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 the review. This chapter will answer some questions regarding Robert. As for Joffrey, I don't want to reveal too much but he will appear in later chapters. And Tyrion meeting Crookshanks is a good idea, I haven't thought about that. Thanks again ;)
The Serpent and the Lion
~Chapter 3: The Dark Mark~
It was late at night as a tall cloaked figure entered her bedchamber, a shadow moving gracefully in the dark. His gleaming red eyes scanned the room, searching for his target, his prey. The Dark Lord could see everything clearly as if his surroundings were flooded with the brightest sunlight. His ability to use night-vision always served him finally found her sleeping form covered by heavy blankets. Her eyes were closed, her breathing was steady and slow, assuring him that the young woman was fast asleep. He took a few steps forward and carefully sat next to her. His skeletal hand reached out, pausing in the air, his claw-like fingers hovering dangerously above her throat, as if to be about to strangle her. His white fingers were almost touching her skin as he was calmly contemplating his urge to kill her. But he quickly decided against that. Spilling her pure blood would be such a waste. Yes, she had defied him this day. Those fiery eyes of hers never leaving his, unwavering and unyielding. It had been this one crucial moment where he had truly wanted to kill her.
But those eyes...
He couldn't help but admire her strength, her stubbornness. Even in the face of death. It was this one moment where he came to a final decision. She would live. And not just that. There was this longing feeling inside him. He didn't quite understand it himself but he wanted her. To own her, to possess her, to make her his.
She would prove to be an interesting challenge, he could already foresee that. Her foolish pride as a Lannister would interfere with his plans, complicate them. Voldemort could see the influence her father held over her and knew it would be difficult to break these strong family bonds. But he welcomed this challenge, he was looking forward to it.
His Death Eaters were no longer enough to entertain him. They shivered in fear, falling on their knees, averting his gaze to hide their own weakness. He still played his games with them, testing the boundaries of their anguish and how far their dedication really went. But he soon grew tired of them. Just like his prisoners rotting in the dungeons. They could only provide a few minutes of satisfaction, never lasting long. Like toys they were too easily broken. No one dared to challenge him, except his enemies. Except her.
Nothing would please him more than to see that fiery green wildfire leaving her eyes. To watch her succumb and finally surrender to him. He placed his cold palm on her cheek, feeling the warmth of her soft skin. A shiver of excitement went through him, just at the thought of all the the numerous possibilities playing inside his mind. The things he would do to her, the ways he could harm and torture her.
A soft whisper left his thin lips, words hissed in Parseltongue. "Sweet dreams, my dear Cersei."
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Darkness... without earth or sky. The darkness engulfed her. It was deeper than the depths of night. Yet far off in that blackness there was a reddish glare. A pair of crimson eyes. His eyes. Even at this distance, she could see his eyes watching her in silent anticipation as a huge green serpent slowly emerged from the shadows. It was his familiar. His snake.
It coiled upwards, spiralled around her legs, moving closer and closer. And all Cersei could do was stare. Why couldn't she move? Save herself and run away? His snake would surely kill her. It would bite her with its poisoned fangs. Eat her alive. But she just stood there frozen in place, paralysed.
There was nowhere to run. No way to fight.
The fear roiling inside her felt as if it might burst through her skin. Only then did she realize she was naked. She gasped in horror as the snake bit into her soft flesh, drops of warm red blood running down her legs. The more she struggled, the more the snake twisted around her body, tightening her hold. She heard her heartbeat surge in her ears. With every passing second, it became harder and harder to breathe. It felt like all her blood in her body was flowing backward. She was dizzy and sick with the knowledge that she was about to die. Cersei wanted to scream but no sound escaped her lips.
Out of nowhere a hand appeared, shaking her by the shoulder. "My lady, my lady!"
Cersei shot up in bed, cold sweat beaded at her temples and stung her eyes. She blinked a few times, still afraid that the hand might be a part of her nightmare but it was just a house elf standing beside her bed with a worried expression on its face, big grey eyes staring down at her. "Tabby heard my lady screaming. Is M'lady alright?"
