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 again for reviewing, Sonia605, it's much appreciated :) The Starks will appear in the upcoming chapters. Winter is definitely coming. I think the Tyrells are interested to get their hands on Hogwarts teachers because they are skilled wizards. Yes, the King's Guard is disbanded but we will see King's Landing in a later chapter. And you're right, Selmy is with Dany right now. The following chapters will hopefully answer some questions, I don't want to reveal too much. Once again, thank you for reading & reviewing :)


The Serpent and the Lion

~Chapter 8: Into the lion's lair~

Silence fell in the great meeting room. Harry was certain all eyes were staring at him. Had he done the right thing? Or had his decision been too rash?

Lord Stannis Baratheon had Melisandre's support. She believed in him and claimed he was the Chosen One, Azor Ahai reborn.

And yet, Harry saw the doubt in the faces of the Tyrell and Martell family members. He had his own doubts as well. In the end there had been no other way. The Lord of Dragonstone had cornered him, he had forced him to give his answer. And with his refusal to follow him and to hand over the leadership of the Order of the Phoenix Harry had gained a new foe. It was probably very amusing in Tyrion's eyes but to Harry it wasn't funny at all. On the contrary, he now had this bad feeling to be trapped inside a small box. All walls were moving closer, narrowing the space and slowly tightening around him. There was no escape. No way out and no turning back now.

Ocean blue eyes pierced into his and he found himself powerless to look away.

"You cannot hide your insecurity, boy. You are too young, you lack experience and you are still too green to defeat me. But a king shall not be without mercy. I will grant you time to think this over. The rest is up to you." Stannis offered through gritted teeth, obviously not liking the idea of providing him time for consideration.

"Mercy... Mercy is an unknown concept to him, Harry." Tyrion whispered chilly, sitting in a chair next to him.

Harry gulped. "I don't need time to think this over, Lord Stannis. I've made up my mind."

The other Lord glowered at the young wizard. "As you wish, Potter. May R'hllor have mercy on your soul, for I shall show you none." He shot him one last angry glance and turned around, leaving the room, his steps creaking loudly on the old parquet floor.

The red sorceress didn't accompany him. Instead she chose to remain here, her scarlet eyes shining in a strange light. "His Grace was sure you would join his cause although I have told him you would decline his proposal."

"Yeah, your lord must be very disappointed. I guess he can't wait to kill me." Harry said in a flat tone, feeling Melisandre's heat enveloping his body like a thick blanket. It felt similar to this burning fire which had surrounded him before. This magical heat which had engulfed him in his dream.

Melisandre's red lips curled into a smile. "Threatening to kill you should not let you fear him. His unspoken threats are the ones you should dread. Trust me, I think he has taken a liking to you."

The boy gave her a weak smile. "He's got an odd way of showing this."

"His Grace is a very complex man, Harry. In time I hope you will learn to understand each other. You must realize there is no need for bloodshed. No one needs to die. After all we share a common goal and it is of great significance to work together in this upcoming war. To fight and stand together against the darkness. Believe me, we have to act quickly until it is too late for all of us."

"I have no objections to fight You-Know-Who with Lord Stannis' aid. But it's impossible to negotiate an alliance, not on these terms." Harry made clear while Remus Lupin and his godfather Sirius Black nodded in agreement.

Unlike her lord Melisandre stayed perfectly composed. There was no visible emotion betraying her thoughts and feelings. "You will change your mind, Harry. I promise you, you will." She assured him knowingly, her voice calm and a small smile playing on her lips.

Had she been able to see glimpses of his future again? He felt his curiosity growing and had intended to ask her if she had seen new visions, yet her body started to dissipate like smoulder being blown away by wind. There was this feeling of a warm breeze brushing against his skin as he saw her physical form dissolving into nothingness. The red sorceress had left them, and with her this air of anxiety which had filled this room just moments earlier had vanished too.

