Chapter 11 - Bad Romance
Buenos Dias muchachos y muchachas! (Yes my spanish sucks…) Wow you guys are amazing! I received so much positive feedback from this story, my heart is bursting with happiness! So for your satisfaction, here is another chapter. Enjoy =)
I want your love, and I want your revenge, You and me could write a bad romance! - Lady Gaga
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. - Robert Louis Stevenson
Her mind was reeling. She had spent the whole summer with him but he was her Lord, he gave orders and she followed them, she hadn't finish school and he had seen the first wizard war. Then again, how could she really be pondering his question? A quick glance around the room would make people see her doubt, incertitude for her Lord. Realizing her only option:
- Yes, I will, she whispered looking directly in his eyes.
Bringing his hand forward, he opened a velvet case. Inside was a gigantic diamond on a white gold band surrounded by small emeralds, creating an intricate design. Slipping it on her finger, the band magically adjusted to fit. The crowd were still shocked from the scene that was developing in front of them. Turning to them, Voldemort introduced her.
- Rosemary is now your Lady just as I am your Lord. You will owe her obedience, respect and honor.
Her inside were churning. She was good at speaking to people but right now her mind was a complete blank. How would she respond to any of this? She had expected absolutely nothing just minutes ago and was hoping a speech was not the next step. Fortunately, her future husband motioned his hand for the music to start and together, they opened the ball. Taking his cold hand in hers, they effortlessly glided across the dance floor. She saw her parents face when he spun her; both of them had a smile plastered on their face. She, too, was supposed to show some kind of emotion, not the black hole of nothing she was feeling, but soon realized that she was also smiling. It comforted her that her mind was reacting positively to the news. The dance was over too soon and they were engulfed by people trying to either pay their respects to their new dark lady or to congratulate them. Sitting on his throne, he apparated a dainty but very similar throne to his left for her to sit. Her parents were the first to reach them. Bowing to Voldemort was normal but a wave a discomfort hit Rose when they bowed to her. It was one thing for other followers to bow but her own parents, it was simply uncomfortable. Every one present passed before them, even her best friends and school mates.
Excusing herself after diner to refresh herself, Rose gladly left the main ball area to clear her head. She simply felt overwhelmed by everything. Walking down the hall, she heard harsh whispers from one of the bedrooms. The noise suddenly stopped. The door whipped open. Snape and Draco were looking at her. The latter's terrified eyes quickly changed to repulsion.
- What is your problem? snapped Rose.
- Your choice of men Magnar, snarled Draco.
- Draco, warned Snape.
- Branwen, Malfoy, my family name is Branwen and soon to be your Lord's wife so you should remember that next time you address me.
Without even looking at both of their faces, she turned around and headed straight to her room.
Throwing herself on the bed, she laid there for some time before realizing that it was less than proper to leave the reception. Lifting herself from her bed, she turned around and came face to face with the Dark Lord. His features were darker than usual in the light of her room. His hair was raven black, his jaw bone was strong and his eyes were a pit of darkness. They were neither mad nor stern though.
- I am sorry, she murmured.
- You have no reason to apologize Rosemary, he responded taking her chin in his hand. I know I must have startled you with my proposal.
- Overwhelmed is more like it, she whispered to herself.
To her astonishment, a small chuckle left his lips. It was short lived but she had heard it.
- You are the one overwhelming me my dear. I lose my senses around you.
His confession sent shivers down her spin. Bring her hand to hold his on her face, she took a step forward and closed the gap between the two. His lips were much warmer than his body and soft. As their kissing intensified, he held her closer, possessively. She felt so frail in his hands; he had the power to do whatever he wanted.
- When do you want to marry, he asked her.
- Halloween, when I turn 17.
It was his turn to be startled which brought a huge grin on her face.
- Your birthday it is then. You may plan the wedding but I choose the list of guest that you must respect and keep secret, he said gravely.
- Of course Tom, she said with a peck on the lips of her future husband.
- A train and then ugly looking horses? complained Annarose.
