I was eating breakfast the next morning when I was interrupted from my toast by Raimond dropping carelessly into the seat beside me, ignoring the astonished looks of the Ravenclaws who sat around him.
"Poppy," he greeted, smiling as he reached for his own piece of toast.
"Good morning Raimond," I replied, curiously.
"I've come to extend an invitation your way," he explained promptly, before taking a large bite. "We're having a little party tonight, in the common room." He then leant in.
"For now, it's a single invite only, you can invite a Ravenclaw or two in the future perhaps," he murmured, raising an eyebrow as he fixed me with his penetrating stare.
"Of course Raimond, I'd be delighted to attend," I said brightly, pleased that he had got to work so fast.
"Excellent, I shall accompany you from Ravenclaw tower at eight," he said, bumping our shoulders together playfully and winking shrewdly as he rose from the table. "Walk with me later? A turn about the lake?" I nodded with a smile. "I'll see you then."
Casper and Hazel, the only two of my Ravenclaw friends awake this early on a Saturday, slid up to me.
"I didn't know you were friends with Raimond Lestrange," Hazel said under breath. "I'd watch it."
"Don't worry Hazel, for one, he's in with Cassie, and believe it or not he's actually a reasonably nice person…" I said seriously, actually a little touched by their protectiveness. I smirked. "Well for a Slytherin anyway." The pair sniggered.
"Oh what it would be like to be untouchable," Casper sighed, shaking his head. "I'm not sure if it would be worth having to put up with Orion and Cygnus' antics at Christmas though."
"Oh Casper it's so far away why must you remind me!"
Bundled in our thick cloaks Raimond and I strolled arm in arm around the lake, today the weather had taken a turn for the worst. But the drizzle and light fog gave the mountains an eerily beautiful glow. We traversed a large rock in our path, and came to stop when we reached the tree line. Our cloaks were of course fashioned from only best material so we could sit upon the damp ground without the need for charms.
"I have been thinking about something," he said. "I was wondering if I might ask you a personal question."
"Of course," I replied.
"I know your family are like mine, followers of the old faith. Do you believe in the same?" Raimond asked carefully,
I was silent for a moment, regarding my companion appraisingly.
"I do," I said softly, breaking eye contact with him. I sighed and admired the rays of sunlight dancing over the ripples of the lakes surface.
"Perhaps it was the way I was brought up, but I cannot make sense of magic in any other way."
Raimond gave me a small smile.
"I feel much the same way," he agreed. "It is such a pity, that when wizardkind went into hiding, the old ways were lost."
"A grave shame indeed," I agreed.
"When you turn sixteen, are you to visit the high priestesses?" he asked in a whisper, eyes darting around, as if checking once more for eavesdroppers.
"I have not yet decided," I said thoughtfully. "It is so taboo now, to follow the old faith. It has been tainted with the deaths of many."
"People, even muggles commit many atrocities in the name of religion," he said sagely. "It reflects the belief system in a negative light, when in reality; it is all man's doing."
"Indeed," I said. "Just because the wizards of old were known to use dark magic does not mean they did so because they were of the old religion, they did so because of the time. It was acceptable then. But people find that hard to understand nowadays."
"Because they are spoon-fed the lies by the ministry," Raimond whispered. "Poppy, have you heard what they say?"
"What do you mean?" I asked casualy, not wanting to give much away.
"There are murmurs, you know. About an uprising."
I swallowed hard.
"I have heard them," I said simply. "Whether I believe them or not is a different story all together."
"But do you long for the change it will bring?" he asked, eyes boring into mine. I could see the passion and longing in his eyes, I'd seen in the hearts of many a revolutionary in the future. It was a look often seen in the eyes of Harry Potter himself.
"I do," I whispered. "We all know that the ministry is not working, that it needs to be reformed. But the ministry will not back down quietly, they have a lot of money and a lot of influence. There is no way they would fade into the background willingly."