The old lady Olenna Tyrell coughed and waggled a silken tissue although there was no smoke to be seen anymore. "A red priestess from Asshai. I tell you, they are troublesome folk. Chanting 'Red God here. Red God there. Foul darkness begone!'". She sighed heavily, "This woman must have put this ridiculous idea into his head... King Stannis...", and she snorted, "Gods be good, if we really need a new king, it should be his younger brother Renly Baratheon. At least he looks the part."

Oberyn Martell's black eyes turned to thin slits. "Renly spends all his time in Highgarden. He is much more a rose than a stag now, my lady. A comely pawn for you, should he choose to claim the throne, I would say."

"I do not know what you are implying, snake. No one, neither my son nor me have manipulated this young man or have forced him to stay at our castle. Lord Renly loves Highgarden with all his heart. Everyone knows that." The old Tyrell lady explained.

"Renly loves his costly clothing and worships his reflection in the mirror. Everyone knows that." Tyrion corrected her with a mocking smile and continued. "If you all really want a new king so badly, then by all means my sweet nephew Joffrey will be more than happy to ascend the iron throne. He is Robert Baratheon's son, in case you might have forgotten that tiny little fact."

Harry could see the Dornishman's mouth twisting as he spoke to Tyrion. "Oh yes, dwarf. Was this not one of your father's plans all along? Imagine this constellation: Joffrey a king and Lord Tywin acting as Hand of the King. And what a strange coincidence that all members of the King's old council are now serving at the Lannister council. I must admit it is a well-thought-out master plan. After all this time of waiting and scheming the Lannister rule would finally be complete, do you not agree?"

The prince gave him a challenging look but Tyrion only frowned and shook his head. "My prince, please. You're describing my worst nightmare there. Surely I won't find any sleep today." The small lord replied in a dry tone, shaking exaggeratedly as if this prospect truly scared him.

"Speaking of your dear family, there is something of great importance we should discuss", Oberyn Martell eyed him like a viper would stare at its victim, a menacing glint in his dark eyes, "Pray tell me, when will justice be served?"

Harry was glad Lord Martell's eyes were not directed at him. For a moment this man's gaze reminded him of Voldemort's cold stare and it sent shivers down his spine. Tyrion gave no hint of being intimidated by the Dornish Prince. He glanced at Sirius Black, waving his small hand lazily. "When will it be served? A good question, my prince. Someone should ask the waitress."

"We don't have a waitress here. Only a house-elf. Kreacher is his name." Sirius said, an amused expression on his face.

The dwarf shrugged. "Ask Kreacher, then."

The Dornish Prince balled his fists, anger seeping into his voice. "Imp, do not dare to joke about this matter or I swear to you, I shall cut off that sharp tongue of yours!"

"My tongue? Why not my nose or my feet? Where is the creativity these days? At least someone once announced to cut off my manhood and feed it to the goats. See, even the hill tribes have more imagination than you, my lord." Tyrion winked at Bronn who grinned in return.

"That can be arranged. Alas, I fear, judging by your small size the goats will not have much to eat." The Red Viper mused cooly.

Harry had this gut feeling the Martell lord was seeking a confrontation with his friend. He knew the reasons but he had promised Tyrion not to tell anyone. It was a gruesome rumour and according to Tyrion there was some truth in it. One of Tywin's knights had raped and killed Oberyn's sister, Princess Elia Martell during the rebellion against the dragons. It was also no secret that this knight had been Ser Gregor Clegane. Lord Tywin's beast, also known as the Mountain that rides. Tyrion believed his father had only wanted Elia's children dead, their mother Elia was not to be harmed. But Ser Gregor had thwarted Tywin's plans and Tyrion blamed his father for his servant's actions.

Harry remembered every word of their conversation clearly because he had been curious to learn more about Tywin Lannister. Tyrion's expression had been sour that one evening as he had explained it was Tywin who held the responsibility for Elia's death. The mountain is father's creature. Tywin is the one who holds his leash. He should have foreseen this. It's all his fault.