- Poor, poor thing, sarcastically responded Rosemary. Don't worry, you will get to Hogwarts in one piece but first, we have to catch that train. We're late.
Getting on the platform just in time for a speedy goodbye to their parents, the three girls caught the red train. Looking for a compartment was looking to be complicated. Zabini had reserved one for the three girls but Annarose was avoiding him like crazy. She found him too clingy. Nott, Rosalind's boyfriend was trying to get some information out of his best friend, Draco Malfoy, to figure out what his mission is to help him. Finally, they came across two first years who were sitting in a compartment on their own, so doing what Slytherins do best, they scared the poor children away and victoriously claimed their due.
The girls had just settled down that a knock was heard on the door. Opening it, Rose was face to face with Zabini.
- Hi Abe, he said amorously to her friend.
Turning a very light shade of pink, Annarose face's color morphed into a mad glare.
- Don't worry, he added, I am not here to bother you, I came for Rosemary. Professor Slughorn would like to see you.
- Guess the first years talked, she told her friends while rolling her eyes. I'll be right back.
Arriving in compartment C, many other students were regrouped.
- Miss Magnar! What a pleasure to meet you, the teacher beamed purposefully holding out his left hand.
- Nice to meet you too sir, she said while reaching for his outstretched hand.
Briefly shaking it, he quickly turned her hand over to look at the enormous rock she had on her second to last finger.
- You, my dear have absolutely no reason not to be in this little group. Not only are you the daughter of the late Minister of Magic in America but both of your godparents are head of departments in the Ministry. Erzebeth and Samael are also alumni of Hogwarts and of this group. I had the pleasure to teach them. Top of the class students, just like you dear. As if all of this was not enough, I have heard a rumour of your recent engagement. Is it true? It must be with this beautiful ring.
Rose was not to fond of the man already. He was a small man looking for relations but since both of her parents had been in the club, she would have no choice.
- It is.
The teacher was more than belated, he was ecstatic with joy.
- Engages at such a young age, he coaxed proudly to the other students in the compartment. And to none other than Azrael Nagendra, the Persian Emperor.
- It is custom for women to marry at 17 in my family, she responded. I am sorry sir, but as much as I would be honoured to stay, I have a meeting to plan my wedding.
- Oh, he said surprised. I would not want to keep you from wedding planning. Will you be joining us for further meetings?
- Of course, she said with a fake smile plastered on her face.
As she exitted the compartment leaving Zabini alone with the other students, she came across Crabe and Goyle, who had been following her. Both of them lowered themselves before her and avoided eye contact.
- Stand up, she hissed pulling them into an empty compartment. What would other people think if they saw you kneel before me! What do you want?
- My lady, we...we...have come to protect you, said difficultly Crabe.
Laughter erupted from her lips making both boys cringe with fear.
- You...protect...me, she said between laughs.
- Yes miss, said Goyle a little more assured. It was ordered by the Dark Lord.
Instantly, she stopped laughing.
- If I am to have you follow me around, you will have to do it from afar because none of this will be very subtle and call me by my first name like every other student in Hogwarts. Now go back to following Malfoy. It's an order!
The two boys, who were about to reply but stopped when they finally looked her in the eyes, just followed suit until she got into her compartment and following her orders continued to Malfoy's compartment.
- What was this all about? asked Rosalind.
- Slug Club, but I got out of the meeting pretexting a wedding reunion, said Rose with a sly smile.
- Clever girl, approved Annarose. But seriously, where are you planning to do your wedding my Lady?
Shooting her friend a dark look, she simply raised her shoulders. The news had not yet sunk in and she was in no hurry to organize everything. On the other hand, she was sure her mother would have sent at least 10 owls in her room by the time she got to Hogwarts. She had always found both of her parents calm and relax but she would never had thought how strung out her mother could become with her upcoming wedding. She had lied to her friends, she knew where the wedding was going to take place and everything was pretty much prepared already starting with the color schemes to the placement mats. Her mother had hired the best in the business. Nothing was too good for their only daughter her parents had said when she had tried to complain this morning.
