Hey, another update! So soon after the previous chapter! Please think good things about me *puppy eyes*.
I just wanted to say thank you for all those who favorited or followed or gave a review. And I am sorry too, because I kind of feel like I blackmailed or threatened people into doing that, which shouldn't be possible at least I hope it is not.
Now, on with the story!
Chapter 3: A Touch Of Life To A Withering Soul
A malevolent storm stirred lazily, from the dark confines of an enraged mind, shifting with tone of blinding white fury and carefully nurtured, actively encouraged by silvery taunting memories. No evidence carried, of the rising maelstrom that threatened to overwhelm all reason and restraint, in the dark crimson eyes and no fissure could be seen in the unruffled features, a flawless façade so chilly as if it was sculpted from ice itself, that might form from the cruel pressure.
He was the Dark Lord after all, in addition to being the ultimate Slytherin; he could hardly let any weakness show by gesture or emotion. His magic however held no such principles
Curling and twisting through air, in mimicry of a serpent, it burned through with cold flare leaving behind the smell that signaled the strike of a thunderstorm. With whispers of forever sleep it crept maliciously, seeping through the ground like fine mist but infinitely more dangerous for it longed to appease its wizard and at the same time so gleeful at being granted relief, that it seeped into the ground like an unforgiving plague, cruelly absorbing life all around it to appease the abyss.
The Dark Lord walked through the scarce vegetation surrounding the narrow stone path to his house under a darkened sky as shadows dared extend farther than their comfort places while light waned in the advent of darkness. Scarlet eyes were hooded slightly, his composed expression otherwise completely unassociated with the malevolent blizzard that was stewing increasingly livid, and his magic curled about him in perfect symphony corresponding with the dark fury. Like a shadow it trailed through the air and every living being that had the misfortune of encountering the malevolent magic fell for a sacrifice intended to worship its irate God. It was a worthy effort as foliages dramatically aged and ashes fell to earth with soft whispers of mourning in response to the rage of a Lord and his vindictive servant.
The ice storm brewed still, with a resentment that was as unassuming as the loving cold touch felt by a heart when death brushed by.
So very in contrast with the firestorm that raged in a wildly beating Gryffindor heart as it raged mutinously, in righteous fury with the world around it twisting and melting to cater to the petulant caprice.
Thus in two different corners of the world, the horizons remained darkened and hostile in response to the storms in the two souls , in nature poles apart from each other and yet equally devastating in nature, heart of one storm focused upon nothing but the other.
The dark wizard in question paid no attention to the withering summer around him. He ignored it all, focused as he was in the memories, so fresh and haunting of a creature he coveted but remained frustratingly out of his grasp.
There was another presence besides him as he entered the foyer and scarlet eyes narrowed onto the figure that had dropped to their knees the instant he had come into view , while his malevolently seeking magic rushed towards the intruder with perverse enjoyment only to be reined in by the dark wizard at the last moment, but not before a silver of its intention touched the terrified person.
"Dolohov.", the hisses were a little more elongated and that was all that augured the other of his Lord's possible irate mind, "Why are you here?"
"My Lord." the man didn't stutter, but remained kneeling respectfully," There was to be a meeting in the House of Rowle tonight." Dolohov stayed quiet under his master's observation after.
The red-tinted film, that had enveloped him after he had returned from the high mountain ridge empty-handed, tightened its hold on him and snarled at the interrupter for distracting it from those memories it had chosen to be wrapped with. Incomprehensibly, suddenly, he couldn't quite fathom why indeed he had returned without the little creature in his arms. Their meeting had ended disagreeably and with a premise that the Dark Lord distrusted. Why indeed had he let the delicious little angel escape his grasp when it was certainly in the place where it belonged? That being In the confined of his hold, trembling in his arms.
Rather he should have brought his lovely prey with him. He still seethed at the impudent tone with which the creature had denied him and his magic had risen at the insubordinate provocation, longing to dominate the enchanting green-eyed siren, to crush it completely underneath him.
"My Lord." The tentative questioning query broke through the haze that had temporarily ensnared his senses.
His magic surged violently and the sandy-haired death eater hitched a breath at the danger that seemingly surrounded him.
Fortunately, the dark lord took a subtle, proverbial deep breath so that the ice storm that still raged furiously wouldn't shatter the cage that held the beast.