Harry wondered if Oberyn and Tyrion would continue like that. The Red Viper demanded justice and Tyrion tried his best to avoid this delicate subject. The prince wanted the truth about Elia's murder and it was more than obvious he would soon lose his calm if he didn't get what he wanted.

Tyrion was walking on thin ice here. I hope he knows what he's doing. It would not help us at all if we antagonize each lord and lady here. Harry thought.

To Harry's surprise he noticed Tyrion's expression turning serious again. As if he had finally decided the time for japes was over. "Let me make this clear to you. You are talking to the wrong Lannister lord, my prince. If you seek justice you should ask my dear father. He knows the answers to all your questions"

"Your father is not here. I am asking you, dwarf! I want justice for my sister Elia and her children and I shall have it. First let us start with that riding enormity and finish with the one who gave the orders."

"As I've said before, you are talking to the wrong Lannister. Perhaps you ought to pay a visit to Casterly Rock, I am sure my father will rejoice to help you with your inquiry regarding Princess Elia's murder." Tyrion offered him.

"Do you take me for a fool walking straight into the lion's lair?" Oberyn sneered and turned to Harry now, giving him a claiming look. "Give us justice, boy. Do that and Dorne shall join you and our forces shall gladly fight at your side."

"Sneak into Casterly Rock and kill the Mountain? Oh yes, why not? This will be a cinch." Tyrion commented sarcastically, giving his uncle a side glance. Kevan Lannister didn't move away from his spot but he had listened to their conversation attentively, his green eyes watching them from the distance.

Well, it's worth a try. Harry thought and cleared his throat. "I will consider your offer, Lord Oberyn."

He could see Tyrion shifting in his seat, glancing at him gloomily. His two friends, Ron and Hermione weren't liking this idea either, both not hiding their concerns regarding this matter.

The only one who seemed satisfied was Oberyn Martell. He smiled and patted Harry's shoulder. "I knew I could count on you. I am sure you shall not disappoint me. Bring me Ser Gregor alive or dead and you shall have your alliance."

Olenna Tyrell snorted. "Hmm, or maybe Ser Gregor will bring you the Potter child alive or dead, no? Though we speak of the Mountain that rides... I would wager dead."

Harry gulped, his throat was dry. "Is he that nasty?"

Tyrion frowned. "Nasty? Ser Gregor is almost eight feet tall and his body is all muscle. He loves to cut men in half with his large greatsword. Trust me, he even decapitates his horses when he is in his murderous frenzy again."

His stomach tightened. This Gregor guy seems to have giant's blood in his veins. It would be the same as fighting a tall man like Hagrid. I don't think this was a good idea...

Oberyn Martell wasn't impressed. "The tall ones are always the easiest ones to fall. Once you take them down, they are dead." He reminded him, waving his hand in a dismissive gesture. Harry could only nod in return, the uneasiness not entirely leaving him.

He looked for his friends for reassurance and support, yet they didn't respond. Hermione furrowed her brows the way she always did when she doubted his decisions and Ron was biting his lips, his whole body stiff as if he had to face a Troll.

I must show confidence now. I'm the Chosen One, not a scaredy cat. If I want allies I have to do this! Harry told himself and adjusted his glasses, his green eyes shining with new determination now.

The dark-haired boy managed a half-smile. "They say a tall man makes a greater target, right?"

"Indeed, your spells cannot miss Ser Gregor. However you have to be quick about it, my friend. If you move too slow the Mountain might manage to chop your head off first." Tyrion pointed out.

Olenna yawned. "All this talk of breaking down a mountain is tiring me greatly. If you will excuse me." Margaery helped her grandmother standing up from her seat. Harry was sure the old woman would call her bodyguards Left and Right to escort her out but much to the young man's chagrin she waved a hand at him, summoning him to assist her.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Harry grimaced. The sheer thought of being alone with this old witch was not something he looked forward to. If he could spend his time with Lady Margaery instead, well that would be much better. It would be like a dream come true. Yet, here he was. Walking through the long hallway of the Black family's residence with this old hag, holding her arm and guiding her to the empty drawing room.