"That is why the old families are clubbing together, we have fortune and contacts which could wipe out the ministry."
I was thoughtful for a moment.
"I fear the violence that would spread," I admitted. "But I believe that in the end, perhaps it would be worth it."
"And your family?" Raimond asked. "Are they…" I nodded.
"My great-grandmother was a high priestess of the order," I told him softly. "I am telling you this in strictest confidence Raimond."
"Despite being the wife of Phineas Nigellus, she was sentenced to Azkaban when they found out. She was only twenty five, she was on the run for years, eventually the ministry caught up with her, and she killed herself. All of my close family are descended from her; I think my grandfather would invest all the money we have to avenge his mother. It's just the younger generation who don't follow the old faith, it's not really anything to them, they just join in when their parents and grandparents are around."
"I just want you to know Poppy, that the Lestranges will always be allied with you in this cause. Our views are identical." I gave him a smile.
"Come," he said, standing up and extending his hand. "Lunch time is almost over; we shouldn't be late for lessons."
He was smiling as he spoke, a small genuine smile. I didn't expect to actually like Raimond Lestrange, but even I had to admit the first day of the friendship I forced was going rather well.
I stood and took his hand.
"Just a word Poppy," Cygnus muttered as we met in the library that evening. "It would not have occurred to Raimond, but Slytherin parties are, as a rule, formal. I have my suit pressed, I'd advise you to find something appropriate, so not to stand out."
"Thank you Cygnus," I muttered back, sending him a grateful smile. "I'm sure I have something."
"You're a Black, you must have at least twenty suitable dresses in your trunk," he teased.
At five to eight, I walked down to the common room, and on the way, was informed by no less than three people that Raimond Lestrange was waiting outside the common room. Punctual, I smirked. Thanking each of them and I hurried down at a faster pace.
I was wearing a simple, well-fitting black dress that would neither make me stand out for being ostentatious nor for looking awful. The minimalism made it easy to wear some Black family jewellery; it didn't hurt, when going into the snake pit, to broadcast your connections.
"You look positively exquisite Poppy," Raimond complimented when I joined him, kissing my hand.
"I would say the same for you, but you've lost your jacket," I teased , shaking my head at his rolled up shirt sleeves and visible trouser braces.
"Ah, but my top button is done up," he countered amiably, straightening his tie.
"I should think so," I scolded playfully. He laughed and offered his arm.
"Let us proceed."
Slytherin common room, which was usually dark and dismal, had been illuminated by floating candles and the pretty melody of a string quartet of house elves.
"Straight from Lord Black's manor, I hear," Raimond murmured in my ear, catching the direction of my gaze.
"I thought I recognised them," I said flippantly, giving the elves a little smile.
"All forth years and under must be in bed by ten, house rules," he continued. "Cassiopeia is very strict on that rule, which upsets Walburga no end, that's when the wine and dancing music comes out."
"Where are my family?" I asked, straining my neck to try and get glimpse of them.
"Orion and Cygnus went to the kitchens, to bribe some more elves to do their bidding, Alphard is already in a broom closet with Druella Rosier- which is strictly confidential, by the way, and the girls always make an entrance," he explained.
"Oh."
"Raimond, Poppy," came a boisterous call from across the room. "Do come join us."
Turning we saw it was Abraxas, sitting in an alcove, playing bridge amongst a circle of Tom, Avery and Carrow. Elena Greengrass was also sat with them, but instead of playing, she was sipping gillywater delicately and watching.
Abraxas stood to bow and kiss my hand, Avery and Carrow quickly followed suit, as was the custom. It was a custom, I could tell Tom did not care for, but it was out of propriety that he too, rose slowly from his chair. He did not speak to me, instead favouring to address Raimond.
"I did not know you and Miss Black were so… intimately acquainted Raimond," he commented, his tone light and seemingly offhanded, as he brushed his lips so lightly against mine, that if I hadn't felt his cool breath, I would have missed the contact.
