Arielle awoke to the loud horn of the Hogwarts Express. Students were bustling around the train retrieving their luggage from the overhead compartments. Arielle let out a lazy yawn and grabbed her bag that she placed in the seat next her to avoid any unwanted social interaction. She walked off the train and saw Narcissa Black waving anxiously in her direction. Her brother Lucius Malfoy stood beside the blonde witch scavenging the platform for a glimpse of his sister. When their eyes met, he smiled. Although he had an odd way of showing it, he loved his sister deeply and welcomed her embrace when she jumped into his open arms. Arielle tried to hold the tears back but she couldn't. It was good to be with people who loved her.
"Merlin, are you crying Arielle?" Lucius asked taken aback at his sister's display of emotion.
"I'm just happy to be home." Arielle sniffled, wiping her eyes shamefully.
"And we are happy to have you back." Narcissa said rubbing Arielle's back comfortingly.
"That's right and we have important news to tell you." Lucius said clearing his voice.
Narcissa eagerly stuck her hand out for display. A beautiful emerald engagement ring shined brightly on her slender finger.
"We're getting married." Narcissa practically squealed before quickly composing herself.
Arielle felt the tears flow from her eyes again.
"I'm so happy for you." Arielle smiled. Narcissa had been around even in Arielle's earliest memories. Mrs. Malfoy had never been an affectionate or pleasant mother, especially after her husband passed. Narcissa was the woman Arielle spent most of her life admiring and looking up to. She was more than delighted that Narcissa would now be her sister.
"Now let's go. We have reservations for 9 o'clock at La Bella Magia." Lucius said wrapping an arm around Arielle's shoulder and taking her bag.
Dinner was full of laughter and tender moments. Narcissa's parents had reserved a private dining area for the celebration of their daughter's engagement. The bride to be's sisters were in attendance as well as Bellatrix's date Roduplous Lestrange and Mrs. Malfoy. As time passed, Arielle began to feel more and more like herself, leaving the shameful image of her Hogwarts self behind. She was a Malfoy after all—regal, admirable, and imposing.
It was nearing midnight when the Blacks and Malfoys went their separate ways. The sight of the manor, was a joyous occasion mostly because Arielle was exhausted from her journey and the dinner celebration. She nuzzled her head into her brother's chest as he carried her up the stairs.
"You know I haven't tucked you into bed since you were eight years old." Lucius said pulling the satin sheets over Arielle's weak and tired body.
Arielle placed her warm hand over Lucius's cool one. Today was a great day. Her brother was absolutely gleaming with pride and his tender side was really shining through. Arielle couldn't shake the feeling that this tenderness would soon disappear.
"I love you Lucius." Arielle yawned. Lucius leaned over and kissed Arielle's forehead before tuning out the light.
"I love you too Arielle."
The enchantment of last night had worn off by the next morning and Lucius was already pestering Arielle about her academics and time at Hogwarts. He never mentioned the list much to Arielle's relief. She contributed this to the Slytherins' unwillingness to admit such an offensive and shameful action to their admired mentor. If Lucius knew about the list, all hell would break loose.
Arielle managed to spend breakfast bragging about her relationship with Professor Slughorn and how she was guaranteed a spot in the Slug Club. This seemed to appease her brother and stopped his pestering for the moment.
"I hear Walburga's boy Regulus is also a favorite of this Slughorn professor." Mrs. Malfoy spoke.
Arielle nearly choked on her tea. Her mother rarely ever spoke especially at breakfast. Even Lucius looked up from The Daily Prophet and stared at the woman.
"I wouldn't know, I hardly ever see the Black boy at Hogwarts." Arielle said attempting to sound as uninterested as possible.
"Really? Just last week Walburga was telling me how excited Regulus was to be taking you to the Christmas Ball." Mrs. Malfoy said dryly bringing her tea cup to her wrinkled lips.
Arielle opened her mouth to blurt out some sort of protest.
"You went to the Christmas Ball with Regulus Black?" Lucius said placing the newspaper on the table and directing his full attention to the conversation.
"I'm surprised you picked such as suitable partner….Mother, perhaps you should phone Mrs. Black this afternoon and invite the whole family over for tea tomorrow. We can officiate their courting..."
"Absolutely not!" Arielle protested leaping from her seat. Lucius and their mother stared at her incredulously.
"Suitable partner? Officiate the courting? For Merlin's sake Lucius, I am only fourteen years old. Besides… if you must know the ball was a disaster and I NEVER WISH TO SPEAK OF IT OR REGULUS BLACK AGAIN." Arielle shouted the last bit before storming off into the gardens.
Lucius casually picked up his copy of the Daily Prophet and resumed reading. That explained the hefty bill he received from Madam Malkin's the other day. He had no doubt in his mind that if Arielle spent nearly two thousand gallons on a dress, this was indeed not the last time he would be hearing about Regulus Black.
Arielle collapsed on the lawn near a large fountain adorned with a serpent. She looked up into the cloudy sky wondering how on earth she would move on from this situation. Things seemed bleak for her reputation. Her thoughts drifted to Dumbledore's offer. Learning wandless magic was unheard of in this part of the wizarding world. However, Severus seemed to think it was a good idea and he was always right. After a few hours of pondering, Arielle made up her mind to give it a chance. She was always consumed in her schoolwork and her social affairs, it was time to concentrate on her well being. She had no control over her abilities and in time she was sure they would cause her to seriously hurt...or even kill someone unintentionally. She shuddered at the dark thought.
"Arielle!" A familiar shrill called from across the garden. Arielle sat up and saw Bellatrix Black waving furiously at her from the manor. The curly hair witch began skipping toward the patch of grass where Arielle lay.
Bella plopped down beside Arielle with wide grin.
"How are you little darling?" Bella cooed stroking Arielle's dark hair.
Arielle smiled weakly.
"As I suspected given the circumstances." Bella pouted.
"The circumstances?" Arielle asked quizzically.
"Narcissa and I had tea at our cousin's house this morning to deliver the good news. That little snot Sirius told us all about why little Reggie had locked himself up in his room and refused to come greet his two favorite cousins."
Arielle looked away from Bellatrix. So the bastard felt guilty? Served him right.
"You know, I was known to be on a few scandalous lists myself back in my Hogwarts days…"
Arielle turned her head to look at the curly haired witch.
"You've got too own it, Arielle. It feels degrading now, but this is the way of the world. A sexy confident woman feels pride in such instances. All the boys on that list would do anything to gain your attention, you can manipulate and control every single one of them. Bend them to your will, mold them into your liking…"
"I don't want control Bella, I want respect." Arielle said.
"Then make them respect you. Show them you are not some piece of ass that can be won."
"And how do I do that?"
"By becoming a powerful witch...or Narcissa's case… finding yourself a Lucius Malfoy." Bella said with a wink.
Arielle smiled. Finding a respected husband was something her brother and her mother wanted her to do. Becoming a powerful witch, that was something she could accomplish and feel proud of, and Dumbledore's offer was just the way to do it.
Christmas and Arielle's return to Hogwarts in the next chapter. Leave your thoughts and reviews below!
xoxo.