For a moment they both just stood there, studying the faded, old tapestry which showed the family tree of House Black. The Tyrell lady nodded silently as she read the names of Sirius' family. Harry had the impression she knew some of the names written in golden, elegant handwriting. Like she had heard of them before.

Olenna Tyrell let out a soft sigh and turned to him. "Now, child. It is good we have some time alone to bargain the terms and conditions of our alliance. Thanks to your excellent diplomatic skills we find ourselves in the pudding reaching up to our knees. What kind of madness possessed you to reject Lord Stannis' offer?"

She looked at him sharply and Harry felt like a small child again who was scolded by his aunt Petunia. "I have to represent the Order's wish-wishes, my lady. I had n-no other choice." He stammered.

"Wrong, child! You had another, a better option. An important rule in diplomacy is this: When someone wants something from you so badly you stall him. You say you need time to think it over or you have to consult other members of your Order first. By doing so you do not enrage your counterpart and you gain time to arrange a plan. Regrettably, the cow's been milked and we cannot squirt the milk back up her udder. So here we are now, standing in the pudding because of you."

"I-I haven't thought..." Harry began but stopped, as Olenna cut him off. "Of course you didn't think, boy. Men rarely think at all."

The Queen of Thorns sighed again. "Oh well, complaining about this mess will not get us anywhere, right child? So pray tell me, what can you offer House Tyrell? What can you give us that would convince us to support you in your war against Voldemort? You must realize I do not intend to have the pudding up to our heads without compensation. My dear son Mace, gods help me, is an oaf. He might have wanted to assist you without second thoughts, thinking only of covering our House in glory. But you see, I've told him we need a safeguard or a prize, something to make our efforts worthwhile. Surely you understand this, do you not?"

The old woman moved closer, her wrinkled hand rested on his upper arm and Harry felt his whole body stiffening under her touch.

"What kind of prize do you suggest?" He asked her hesitantly, already feeling his insides tightening and somehow suspecting he wouldn't like her answer.

"Marriage. You shall come to Highgarden and wed my granddaughter, Lady Margaery Tyrell." Olenna Tyrell replied.

Harry blushed and whispered. "To wed Lady Margaery?"

"Don't just repeat everything I say like a parrot, child.", Olenna snorted. "My granddaughter is a beautiful, highborn maiden of one of the seven Great Houses and if I am not mistaken you are both of the same age. My Margaery would be the perfect match for you, Harry James Potter."

Harry didn't know what to say. He had never thought of marriage before. To him it had always been a girl's thing. Girls would giggle about it and fantasize what their wedding dress would be like or discuss the looks of their perfect dream prince but he was a boy. These things had never interested him. And Merlin, in his opinion he was too young to even think about marriage. Although the notion was a tempting one. Margaery was an beautiful angel, a goddess who had descended from the heavens.

"Er, I don't know what to say, my lady." Harry said, his voice catching in his throat. He was surprised that he had managed to say anything at all.

Olenna frowned. "Do not tell me you need your Lannister dwarf to do all the talking for you."

He shook his head. "Er, no, no. That's not it."

"What is it then? Do you not like my granddaughter? Or is there someone else you want to marry?" She asked him, her voice sounding slightly annoyed.

His face reddened. "N-no, it's just that I...", he paused for a moment, searching for the right words, "It's just that I think I'm not, well I'm still a teenager and this thought to wed someone has never crossed my mind before. But Margaery is... she is beautiful and likeable and, how can I say it? I just don't know her yet."

"You will have all the time in the world to get to know each other. After your wedding." Olenna snapped impatiently.

Harry felt dizzy. What should he do now? Would he offend this old lady if he would ask her to give him more time?