In any case, had he not determined that the professional part of his life would remain separated from the personal without one tainting the other?
The firm decision stayed mere hours before being proved wrong as he held a recruit under a bone-shattering curse.
It was only the first day.
"My Lord...Please…"
"The Dark Mark in your arms is not a mere decoration. It is the mark of honor, a privilege that is earned."
"Please…My Lord, For-forgive me."
"I have already forgiven you, Farian. However I must ensure that such a transgression doesn't recur in the future. Curbing such impudence is imperative before it endangers your health; because one day it might even invite a more permanent punishment that would serve a warning to others. But you do not want your future to be cut off so violently, especially when you do have some potential, do you? It is for your own benefit. What do you say, Ruben?"
"You are most merciful, My Lord."
"Very good. Do remember your lesson. Crucio."
The death eater screamed the moment the curse slammed into his body and other wizards clad in non-descript dark robes shifted at the realization of the intensity of the spell. Trembling hands were clenched inside their robes so as not to show weakness within a predator's den and in spite of the relatively passive tone of their master, they had come to understand that he was not in a very forgiving mood.
The Dark lord was dispassionate as he spoke to his death eaters, expressing neither pleasure at any of the relative successes of their objectives nor sadistic interest as he tortured someone. Since they couldn't contemplate the reason for this volatile mood that had seemingly stemmed from nowhere, they were feeling rather hopeless and could only hope that they survived this storm.
Voldemort looked down at the still shivering and moaning wizard in quiet contemplation, inner disgust only slightly reflected in the curling of thin lips, conscious of an unfair punishment. The reprimand had been much heavier than the offense asked for. Of course, this musing wouldn't be mistaken as to a concern for the health of the unfortunate death eater or even for a sense of integrity, but rather pertaining to his control.
Tom Riddle, unlike his peers or even elders had a different scrutiny in regards to pain: or rather others pain. He didn't feel empathy or pity for the sufferers, there was only a feeling of utter indifference perhaps mixed with occasional annoyance should the wails and cries interrupt his peace.
Thus was his perception before he discovered that he could inflict pain.
After that there was only a though about being caught unaware, for society certainly wouldn't hold the same opinions as he did about torturing someone else. The pleasure however which he derived from causing others mindless pain was unexpected and rather welcome.
It did answer many questions regarding human behavior and some of the older bullies.
Unlike any other emotions that human beings seemed so abundantly to frolic with, which he more or less was indifferent towards and which he himself seemed to be rather deficit in, not that he cared about that particular element, their twisting expressions when in agony brought him much amusement and satisfaction. He reveled in it.
Soon however, he came to an epiphany; it wasn't pain itself that soothed his cavernous soul but rather the power that it contained. He rejoiced in the sight of defiant eyes kneeling down in front of him, begging for mercy. He craved the bliss that the knowledge of broken countenance brought, that it was his hand that had brought about such misery. He adored the rush that the power was, of having the entire world on such mercy at his feet.
It was addicting, this feeling.
Power sang to him with the sultry promise of more, and pain was an age-old effective weapon that accompanied it.
And he had learned to wield the weapon efficiently. Each and every living being understood the universal language of pain and he had vowed to become a perfect and undisputed master in it. He had studied extensively the degree to which a conscious being could be subjected to it while still remaining relatively healthy. He had drawn invisible boundaries around which he could skirt while still keeping his victim alive. Magic had been a wondrous gift, for he could experiment endlessly while not having to replace his subjects repeatedly.
He had gathered so much knowledge and yet there had never been an issue regarding his own control. Unlike normal people, he certainly never had to think about restraint nor about any moral block that impeded his actions. But now, as he looked down upon his followers trembling still from a curse that was apparently not at all withheld in its all terrible intensity, his inner perfectionist felt irritated at the new tenuous hold of his control.
And he knew the reason as well.
How very vexing.
The yew wand twitched in warning and he tilted his head curiously in attention, upon seeing the tip of the wand glow poisonous green. Rather like the shade of elusive eyes.
Perhaps, it was better if he refrained from decimating his own army with the misplaced murderous intent.
His voice was quiet and not a single present death eater failed to hear the deceptively soft tone," It is time to end this meeting, I think."
