Regulus avoided Arielle like the plague. When she sat with the Slytherins at mealtimes, he sat as far away from her as possible and didn't look once in her direction. He had missed two weeks of potions classes, leaving Arielle to fend for herself not that she needed his help anyway. Arielle was beginning to regret kissing him on the astronomy tower. She had barely even kissed him, it was just a quick peck that lasted less than a second, nothing more, nothing less. At least he had stopped making her life a living hell.

Evan, on the other hand, made Arielle feel like absolute bat shit. He constantly glared at her, made sarcastic rude comments about her behind her back, which of course always came back to her ears, and he even resorted to spreading rumors about her and Wilkes hooking up at the party. She tried to convince herself it was because he was jealous not because of the way she acted that night at the party.

Arielle sighed as she walked with Severus towards the Black Lake. Although she was well favored by the elite Slytherin crowd that included Wilkes, Avery, Mulciber, Lucienda and even Emma, Sev, was once again her only trusted ally.

"Snivellus." An annoying voice bellowed. Severus and Arielle turned around too see James Potter and posse advance towards them. Before Arielle could even register what was going on, Sirius disarmed her and Severus.

"Well look what we have here the new Slytherin queen and her slimy serpent." Potter mocked causing the Gryffindors to burst out in laughter.

"Who'd you have to screw to get that position house-traitor?" Peter piped in meekly but it was enough to cause more laughter amongst the lions.

Arielle exchanged a bored expression with Severus and rolled her eyes.

"Are you done here?"

"Hardly." Sirius smirked in an uncharastically dark tone. "I always thought the Slytherins were a bit more classy, but it looks like all you had to do was suck Wilkes prick and that gave you a top spot in the ranks."

"Shut up Black." Severus spat. Arielle looked over in surprise at her usually quiet friend's response. Awww...Sev just defended me.

"OooooooOooo" They all mocked.

"Find yourself a new girl to fawn over after Lily discarded you like the scum you are." Potter laughed.

Severus bubbled over in rage, Arielle put a warning hand on his shoulder not to advance. Sirius immediately pointed his wand at the pair of them noting their growing hostility.

"So how should we dispose of two death eaters today James?" Sirius asked.

"I don't know Sirius, I think a dip in the Black Lake might be in order." James smirked.

Arielle's eyes grew wide with horror as she felt her body levitate off the ground. She glanced over at Severus who was looking at her with fearful eyes. He didn't know how to swim. Arielle's eyes darted around hopelessly looking for any way to get out of this situation. She saw the tree she was about to sit at before the torture began. If only a branch would break.

Arielle heard a loud crack as she fell roughly to the ground. She looked over at Severus who was on the ground as well rubbing his head in confusion.

"YOU!" Arielle heard an enraged girl scream. "You did this!"

Arielle looked up to see James Potter moaning on the ground caught under a large tree branch. Holy shit.

Lily Potter advanced towards Arielle in full blown mania. Without her wand she was helpless, she automatically put her hand up in defense and that's when Lily was thrown back several feet, landing on her bum.

"What the hell is going on here?" A new voice interjected. Arielle looked to her side to see Regulus, Avery, Wilkes and Mulciber approach the scene.

Avery and Mulciber went to help a reluctant Severus Snape pull himself off the ground. Regulus stood a few inches in front of Arielle and she could practically feel Wilkes breath bellowing out on her the top of her head.

"Stay out of this Reg." Sirius barked walking away from the tree branch that was now being raised off Potter by a levitation spell.

Regulus glanced over at Potter and then at Sirius. The two brothers shared a silent exchange of expressions.

"I will kill you Malfoy, I know you did this!" Lily screamed in hysteria as she was pulled away by Remus to the hospital wing. The werewolf gave Arielle fearful look.

Arielle stood in utter shock as what had happened registered in her brain.

"I'd stay away from her Regulus. She's out of control and dangerous." Sirius warned throwing Severus and Arielle wands on the ground at his brother's feet before following after the defeated Gryffindors.

Regulus looked at the wands before directing his gaze at Arielle. She felt her stomach drop at his disturbed expression.

"I don't know what happened." Arielle nearly cried taking a step towards the dark-haired boy, who in return stepped away from her. "I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt."

Regulus ran a hand through his hair, confusion written all over his face. He didn't understand, he couldn't understand.