"Please, my lady. Can't you see? The poor lad is confused. Give him some time to consider." A deep voice said and they both turned their heads to discover Tyrion Lannister standing at the door.

Olenna Tyrell snorted. "Very well. We shall talk again when you have reached a decision, child."

The old lady left the drawing room, showing no difficulties walking without his help. Apparently she wasn't the frail old lady she pretended to be.

"Marriage, huh? So the Tyrells finally reveal their true intentions. Truth be told I have expected this. Through marriage the old rose unifies your families and your popular name will gain them new allies. I am certain the whole Wizarding World will love you. You two would make a wonderful pair, do you not agree?" Tyrion asked him, a grin on his face and his mismatched eyes looking up to him.

"I don't know. What do you think? Should I marry her?"

The Lannister lord rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, my sweet sister would tell you to marry Margaery and get it over with."

"And what would you tell me?" Harry asked.

Tyrion smirked. "I would tell you exactly the same thing. Look at it this way, Harry. Lady Margaery is a lovely maid from a wealthy and respectable family. If you choose to wed her you will have all the strength of Highgarden behind you. And a wedding ceremony is easier to accomplish than slaying Ser Gregor Clegane in Casterly Rock. You will find you'll have much more difficulties achieving that."

"What about love? You should love the person you want to marry. Have you never been in love, Tyrion?" He wanted to know, thinking of his parents who had married each other because of love, not out of necessity.

The little lord started to sing. "I loved a maid as fair as summer, with sunlight in her hair."

Harry raised his eyebrows. "What's that song?"

"My wife used to sing this song for me." Tyrion murmured sadly.

"Your wife? You were married?"

It was the first time Harry saw Tyrion somewhat depressed. He had always known him as a cheerful and funny person. Nothing could ever upset him. Yet Harry had touched on a subject which let him feel down.

Tyrion narrowed his eyes, his voice sounding bitter. "Please forgive me, my friend. I am not in the mood to talk about this right now. You should ask me again when I'm not sober."

"Ok." Harry said, desperately thinking of something to lighten up the mood. "So... the marriage thing... I think Ron will surely kill me if I marry Margaery Tyrell."

"Oh yes, young Weasley will be furious. And Lady Hermione won't like it either, I might say."

"Please, don't mention Hermione." Harry grinned and they both laughed at that, forgetting their doubts and worries for a short while.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

The sun was sinking low, flooding the skies in a bloody red light. The sea was as black as ink and you could feel the cold chill of dusk as the sun's last golden rays highlighted the Lannister stronghold.

Casterly Rock towered over them, the yellowish sand rock shone like a colossal gold nugget, the colours slowly changing to a darker, orange hue as the shafts of sunlight started to fade away, deep long shadows creeping over the castle walls.

The Dark Lord had always been fascinated with history and ancient monuments. He had read about this castle which was shrouded in myths. According to his researches Casterly Rock was originally held by the Casterlys, the old Kings of the Rock. They were fooled into giving the Rock to Lann the Clever, a trickster hero and founder of House Lannister, hundreds of years ago.

They climbed the stony steps to reach the entrance gates. A pair of giant golden lion sphinxes flanked the stairs. The two lions lay there on their black, marbled pedestals like two unmoving guardians, their unseeing onyx eyes watching the distance.

The Dark Lord felt the tension in the air. His Death Eaters seemed nervous and cautious as they trailed behind him. They were all in an unknown place. Only few outsiders ever had this rare opportunity to visit a seat of a Great House.

His lioness was leading the way, dressed in a low-cut gown of forest green which brought out the colour of her emerald eyes perfectly. Her long, golden hair tumbled across her bare shoulders and around her neck she wore a shining silver necklace he had given her. The jewellery had the shape of a coiling snake, with emerald stone eyes as green as hers.

Cersei looked beautiful this evening and he couldn't deny he felt a sense of pride that she belonged to him, that she was his.

