...
She wears fire like a crown and when the devil glanced her way - you can be sure that he winked.
...
Dahlia couldn't breathe.
On the outside she looked just like the devil or perhaps its female counterpart. The smile that lit up her features was all wrong, it was formed with a type of fractured malice rather than any sort of sincerity. What many people wouldn't notice, however, was that the sordid smirk that had formed upon her pretty face trembled. Out of experience she kept her terror buried deep within herself, away from the world and away from those who could use it against her.
"You want to wrap your hands around my throat. Don't you?" Dahlia asked coldly.
Anger radiated from Hadrian's features, she could see it in the tightness of his jaw and by the hardness of his eyes. Dahlia watched him intently, her dark brown eyes dancing across the sharp angles and the dark shadows of his face. Of course she didn't look at his eyes - she didn't want to look. Every time her warm brown gaze found his own icy gleam, she felt as if she lost a piece of herself - a small perhaps overlooked but crucial piece.
The purposeful evasion didn't last long as their dark gazes eventually clashed, the two earthy tones connecting but remaining guarded. In the darkness, the glinting green glimmered - the irises seeming way too comfortable in the dark. Hadrian Potter had no difficulty with seeing the world without a light.
"Of course not," Hadrian responded sweetly.
Despite his tender comment, Dahlia watched as Hadrian's fingers twitched and his gaze dropped to her throat. She could virtually feel the anger and irritation radiating from his body - steam practically billowed out of his ears. Dahlia knew she had struck a nerve but she continued to watch his anger with neurotic mesmerisation. Every part of his body was tense and still - he looked seconds away from losing it. Hadrian's eyes drilled into hers causing a shiver to work its way through her veins. Dahlia's heart began to race and her breath slowly came to a stop.
Hadrian watched her carefully, his eyes finding her vivacious curves; the strong ass, the slender waist and the smooth swell of her chest as she took each breath. It was true, she was as beautiful as she was vicious - how treacherously twisted was that? Hadrian took a menacing step closer and his mind went back to the time he had seen her naked and vulnerable in front of him. No, he took that back. When Dahlia had stood bare before him he had never seen her so fierce, she had owned herself and had only given what she had wanted to give. Right now, however, Hadrian saw her weaknesses and he saw her fear - it was potent, perilous and pure. And yet, the bitchy boldness that lifted her lip to snarl and turned her warm brown eyes to black, still remained.
Dahlia's eyebrows arched contemptuously as she watched his intimate assessment of her body. Once again, her bitchy facade calmed her heart allowing her to continue to breathe. The truth was she felt as if she was going to collapse - the ground beneath her felt unsteady and the world around her began to spin. No, no... she couldn't let him see her like this, no one could see this. Hadrian took another step closer and Dahlia felt like screaming, her skin became heated and her heart felt raw and hollow.
"I saw you strangle a girl once..." Dahlia revealed tightly, her eyes glinting.
Hadrian's eyes connected with hers once more and she watched as they set ablaze. It was now Hadrian's turn to become motionless. Dahlia swallowed down the suffocating fear that tightened her throat and pinched at her heart. Yes, she could do this. Dahlia refused to acknowledge or to consider Hadrian's rigid anticipation as threatening, instead the dark haired girl swallowed tightly and arched a brow.
Hadrian was right in front of her now, his large body encroaching on her personal space. He looked down at her expectantly, waiting for her to react but he was too close and too much for Dahlia to comprehend. She tried to find her calm but the smell of him closed in on her and everything she stood for started to fade away. Lucifer must of sent him, he must be some sort of ancient entity born to bring the world to its knees - he was a furie and he was vengeful. Suddenly he raised a large hand and lifted up a dark strand of her hair, twirling it around sensually in his fingers. Dahlia watched him intensely, her body becoming still and motionless as his natural scent of dark musk filled her nostrils. The smell combined mercilessly with the light spray of bottled oak-moss that coated his clothing leaving her to feel wholly submerged.
Hadrian's action seemed innocent but Dahlia knew otherwise. His commanding hold of her dark strand was a belligerent reminder of his literal hold of her spirit and control over her mortality - was she his plaything? Hadrian tucked the strand back gently behind her ear, his long fingers brushing her throat as he released it. He gave her a shadowed smile, the eclipsed gesture was one shared between two people. Two people who were willing to die to win the game rather than to consider if the game should be won at all.
"It was Poppy Caxton," Dahlia exposed finally.
Despite his seemingly gentle exterior Dahlia noticed blunt anger linger within the glittering green - it swirled and gouged at the distance between them. The strength of it stole her breath away ensuring her sickening scream would become muted and ultimately meaningless. She shouldn't have lost her temper earlier, she regretted the words she threw his way - particularly the stupid fucking blackmail. Truthfully all thought had fled when she had pictured her stepfather - the pervy pitiful man.
"Poppy Caxton," Hadrian repeated feigning ignorance.
"Draco's ex-girlfriend," Dahlia continued carefully, not believing his guile.
Hadrian lifted a dark brow and waited for Dahlia to make her point - the action was simple yet formidable. In return Dahlia smirked maliciously, once again finding her darkness. She pulled it close and wrapped herself in it. The blanket of maliciousness filled the cracks that fractured her heart, causing her to shiver as it began to spill into her bloodstream.