Where am I? Where is Jaime? My twin should be the one to wake me. Not this disgusting elf! She thought angrily.
The bedchamber was dark, thick curtains blocked the light. Beautiful tapestries with interlaced ornaments covered the walls and the rich furniture hinted at the unmistakable sign of the Malfoy family's wealth. Her body felt heavy and tired. When she lifted her hands to push back her sleep-tousled hair, she felt resistance as if moving through thick liquid. Goose bumps crawled across her flesh, but she ignored the sudden chill. "I don't need your help, elf. Leave me alone!", she said, her voice loud and filled with anger.
But the elf just stood there like a statue, little hands holding on to its dirty rags and shaking its head. "Tabby is not allowed to leave my lady's side. Tabby must help M'lady prepare for the great ceremony for the Dark Master."
The young woman sighed. She disliked house elves and preferred her personal hand-maidens to help her with everything. But this was Malfoy Manor and not Casterly Rock. She had to adapt to the circumstances staying in another environment.
"Tell me, elf. Do you have potions for Dreamless Sleep?", she asked the creature and already missed Grand Maester Pycelle. The old man in father's service was slow and forgetful but at least he had all the potions she wanted or needed at hand.
The little elf gave her an apologetic look . "Tabby knows Master has all the potions. But Tabby is not allowed to give it to my lady. Tabby is so very, very sorry."
Seven hells, this elf is completely useless!
"Bring me my bedrobe, then." Cersei demanded, standing up and feeling the blue robe slip over her shoulders, covering her nakedness.
The woman made her way to the small bath room, the soles of her bare feet slapped softly against the cold surface of the black tiled floor. A look into the mirror assured her that she hadn't changed at all. Her curly golden hair was still long and lustrous, her skin still smooth and perfect. Her robe glided to the ground as she stepped into the shower. Hot water washed over her, cleansing her, the stiffness and fatigue slowly leaving her body. The fragrance of lavender and honeyed perfume filled the steamy air. She inhaled deeply to savour the sweet scents.
It was only a dream. Nothing more, nothing less. It has no meaning. She told herself despite the feeling of mental and physical exhaustion. As if this nightmare had somehow drained all her energies.
The blond woman left the bath with a towel wrapped around her slender body and was greeted by a man, she had least expected to meet here.
"My sweet lady, I am so pleased to see you." Varys gushed.
"Lord Varys, you startled me. From which tiny hole have you emerged from?"
The Spider stood at the window, daylight behind his back, the smell of lilacs surrounding him. He was dressed in extravagant robes of dark-green brocade, giving her a soft smile. "Please forgive my intrusion, my lady. I've used the secret passageways beneath these grounds to get to you. I had to take this precaution, your lord father insisted that no one shall eavesdrop on our conversation."
She looked around, hoping to discover a hidden door but found nothing. "I wonder, if you could show me this secret passage by any chance? Just in case I might need it."
"Ah, it truly grieves me to say, but I can't, my lady. The knowledge of these secrets has passed from one whisperer to the next and revealing my precious secrets to you...", he shrugged, showing her a sad smile "Well, let me say the day I lose my secrets and with it my usefulness, will be the day I lose my head. And who would mourn poor Varys then?"
Cersei shot him a cold glare. "I should have known you wouldn't give away your dirty little secrets. But enough of this. Tell me, why has my father send you?"
The bald man's soft features changed to a solemn expression, his voice thin and sharp now. "I will not keep you long. That little elf will be back soon and it's best that no one shall see us speaking in private. I have to warn you to remain cautious while staying here. Everyone knows the Dark Lord is utterly without mercy. One wrong move or one wrong word and you might find yourself in one of his dreadful prison cells."
"I'm aware of it, Lord Varys. I've already experienced the Dark Lord's anger myself, I will be careful." She assured him.
The eunuch spread his powdered hands. "I pray to the seven gods that you are, my lady. Your twin-brother is very worried about you. As is your father, although he doesn't seem to show it openly. Nevertheless, the council is very pleased that you succeeded to form the alliance with the Dark Lord. Your father asks you to stay at Voldemort's side from now on. Gain his trust and confidence and we shall have a valuable source inside his inner circle."