- You know that you two cannot be in the wedding, sadly said Rosemary to her best friends. You can't both be my maid of honor especially if my futur husband does not have a best man.
- Rosalind can be his best man while I am your maid of honor.
- Stop joking around Abe, we all know I should be the one in the dress with my calves to die for.
The three girls started laughing so hard, heads were popping out of various compartments to see what it was all about.
The beginning of the year feast was something none of the girls had experienced before. Students in Salem just crowed in the gigantic hall in their year's respective table. The sorting in front of everyone was something Rose was more than glad to have done alone in Dumbledore's office. The horror it would have been to be sorted in front of everyone.
The situation with the Slytherin students had gotten even worse. The students, even the ones older than her, bowed when they met her, if they wear brave enough because most of them feared her so much, they just tried to avoid her. She had formally forbidden her two best friends and Theodore to bow before her in school. She knew her Lord would not approve if he learned about it but in school, she was the one giving orders. The only exception was Draco Malfoy. Unlike the other students, he simply dismissed her completely. He would not try to avoid her, simply being absent most of the time but when he did cross her, he did not even acknowledge her.
It was already mid-October, only two-weeks away from her wedding and their first Hogsmeade visit. Rosemary, Annarose, Rosalind and Rose's mother, whom had arrange for them to meet at Hogsmeade, were all be looking for her wedding dress. The news had finally set in; she was going to be the Dark Lady and Tom Marvolo Riddle was going to be her husband. After a couple of dresses, the overwhelming feeling Rose felt when she was proposed to came back. She was lightheaded and needed to sit down. The stress of it all had made her lose quite a bit of weight and was now more slim than fit. She looked much older than she actually was.
- I know it can be overwhelming darling, comforted her mother, you are only 16, 17 in two weeks but you'll see that everything you do now will make your day so much more precious.
- You know Miss, chirped in the lady at the store, if you have a precise idea for your wedding dress, it would be much easier to design it than to try on different dresses.
That is exactly what Rosemary did. Sitting down with a designer from the shop, she asked for every detail she was expecting. The designer measured her but since they were witches, alterations could still be made the day of the wedding if the fit was wrong.
Going back to Hogwarts, Rosemary was happy with the days progress and even if she was still apprehensive with her upcoming nuptial, every other detail was being taken care of by her mother.
Rose still hadn't decided what career path she was going to take guessing that being the Dark Lady was going to be enough but she still did not want to take any chances and took most of the advanced classes. Potion classes with Slughorn had been rubbish compared to what Snape would have given and especially after her summer preparing potions with the Dark Lord. In fact, Rose was starting to feel that school was rubbish in and of itself since she was so advanced. She was starting to regret not joining the Slytherin quidditch team this year. When they had asked her, she was still in the midst of planning her wedding and could barely spare a second to sleep. Deciding there was nothing more to do, she went up to the Owlery and sent a letter to Tom asking him how he pasted his time in Hogwarts without being bored. Barely thirty minutes later, the owl flew back with a letter attached to its small leg. Taking it while giving a treat to the bird, Rose read the letter.
Dearest futur Dark Lady,
It was a pleasure to hear from you. Although your letter did take me by surprise, it made me laugh to no end knowing how bored you were because people around you are so poor at doing magic. You now know exactly how I felt during my Hogwarts years. There were some people with more advanced knowledge, like your father, but most people are just ignorant and will stay forever. As for what I did, I plotted. I had nothing else to do than think and to explore the castle. You should be more than capable of finding all the different secret passages by yourself. Continue writing, your future husband.
Secret passages? Rose thought. She had read many books about Hogwarts and they all said that there had been a secret chamber made specially for Salazar Slytherin. This had to be what Tom was referencing to and if it wasn't, it was a good place to start. Plucking information from the students brain was easier than basic spells. Rosemary learned that the chamber had been opened when they were in second year and that none other than Harry Potter had saved the day. While his mind was reserved for Voldemort's reading, Ron's mind was free game.