He rose and as the death eaters bowed their foreheads to the floor, he passed through to the exit. He could almost feel the restrained eagerness in them to flee and his magic flicked like a claw, as if to drag them to his feet as he poured out his rage into them.
At the heavy doors he paused and turned without looking over his shoulder, the kneeling wizards holding their breath in unison, "Do not disturb me unless I call you."
It was an order and a threat. He hoped his followers were intelligent enough to decipher it.
Three days had passed since that dusky afternoon.
And now, he stood near at the very spot he had disapparated a week ago, waiting for his willful little creature.
It came in a swirl of green and black and no longer than the dust had settled before there was a bludgeoning hex speeding towards him.
Rage flowed through him at the sheer audacity of the creature as with a twitch of wand the hex was deflected. With the wand moving fluidly along, he had disarmed the fiery one without giving it a chance to recover. Then and only then did he let himself peruse the visual delight.
And he wondered as if the bludgeoning hex hadn't actually caught him for how breathless he suddenly seemed to be as he looked upon the angel.
The green eyes were glowing with fury and the pale cheeks were flushed, flooding it with color and life. Errant strands escaped the bound hair and framed the enchanting face in a completely riotous fashion, falling across the eyes as the creature unconsciously shook his head to clear them. So utterly, devastatingly lovely. Merely a week had gone by, and he felt as captivated as he was the first time.
This time however, there was an untamed fire in those exquisite eyes, making them blaze as brightly as the killing curse. Never had he thought that he would actually tolerate a person who would dare look at him without fear darkening their eyes.
He let the other hand hold onto a clenched wrist before casting a notice-me-not and then pocketing the wands.
"It is considered rude to greet someone with a hex first without provocation."
The little creature hissed at him, "I think it was perfectly warranted seeing how you threatened me!"
He bowed to the accusation, "I did."
The green eyes blazed as it spluttered," You infuriating, arrogant… You can't bully people into doing whatever you want!"
"I don't see why not. The method is perfectly effective in bringing me the desired result."
The pink mouth opened soundlessly; clearly the creature was so indignant that he could find no retort against the blatant acceptance of his actions.
"You can't do that! How dare…"
" Can't I? I think I can. I did, actually. Perhaps, next time you will have better sense than attempting to run away like that."
Apprehension had mostly replaced the fury in the pale features but the creature lost none of its fire," You have no right to dictate what I can or cannot do. You have absolutely no right! Do you think you can just manhandle people to your whims and get away with it? Others might let you, but I won't!"
"No? But you did, do you not?"
Internally, he felt something akin to jolt when the angry eyes filled with betrayal again.
"I did, didn't I? So foolish of me trying to find something in nothing, and being a hypocrite about it." The lovely voice was so very mournful and the Dark Lord found that he loathed it, even more so when he was apparently the cause of it.
This was not at all progressing the way he desired. He wanted to woo the little beauty into his arms irrevocably, binding it to him in such an irreversible manner that it would never want to escape the gilded cage that would be built for him and now, all his aspirations were falling like ruins of a spring past. He was perilously close to being his own downfall, and there was not a suitable reason for it except his hubris and a stuttering of previously rigorous control.
For a vulnerable moment he tried to center himself to find stability somewhere other than the glistening eyes the shade of scale of a young basilisk, preferably within his logical self so that he may resist from being utterly spellbound with this unsuspecting creature that was ignorant of its own allure.
From the very first moment he had laid eyes upon the divine creature he had wanted to possess it entirely, rather like one of his precious treasures. Thus he had confided in none the existence of this lovely being or his desire to acquire it, not from a fear of it being eyed by some other lowly person but rather more from a vicious possessiveness. But there were differences this time. When he had wanted to have something, he had only needed to find it. Never had he have to struggle endlessly to keep it. This was a strange territory he had wandered into, not including the fact that he apparently lost all his sensibility in the proximity of this seductive being.
There was to be no question of whether or not he might take this exquisite creature as his own, for he had determined, with the will of a Dark Lord ingenious and unwavering, that be it by a blood soaked path or nectar coated lure he would claim his divine little creature.
But perhaps such brash actions, characteristic of near-sighted Neanderthals, were nothing but a stain upon him, a disregard towards himself and for one so very confident of an unfaltering mental fortitude, there couldn't be a higher slur. Certainly it was the most ineffective method, even if the creature had obliged for once, he himself had not taken into account the wildness in its spirit, a wildness that could be as uncontrollable as a poorly cast fiendfyre.