A dozen guardsmen in crimson cloaks stood guard at the gates which were also known as the Lion's Mouth. They were greeted by the captain of the Lannister guard who introduced himself as Captain Vylarr. "Lady Cersei, welcome. There was no word of your arrival. I must confess we have not expected you."

Voldemort's scarlet eyes watched her intently beneath his hood. If she planned to turn against her master, the perfect moment to strike was now. His Death Eaters were clearly outnumbered and should they choose to attack, both sides would surely lose many skilled wizards in a possible battle. He hoped Cersei wouldn't be so foolish to attempt that, however it was difficult to predict her next moves. This woman was in her territory now, the lioness had returned to her lair. She exuded an air of pride and confidence. It reminded him of the day he had first met her. This day where he had showed Cersei her limitations, making it clear it had been him who held the upper hand, shattering her Lannister pride to pieces.

"Forgive us for not providing information of our arrival, Captain Vylarr. His lordship is eager to meet my father," she gestured to Voldemort now and the captain of the guards eyed the robed figure with a guarded expression as Cersei went on, "and we had to make haste to reach you at dusk. I hope it is not too late to have an audience with Lord Tywin."

"I am afraid it is not possible at the moment, m'lady. Lord Tywin left us orders, he wishes not to be disturbed, the council is in session." Vylarr said.

"You do realize you speak to Lord Tywin's daughter and Lord Voldemort, Captain. I demand you to escort us to the council chamber, now!" The Lannister woman emphasized in a commanding tone, allowing him no word of protest. The dark wizard enjoyed it immensely how his lioness flashed her fiery green eyes at the guardsman, showing him his place.

The captain flinched and inclined his head. "Certainly, as my lady commands. If you would please follow me."

She wanted to enter the castle but the Dark Lord stopped her, snatching her forearm and pulling her close to his chest. Her Dark Mark was burning at his touch. He felt the snake tattoo moving on her skin, reacting to the physical connection. His other hand took her chin and lifted her head until their eyes met, bright scarlet staring into green fire.

"Cersssei." Voldemort hissed slowly, deliberately, savouring her name on his tongue like sweet summer wine. The woman couldn't hold back a shiver as his long fingernails traced her jawline. He chuckled, pleased how she reacted to the contact. "Tell me, my dear. Are you eager to meet your family again? Do not forget where your true loyalties lie now."

"My true loyalties lie with you, my lord. Only you." She assured him in a matter-of-factly tone, her facial expression giving nothing away.

His red eyes shone like two orbs as he gazed at her thoughtfully. There was something in her eyes, a brief moment where he had spotted this glint in her eyes. What was it? Was she scheming anything? Regardless what it was he would be careful from now on. This lioness could still bite. Yet, this also somehow amused him. Voldemort had started to relish these little games they play, he never grew tired of them. After all, life was boring if there was no good challenge. And Cersei was a constant challenge, she never seemed to learn. The Lannister lioness feigned her submission, biding her time and patiently waiting for a chance to turn the tide.

Pathetic woman. He thought, his thin, almost non-existent lips curling into an amused smile. "Come now, my dear. We shall not keep Lord Tywin waiting."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

After climbing a serpentine stairway they followed Captain Vylarr through a pillared hall of red stone heavily decorated with crimson banners of House Lannister, displaying a golden lion roaring its defiance.

Cersei knew the way, they were headed for the Hall of Heroes. She began to wonder why the council didn't meet in Tywin's solar. Had something happened? This little detail had piqued her curiosity but she didn't want to ask Vylarr about it. Voldemort and his other servants were too close, they might overhear their conversation. The young woman would wait, she would get her answers sooner or later.

It was more important to focus on the upcoming meeting now. Cersei couldn't say how her father would react. Especially when he saw Jaime in shackles, being treated like a common prisoner. And what would happen when he faced Voldemort? The Dark Lord was unpredictable. You could never be sure what he would do next. But maybe she worried too much. Lord Tywin was a capable strategist, he knew how to handle difficult situations, or in Voldemort's case, complicated men.