"I wouldn't say intimate in that tone, Tom," he replied good naturedly. "Poppy and I have struck up quite the friendship, but there is nothing more to it than that I assure you."
"Well you're a fool Raimond," Abraxas joked, visibly relieved as he swung an arm around my shoulders. "Who wouldn't want to be intimately connected to such a gorgeous witch."
I laughed politely and rolled my eyes exaggeratedly.
"Oh Abraxas, you do flatter me. But we are interrupting your game, please continue. I will join Elena in watching."
"Very well," Abraxas agreed. "Carrow, draw yourself another chair," he instructed, leading me to his. "Let me get you a drink darling." After summoning a glass from a table next to some punch, he reached down into the corner of the nook which was suspiciously shadowed, and out he pulled a small bottle of Gillywater.
"To your taste Poppy?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you," I replied, accepting the glass willingly.
Sure enough, twenty minutes later, when every member of Slytherin house was present, the Black girls descended the staircase. I brushed my curls from my face self-consciously, as they entered, each sporting sleek wavy hair, daring, dark dresses and lips painted a shocking red.
Cassiopeia, strolled gracefully over to the cluster of leather sofas by the fire, where the bridge players had relocated and joined them.
"Eyes out for Walburga," she ordered, her own eyes deftly fixed to the fourth year. "Any wine or boys and I want to know."
I hid my grin behind the rim of my glass.
The group were engaged in conversation until Cassiopeia stood, her voice magically amplified. As soon as she rose, the elves stopped playing and awaited her instruction.
"First, second, third and fourth years, this is your curfew. Anyone found out of their dormitory in quarter of an hour, shall be used as a quaffle by the Quidditch team tomorrow," she said, smiling sweetly.
Many heads turned to Abraxas, Quidditch captain, who smiled just wickedly.
"And I will be checking," Lucretia contributed, standing too. "I've been looking for a challenge, Gryffindor aren't one, so perhaps you will be."
"Goodnight," Cassiopeia finished with an air of finality, watching with satisfaction as every lower year turned on their heel and scampered toward their rooms. Well, everyone except Walburga, who stood still, and was fixing her aunt with an icy glare. I wonder who she inherited that from.
"Do not test me Walburga," Cassie said firmly.
"It's not fair Cassie," she moaned. "I'm fifteen and so are Poppy and Orion and Cygnus!" I felt uncomfortable watching her.
"But they are fifth years," she replied, unyielding. "And you are a girl, so you must go to bed."
"Poppy is a girl!" she whined.
"It seems I must repeat myself, Poppy is a grown woman and a fifth year, her birthday is next week. So she is permitted to stay. Next year, you shall be allowed to stay, if you show the maturity you cannot seem to find now."
"But you won't be here then! It is ages away!" she screamed.
Cassiopeia took a visible, calming breath and with a skilful flick of her wand silenced her niece, effectively stemming the imminent tantrum.
"Walburga that shall be lifted tomorrow at breakfast, perhaps that will teach you when to hold your tongue, now go to your room, I shall not tell you again. If Lucretia finds you out of bed, you shall not be exempt from the punishment and I will owl Pollux. Do make myself clear?" Walburga nodded once and stormed off upstairs, fat, angry tears rolling down her face.
"What are we to do with her," Cassiopeia sighed. "I must apologize for Walburga."
"We know what fourth years can be like Cassie, don't worry," Abraxas said kindly. "Why, when I was in fourth year we were so angry at not being able to stay downstairs during a party, we formed our own, rival party."
"I remember," Alphard laughed reminiscently. "And Dumbledore found us hiding in a closest and gave us detention."
"Come Abraxas," Cassie instructed, holding out her hand. "You know it is tradition for the Quidditch captain to start off the dancing."
"It would be my pleasure Cassie," Abraxas replied, bowing low as they swept off to the area in the vast common room reserved for dancing.
"Come on then, Poppy," Raimond said, with a grin.