Surely, he was more than proficient in persuading someone and there would be no further need of forcing out his little creature through drastic means?
As he looked down upon the exquisitely fine features, his hand flexed unconsciously and he was reminded why he had chosen to forego the polite method wrought with patience. Want was like a clawing beast baring its teeth, the rapid growls a shiver in his heart. How could he contain himself in the face of lips only slightly parted as if to tempt, invite and inevitably drown within them?
With whispered words of barely heard Latin, the darker wand left his robes to be caught by reflexive pale hands and the beautiful owner of it grasped it tightly so as not to be defenseless again.
"I came as you wanted." The creature almost choked saying the last word, its stubborn pride curling into itself out of mortification. "But that is all; I don't care for whatever you say next. I have had enough."
Spidery, long fingers fisted, sharp nails giving tiny bursts of pain that Voldemort took no notice of as he almost felt the anger draining from the creature and despair settling in.
"Don't be so impatient, lovely." The calm voice belied the utter struggle within him, even as a dark thrill went through him for he longed to entangle the restless little creature into his web, of be it lie and deceit or charm and guiles.
Green eyes looked at him warily, tiredly.
"If you think you can again threaten me and I will just go along with it, you are delusional."
"Yes, I suppose it was rather plebian of me, being so forceful about it. I am not often so disrespectful, I assure you. And yet I find I behave most uncharacteristically when around you. It is undesirable, especially when it upsets you so."
The lovely angel was looking at him, with its eyes wide open as were its soul burning bright and honest threatening to overwhelm him with its transparency, so very different from his own twisted and splintered one, so very different from his malicious and shadowy self and yet he couldn't turn away from the intensity of the glowing purity for the monster sat awaiting to devour it whole, to taint it and mark it warning away other predators from its prized one.
"No, I think it was perfectly characteristic of you."
The dark vine of a deceptive reassurance that was slithering quietly to entangle the unsuspecting prey in its trap recoiled, not having predicted such resistance, a resistance he had had no experience with in the cunning and devious Slytherin dungeons, but equally effective in its brutal honesty.
Even as he felt slightly stupefied at the unexpected reply, the little creature continued," Are you honestly going to say that you didn't mean to threaten me? That you didn't mean to say such words?"
A soft chuckle escaped Tom Riddle. And he had been wondering why he hadn't portrayed the enchanting self that swayed the general public and charmed even the most stubborn one of his peers. How could he even try to do so, when this creature was most adamant upon drawing the monster into surface, disregarding white lies effortlessly and looking at the beast into the eyes, challenging it to be denied?
He almost laughed at the sheer audacity of this bravery upon the face of awakening something that the pretty little angel would find to be rather fatal for its continued innocence.
"You think I would have indeed done something just to draw you out?"
It was a play upon its insecurity, to plant a bud of doubt that would fold its argument upon itself. And it worked beautifully.
Pale cheeks darkened from mortification and he had to resist from visiting the warmth even as he wondered if the blush would be the same should it rise from something other than embarrassment," I-I didn't know. How was I supposed to know anyway? I wasn't going to risk you going crazy just because for once in your life someone didn't follow you order without a question."
It was a shame that the creature managed to overcome the lingering sense of doubt as it righted its posture.
"You are very sure of yourself, are you not?"
But that didn't mean he would slack in his efforts from shattering every one of its certainty, so that it might have no other option but to lean on him to find even a tentative thread of reality.
"Quite incredibly sure of my personality considering we have not known each other for long."
He delighted the way the angel clenched its fist tightly and averted its eyes. Small victories. Even then he noted that there was fear in the gesture, not embarrassment. The little creature was certain of its belief regarding him and his persona, not that it was mistaken. Regardless of the fact he couldn't focus upon it at the moment, he found it really curious and mentally catalogued it for later perusal.
"And yet that doesn't stop you from treating me like you have any right to do so!"
Touché.
He did act in an unorthodox manner. He was aware of it and not all concerned because he did have the right, not that the oblivious creature was any aware of it or agree to it, hardly perceptive as it was of the peril it had found itself in, with no other place it would ultimately find itself in save the maws of a prowling beast from where there could be no escape except to accept its destiny and the Dark Lord found he had no intention to enlighten his prey of its true position.
