Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, or it's characters, this is merely a piece of fanfiction.

A/N: This was a pairing suggested by "Izzytory36" on AO3, as Fem!James x Tom Riddle. I have changed it around a little so Tom goes by Lord Slytherin, and James is named Lyra. Tom seeks to conquer the magical world through politics in this AU. Hope you enjoy it:)

Heiress Lyra Potter took another deep sip of her wine, and discreetly nudged her cousin, Heir Sirius Black with her foot. His head turned to her quickly, holding back a laugh as she rolled her eyes at their cousin, Lady Bellatrix Lestrange.

If she heard one more word about Lord Slytherin she was sure she would explode. She knew the promising young wizard was taking the world by storm, but she wished she could go one whole hour without hearing his name praised. It was getting downright obnoxious.

Bella was in the Auror program, and she had no shortness of praise to lavish on the youngest Minister of Magic in history. At just thirty, he had taken the position by a landslide. He was powerful, charismatic, and fabulously wealthy since he claimed his lordship at the age of fifteen.

That was all well and good, but Lyra couldn't care less for politics. She just wanted to have fun with her mates. She had just graduated from Hogwarts, and soon they would all be busy with their own pursuits. She would be given no such leeway this week.

This week every summer, her mother- Lady Dorea Potter née Black, and all the other Black's descended upon Black Manor en masse. Annual business was attended to, siblings and cousins caught up, and grievances were aired and resolved. It was mandatory of all those with Black blood. Her father declined to attend. He couldn't stand the formality of the Black's.

"If I hear one more thing about Lord Slytherin, I will positively die," Lyra hissed to Sirius. Sirius promptly choked on his mouthful of firewhiskey as Lord Slytherin himself walked into the parlor. His brother Regulus patted him on the back in an effort to help.

Lyra straightened her back as he entered the room. His presence filled the whole room, drawing her eyes to the young politician. Lyra didn't think his photos in the papers did him justice.

Lord Slytherin was shaking hands with Uncle Orion. He must have been invited by him, as the head of the family. Only Lord Black could invite those of non-Black blood to Black Manor.

It was a great honor, usually reserved for those married into the family.

Lyra watched him as he greeted his way down the line of Father's that stood by the far wall with their cigars. He then made his way to where their mother's were congregated. Sirius bumped her shoulder, but she shooed him away. She knew she was staring, but she couldn't help it.

There was something about him that was drawing her in. Is this how he had risen so quickly through the ranks, when so many others had failed to do so?

Her mother was speaking to him, his back still turned to Lyra. She admired the fine line of his broad shoulders, and thought maybe she could stand to hear a little more about him. Her mother made eye contact with her and nodded as if she was talking about her.

Lord Slytherin looked over his shoulder at her, and snitches took flight in her stomach when their eyes met. He had emerald green eyes that pulled her in hypnotically. They made a striking contrast to his pale skin, sharp cheekbones, and dark hair.

Suddenly nothing else mattered, she was lost inside those emerald green eyes. She was vaguely aware of someone calling her name, but she couldn't look away from the gaze of Lord Slytherin. Her eyes never left his as he made the trek across the large parlor.

He came to stand in front of her, and gave her a slight bow in greeting. Sirius elbowed her to jolt her out of her stupor. She jumped up in alarm, and right into the arms of Lord Slytherin. His hands supported her arms. She tried her best not to give into the urge to melt into his embrace.

Sirius stood at her side, and helped her back onto her feet. She was tempted to pout, she liked her position in Lord Slytherin's arms, thank you very much.

"Lord Slytherin," Sirius greeted, "this is my cousin Heiress Lyra Potter. Lyra, this is Lord Slytherin. Now that you've been formally introduced, I can say I've done my duty."

Sirius flopped back onto the sofa behind her.