Cersei knew what this meant. She would stay at Malfoy Manor, serve the Dark Lord and bide her time. A simple strategy but still a very effective one. It wouldn't help her to struggle against him. She would play the role of the obedient captive and face the Dark Lord with her chin held high. A lioness must show no fear. She gave him a thin smile. "You make it sound so easy but it's a difficult task. Voldemort is not someone you can fool so easily."
A wicked smile played around his lips. "Indeed, but I'm sure you do know certain ways to persuade our dark wizard to trust you, do you not? And have no fear, my lady. If the situation should get perilous, I can still arrange a plan to keep you out of harm's way."
"Then let us hope that I don't fail. To tell you truly, I don't want to rely on you, Varys. I don't trust you." She said dryly.
Varys looked hurt. "So sad, you wound my feelings, sweet lady. Why is it that no one seems to trust the Spider?"
Because the day I trust you will be the day I dig my own grave. She thought grimly, giving him a wary smile. "These are dangerous times. Surely you understand this."
He bowed deeply. "Indeed, I do. You are very wise, my lady. My birds will whisper to me and I shall assist you in any possible way I can. We will meet again soon."
I don't doubt that. In other words you're just spying on me under the orders of my dear father, watching and reporting my progress to him.
The spymaster turned to leave but stopped, giving her one last glance. "Ah, I almost forgot. You asked for Dreamless Sleep potion. I will take a few bottles with me the next time I come here."
Cersei was speechless. "How did you know? You weren't here."
"Knowledge is my trade. But may I inquire why you need these potions?" he asked her.
"Bad dreams, Lord Varys. Bad dreams." she murmured.
He bowed again. "I see. Farewell, my lady." The man walked through the wall, his body vanishing into thin air. Then just a few minutes later there was a loud crack. The annoying elf Apparated and had returned to her again. The creature brought her a polished silver bracelet. It had the shape of a small snake, coiling around her arm.
"A gift from the Master. Mistress must wear it for the ceremony." The elf insisted.
The metal clasp made a soft clicking sound as the bracelet closed around her wrist. She eyed Voldemort's gift suspiciously. It reminded her of that strange nightmare and she didn't like that gut feeling, sensing that there had to be a connection between her dream and the Dark Lord.
She tried to push her feelings to the back of her mind and found distraction while choosing her dress for this special evening. Tabby helped her into her gown. It was shimmering satin in the colours of House Lannister, burgundy red and gold, and an intricate black lace above the bodice. The gown was costly but Cersei knew that a lady of her House should look her best at all times. She fixed her long blond hair herself and told the elf to get her escort.
One of Voldemort's followers opened the door and introduced himself as Serverus Snape. The man wore the familiar black robes of a Death Eater. His black hair was greasy, a hooked nose prominent on his facial features."Ah, the Potions Professor from Hogwarts. And the Dark Lord's spy.", she added unimpressed.
Snape gave her a stiff bow, his black eyes regarding her with mild curiosity. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, my lady. I hope your son decides to attend our school of witchcraft and wizardry. Hogwarts would feel honoured to welcome such a promising student from one of the great houses."
Cersei frowned. "My son will stay at Casterly Rock, Professor. It is the wish of my father Tywin to tutor Joffrey himself."
"Such a pity.", Snape sneered in a cool tone, taking a quick step to lead the way in front of her. Soon she would be a Death Eater herself and it left her with a feeling of insecurity. What would it be like to be his Death Eater? And how would it change and affect her future life? Or the life of her family?
Would Lord Voldemort give her the permission to return to her family? Would she see her brother Jaime again? Or her son Joff? Would he send her on missions like his other servants or would he keep her close? All these questions were swirling in her thoughts, never leaving her mind completely.
'I shall make you mine.' His words from their last encounter still haunted her. His Dark Mark would be a symbol of his ownership over her. She wondered if it was possible to remove this mark. There must be a way. And I will find a way. The only symbol I shall choose is a lion, not a snake.