But for now, he needed to appease the offended lovely somewhat if only to coax it back and thus he inclined his head a little, "I admit I was rather callous in my treatment of you. I had not expected to lose my cool in such a manner and to treat you so was unacceptable."
Before he could weave a tale of soothing words that were not quite apologies but charming enough to satisfy the ruffled creature, the dark haired creature crossed its arms and stated, "But you were sincere with your words."
It was incredible how the little creature was so very observant of his true nature. Sometimes it made him weary that none of his illusion would ever manage deviate the green-eyed angel, even as it filled him with a dark pleasure, a hungry satisfaction.
He smiled, truly content with his chosen," Perhaps I was braver than most in vocalizing my honest thoughts. Nevertheless, it was unnecessary to make you feel so wary and frightened even if the very presence of you apparently threatens the control my baser urges."
Red blossomed appealingly and temptingly on the smooth cheeks as the other exclaimed, "I was not frightened! You think much too highly of yourself if you think…"
The outraged words abruptly stuttered and truthfully Voldemort had paid no attention to it as he succumbed to the temptation of the blood filled silky skin and he bit the inside of his cheek to content himself with only tracing it with a deceptively gentle thumb instead of satisfying the overwhelming desire to see the blood well up to the surface.
His voice was a dark murmur, "But you were upset. Unfortunately it could not have been avoided even if I could have predicted your response; for I couldn't have stopped myself from reacting in the exact some way once again. You caught me absolutely off-guard, with your sudden declaration to leave my side and gave no explanation what so ever to your sudden change of my mind and your change in demeanor. There was no other reason I could find save for me and yet I hadn't thought I had acted so despicably in that moment to deserve your abandonment. All I had wanted was your company and you denied me. Then you denied the basic courtesy of giving me a reason before attempting to flee in such a manner. Perhaps my actions were rash and insolent, but you hardly gave me a moment to recuperate and I had to act fast before I could lose you and that was never an option. So I gave you a choice. Poorly delivered, but a choice nonetheless."
The blush hadn't receded any and the Dark Lord quite enjoyed the warmth.
Then to his much displeasure the creature moved away and averted the enthralling eyes, as nervous fingers played with the dark green cuffs of the robe," It was not a choice. You forced my hand."
"A matter of perspective." The Dark Lord replied dismissively," I can easily accuse you of being needlessly suspicious of me even going as far as leaving me so carelessly, in deliberate disregard. May I know if you would have been of the same temperament to any other in my place?"
The slim hands twisted unconsciously, wringing the fabric into every other direction, "Yes."
He hissed at the blatant impertinence, "You lie. Even if you don't want to tell the truth, do have the courtesy of not lying to my face as if I am a fool."
"No." The visage looked incredibly pale but resolute, "I would not have encouraged conversation with anyone else. For months I have lived alone, do you think my solitude I would have broken for anyone? Do you think I am doing it out of pleasure, letting myself be contented with nothing but the sounds of wind in the trees and no living being otherwise? Maybe I treated you unfairly, but a good bit better than anyone else! And for what? So that I would be threatened into doing something? I don't think so."
With a spin of cloak, the supple figure turned its back upon a ravenous, unpredictable monster. And the predator couldn't be blamed for reacting to such dismissive action.
With fluid strides, the dark Lord was upon the smaller figure and the larger shadow covered the other. He had wanted to draw back the other into his body, but instead settled for a hand to settle upon the hip with cool fingers dipping slightly enough to ignite the nerves and yet light enough not to justify apprehension.
Bending slightly, he crooned in the dainty ears of the creature, coaxing it into pliability as his magic crawled upon the other's body, touching and yet not, as his other hand travelled down to take the other's wrist in his grasp, feeling the faint pulse flutter against him, " I had thought it would be best not to overwhelm you again. But you are adamant upon shattering my control, are you not? To provoke me into such a state that I have no other choice but to act."
The slight figure almost trembled against him as he breathed in the soft fragrance of wild forest clinging to the angel's skin, so lovely was the scent that he could almost taste it. It wanted to protest against the hold as it started speaking, but he hushed it with soothing tones.
He wanted to give the creature a moment to adjust to its capture, to familiarize itself in his arms and as it began to withdraw minutely he had only to remind it of his hands by tightening his grasp a little before the creature froze so as not to invite any more touch. It was a lost cause, but he let it find shelter in its delusions.