"Last year, there was that rumour that you and Draco had fallen out," Dahlia continued bravely, her mouth lifting into a false fragmented smirk.
"It was just a rumour," Hadrian smiled tightly.
"That night I went to the library and I saw you..." Dahlia spoke regardless of Hadrian's darkening features.
There was a beat of silence and just for a moment Dahlia felt as if she was drowning. In the quiet, her deep breaths echoed into the sky, letting Hadrian aware of her panic. Dahlia suddenly became aware of movement to her right. A figure in a light blue dress made its way over to where Sophia stood - it was Abigail Pugh, a Slytherin sixth year and one of Dahlia's closest friends. Dahlia sighed, as much as she wanted her friends with her, she knew it wouldn't make a difference. They would want to have her back but it didn't matter, no one survived Hadrian Potter. Dahlia focused back onto Hadrian, locking eyes fearlessly as she continued to tell her story.
"You were in the hallway with Poppy," Dahlia spoke clearly.
Hadrian lifted his hand once more and took hold of another dark strand, this time capturing one closer to her face. Just like before, Hadrian began twirling it around his fingers - the movements were smooth, mesmerising and domineering. Dahlia refused to visibility tremble at his obvious power play, she had known there would be consequences for her bravery. The darkness she had managed to embrace was starting to slip away. Then again, she knew she was playing with fire - no that wasn't right, not anymore - fire was playing with her.
"You grabbed her throat and pushed her up against the wall," Dahlia finished breathily.
Hadrian tilted his head to the side as if trying to read Dahlia's expression - the movement was graceful yet all too disturbing. He licked his lips and smiled as if he had just figured it all out. The motion caused Dahlia to freeze and think back to what she could have possibly given away. What could he use against her? Hadrian dropped the strand of her hair and shoved his hands into his trouser pockets, rocking back and forth arrogantly on his heels.
"Yes.. yes, I did," Hadrian admitted darkly.
"W..why?" Dahlia stuttered, shocked by his honesty.
"Everything has its consequences, Dahlia, you know that," Hadrian replied with ease.
"What did she do?" Dahlia asked eagerly.
If Dahlia hadn't been so curious she would have faltered when she heard him utter her name. Instead she took a dangerous step, leaving her face inches away from his chest. Hadrian looked down at her with hooded eyes, his sharp gaze scowering at her keen features. What does she want? In that moment, Hadrian swallowed tightly in suspicion as his gaze swam with formidable caution - her interest and curiosity was beginning to make Hadrian uncomfortable. Of all people Hadrian had never thought Dahlia would be the one to be so interested, it seemed everyone wanted to know what he was up to. A slavic smirk appeared on Hadrian's face causing Dahlia to momentarily faltered.
"Don't worry, I'll kill your step-daddy for you," Hadrian concluded changing the subject.
Hadrian moved forward, standing so close they were now touching. He didn't let her become accustomed to his closeness before leaning down to the side of her face. Dahlia froze, her pulse beating close to the surface of her skin causing shots of electricity to ignite her body. Hadrian placed his lips close to Dahlia's ear, brushing the soft skin of her cheek.
"I'll do what you ask. But if you threaten me again it'll be you who gets the bullet," Hadrian finished darkly.
No one could see Hadrian Potter's smile, if they did they would have run. They would run fast, because the smile erupted in darkness and shone with wickedness - promising rapturous repercussions. Hadrian stepped back several feet, putting distance between them. He watched as Dahlia's face ignited with the realisation of his threat but then noticed how darkness fell down rapidly over it - shutting out the world. Dahlia's beautiful warm features turned cold once more - she became hellfire. Hadrian watched her leave, her friends walking with her out from the darkness and towards the light of the manor. A slice of guilt pinched at his heart, he regretted that his anger had taken over because his viciousness had been unforgiving.
Fuck - he could be an asshole.
...
Alec walked through the shelter of the trees - the different shades of green casting shadow upon his tall figure. All the party guests had now arrived and were already inside the manor, leaving Hadrian and Alec to stand alone by the gated entrance. Hadrian watched Alec's vengeful approach, his eyes tracking the dark and narrowed expression that had settled urgently upon his face. The phone was now clenched tightly in his hand, causing the skin to whiten across the junctures of his strong knuckles. If Alec kept up that firm grip, the phone would break in half - cracking the glass and crushing the metal. Alec's piercing gaze connected with Hadrian's sending a silent message of - 'trouble'. Alec raised his clenched fists to either grip his hair or throw the phone in frustration, Hardian wasn't sure.
"What's wrong?" Hadrian asked, his eyes almost black.
Alec Morti stepped closer, entering the light in a filtered streak of auburn and gold. The fairy lights reflected across the planes of his face, revealing what the dark shadows didn't. He ran a hand through his hair, disturbing the silk strands, making him look unpredictably rogue. Alec looked around to make sure they were completely alone before he started to speak.
"That was Joval and Aver," Alec spoke in a hushed yet clear voice.
"What happened?" Hadrian urged him to continue.
