I'll Be There
Chapter 10: Trapped
"Narcissa, this really isn't necessary," Persephone said for the thousandth time.
"That, is where you are mistaken," Narcissa said coolly. "No relative of mine is going to attend my New Years party in any dress that can be bought off the rack," she said with a look of pure disgust.
"Cissy," she whined, "I have some perfectly good dresses from Russia, no one will even know they weren't designer made. You really don't have to do this."
"Yes I do. And I'm not doing it for you; I'm doing it for me. Now be silent and hold still or you're going to ruin your measurements," she replied firmly.
Persephone gave Narcissa a dark look but held her tongue. She knew better than to argue with Narcissa when she was in one of her moods. "Honestly, she can be worse than my own mother, sometimes," she thought dryly to herself.
"There you are, Mum," said the witch taking the measurements. "I've gotten all I need now. You'll need to come back in three days to try on the finished dresses. If you aren't satisfied, we'll make it perfect then."
Narcissa stepped down from the pedestal and brushed the imaginary dirt off her robes. "I expect them to be perfect the first time," she retorted without looking at the witch. "Come now, Sephoney. We have invitations to send out."
Persephone gave the witch an apologetic glance as they donned their cloaks and stepped out of the shop and into the bitter December wind. Persephone was used to cold climates, but she had anticipated the English weather to be at least a little more tepid.
Persephone spent the next several hours addressing invitations with Narcissa. While Persephone was glad to be back in the comforts of her home for a few days, Narcissa was also wearing on her nerves. With Narcissa getting more and more edgy about Draco (who had not come home for the holidays) every day, she poured more and more energy into her New Years Eve party. While Persephone was sure it would help take Narcissa's mind of things, Persephone was not looking forward to a large party filled with Death Eaters, their wives, and other pureblood supremacists. While these people didn't generally bother her, Persephone was just sure there was going to be a visit from the Ministry and she definitely didn't want her name cast in with that sort of lot.
"Turn around. Let me look at you," Narcissa commanded. "The guests will start arriving any minute now and you need to look perfect."
Persephone rolled her eyes at the older woman, but complied with her wishes. "There, are you happy, mum?" she said sarcastically.
Narcissa narrowed her eyes at her remark, but soon the cold expression faded and her face fell. "I'm sorry, Seph. I've just never done this without Lucius before, and I want everything to be absolutely perfect," she said, sounding defeated.
Persephone's expression softened and she placed her hands gently on Narcissa's shoulders. "Cissy, this is what you do, Darling. You have always thrown the best parties. No one will even notice Lucius's absence; they'll be too enthralled by your glamorous party," she said with a reassuring smile. "Now, have the house elves got everything in order? You know Bella will throw a fit if everything isn't satisfactory."
Narcissa perked up and gave Persephone her customary Malfoy smirk.
"You there!" she barked at a passing elf, returning to her normal haughty self. "Are all the preparations complete?"
"Y-yes, mum!" the house elf stammered, bowing deeply.
"It better be, now get out of sight!" she commanded.
Persephone smiled as Narcissa continued to fuss about with the party. Entertaining really was Narcissa's element. She was capable of throwing the most lavish parties with minimal amounts of effort. Narcissa lived to show off.
Persephone gently took a champagne glass from the nearest passing elf and stealthily made her way to the back of the spacious ballroom, where she began to enjoy a moment to herself. Ever since the guests had started arriving, Narcissa had been introducing her to what seemed to be every eligible bachelor in England, and of course, they had all requested a dance (or five) with her. As Persephone took a sip of champagne, she heard a loud snicker in her ear.
"Cissy trying to get you married off tonight?" Bellatrix taunted.
"So it would seem," Persephone threw back unfazed.
Bellatrix simply cackled wickedly. Persephone wasn't sure what she found to be so amusing about this, seeing as most pureblood women would have chosen a suitor by now, Persephone wasn't the least bit surprised that Narcissa was trying to act in place of her mother.
"Don't be jealous, Bella," Persephone said with a smirk. "We all know you'd kill to have your freedom back. As I recall, you weren't exactly enthusiastic about your wedding at the time."
Bella gave her a murderous glare and Persephone took a victorious sip of her champagne. As Persephone lazily scanned the gaudy room, however, she nearly choked on her drink.
"Bella!" she hissed. "What is Snape doing here?"
"That would be Cissy's doing," she answered darkly. "He seems to have won her trust," she said with disgust.