Scheming came easily to her so that same night, Rosemary was hiding behind one the statues while Ron was walking around school alone. Making him trip on a stone and hit his head was an easy injury that made him look clumsy but also gave Rose more than enough time to read his brain. The entrance was in first floor girls' washroom. Ron, who was knocked out a couple of seconds stirred.
- Hey, gently said Rosemary shaking his shoulder.
His eyes, whom were still unfocused, tried to open. Once he understood were he was, he tried to stand up but his effort made him wobble. Catching his arm, Rosemary stabilized him on his feet.
- Are you alright? concerned etched all over her face. I was going to the common room when I saw you stumble and fall. I think you were knocked out for a few seconds. You should go see Madam Pomfrey.
- No I'm fine, he responded more no himself than to her. I don't need to go to the hospital wing.
- Well at least let me fix your forehead, she said gently swaying her wand in front of him.
He was astonished that the warm blood dripping from his head had suddenly stopped. Bringing his hand up, he felt the bruise but he could not feel a mark left by the wound.
- My mother studied to be a healer, explained Rosemary. When I was younger and got hurt, it was the spell she used. Comes in quite handy when you play quidditch.
Satisfied with her explanation, he thanked her and continued his way while Rose disappeared in the corridor heading to the first floor. In the washroom, she made sure to tell Moaning Myrtle that the cute fifth floor ghost had an eye on her. Myrtle was hooked, line and sinker. The ghost hurried out of the bathroom in search of her new beau. Opening the pass-way, she fell in a tunnel that lead her directly to the main chamber. The sight was disgusting. The biggest snake she had every seen was falling into pieces. The room and the many passages were majestic but debris recovered everything. This was no doubt Slytherin's hiding place.
Rose has spent the remainder of her two weeks in school cleaning up the chamber and finding and exploring every nook and cranny. The day before leaving for her house, she had spent part of the night looking around. Each time she had tried to go to bed, she felt restless. She had finally fallen asleep on the edge of one of the balcony, her feet dangling in emptiness while her head laid peacefully on the stone cold wall. Her burning thigh woke her up. When her rose mirror would not be answered, it would get progressively hotter so much so that it would surely leave a red mark now.
- Where in Merlin's beard are you? scolded Rosalind. We have been looking everywhere for you!
- I'm sorry Rora, apologized Rosemary, I'll be right there.
- You better get here this instant.
The moment she got in the common room, she was instantly pulled out by her two friends and dragged to breakfast. After practically forcing food down her throat by Annarose and having rows of people congratulate her for her upcoming nuptials, the three girls apparated to the chaos that was her home.
Setting foot in her house, she saw everyone running around with their wands in their hand. Going unnoticed because of all the commotion, the girls slipped into the main hall to see everything. The room was now dramatically dark with the color scheme they had chosen. The black and green made the room look gothic, illuminated only by the candles lining the green carpet Rose would be going down in only a few hours. The chairs were barely visible with their black silk covers. The most stunning piece was the organ that had been installed on the stone platform. The dark wood and the silver pipes lined the room. Windows forming the cathedral ceiling were letting the full moon shine directly at the place where the future husband and wife would be standing. All of them were left in awe.
- There you are dear, said her mother from behind her. You must go and get ready! Girls, your rooms have been placed on the third floor. You will find all you need to get ready. Oh! and Rosemary, your dress has arrived, it is in your room but I did not dare open it without you.
- Thank you mother.
Entering the house's main bathroom on the first floor, Rose felt oddly relaxed. She had spent whole summers here. She had no friends in England and when her parents had to work, she would come in this bathroom and try various beauty spells from their magic books, perfumes, and what not. She poured herself a hot bath with oils to soothe her skin and nervousness. She then carefully dried herself with more care than necessary and perfumed herself with her mother's favourite perfume. With a magic spell, she made her long hair cascade in big curls down her back and put on very few makeup, keeping it simple. It was finally time for her dress. Up to this point, only 30 minutes before the ceremony, she had not even dared open the bag containing it. Her dress was beautiful. Completely leaving her shoulder bare, the top half was lace and crystals. The silk A-line skirt was full with a very long train. Her skirt was rushed at the hip with an intricate ornament holding the material up. Underneath was another layer of fabric embedded with the same crystals as her bust. Taking out of the bag, she stepped carefully in it. While she was about to throw a spell for the dress to lace-up, her mother came in the room.