Lord Slytherin was watching her with amusement sparkling in his green eyes. He had seldom ever seen a witch so beautiful. She had the dark skin of The Potter's, long black hair that reached her waist, and ruby red eyes- a trademark of the Potter family. Tom had heard from a credible source that the Potter's had Dark Fae blood, and that was what leant their eyes the signature ruby color.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Lord Slytherin, what brings you to Black Manor?"

His head turned from side to side, as if looking for eavesdroppers. Lyra admired his chiseled jaw as he did so.

"Take a walk in the gardens with me?"

She nodded her head, and took his arm when he offered it. She knew one of her cousins would follow at a distance. They would never leave her alone with a man, even if he was the Minister of Magic, it was beyond improper. Just as she predicted, Regulus followed them at a distance that allowed him to see, but not overhear.

Lyra stopped for a moment to lace one hand through a loop that allowed her gown not to drag along the gravel path. Her mother would be cross if she destroyed yet another gown out of carelessness. She retook Lord Slytherin's arm and allowed him to lead her around the garden.

When they reached a section that had benches that overlooked a bluff, Lord Slytherin motioned for her to sit before taking the seat by her side. She heard Regulus steps on the gravel and knew he was nearby, for her protection.

"You've made quite an impression on my Cousin Bella," she told him, "she won't stop singing your praises. I admit I was getting a bit tired of it, before…" she trailed off and a faint blush dusted her cheeks.

"Yes, I seem to have that effect on young women."

Lyra scoffed, and made to stand up. Lord Slytherin grabbed her gently around the wrist, and she turned back to face him. She could see Regulus over his shoulder, wand in hand. She nodded at him to let him know she was okay.

"That's not what I meant," he hurried, "young women are some of my biggest supporters. A Lord telling them that they don't have to stay home and pump out babies at an expeditious rate seems to make them happy. It's just common sense. Not all women want to be mother's."

Lyra smiled at him. She personally wanted children one day, but she couldn't agree more with him. The pressures put on pureblood women to produce heirs were absurd. Especially since magical adoption existed.

"I can see how you won the election. You're very charming."

"So I've charmed you? Does that mean you'll allow me to court you?" he asked with a wicked smile.

Lyra got the feeling he was used to getting whatever he wanted. She could see that it would be hard to deny him, but she was no average witch, she was a Potter.

"Why did you come to Black Manor?" she asked again, evenly. Lord Slytherin pulled one of her hands into his and drew constellations on her palm. She tried to pretend that she was unaffected at feeling his hands on her, despite feeling like her entire body was humming.

"I had a very interesting discussion with your father after the last Wizengamot meeting. He's incredibly proud of you. He sang your praises. He told anyone who would listen how his daughter is the best quidditch player, best duelist, and most beautiful witch to graduate from Hogwarts in decades. I had to see for myself. I pride myself on being the best, it would only make sense that my Lady should also be the best."

Lyra tilted her head and looked at him piercingly. She could sense his magic, it was a particular talent of hers. His magic was every bit as Dark as hers. That was surprising. Between her Dark Fae blood, and her Black blood, she was drenched in Dark Magic.

Clearly, his handsome visage was hiding some secrets. Not that she minded, she held secrets of her own.

"I will allow you to court me, but I require something in return."

One of his eyebrows rose in surprise. Most people just gave him what he wanted.

"What?"

"An oath. Swear to me that you will never harm me, those of Black blood, or my father."

Lord Slytherin's jaw ticked. He didn't like oaths, he didn't like being tied into anything. He mentally ran through a list of who would be included in this oath. Almost all the Black's were his supporters, and those that weren't would fall in line if and when he married Lyra. He was determined to have her, she was the most beautiful and talented witch of her age.

"Fine," he conceded, taking her bare hand in his.

He drew his wand and made the oath she required. A band of light emitted from his wand and wrapped around both their hands before disappearing. It was an oath, tying him to her. He couldn't break it even if he wanted to.

"You may court me," she conceded with a smile.

"As if there was ever any doubt," he teased as he pulled her into his embrace.