"Pardon Raimond, that didn't sound like a dancing request," I teased.
"My esteemed Miss Black, would you do me the great honour of taking a turn about the floor," he said, bowing flamboyantly and rolling his eyes.
"That's much more like it," I laughed. "I'd be delighted Mr Lestrange."
Many dances and even more glasses of wine later, decorum dictated that Tom and I must dance.
I had seen Tom dance with Callidora and Elena; he was a fine dancer, if not a little stiff. He twirled about the floor, with a straight back, precise movements and pretty girl in his arms each time. But that was Merlin knows how many shots of firewhiskey ago, though he was nowhere near as drunk as Avery, who was crying, lay in the foetal position on the bridge table.
Slightly nervously I joined him on the dance floor, and I was surprised when he pulled me in close. This was how I might dance with Abraxas or Raimond without a second thought, but somehow here in Tom's strong arms it felt almost as if the other couples dancing around us were intruding a moment far too sensual for public display.
"Talkative today Tom," I commented, with a forced bright smile, my words slurring ever so slightly. Not enough that anyone in the room was sober enough to notice.
"Forgive me, for I was just thinking, who is going to hex me first, Malfoy or Lestrange," he countered, smirking. There was a different look in Tom's eyes, his usual look of distain was absent and I couldn't quite discern what had replaced it.
"Incredibly witty, as usual Tom," I replied, gaze still fixed on his face. Perhaps it was the wine, but from this close it looked as though he had been chiselled from marble.
"You aren't jealous are you," even as I said it, I laughed. Causing Tom to look down and frown.
"Oh come on," I laughed. "You must know."
"Know what exactly?" he asked, our faces got closer, so we could talk in a whisper.
"That you're the most attractive one here, stupid. No… stupid wasn't fair, you're also the most intelligent." As the words left my mouth I felt my mortification sink in, but I would not allow myself to look embarrassed, I raised an eyebrow as if I was confident in telling him this.
Tom's frown morphed into an arrogant smirk.
"Why, thank you for noticing, Poppy," he murmured, cordial but amused. "But we both know that you'd end up marrying them before someone like me every time." That was the very last thing I had expected to hear.
"And why is that?" I asked.
"Because, you're beautiful and they are wealthy," he whispered, raising his eyebrows, as if his point was proven.
"Please," I scoffed playfully. "I am rich enough alone. You insult me Tom."
"I pronounce you beautiful and I insult you," he replied. "You are far too hard to please."
"You know what I meant Tom, besides to me, beautiful is not all that fantastic a compliment, it's a fact. If you look around you will see a collection of beautiful girls who look frighteningly similar to myself. People may call it immodest, but if I did not believe myself to be beautiful, then I would be doing my cousins a terrible injustice. I was born in to a family of good looks; it would have been an achievement to escape them."
"So you prefer to be complimented on your own merit," he replied contemplatively. "Refreshing, especially in Slytherin house, where everyone wants to be commended on the achievements of their ancestors."
"Ravenclaw doesn't seem so ridiculous now, does it?"
"I never said it was, I have the highest respect for Ravenclaw," he refuted.
"May I cut in."
I jumped backwards in surprise, I hadn't realised our proximity, the distance between our faces was growing shorter with every passing word.
"Be my guest Abraxas," Tom said, bowing his head to me. "It was a pleasure dancing with you, Poppy." All I could do was nod.
Abraxas and I danced in silence, I stole a glance up at Cassiopeia, she was watching us with narrowed eyes, she noticed my gaze and returned it with a hard stare before she turned to partake in a shot of firewhiskey with Tom. No doubt she had sent Abraxas so to break us apart.
I felt strangely disappointed. There was something about talking so intimately with Tom that got my pulse racing.
When I next went to get a drink, Cassiopeia joined me, pouring herself a glass of wine.
"Don't be fooled by a handsome face Poppy," she said, pointedly, before flashing her smile. "Come, the boys have requested a drinking game."