Ser Gregor Clegane stood at the oaken doors, a grimly sentry wearing a heavy plate armour. The visor of his helm was down, only his black eyes were visible. The giant knight stepped forward, blocking their path.

"The council is not to be disturbed." His deep voice growled.

Cersei noticed a movement next to her, she glimpsed Voldemort who already held his yew wand in his hands. It was clear the dark wizard didn't have the patience to deal with Ser Gregor now.

She put her hand on his arm, lowering it and beckoning him to wait.

"I am here to see my father, Ser. Would you be so kind to open the doors for us?" She asked him with a soft voice.

Gregor was not moving away. Without an answer he turned his eyes at her entourage. She already thought he would let them wait here in the corridor till the council session was over but he suddenly nodded, motioning to them to come. "You and three of them may enter, my lady. The others shall stay here."

Better than nothing, she thought as she watched Voldemort giving orders to Lucius Malfoy and his wife Narcissa to accompany them.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

They entered the Hall of Heroes, the heavy doors swinging shut behind them. Four council members sat at the marble table, her father Tywin Lannister was seated at its far end, beneath the large glass window. Her uncle Kevan Lannister was talking to him but he broke off as he noted their appearance. Cersei had managed to hear pieces of their conversation. There were two words that stood out clearly. 'Stannis' and 'king'. For a brief moment she wondered what had happened during her absence. Had Lord Stannis declared himself king? He couldn't do that. By all the laws of the seven Great Houses only her son Joffrey had the rights to sit on the iron throne. Joffrey was Robert Baratheon's heir, not Stannis.

She had to talk to father. Tywin had to fill her in what was going on here. However, for now it had to wait.

The Lord of Casterly Rock was clad in elegant crimson robes, a lion embroidered on his shoulders. He raised his green eyes flecked with gold, his fingers steepled under his chin. He was a tall man with a stern face and a hard mouth. Lord Tywin was in his late fifties, his short blond hair had turned almost white.

The atmosphere in the hall was as tense as a bowstring. Her father hadn't expected them and Cersei knew how much he hated surprises.

Kevan Lannister stared at Voldemort's wand warily, his own hand reaching to his sword hilt but Tywin placed his hand on his brother's arm quickly.

"Cersei, I see you have returned," Tywin said softly and turned to Voldemort, "please acquaint us with our guests of honour."

Cersei crossed the hall to the table, Lord Voldemort and the Malfoys followed close behind her. She gestured to them, "May I present the Heir of Slytherin, Lord Voldemort and his entourage, Lucius and Narcissa of House Malfoy", and she nodded at her father. "Allow me to introduce my lord father, Tywin son of Tytos of House Lannister, Lord and Castellan of Casterly Rock, Warden of the West and Shield of Lannisport. And my uncle, Kevan Lannister, Lord Tywin's younger brother."

The Dark Lord glared at Tywin Lannister, his crimson eyes not leaving his green ones as Cersei explained the reasons for their arrival, telling of Bellatrix Lestrange's death and the Dark Lord's decision to use the Rock as their current base of operations.

Cersei had never seen her father smile but she knew how to read his expression. The gold in his eyes was shining as if Tywin was somehow pleased by this turn of events.

Father sees it too. The snake wants to play with us and rushes into the lion's jaws. Voldemort is doomed. She thought, smiling to herself.

Lord Varys broke the uncomfortable silence as he stood up from his seat, walking over to them. The Spider wore a velvet garment, coloured in orange and dark yellow tones, richly adorned with an intricate embroidery of autumn leaves. He approached Voldemort and took his pale hand in his, leaving powder stains on the black sleeves of his robe.

"My lord, it is indeed a great honour to welcome you here at Casterly Rock. May I present our small council, here we have Lord Petyr Baelish, our Master of Coin," Varys waved his hand at Baelish who inclined his head in return. The small lord with the pointed chin beard seemed to enjoy all this, a sly smile on his lips.