"Wait if that's your wand Arielle...how did you break the branch that hit Potter…" Wilkes murmured aloud before the shocking realization entered his mind.

"Let's go." Regulus mumbled. Wilkes, Avery, and Mulciber followed Black back towards the castle leaving a stunned Arielle alone. Utter devastation loomed over her until she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"That was some extremely rare magic Arielle." Severus acknowledged.

"Don't worry about them, they'll come around, it's hard for small brains to grasp something so incredible." He continued nodding in the direction of the retreating Slytherins.

"Do you think James will be okay?" Arielle asked in a quiet tone.

"He'll be fine. It's not your fault Ari, they were trying to drown us." Severus pointed out.

Arielle sighed.

"You're right," she said with more assurance, "they got what they deserved."

A few days passed and James Potter was out of the hospital wing. Rumors spread like wildfire, and Arielle Malfoy was the talk of the school. Half the students feared her and moved well out of her way if they saw her in the hallways…. while others whispered in the corner.

Freak. Crackpot. Sorceress. Queen of the Death Eaters. She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

Arielle was indifferent to the entire situation. She knew she didn't do anything wrong and she had Severus to constantly remind her in case she forgot. The amount of attention she was getting without even trying gave a her sick pleasure that she dared not explore any further. As the weeks passed she continued to attend all her classes, get top marks, and march through the hallways with a high chin and dignified expression.

Naturally there would be consequences. She received a note to visit Dumbledore's office and three letters, one from Bella, one from Cissy, and one from Lucius. Andera sighed tucking the letters into her robe as she walked up the stairs into Dumbledore's office.

"Have a seat Mrs. Malfoy." Dumbledore said motioning at the seat in front of his desk. Arielle walked over and slumped down into the chair.

"I hear you are the top of your class Mrs. Malfoy….your marks are absolutely astounding." He said pouring himself and Arielle a cup of tea.

"Thank you sir. You can call me Arielle...I feel like Mrs. Malfoy should be reserved for my mum."

"Well Arielle you are quite the talk of school...amongst the teachers and the students." Dumbledore stated handing Arielle the tea. She glued her eyes to feet.

"I didn't mean to hurt anyone…" Arielle said defeated.

"I don't believe you harbored any ill intentions Arielle. I think the biggest victim hear Mr. Potter's pride. " He smiled.

Arielle looked up curiously at the Headmaster.

"I just want to make sure that you are safe and that the rumors aren't getting to your head."

Arielle smiled. "Of course not professor, I would never listen to petty gossip or allow it to get in the way of my coursework."

"I'm glad to hear it. You are a powerful witch, and I'm sure you will accomplish many great things." The old man theorized. Arielle smiled again. She finished her tea and was excused. The whole meeting seemed a bit odd to Arielle, but she decided not give much thought.

She walked out to the bridge and sat on the railing taking the letters out of her pocket. She sighed and decided to read Bella's first assuming it would be the most entertaining.

Sweet little Ari,

I am absolutely horrified to hear the rumors circulating about you at Hogwarts. I told you Sirius Black was a stupid good for nothing git, and I will come to Hogwarts in a second to hex him into oblivion, just say the word. Things may seem hard but remember who you are, the smartest and most beautiful girl at Hogwarts, envy of all the girls, and secret desire of all the boys. Continue you to raise hell and cause trouble despite what Lucius orders you to do. Never lay low and always keep your chin up and hex anybody who tries to get in your way!

I'll be seeing you at Christmas. Write if you need anything.

Lots of Love,

Bellatrix Lestrange

Arielle smiled. Bella always knew how to lift her spirits, even if everything the older witch said was absolutely out of question. She decided to read her brother's letter next...better to get the dreadful one out of the way.

Arielle,

I don't know what the hell is going on at Hogwarts but some of the rumors I am hearing are down right embarrassing. You are friendless besides that useless bookworm Severus Snape, you missed two Slug Club meetings...no doubt to run around like a Gryffindor hippie, and nearly dismembered another student. I told you to stay away from Potter and his band of good for nothing twats. I forbid you to ever speak to Sirius Black or any of his friends again, do you understand me? You have already embarrassed our family name enough by being a Gryffindor, do not make me come to Hogwarts and monitor you myself. I cannot have you soiling my reputation by associating with such filth any longer. As for your Slytherin classmates you are lucky they hold me in such high regard that I was able to persuade them that your friendship is essential to their social status. DO NOT screw this up Arielle if you wish to prevent your brother from further humiliation. We will be having a long chat when you return home for the holidays.