After walking through a large hall they entered a ballroom. She liked the interior design of the room. It was decorated with exquisite victorian furniture and a dark red carpet on the marble floor. Many candles offered light and warmth and Cersei's eyes needed a moment to adjust to the dimness. She saw black-cloaked figures entering the room from both sides. Narcissa Malfoy approached her, greeting her with a weak smile. "Lady Cersei, I hope your chambers met your satisfaction."
Cersei inclined her head. "Yes, Lady Narcissa, thank you for your hospitality."
The room was crowded with Death Eaters now. A tall woman with thick, black hair turned to her, red lips curling to a mocking smile.
Cersei eyed the witch and asked, "Who is this woman, Narcissa?"
"My sister, Bellatrix Lestrange.", Lucius' wife replied.
"Lovely, I'm under the impression that your sister doesn't seem to like me." She observed dryly, allowing herself the faintest of smiles.
"Bella rates you as a new potential rival. She fears the Dark Lord might favour you more than her."
"Is that so?" A poisonous sweetness crept into Cersei's tone. "Please tell your sister I have no intention to steal her precious Lord away. Besides, it is known that the Dark Lord is only interested in influence and power, not women."
The other woman grimaced, her face looking pale in the shining candlelight, almost as white as a ghost's. "I fear, my sister is obsessed with our Master. She loves him with an unrivalled passion but I doubt he will ever return her feelings."
Cersei's eyes narrowed. She remembered how it felt like to love someone who didn't love you in return. In her case she had once loved Rhaegar Targaryen. A true prince, one of the last Targaryens with the blood of old Valyria flowing through his veins. The blood of dragons. Images came back to her mind, as if it had happened only yesterday. Prince Rhaegar playing his harp with his elegant fingers, her eyes drowning in his radiant violet eyes. His song was so sad it had brought tears to her eyes.
Months later she heard her father's promise that she would one day marry the prince and become his wife. He was the one and only for her. They were destined to be together. Compared to his otherworldly beauty even her handsome twin Jaime had looked like a mere boy. But then the unbidden memories resurfaced in her inner mind.
A broken promise. Rhaegar marrying another woman, Elia of House Martell. And she was forced to marry Robert Baratheon to unite their two Houses, Lannister and Baratheon. Again one of her father's choices. And it was cruel fate that her husband was the one to slay Rhaegar Targaryen during the rebellion against the dragons. She had never forgiven Robert to rob her of her sweet prince. The love of her life. It was only a cold comfort that she had killed Robert in the end, avenging Rhaegar's death. Robert was known to be a drunk and Cersei thought it only fitting to murder him with poisoned wine.
I would have killed Robert a thousand times, over and over again, just to bring you back to me, my love. She knew, she would never love a man like Rhaegar again. The day he left her was the day she lost her love.
Love... how she despised this feeling. She couldn't help but feel pity for Narcissa's sister because she could somehow relate to her, understand her feelings.
"Such a poor thing. Love is a sweet poison. And in the end it will kill you all the same." She murmured.
The other woman nodded and they both fell silent as the Dark Lord himself appeared, descending the stairs from above. His loyal Death Eaters were forming a circle in the centre of the ball room. Every face concealed behind a white snake-like mask. As Voldemort entered the circle, his followers approached him on their knees, kissing the hem of his dark robe.
Cersei thought she saw a look of delight on his serpentine features. The Dark Lord must relish the feeling to be worshipped like a deity.
Voldemort began a captivating speech, speaking passionately about loyalty, devotion, the conquest of Magical Britain and the restoration of the Wizarding world to pure-bloods. During his whole speech she felt his scarlet cat-like eyes upon her. Her green eyes met his, never breaking the eye-contact. No hood concealed his features and for the first time she could see his face clearly. His nose was flat as the nose of a snake, with reptilian slits as nostrils The head was bald and hairless, his skin white as bone, almost translucent.
She couldn't help but feel a strange fascination as she watched him, his dark magic pulsing around him, emanating his coldness.
The speech was over and he waved her closer. "Come forward, Cersei."