"They did everything according to plan, they delivered the body to Zantini. But they were followed, attacked from behind by a couple of henchman. Don't worry, they finished them - they captured a lieutenant," Alec finished looking mildly impressed.
"Fuck.." Hadrian whispered, clenching his fists.
"Fuck!" Hadrian roared, his hands moving to his head.
"We have to go, they're expecting us," Alec whispered, ignoring Hadrian's outburst.
Hadrian nodded despite his irritation, he didn't want this to happen - everything was happening too quickly. The business with the muggles was delicate, Hadrian had to be careful of what was said and done. Even if they were Mafia, they were still muggles and it would only take one moment to fuck everything up. Hadrian had enough eyes on him, he didn't need a muggle shit storm to be on the radar. Hadrian and Alec walked out of the gates and away from the Manor's perimeter, the twinkling lights and soft music became more distant. Once they were out of range, Hadrian took hold of Alec's arm and they disapparated with a muted crack.
...
The boys landed heavily on their feet, settling casually upon the old thick stone that laid the street. Hadrian glanced up at an old rusted sign which was nailed hastily to the brick, it read - Old Kentish Town. Hadrian was surprised, it meant they weren't far from Kings Cross Station.
The streets were empty, there was not a single soul in sight - it made the world seem desolate and ominous. Alec started forward, leading them both down a narrow alleyway that twisted and turned recurrently - it was like a giant snake made of brick and grout. Eventually they were led out into a large back alley that was surrounded by black bins piled high with trash bags. They were hidden here, no one would be able to see them, the brick walls that surrounded them stood tall and thick.
Joval and Aver suddenly appeared from the furthest corner of the Alley which was drenched in shadow. The two men stumbled into the light, dragging a man by his jacket collar. The man attempted to resist but was obviously too weak - Hadrian saw blood smeared across his face.
"Hadrian, I'm sorry. We fucked up," Joval muttered.
"When we heard them following us we lured them here. The other two are behind the bins, but we let this one live," Joval finished, sniffing crudely.
As much as Hadrian wanted to punch Joval and Aver for killing two people without his say so, he was glad it at least gone down quietly. Joval stepped forward and dropped the man lazily at Hadrian feet, turning to wiping the blood off on his jeans and across the front of his jacket. It didn't make a difference, the dark red stain still marked his fingers and palms - the residue a grievous memory of an ended life. Hadrian looked over and saw the captive man looking at Joval with utter hatred. Hadrian stepped forward, standing directly above the captured man, his eyes surveying him narrowly.
"Did you search them?" Hadrian asked Joval and Aver distractedly.
"Yeah, one of the dead guys had a nice 9mm," Aver smiled excitedly.
"Yeah, we rock, paper, scissored for it," Joval added annoyed, he must have lost.
Alec looked at the two men with pure disbelief, turning and rolling his eyes contemptuously. If not for the seriousness of the situation, Alec's reaction would of made Hadrian laugh. Hadrian's gaze moved away from Alec and back down to the man at his feet. The man was older, perhaps mid-thirties, early forties. Long sandy strands hung in front of his face - blocking his sight. The blood started at his brow and from his nose - bleeding down his face, marking it in crimson.
"I'm Hadrian," Hadrian introduced himself.
The man's eyes widened and Hadrian watched as his throat tightened as he swallowed. The man's gaze moved from shock to disbelief as his eyes narrowed in uncertainty.
"Why were you following my men?" Hadrian asked bitingly.
"I have nothing to say to you," the bleeding man uttered.
Irritated and running out of time - Hadrian pulled the glock out from the waistband of his trousers, the heavy metal feeling good in his grip. Hadrian looked down the dark sights out of habit - there was no need to sight it, not when you were this close. At point blank range it wasn't the question of if you'd kill - it was how you'd kill. Hadrian aimed for the heart, that would be swift and practically painless. No, he lifted his aim higher, right between the eyes.
"I'll ask you again," Hadrian whispered his voice deep and menacing.
The man had other intentions as he lifted his head fast standing up from his kneeled position. One hand dove into the jacket sleeve - ready to fight. The shot that went off was loud and concluding. It echoed morosely down the alleyway like an incessant reminder of the horrors of what had just been done. Hadrian watched the body fall lifelessly, landing face down into the stone. Then there was nothing, no movement - the man was still and gone. Hadrian breathed heavily, his heart beating fast as he looked down at the lifeless body in front of him. He clenched his jaw tightly and looked down at the object that had caught his eye.
"What the fuck is that?" Hadrian asked fire in his chest.
Alec stepped forward and bent down next the dead man - with steady hands he pulled back the dead man's right sleeve. A piece of wood fell onto the stone with a clear and distinct clatter. After a couple of frozen seconds Alec picked up the wand his dark eyes finding Hadrian's - they both wore the same look of absolute horror.
"What the fuck?" Aver questioned surprised.
Alec bent down, once again but this time to pull back the man's jacket collar. Hadrian's dark eyes grew darker as there tattooed upon the nape of the man's neck was the emblem of a Phoenix appearing from a flame. Hadrian didn't just kill a wizard - he had just murdered a member of the Order of the Phoenix.
Fuck.