Besides which he had wanted a moment to himself as well. For the second time he was holding his desired one much more intimately and he wished to savor such treat, surely he couldn't overindulge before the creature managed to find its scattered sense. For now however, he luxuriated in the tempting feel of the soft skin just underneath the robes, teasing him with the proximity and taunting him with the knowledge that he had had to stay his hands for the moment. He wished this could momentarily satisfy the gaping abyss inside his soul, however how could a predator be tamed by the smell of shed blood and not be expected to attack? It was cruel, to torment himself so. Being someone of higher intelligence than any other mortal creature, he prided himself on the control.
Besides this was mere appetizer, to keep his craving rousing till the end, not that there was ever any fear of it being forgotten or neglected.
"Let me go." He would have accepted it as the sharp command it was intended as, had it not been for the breathiness in the voice.
"So that you might run off again? Not likely, my lovely. It seems to be the only way to tame your skittish behavior, not that I am complaining."
"You are forcing me…"
The dark Lord interrupted the crossly protesting words," I am not forcing you, little angel, merely allowing you a moment that you wouldn't grant yourself to reconsider your words, to change your mind."
"To change my mind? How so? Why would I do that? Or do you plan to threaten me again?"
"Let's not bring up mistakes of the past so many times. Bearing in mind that we were not familiar enough with each other, there is bound to be some minor setbacks in the beginning from misconceptions and more. I would rather look forward to the future."
"What future? You are crazy if you think any future communication might ever exist between us."
"And why ever not? You have admitted to yourself of your unacceptable state of loneliness. Why force yourself to endure it?"
"I am not forcing myself to endure it! I chose it…I chose it for a reason."
"But you are not content, are you? You are not happy, but you were with me. Or would you deny that?"
"I can't… I shouldn't… "
"You let yourself worry much about inconsequential matters. For once, let your happiness be in the fore front of your mind."
"It is not inconsequential. It is important."
"So are you. Don't you think you have the right to be selfish? My methods might be unusual but you will be happy."
"You can't promise me that."
"I can promise I will try my best."
"It depends too much on mere probabilities…"
"Sometimes you need to have a little trust in life, lovely. You won't regret this."
"And if I did, would you let me go?"
Was it not fortunate that the pretty creature was faced away from him, because surely it would have recoiled at the gleam that passed the scarlet eyes, transforming them into something belonging to only an inhuman and cruel?
The quiet tone was pleasantly deceptive however, "You wouldn't ever have to make that choice."
He could almost feel the little one shudder in resignation, "You wouldn't let me, you mean. Let me go, please."
"Of course I will. We can hardly stand here for eternity. "
Contrary to the implied agreeableness in his words his hands merely readjusted their hold on his cherished one, sliding away from the hips to span widely on the curvature of its waist and back. It had the twin advantage of him exploring however advantages that were granted to him and stiffening the little squirming creature into sharp attention.
"Wh-what are you doing?"
"Making a bargain. Are you amenable to that?" Even as he murmured, he focused upon the shimmering warmth that emanated even under the layer of robes, calling away his attention as surely as would raging fire burning under his hand.
"I…" Neither of them was capable of ignoring their current state and he wished he could see the delightful response that would dance across the expressive features
"Come now, it is hardly such a tall request. "
"I won't make any deals with you."
How long would his desired one draw out his admittedly low potential for patience with its stubbornness?
"You haven't even listened to what I have to say, little angel, so presumptuous of you to form an opinion." Without having to see it, he knew his captive was flushing with mortification," A bargain in exchange of a word." The next words he whispered directly into the shying ears for emphasis," I will release you and you will promise you won't run away when I do."
"And you will be satisfied with that? Sure you don't want an unbreakable vow as well?"
He could almost feel the cringe that the creature went through after having said that. He had already experienced the rather impish nature of the little creature, especially when the sassy responses were directed towards others, and quiet enjoyed the repartee that was so very refreshing for no one would ever dare tease a Dark Lord and before that he hardly ever let anyone afford the opportunity to feel comfortable enough in his presence to partake in such. Such indulgences carried a high price for those in position of power, as quite often than not people gather enough courage from that to commit a social offense or even sometimes bear a notion of mistaken intimacy, and hence nothing but troublesome for him.
