

He studied her face and she had the impression that he was considering using his Legilimency on her or not. It seemed that he was satisfied with her answer because he changed the subject again.

"You've offered me everything I desire."

"Anything, Mylord." she assured him and hoped that their negotiations would soon come to an end. But after Lucius' words of warning she should've known better.

Cersei was sure that she could see his thin lips curling into a cruel smile. "You shall have Lord Voldemort's alliance in exchange for your son."

Shock numbed her senses. But it was soon filled with rage. Her green eyes burning like a fiery fire. Cersei's mouth tightened. "Joffrey is just a ten year old boy. You can't have him."

"You will give me your son. Or our negotiations are over and you won't leave this Manor alive."

She knew she was walking on rotten ice now. One wrong step and she'd plunge through.

Calm down, calm down. She thought to herself, fighting to still her rage.

Cersei fancied herself subtle. Her face always showing an unreadable mask. But now that her boy's life was threatened, she slowly lost her cool. Her anger, fear and despair began to seep through. She had to admit that her son was her one and only weakness.. Like a lioness she felt the strong urge to protect her little pub. It was a mother's instinct. She couldn't do anything about it.

The young woman stood up, looking at him defiantly. "A mother loves her only child and you want to take him away from me?. You offer me a bitter cup to drink from."

It was clear what this was all about. Voldemort didn't care about her son. All he needed was a hostage to have leverage over her family. It was a very clever move. This man standing right in front of her knew how to play the game. And she had been foolish enough to underestimate him. A terrible mistake. The realization came too late. All she could do now was play by his rules. To at least minimize the damage. There was no other way.

She narrowed her eyes. "If Mylord needs a Lannister at his side, wouldn't it be prudent to choose me? My son is too young and he would be of no use to you.", she suggested.

The Dark Lord slid his hand up into his sleeves, reaching for something. His yew wand now twirling in his delicate white hands.

"Ah, and what would I do with you?" he asked her mockingly, his wand tip moving closer and closer, now painfully pressing against her cheek.

He only wants to test you, to intimidate you. Don't let it affect you. Cersei winced in pain but still managed giving him a seductive smile. "I could be of great assistance. I could even fight at your side if you'd give me your approval. I promise you won't regret it."

"I believe i've told you before that i'd kill you if you won't give me what I asked for." he reminded her, his red eyes boring into hers.

"Kill me then. You won't have my son." She spat reluctantly and couldn't believe what she had just said. That she would accept death so easily.

It's for Joff. Make it quick then, she thought bitterly.

There was a long brooding silence. All she saw were his red eyes glowing in the shadows of his hood and his wand hovering in front of her field of vision.

"Interesting." he finally hissed, his wand tip trailing down the line of her jaw.

Cersei held her breath, she had anticipated to die any minute now, expecting him to use the Avada Kedavra curse. But there was nothing. No curse, no spell. Nothing.

His spidery fingers violently clutched her chin now, slowly lifting it. His voice a soft murmur as he whispered in her ear almost tenderly, "Crucio!"

The impact of the Cruciatus Curse hit her slender figure with full force. It felt like black tendrils sending fire through her whole system. The pain was accompanied by a sudden shock wave. Like lightning piercing through her sensitive flesh. Tongues of acid hungrily licking her nerves that spasm her body into convulsion. The agony was so overwhelming that she couldn't even think clearly. Her world became white. All she saw was a cloud of white flying before her eyes. The glittering spectrum of pain turned into pure blazing agony as she felt the curse intensifying. She could only wince, soft moans escaping her lips.

Then from one second to another the pain was gone. The Dark Lord had lifted the curse and Cersei staggered backwards, feeling the table behind her. She instantly moved her arms to her sides, her hands reaching for the edge of the table for support. Preventing her from falling to the ground.

Cersei had experienced the Cruciatus Curse before. During her training with her father. She was taught to withstand and endure the pain. To welcome and embrace it. It had been a lecture to bear the magical arts of torture. But this was something else. She had never experienced this level of suffering before. And the worst thing was that Lord Voldemort was indeed capable to prolong the curse's effects. Something that she had thought impossible.

Her tired eyes stared into dark pools of crimson red that studied her with mild curiosity.

The blond woman hoped he would stay away from her. Don't come any closer. She thought desperately while slowly catching her breath. Another torture curse and she wasn't sure if she could stop herself from falling to the floor. The last thing she wanted to experience was to be the first Lannister helplessly cringing at Voldemort's feet. To be completely and utterly at his mercy.

Her father would surely kill her if she would show any weakness now. It would bring shame to their family's name.

All her thoughts were interrupted by his low hissed voice. "It is not over, my dear. We are not finished yet."

"Why?" Cersei wanted to know, realizing that speaking tore her throat as though she had coughed splinters of dragon glass. She immediately winced, gritted her teeth and tried again, "Why... have you done this?"

He gave her a cruel smile. "Why? To discipline you, Cersei. No one defies Lord Voldemort!"

Voldemort came closer until he was only mere inches away. One hand held his wand elegantly while the other gently stroked her long blond hair.

He held his yew wand above his head, like the swift motion of a snake ready to strike.

"Down!" he hissed impatiently and Cersei felt an invisible hand pushing and pinning her down to the table.

He bent down, his pale snake-like nose barely touching her cheek. She heard him inhaling the air deeply, his voice a quiet whisper again. "Ah, I can smell your fear. Intoxicating."