The blond-haired woman felt a chill and recognized what she felt as the chill of anticipation. Voldemort tilted his head and waited for her, his wand twirling in his long fingers. She carried her head high as she moved through the Death Eater's circle. When she reached their Master, she smoothly sank to one knee, inclining her head ever so slightly in deference to Lord Voldemort.
It costed her quite an effort to submit to him in this way, in front of all his Death Eaters. She didn't look up but she knew that he was probably smiling triumphantly as he purred, "Good, my dear. But this is not enough."
She grimaced, taking the hem of his robe in her hands and kissing it. Oh, seven gods, how she hated this! And how she hated him! She was glad that he couldn't see her face now, contorted by her anger.
I'm playing my role to gain his trust and approval but I will never lose my pride as a Lannister. She reminded herself.
"Rise, my dear." His voice a sibilant hiss.
Cersei stood up, her emerald eyes looking up to him.
The Dark Lord lifted her chin with his pale hand, his gaze studying her thoughtfully. "I was certain you would try to resist me today, Cersei. As much as your submission pleases me I'm still curious, what has changed your mind?"
He had probably sensed her reluctance and she knew he was a skilled Legilimens, feeling him now inside her head, probing her mind, trying to read her thoughts.
Calm yourself. She thought, clearing her mind of all emotions that could betray her.
"A lion knows when the right time comes to fight. And this isn't the right time, my lord." she answered truthfully.
He chuckled quietly, seemingly satisfied with her answer and went on. "I hope you have enjoyed my dream last night. I've conjured a special one, just for you."
Cersei had suspected it. The Dark Lord was the source of her nightmare. He even haunts me in my dreams. "I remember your dream vividly. You're the only one who can instil this fear in my heart, my lord." she admitted, catching a strange glimmer in eyes.
His spidery fingers began to caress her cheek now, as he announced. "Tonight I will mark you as my own. You will become my Death Eater, my loyal servant. You will now pledge your loyalty to me and swear to serve me, to obey me, to lay down your life for me if I should wish for it. Swear it!"
Cersei knew there was no turning back now and nodded.. "I pledge my loyalty to you, and only you, my lord. From this day forth my life belongs to you." Just saying these words left a bitter taste in her mouth. It felt almost like admitting defeat. Her only comfort was that one day, she would pay him back. I shall never forget this, my lord. One day you shall be the one to crawl at my feet. A Lannister pays his debts. Always.
She carefully guarded her thoughts as she saw his scarlet eyes glowing in the dim light, an expression of greed on his snake-like face. "Hold out your left arm, my dear."
She did as she was told. His hand held her wrist firmly, his other hand pushing up her sleeve. "This might hurt... a little." The tip of his yew wand pressed against the sensitive flesh of her forearm. She had to fight the sudden instinct to move her arm away, trying to stay as calm as possible. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she felt his magic burning into her skin like fire, the air pulsing and sizzling around her with his dark energy.
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Green fire seared her soft white skin, burning his Dark Mark into her arm. Voldemort looked at her possessively. She had accepted his Mark, his right of ownership over her. It was one of his first small victories and it wouldn't be the last. Even during this magical act, he couldn't help but admire her strength. His other Death Eaters always used to scream in pain while they received the Mark but she was remarkably calm. Only a brief flinch as she felt the sudden pain but nothing more.
Cersei Lannister. Now you belong to me, not your family. Me. You are mine. He thought, smiling in cruel satisfaction.
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It was done. Her eyes stared down at the vivid red tattoo on her arm. A skull with a snake protruding from its mouth. The Dark Mark. It was an awkward sensation on her skin. Warm and tickling, the burning pain slowly subsiding. The Dark Lord leaned down, whispering in her ear. "You're mine now, Cersei. Are you not?"
She instantly shivered, as she felt the cold skin of his cheek lightly touching her own. "I am, my lord.", she assured him.
Lord Voldemort took her arm, presenting the Dark Mark to his followers. "Tonight we welcome a new Death Eater in our circle, Cersei Lannister. She has sworn her loyalty to me and in return I granted her the honour to receive my Mark. I'm sure she will prove herself useful to us."