This light wit without expectation was a source of unexpected delight and it only served his desire to possess this exceptional creature.
Now however, his feisty little creature was clearly cursing its sharp retort in fear that it had granted him some ammunition. As if he would be so foolish to construct a visible cage.
His amusement showed in his voice and he didn't care enough to retract it.
"Are you offering?"
"Not really."
"Don't fret now, my angel. I have complete confidence that you would never take the coward's way out."
The non-magical and yet completely effective method, that had as of yet deterred the little creature from moving in his arms for fear of inviting even a closer embrace, was overwhelmed by the turbulent emotions in the creature as it turned to face him rather than away, and never once noticed that when it was cradled even closer. It never noticed a greedy flash twist the Dark Lord's features into something foreboding as inconspicuously the fingers dragged them just that little bit closer.
The prey remained blissfully ignorant of the web around it tightening as it hissed angrily up at him.
"I am not a coward! Don't you dare imply otherwise."
"Indeed not. Which is why, I need not bother with a magical oath to ensure your agreement. You are much too honorable to break your word once you have given it, are you not?"
"I suppose not." The pouty lips pursed mutinously and he could feel his control dangle in a tenterhook.
"You will not try to leave if I let you go now."
"No, I won't."
"You will never try to run away from me again." And perhaps his rapidly paling composure against the tempting proximity was a harsh realization that he had overestimated his ability to remain nonchalant with the luscious being offered so innocently.
Lovely eyes widened as they realized their unexpected position and his finger tips pressed a little deeper in warning.
The little creature swallowed its trepidation as it tried to gather its bearing against this sudden assault, "I…"
"You will accept me into your life unconditionally and won't object otherwise." Even as he harshly spoke them, he knew he was demanding much too fast. There was no other choice however. The monster was so very close to the surface, prowling in dissatisfaction and as his finger tips gave a minute caress, he was well aware of the retracted claws that were present waiting to be unsheathed.
The creature seemed startled, he couldn't fault for it to be cautious "Wh-what are you..." It made to step back in dissent, but there was no escape.
Small hands clutched the front of his robes to push him away or keep from falling apart in seams as the distraught visage seemed to be, and the Dark Lord swallowed to keep the blood thirst from blinding him.
Green eyes, green as morning dewy ferns, looked up at him beseechingly and he fell into the enchantment willingly.
"That wasn't part of the bargain."
His voice softened at the pleading tone of his lovely one," I know. I wouldn't have to if you were not so stubborn, dear one. If you were not so insistent upon wallowing in this misery. I don't know how long you have had to live like this, but I can't abide to let you endure like that anymore."
"There is really no need…"
"And you keep on protesting on as if you really are so very opposed to it. Your words may say something, my lovely, but your eyes are much too open." He gave a caress to the wrist he had been holding on lightly," Your heart beats much too fervently to attest to your denial. What are you afraid of? Say yes to me and you will want for nothing. Grief you will never mar your lovely face and you will not want for company. Accept it and I will pour the world at your feet."
The grip tightened on his robes before relaxing and the creature looked away, unruly dark hair falling away and covering the turned face loyally," It is not that simple, to abandon everything like that."
"Then make me understand, why you must bear all alone. Why you can't accept a simple request for companionship and why you must shy away from even little of my attentions."
The little creature made his gaze, unabashedly scouring his face for any hint of mockery," You won't understand."
"Let us leave that decision for me to make, shall we?"
And then there was an uncertain nod, but it felt like the first taste of victory to him.
"But perhaps we should retire to a different setting for this conversation."
At that the other jumped slightly, looking about the Ridge with an embarrassed countenance and he couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't worry. I already warded against any curious ones or eavesdroppers."
"I know that!" The creature snapped in annoyance and then muttered," Still, it is embarrassing."
"Don't try to put it off now."
And with a lingering, unwilling last touch, he let the enticing being step away.
Hesitantly the creature led him away from the vicinity of shops, apprehension clear in the face that occasionally looked back at him to confirm his presence, over a small bridge into a scarcely populated area. They turned sharply instead of following the obviously taken road, into a place generously dotted with Willows and birches.
Standing at the edge that announced the starting of a denser fauna, the creature was clearly indecisive and he decided that he had been the follower long enough and thus touched it at the junction of elbow to prompt a hurried response.