"Bella you don't understand!" Persephone said urgently. "He mustn't know I'm here!"
"And why not?" she asked irritably.
"Do you trust him?" Persephone snapped.
"Of course not!" Bella shouted indignantly.
"Than he can't know I'm here. I work at Hogwarts, Bella. It wouldn't look good if he saw me here. This is a Death Eater's party, remember? If he's really Dumbledore's spy, he'll ruin both Draco and I."
Bella's eyes went wide with understanding. Unlike Narcissa, whom obviously hadn't thought about Persephone's situation, Bella was cunning. She understood exactly what was at stake.
"Quick," she hissed in a hushed voice while grabbing Persephone by the elbow. "We'll get you out the servant's exit."
But it was too late, Snape must have spotted them. Bella made to steer Persephone towards the back corner of the room, but suddenly a low, dulcet voice interrupted their escape.
"Good evening, Bellatrix, Miss Nosova," Snape said with a small smirk.
"Snape," Bellatrix said curtly.
Persephone's eyes grew wide in horror, but she quickly calmed herself and turned to face Snape with a small, unconcerned smile on her face.
"Professor," she said with an air of arrogance. Persephone refused to let herself become intimidated by him.
"If you don't mind," Bellatrix said threateningly "I was just going to introduce Persephone to- "
"Ah, but I do," Snape cut in smoothly. "You see, I was hoping to ask Persephone for this dance."
Persephone's lips fell slightly apart in shock. The man who refused to address her by her first name, who could potential ruin her, was asking her for a dance, and all the while interrupting Bellatrix. Persephone forced herself to regain her composure, but she could not help but feel nervous. Snape had trapped her, and she knew it.
Giving a small fleeting glance at Bellatrix, the older woman gave a slight nod and glared daggers at Snape as he offered Persephone his arm and led her back onto the dance floor.
As they silently walked towards the other dancers, Persephone really noticed Snape for the first time. For a man who only owned one set of robes, he had certainly been extravagant with dressing for Narcissa's party.
Snape was wearing a black, velvet trimmed regency tailcoat, with a matching silver baker city vest, and a black silk puff tie. That combined with his white tombstone shirt and black vigilante pants gave him an air of aristocracy. Persephone was mildly impressed; his normal robes were quite plain and almost cleric like. The style also put his age into perspective for her; Snape was not nearly as old as he acted. If she had to guess, he couldn't be more than in his late thirties.
As the orchestra began playing the next waltz, Persephone curtsied to Snape as he bowed back to her slightly. Snape then took her right hand in his, and place his left had on her shoulder blade, as she placed her left hand upon his right shoulder. "What a surprise it was to see you here, Miss Nosova," Snape said venomously as they began to dance. "Given -ah- the present company."
"I might say the same for you, Professor," she spat back.
"Gathering from our chat with Bellatrix, one could say you've known the Malfoy family for quite a while?" he inquired with arrogance.
Persephone looked into his steely gaze to prove to him that she would not be intimidated. "Oh, I suppose one could say that," she said with nonchalance.
Snape narrowed his eyes but continued to weave Persephone elegantly through the crowd.
As Snape twirled Persephone around the dance floor with surprising grace, Persephone hardly had time to register the magnificent ballroom as it spun by. Had it been any man other than Snape, Persephone supposed it would have been mildly romantic. The soft red glow of the setting sun was filtering through the high arched windows. If one took the time to gaze out them, they would find a magnificent courtyard and garden, filled with perfectly white peacocks and the most rare and beautiful flowers. Above them, candles began to light themselves and they filled the domed ceiling with almost unworldly, flickering light.
As Persephone began to lose herself to the atmosphere, Snape's low voice brought her back to reality. "And just how, may I ask, does a young healer from Russia find herself in acquaintance with the Malfoy family?"
"Oh, the world is a smaller place than you would think," Persephone said carefully. "Especially within the Wizarding community."
Snape almost snarled at her vague answer. She was clearly being as difficult as he was. Snape wanted answers, she knew this. But one dance was not going to make her crack like a young schoolgirl.
As the music began to increase in tempo, Snape easily matched pace with the music, and continued to spin and twirl Persephone fluidly across the dance floor, skillfully avoiding the other dancers. They were however, forced to cease their banter as they began moving faster and faster, causing the ballroom to turn into a blur as they skirted through the crowd. Snape growled in frustration at this. His intention had not been to dance with her. His intention had been to interrogate the mysterious woman. However, it would appear that the musicians did not get the memo.