Remember I am always watching you,

Lucius.

Arielle crumpled the letter in rage. As much as she loved her brother he could be so infuriating and he knew exactly what to say to make her feel like shit. Like hell she would obey him. She opened the next letter in fury accidentally ripping the parchment in the process.

Dearest Arielle,

I suspect you have received Lucius's letter, and if you haven't you will soon. Please know that your brother and I both love you very much. He would never admit it to your lovely face, but you mean everything to him darling, and he has been extremely worried about you since he found out that my cruel cousin and his friends have been harassing you. We both know well how Lucius masks his affections in self-preservation, please try to remember that when you read his letter. I am sorry to hear about your troubles at school, but I know what a capable witch you are and that you would never succumb to such frivolous gossip. In the coming days I am sure you will realize you are amongst friends, even if they aren't in your sorted house.

Sending love your way,

Cissy

Arielle sighed as she folded Cissy's letter and placed it in her pocket. The beautiful blonde witch's efforts of diplomacy had been admirable to a more youthful Arielle, but now it almost seemed impractical.

As the next few days passed Arielle could already see her brother's influence taking hold. The first one to approach her was Avery, then Wilkes, Mulciber…even Evan managed to say a few kind words to her. The whole situation disturbed her, but the fact that she could detect a hint of fear in their eyes gave her perverse pleasure. She responded to them with pristine manners but choose to remain solitary for most of her time.

Arielle began her day walking to Charms, her once favorite class was now the most dreadful considering she had it with Marauders. Suddenly she felt an arm wrap around her waist and a firm hand seal her mouth, dragging her away into a dark corridor. Once the initial shock wore off, she bit her kidnappers hand.

"Fuck Malfoy was that necessary." Regulus Black complained as he shook his hand in pain.

Arielle rolled her eyes upon realizing her captor. "What do you want Black?"

"I want you to explain to me what happened that day by the lake."

Arielle snorted. "I don't owe you any explanations Black."

"Well it would be in your best interest to do so."

"Really? You have been avoiding me for over month, merlin knows how you will pass Potions now….all because you were two much of a coward to face me yourself...until now...I wonder what's changed?" Arielle said in icy cool sarcasm, knowing full well this was her brother's doing.

"If you're alluding to that pathetic attempt to seduce me on the astronomy tower, trust me I have already forgotten about it." He spat.

Arielle's stomach dropped. She felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment but she quickly masked it with an indifferent expression saving what little pride she had left. She didn't know why but she was hurt by what he said. Her rage took over when she saw him smirking.

"Well good..because I was drunk and coked out beyond comprehension or else I never would have kissed someone like you." Arielle said folding her arms across her chest and raising her chin high into the air.

"Someone like me? With the rumors going around, you'd be lucky to even be mentioned in the same sentence." He nearly shouted.

"Look Black I get it. You want in with my brother, I know what he asked you to do...but don't pretend like you care about what happens to me, I don't need your pity or anyone else's for that matter." Arielle barked turning around to leave.

Regulus grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him.

"Is that what you think of me? That I would so easily be bought off by Lucius...in exchange for what? A dinner invitation?"

"Isn't it?" She asked unamused.

She must of really pissed him off because Regulus proceeded to shove her against the wall, placing an arm on both sides of her head. She dared not glance at his facial expression. Arielle Malfoy was scared.

"Look at me." He nearly whispered. Arielle heart beat rapidly. She gazed up into the grey blue eyes of Regulus Black. He stared at her for a few moments and then crashed his lips roughly onto her plump pink pout.

Initially Arielle stood frozen in shock, but when she felt one of Regulus's hands leave the wall and pull her neck forward, her instincts took over and she began to snog him back. She grabbed onto his robe and pulled herself closer to him as he snaked an arm around her waist. His tongue grazed her bottom lip and she willingly opened her mouth, deepening the connection. After a few moments, Regulus pulled away steadying himself on the wall and leaning his forehead softly against her's. They both stood catching their breath not breaking eye contact. Arielle was the first to look away but Regulus lifted her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye.

"Now tell me what happened by the lake, I need to understand." He said gently.

Yay! Things are finally starting to come together! Thank you for reading! And love reading the reviews, it helps motivate me to keep writing! :)