Thistles snapped beneath their feet and occasionally they had to shoot petrification spells at bold, finicky junipers, mountain shrubs that get annoyed upon being trespassed and in revenge try to tear everything of the intruder with their thorns, but slowly they steered even farther from any trails and the Dark Lord could physically feel the increasing agitation his companion was slowly experiencing due to their growing distance from civilization.
Hands nervously chased the swaying edges of their robes and finally the fidgety being started to grumble to itself, chastising itself for its easy compliance to someone who had hardly met with it in sum three times.
"This is ridiculous." The creature finally lost its tolerance and turned to face the contemplative Dark Lord," We don't even know each other!"
He smiled, completely in contrast with the agitated being and his smile widened when he saw how cross his companion seemed to be upon seeing his utterly unruffled countenance," We will be working on correcting that. Everything has a beginning, dear one. Don't be so impatient."
His words seemed to have roused the other into a higher level or irritation and the pouty creature crossed its arms," I am not… impatient in knowing anything. Be it you or even your name."
A name. How unexpected.
Name was a form of identification he was rather loathe to attach to this creature, as if to attest a false promise in order to place a veil of denial over its true heritage, to draw away attention from its exotic reality and force it into a mediocrity- certainly not fit for this precious stone- in the hope that the brilliance it shone with would be dulled it into a mere glaze.
Truthfully, he had not thought about the fact his little creature might have name. A name would imply that there are others of its species and it had to be distinguished from others. A name would imply that there was another form of identification for his creature and he was indeed very reluctant to act upon this knowledge, for he hadn't thought of this lovely being as anything else than something that would be soon his and there would have been no need to address with any crutches.
But then, he mused, perhaps he was just skirting around the core of the matter. For truthfully, he hadn't seen this being as more than a creature, certainly rather cherished and coveted and one that he would possess entirely for his own, a future that would be undeniable and unavoidable regardless of how much the pretty one protested, but a creature nonetheless. He hadn't certainly named any of his treasured assets, which he valued more than any living being for that matter and a name didn't alter their incredible value, not just monetary ones either. He laid very little interest in expensive items, but rather rare objects that caught his eye through their inherent singularity.
Why would anyone feel required to name any belonging of theirs?
But then, he thought, people do tend to name their pets with an enthusiasm as they adored them and besides which, he never had before claimed something which had a consciousness not imparted by him.
Unfortunately, no matter how perceptive his creature seemed to be and how very delightfully receptive even with layers of denial hiding it underneath, it would never appreciate how he really perceived it as. Nothing more than a possession to be owned and claimed. Besides which, it was only good manners.
It presented a dilemma however.
How should he introduce himself as? Certainly Tom Riddle was something that was loathed too deeply and forsaken so gleefully to be uttered by the tempting rosy lips of his angel. He had gone to great lengths to erase that part of his life and now, save a shrewd headmaster no one would ever speak of that name without forfeiting their life to him. He had crafted a new identity to himself, one that would be revered across the Wizarding world, one that would be in equal parts feared to such an extent that people would recoil from hearing it, much less uttering it.
And for such precise reason he couldn't bring himself to have the sweet mouth of his angel speak of a name that would be soon be covered with blood and terror.
Names had power and his couldn't handle such conflicting responsibilities. However, there was one other option that he felt quite ambiguous about but was neutral enough to satisfy the criteria.
"It seems I have been remiss in my manners. Let me correct them. It is a true pleasure making your acquaintance , my angel."
And he made his decision.
"Please call me Marvolo."
A/N: Please Please Please let it not be horrible!
I wanted to address those who so kindly left me sweet reviews. Thank you to all. Its just I like to personally acknowledge the readers, which is a little bit difficult to do here without pming and that will be too forward. Writing here in author's notes is a bit difficult, so.. please do not think your efforts were ignored.
To MidnightRaineStorm- Thank you for giving such a rare comment, since I understood you don't normally do it and I am really grateful for that.
Now then, about the story.. I am not going to explain everything of my story, not because I am being lazy or anything. Its just I feel te story should have the capability to make people understand without me giving side line notes. I hope my story does have that potential. Everything that perhaps is confusing, do ask and I will try my best to explain their reasoning.
Hope you enjoyed the story!