- My baby, her mother half sobbed, half rejoiced. You look beautiful. Let me help you with that.
Her mother too looked beautiful. It was the first time she saw her dresses for a formal Death Eater event and she could see why people thought they looked alike. Her mother had, although shorter, the same color hair. Their faces were identical excepts that her mother looked much more tired from all the wedding planning. The only exception was her eyes, her father's green eyes. They were greener in all the white. Lacing up her dress, the mother and daughter talked comfortably together. When Erzebeth was finally done, Rose looked at herself smiling; She really did look like a princess. Her father came in the room to warn them that the ceremony was starting in less than five minutes.
- You look beautiful my emerald, he spoke softly stroking her cheek.
- Thank you papa, she said.
Putting on the final touches, her father was the one to bring down her cathedral length mantilla but before, he kissed her on the forehead and so did her mother.
- We could not be prouder, said her father.
- Our daughter, marrying the strongest wizard of all time. With all your powers, you two will rule the world someday.
Bringing a blush to her face, both her parents were looking at her with water in their eyes. Brushing it away, they both returned to their stoic Death Eater face. They had a reputation to keep after all. Her mother went down to the main hall while Rose stayed with her dad until the signal.
- You know princess, whatever you do, we will always be proud of you. Now, are you ready to marry? he asked her solemnly.
- Yes I am.
Taking her arm, the two walked down the staircase with her eternally long train following them. Rose could hear the organ playing but the two main doors were closed. When they were both waiting in front of the door, Rosemary took a big breathe while the door opened. The dark room was moving with shadows. As soon as the two doors cracked, everyone stood up to welcome the bride. She was like a white angel lighting the dark room. While everyone was looking at her, she had eyes only for her future husband. Unnoticed, he was smirking at her, locking eyes with her the entire time she walked up to him. Her father passed her to Tom and it was only then that Rose saw who was going to bond them; it was Severus Snape.
She could not let this ruin her wedding. Even if she was less than happy about it, she did not have any other people to do it. Her father could not, Lucius was in prison, leaving Snape the only other prospects to marry them. Letting nothing show, she looked back in Tom's eyes and forgot all about it because she was drowning in his mysterious dark eyes.
- Rosemary? questionned Snape.
- Yes, yes I do, she smiled.
- My lord, do you take...
- Snape, for the bonding to work, you have to use my full name. Go on, say it.
Terror was present in his eyes. The Dark Lord let no one call him by his muggle name and get away with it. Of course this was for another reason but old habits die hard and Snape was not sure if he should take the proposition seriously.
- You know my full name Severus, he coaxed, I know you do.
- Tom...Tom...Tom Marvolo Riddle, do you want to be bonded for life with Rosemary Amartya Ethelinde Branwen?
- I do, he responded looking at her and sending pleasurable tingles down her back.
- You are now bonded for life, said Snape waving his wand.
Lifting her mantilla from her face, Voldemort delicately folded it back, grabbed Rose by the hips and upper back and swung her backwards to kiss her. His kiss was something so soft, she had never thought possible from him. It was the first and only kiss they shared in public. Arms linked together, they started going down the aisle. It was at that moment that Rose realized that they had not been alone, their was a crowd of people present. Flushing pink, she saw her parents and best friends in the first row. Other Death Eaters were present, including Narcissa representing her husband. Beside her was her nasty looking sister, Bellatrix. She looked more than pissed at Rosemary but looked tenderly at Rose's new husband. Sending her a glacial glare, Rose continued to look around. There was no one other than the Death Eaters, which many were still missing because they were locked in Azkaban since the last mission, and their wives, if they had any, making up the small group.
The reception went by quite fast. No one dared make a toast about the newlyweds in case the Dark Lord jinxed them. Without a glitch, the couple was out the door to their honeymoon before midnight. Taking his silky smooth hand, they apparated together in a country she did not recognize.