She felt the eyes of all his servants on her. Some seemed curious, others respectful but she also saw expressions of mistrust and disdain. Especially Bellatrix Lestrange. The dark witch sneered at her, not hiding her obvious contempt for her master's new recruit.
Stupid woman. Give me that look again and I shall have your tongue ripped out with hot pincers. She thought and turned to her new master, giving him a soft smile. "My lord, with your permission I'd like to go outside for a moment. I think I need some fresh air."
Red eyes studied her face curiously, his mind searching her feelings. Is he thinking I'm going to run? Even if I tried he would find me. His Dark Mark binds me to him. He finally nodded. "Yes, you may go, my dear. But don't take too long. We have much to discuss."
Cersei bowed and went to the next room, finding a balcony. She stepped outside, breathing in the cold air and watching the distant stars in the clear nightsky. The sound of approaching footsteps made her shiver. Was it Lord Voldemort? She didn't want to know and suddenly felt strong arms sliding around her, embracing her body from behind, holding her close.
"Here you are. I've feared I'll never find you in this damn Manor. This thing is like a Maze." That was Jaime's voice. But how could it be?
Her eyes went wide as she turned her head to look at him. Jaime wore a crimson leather coat and high black boots, his blond hair looking dark in the moonlight. "Jaime? What in seven blazing hells are you doing here? Have you lost your mind?"
His head rested on her shoulder as he breathed in her ear. "Why, I'm rescuing the damsel in distress. Isn't that obvious?"
She couldn't believe that he was so reckless again. She gazed at him, a blank look on her face. "This is folly! I can't believe you did that. Do you know where you are? This Manor is crowded with Death Eaters. What if someone sees us?"
He touched her face, placing a light kiss on her cheek. "Ssh, calm down, sister. No one is here. What are you worrying about?"
"If he finds us, the Dark Lord...", she grimaced, "He might kill you."
"Not when I kill him first. I haven't killed a snake yet, I should add that to my list." he said in a casual tone, seemingly unimpressed and went on. "No one shall stand between us. I don't care if it's an army of Death Eaters or the great Lord Voldemort himself. I will kill them. I will kill every single one of them until you and I are the only ones left in this world."
"You're crazy." She whispered.
Her brother just smiled at her. "I'm in love."
Cersei frowned. "I call it madness and stupidity."
Her twin kissed her again, silencing her complaints. "Please don't talk like that.", he murmured between kisses, "You sound like father again."
She pulled away. "Jaime, please. Not here."
He wanted to touch her cheek but Cersei recoiled from his hand. "Don't be stupid. How did you even get here? This Manor is protected by a Barrier Curse."
"Ah, that. I've convinced Varys to show me the way. He was very eager to offer his assistance after I 've pointed my sword at his throat."
"You should get back to that secret passageway. It's too dangerous if you stay here." She told him, hoping he would listen to her.
"I'll only go if you come with me. I won't leave without you." he insisted.
She shook her head, removing her sleeve and revealing the Dark Mark. "I can't. He marked me. Wherever I go he will find me."
For a moment he just stood there, staring at the tattoo, his voice a fierce whisper. "Where is he? I swear by the gods I will kill him."
"Jaime, you have to go back. Think about my son. Joffrey needs you." she urged, hoping he would listen to reason.
"Our son, you mean. He may have Robert's name but he's still my son. I tell you, Joffrey is fine, sister. He's hunting house-elves with his new crossbow."
She gave him a displeased look. "You can't let Joff play with a crossbow. It's too dangerous!"
But her brother smirked. "Dangerous for Joffrey? Or the elves?"
"That's not funny." she said, turning away but his hand snapped out and seized her wrist, not letting her go.
"Come with me." he demanded and before Cersei could reply anything, she heard a familiar cold hiss behind her.
"Your sister will stay here. She's mine."
Her twin glared at the two men. Voldemort and Lucius Malfoy stood at the entrance of the balcony, now blocking their path.
Jaime smiled, drawing his sword."Look what we have here. The snakes have come out to play."