The Other Malfoy

Chapter 10: Serpent's Protection

Later That Evening 9:17 PM Malfoy Manor

Carina had managed to excuse herself before dinner began, claiming she had some incomplete homework. Of course, that wasn't true, but she felt too sick to be

able to handle dinner with her Fiancé. Ugh, the word made her shudder in disgust. She was now unofficially engaged to her love's murderer. Great. She sat on her

bed, legs curled up against her chest, deep in thought. She already had her game plan, every single move, planned out to the 'T'. There was no room for mistake,

no room for remorse, no room for sympathy. She had to avenge Cedric. Nothing would stop her. She was so lost in these thoughts, in fact, that she almost didn't

hear the knock on the door. Thinking it was her mother or Draco coming to console her, she granted them permission to enter.

Her luck, of course, ensured that it was not her mother or Draco; it was Voldemort. Apparently, he was going for the whole "dashing" thing, but she could see

through his charismatic smile. She quickly looked away from him. All part of the plan, of course. Voldemort's smile faded. This would be harder than he thought. "May

I speak to you?" He asked. Carina chose not to answer, though her first instinct was to hex him to death. He walked inside, slowly and deliberately, hoping he

wouldn't scare her. When all seemed well, he gently sat on her bed. "I came to give you something," He began, slightly dejected by Carina's lack of interest. But he

pressed on. "I thought, since we're getting married, I should give you something to symbolize … Well, I thought I should give you something. A ring did not strike

me as a good idea; no doubt it would attract unwanted attention from your peers. Instead I thought this would be appropriate." He extended his hand and Carina

glanced at what he held.

It was a lovely, delicate chain with a small, oval pendant, no, locket, engraved with a snake in the shape of an 'S'. "Slytherin's Locket," She breathed, fascinated by

the small piece of history being presented to her. "How did you know?" Voldemort inquired, curious as to how she knew about something most well-educated

Wizards considered only a myth. She looked at him for half a second before turning away and muttering something about "Hogwarts Library". He reached around

her to clasp the chain in place. Carina sat frozen; she had to admit, he smelled nice … like warm, sensual Sandalwood; not at all like an evil lord who was capable of

murder. No, he smelled … sexy. She managed to snap herself out of it, though. There was no place in her mind for these thoughts about her enemy. A few seconds

later, Voldemort sat back to admire to necklace hanging off of Carina's pale neck. "It suits you," He said simply. "But its purpose far exceeds its appearance. This

locket has many powers, Carina. Yes, strong powers … You mustn't underestimate them. Whenever I am not by your side, it will provide you with the protection

that I, being your husband, will give you."

Carina didn't know whether to be touched, confused, or suspicious. Frankly, she was a little of all three. The locket felt cold and lifeless against her skin; she was

skeptical of these "special powers". Suddenly, before she could thank him, he got up and said, "I must leave … Urgent work. No need to thank me, Carina. Just do

me a favor and don't take it off; if anything happened to you, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. You mustn't think me cruel for binding you to myself in such a

way. I am helpless, you must understand that. Our kind is being plagued by the people whose blood is impure; I will not allow it! I am not out to hurt you. I care for

you deeply and I intend on keeping you as happy as I possibly can." Carina found herself speechless. He cared about her? Wow, her plan was working out better

than she could anticipate and she was hardly even trying! No, she didn't feel any pity for him; he had hurt her far too deeply. Voldemort turned and started towards

the door, but paused before he could reach it. Without facing her, he murmured, "Call me Tom,". With that, he walked out the door, leaving Carina to ponder his

strangely compassionate behavior.