And Varys now pointed at an old man, sitting at the council table and smiling gently. "Grand Maester Pycelle, our scholar and Potion Master, my lord."

Voldemort had followed his gaze and now looked at the man who still held his hand in his. He didn't like it to be touched and Cersei saw him sliding his hand from Varys' grasp.

"And who might you be?" The Dark Lord asked him in a cold tone.

"Me? I am Lord Varys, my lord. Master of Whisperers, at your service." He bowed deeply.

The dark wizard had probably remembered it had been Varys who had provided the Dreamless Sleep potions. Because the red colour in Lord Voldemort's eyes seemed to intensify, turning to a darker, burgundy hue. Cersei couldn't say if Varys was intimidated or not, yet even if he was he didn't seem to let it show.

The bald man turned to the Malfoy pair now, spreading his hands. "I was grievous sad to hear about Bellatrix Lestrange. A formidable witch and a great loss, truly." Varys said with a sorrowful voice, narrowing his eyes.

Narcissa nodded, "Thank you, Lord Varys."

The doors opened with a loud groan. Cersei's heart jumped at the sight of her beloved son. Joffrey had turned eleven a few days ago and was almost as tall as her. He looked like a prince, wearing a crimson leather doublet and a cloth-of-gold half cape casually draped across one shoulder, fastened with a golden lion brooch. Following close at his heels like a loyal dog was his personal guard, Sandor Clegane. The man with the half-burned face was Ser Gregor's younger brother, also known as Joffrey's Hound.

"Mother, they told me you are back." Joffrey said, running to her. Cersei was so glad to see her son again. She held Joffrey close to her and hugged him, never wanting to let him go again.

"My sweet darling." She whispered fondly, planting a soft kiss on his forehead and tousling his blond hair.

Joffrey blushed. "Mother, please. I'm not a child."

Cersei smiled and pinched his cheek. "You are my little darling boy and you will always be my child."

The young boy grimaced and slipped away from her embrace, turning his head and noticing Lord Voldemort for the first time.

"Mother, who is this man? Look at his face, his nose is missing." Joffrey smirked derisively, ignoring the fact that the other was a grown-up man.

Voldemort's cat-like eyes turned to thin slits as he gazed at the boy threateningly.

Cersei bent down and whispered in her son's ear. "Darling, you should speak with more respect. This is Lord Voldemort, the Heir of Salazar Slytherin."

"The Heir of Slytherin?" Joffrey repeated, his green eyes bright with mockery.

Joffrey walked towards the Dark Lord, obviously not realizing how dangerous this man could be.

Joffrey, no! What in seven hells are you doing? Have you lost your mind? Cersei thought, glancing at her father who just sat there at his table, observing his grandson's folly with great interest.

She knew her son. Once he started with this, he didn't stop. And even if she'd told him to stop she was sure he wouldn't listen anyway.

"So this is the great Dark Lord everyone fears? He does not look all that frightening to me.", Joffrey sneered and went on, "and what is so great about him anyway? Everyone knows the story of the mighty Lord Voldemort who couldn't even kill a baby. Is it not a funny story?" Joffrey laughed out loud and looked for his dog, Sandor Clegane. He always used to share his jokes with his bodyguard, enjoying it to mock the ones he deemed to be beneath him.

What happened now was a scene of Cersei's worst nightmares. It all happened so fast, she could only stand there and watch it all in horror, unable to do anything.

Voldemort glided over the Myrish carpet, his black robes moving and swirling like oil in water.

At the same time the Hound moved in their direction, the loyal dog rushing to his master's aid. Lucius Malfoy sensed the danger as well and quickly put a hand in his robe, withdrawing his wand and pointing it at Sandor Clegane.

Voldemort was the first to reach her son. His spidery hand pulled the young boy roughly by the neck and his yew wand pressed against Joffrey's throat. The Dark Lord's soft voice lowered to a sharp, menacing whisper. "You are wrong, boy. I can kill you... NOW!"