Each time Snape spun Persephone around in another direction, it was all she could do to keep from tripping over their feet. Her concentration was solely upon dancing now, and his was on her.
Her blonde hair was piled elegantly in a loose bun, letting her curls tumbled delicately down her neck, but still revealing her sparkling diamond earrings. She was wearing the most seductive floor length, black hourglass dress. It was strapless and designed out of sheer fabric, with a straight-cut neckline, as well as a straight back that fell just below her shoulder blades, exposing her warm skin to his fingers. It was also extremely form fitting, hugging her curvaceous hips before the liquid sequin dress flared out at her knees, causing it to billow out around them as he spun and twirled her around. Severus Snape was not a man for the pleasures of the flesh, but he could honestly say that this woman was enticing. Subconsciously, he pulled her closer. Taking in her wonderful floral scent.
As the song began to end, Snape quickly twirled her arm around, causing her to spin rapidly out and back in again, pressing her tightly to his chest. They stared at each, both breathing hard and fast, not quite realizing the measured applause sounding around them. Apparently, they had not noticed that their enticing dancing had drawn a crowd of admirers. They both stood there shocked, not having anticipated such an intense dance. Snape held her there as the applause quickly died down, both trying to make sense of what had just happened.
Coming to her senses, Persephone quickly excused herself and rushed towards the exit, carrying herself through the ballroom as quickly as her dainty silver heels would let her.
Snape, finally seeming to realize that she had gone, swiftly made to follow her. He would not allow her to escape from his grasp so easily. He was going to discover whom this mysterious woman really was - and he was going to do so tonight.
As Persephone dashed into the nearest bedroom, Snape darted inside, snapping the door shut behind him and sealing it with a wave of his wand.
Persephone whirled around to meet his cold gaze. There was no escaping now. Snape had finally cornered her. She had to think fast. She must protect Draco at any cost.
"Why the rush to run off, Miss Nosova?" Snape inquired in a dark voice. "Not tired of our little conversation, are we?"
Persephone decided to play the innocent schoolgirl after all. She hoped, that maybe if she frustrated him enough, he would lose patience with her and storm out. She knew she was being optimistic though. Snape was a Death Eater. He was not afraid to get nasty.
Persephone batted her eyelashes as him and looked at him through wide eyes. "Oh, no Professor!" she said while trying not to look guilty. "I- I just needed some breathing room. Our dance left me," she paused here to look down and manage a blush "well, a little excited is all. It's been a while since a man held me that close," she almost whispered.
Persephone glanced up at him through her eyelashes to see bewilderment spread across his face. It was all she could do not to smirk; but she mustn't get too cocky yet.
Snape took a few steps closer to her and kept his wand trained right on her heart. She nervously bit her lip but refused to back away from him. She must not appear guilty. Silently though, she cursed herself for being a woman; her dress made it impossibly difficult to whip out her wand quickly.
Snape glared down at her venomously. "Don't play games with me, Miss Nosova," he spat maliciously.
Persephone cocked her head slightly and furrowed her eyebrows together, giving him a look of utmost confusion. This was a dangerous game they were playing, and she had to play her part infallibly.
"Games?" she asked sweetly. "I would never play games with you, Professor. I- I meant what I said," she said earnestly.
Persephone held his gaze, even though she knew how dangerous it was to stare down a talented Legilimens. She steeled her mind and kept herself completely devoid of all emotions. No matter how much Bellatrix had taunted and abused her as a child, she could never thank her enough for training her in the art of Occlumency.
Snape stared at her incredulously. He didn't believe her yet, he couldn't. Instead, he decided that she must be extremely desperate to contain her secrets. I woman like her would not willingly embarrass herself like this. So, he decided to switch tactics.
Snape lowered his wand, and closed the remaining distance between them, leaving a very small gap between their bodies. "Forgive me," he said in a much gentler voice. "You rushed off so quickly, I feared I had offended you."
Persephone startled at his change in behavior. She had not anticipated him to play along with her game. She would have rather him raged at her. This was uncomfortable, and they were verging on very dangerous territory.
"No, of course not," she said softly. Persephone turned around to face away from him. She could not look into his dark eyes now; she would lose herself. She did not like people in that close of a proximity to her.
Persephone then froze as Snape lightly brushed a curly strand of hair behind her ear and leaned down to whisper to her. "Then why must you always be so distant?"