His red eyes were now filling her vision and she was unable to avert his gaze. Another soft whisper and Cersei was once more swallowed by pure agony again. The pain coming in waves, crackling so hot she thought her whole body was on fire. Even if she tried to hold her mind outside the pain, it eroded her mental shields with the persistence of waves crushing against a cliff. It battered down her defensive walls, slashing into everything which stood in its path. She felt the intense agony gather like a wild hurricane, pushing her to the uttermost limits of her tolerance. And just when she thought that the ripples of pain had subsided, it hit her again with all its might. The only thing she concentrated on were his red eyes. Those glowing eyes were the center of the storm. She fixed solely on his eyes as if it were the only thing that kept her from losing her consciousness. The only constant she could rely on in this chaotic whirlwind of pain.

It ended and Cersei felt her body trembling and shaking uncontrollably, the aftereffects of the Cruciatus Curse still causing her to flinch in pain.

"Intriguing." he murmured, his cold long hand travelling along her cheek and touching her hot, feverish skin, sending chills down her spine.

Cersei's eyes never left his. She knew if she would be the one to break eye-contact now it would imply weakness.

Go on now. Cast another Cruciatus Curse upon me. I don't care. I will not give you the pleasure to hear me begging you for mercy. Oh no. I am Cersei of House Lannister, a lion of Casterly Rock. Trueborn daughter of Tywin Lannister. You will not hear me scream. She told herself.

Voldemort chuckled. "Oh, my sweet lioness. You are truly a lioness, are you not? I'm sure Gryffindor would've welcomed you with open arms in their midst. But...", he moved his wand to her shoulder, the golden threads of her lions slowly transforming into the shapes of a snake, a mocking smile on his lips, "the snake suits you far better, my dear. It is what you really are."

Cersei clenched her teeth as she felt the suffering of her pride. This symbolic gesture was far more insulting to her than any word could ever be.

"You'll be delighted to hear that I've changed my mind.", she heard him continue, "Your son may remain at Casterly Rock. I've decided that I shall keep you in his stead."

Cersei wanted to laugh bitterly. The prospect of staying with this madman left her with a feeling of dread. She had her father to thank for this mess and wanted to scream out loud in frustration.

"Now, now, my little lioness. No need to bare your fangs. You got what you wished for? Did you not?", he asked her teasingly.

The woman grimaced and gave him a weak smile, "I did and I shall not forget Mylord's kindness."

Cersei didn't know if she just saw a hint of approval on his serpentine features. Almost carefully he offered her his hands and helped her getting up from the table. Her body felt very tired and she was surprised herself that she somehow managed to stand on her shaky legs.

"You will soon learn that Lord Voldemort can be generous. All I demand from you is your obedience, Cersei."

Tell him what he wants to hear and my Joff will be safe. That is all that matters. She gave him a slight nod. "I am yours, Mylord."

"Good.", he hissed. "Now, give me your left arm.", he demanded in a commanding tone.

She gulped, "My-my arm, Mylord? Why?"

Voldemort raised his wand, "You shall have the great honor to receive my Dark Mark today."

"Never!", she cried "You will not place your Mark on me! This was not part of our agreement!"

"You're mine now, my dear. And I shall now mark you as mine.", he said amused as he watched her display of anger.

Cersei had enough. She wouldn't tolerate to suffer any more humiliation at his hands and took out her wand. But instead of pointing it at him, she pointed it at herself.

Her voice perfectly calm with determination. "I'd rather kill myself than allowing you to taint my body with your ridiculous mark."

She could see that Voldemort has lost the amusement in his face. It was replaced by a sudden alertness. He could see that she was serious. That she was playing no games and truly meant it.

"You stupid woman.", he began, a menacing tone filling his voice, "Haven't I told you this before? You shall not defy Lord Voldemort! Release your wand immediately! I command you!"

She shook her head, a bitter laugh burst from her lips, "You don't command a lion of Casterly Rock! The lion won't take orders from a snake, and a half-blood at that!"

Before she could react she saw him flashing his wand at her, his spell disarming her in the blink of an eye.

His eyes glared at her, glowing like hot coals in the fire, "Such a foolish attempt, my dear. I am disappointed. Very disappointed."

Voldemort swiftly moved towards her, floating on the marble floor with the elegance of a dancer, his naked feet making no sounds. She could only stand there in shock. Helpless and unable to move. Feeling like prey getting encircled by a predator, waiting for the inevitable.

He now stood before her, his cloak swirling around him like a misty shadow.

"I should kill you for your insolence, girl.", he said in a menacing tone.

The dark wizard took a long breath as if to regain his calmness and went on, "But I won't let you get away so easily, my dear. I shall make you mine. Break you if need be. It doesn't matter, in the end you will be mine."

"You will never have me.", she breathed softly, giving him a taunting smile.

"You don't know what Lord Voldemort is capable of. But you shall soon learn. Like the rest of your family." He seized her arm and held it in a firm grip. He slowly lifted it despite her weak efforts to break away from him.

The tip of his yew wand removed her sleeve, exposing her smooth skin, white as cream.

Cersei blinked at him in horror. "No, you won't!"

Voldemort gave a low chuckle. "Oh, I will, my dear. But not here, not now. You shall receive my Mark in a great Initiation ceremony. Tomorrow night all of my loyal followers shall witness the lion's submission."

"You can't! My father won't allow it!", she snapped at him furiously.

"Tywin Lannister is not here, my dear. No one will save you now." She flinched instantly as one hand reached out to her, ice-cold fingertips softly caressing her cheek. "Ah, but don't despair, my sweet, beautiful lioness. I shall not abandon you."

Tune in next time when Harry Potter meets Tyrion Lannister and Cersei attends an Initiation ceremony. Read & Review please ;)