Persephone felt herself shiver involuntarily as his warm breath caressed her neck.
"I only wish to better acquaint myself with you," he said in a low voice.
Persephone closed her eyes in an attempt to compose herself. She also took the opportunity to delicately remove her wand from her pocket. She knew he wouldn't notice with his face so close to hers.
"Forgive me," she said inclining her head towards him. "I am often faulted with coming off as brash."
Persephone then realized her mistake, and almost laughed. She would have to admit, he was very good. She had played right into his hands. Despite his tender caresses, he was going to interrogate her all the same. And now, because of her innocent and loving act, she had no choice but to answer him. She should have kept him angry with her. It was all an act, and they both knew it. But their pretences would force her to comply with his wishes.
"So tell me then," he said while wrapping his left arm slowly around her waist. "How have you come to know the Malfoy family?"
Persephone's voice hitched in her throat. She had been honest when she said it had been a while since a man had held her that close. Thinking quickly, she hastily detangled herself from his arms and put herself between him and the blocked door, hiding her now free wand in the folds of her dress.
"I'm sorry," she said with a choked voice. "I can't. Not just now," she whispered.
Snape had spun around to face her in all his furry. She had broken the spell; detoured from the script. He would be patient no longer. The game was up.
"Dammit woman!" he seethed while pointing his wand at her again. "You will tell me how you are involved with the Malfoys!"
Persephone whipped her wand out and aimed it straight at him. "I fail to see how that is any of your business!"
"You will tell me or I will report you to the Ministry for sympathizing and fraternizing with Death Eaters!" he bellowed.
"Being a little hypocritical, aren't we?" she cackled wickedly; all composure completely ruined. "Let's stop pretending, Snape. We both know everyone here is a Death Eater or likewise."
"How dare you accuse me- "
"Accuse?" Persephone interrupted. "You don't have to roll up your left sleeve for me to know what's branded there. I'm not one of your dunderheaded pupils," she spat.
"How do you know that?" he said dangerously.
"Allow me to properly introduce myself, Professor," she mocked. While it was against her better judgment to do so, Persephone knew there was no getting out it anymore. Besides, Narcissa had introduced her to everyone as her cousin. He was going to find out sooner or later. She might as well tell him on her terms, where she could still figure out a way to protect Draco.
"I am Persephone Druella Nosova. Daughter of Nikita Nosova and Ceres Rosier!" she exclaimed triumphantly.
Snape kept his wand trained at her heart, but his composure dropped, and Persephone smirked viciously. She knew he had not been expecting that answer.
"Yes, that's right, Snape. I am Narcissa and Bellatrix's first cousin."
"Ah- finally let the kneazle out of the bag then, Sephoney?" came Bellatrix's wicked voice as she blasted the door open. "Heard shouting and thought I hadn't been invited to the real party," she said as she answered their unasked question.
"My apologies," Snape said darkly while lowering his wand. "I didn't realize you were part of Bellatrix's family."
Bellatrix chuckled as Persephone also lowered her wand. "What, can't see the family resemblance?" she said while pulling Persephone into a mock bone crushing hug and pinching her cheeks maliciously.
Persephone shoved Bellatrix off and glared at her. She had been glad Bella had interrupted them, but as always, appreciation for her cousin Bella always faded quickly.
Snape gave them a kind of half sneer. "Hardly. But I can see how much I am interrupting this little family reunion, so I believe I'll be excusing myself now," he replied while exiting the room quickly.
Bella used her wand to slam the door shut immediately after him, and Persephone walked over to the bed and collapsed down on it, head in her hands.
"Dammit Bella, what I am supposed to do now? That blasted Snape is making things much more complicated that I wanted."
"Don't worry, Doll," Bellatrix said fiendishly. "Cousin Bella will take care of old Snapey. You just keep playing the part of the ignorant pretty girl and we'll all make it out of this alive."
Persephone snapped her head up and shot her a look for her last remark, but Bellatrix only laughed her vicious laugh as she sauntered out the door and left Persephone alone to contemplate her thoughts.
Hey everyone, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting so long for an update. I knew this chapter was going to be a turning point and I wanted to do a really good job on it. It'd be really wonderful if you could leave me feedback and tell me what you thought! I'm very open for suggestions/critiques. I really want to know how everyone is feeling about this story, and I'd love you forever if you leave me reviews. Also, feel free to PM me if you want to see the dress Persephone wore and my inspiration for Snape's outfit.
Your humble author,
Alice