Severus collapsed exhausted in the field by the Black Lake. He had been trying for two hours to penetrate Arielle's mind but she successfully resisted all his attempts. Arielle rolled over on her side, propped her head up by placing her elbow on the ground, and looked at the greasy haired boy with a cheeky grin.
"How did I do today Professor Snape?" She teased.
Severus let out an amused sigh. "I can't believe you managed to keep me out for two hours. I think you've really got the hang of it Arielle."
Arielle laid back down on the grass.
"I have feeling Bella is going to be curious at the wedding. I don't want her lurking around up there." She said tapping her temple with her index finger.
"Well, I'm sure you'll be able to keep her out."
The two friends lay on the field silently for a while regaining their strength and relaxing.
Severus turned his head to the side to get a glimpse of Arielle. She had her eyes closed and she was breathing deeply.
"So...since I can't read your mind anymore, do you want to tell me what's bothering you?"
Arielle kept her eyes closed. "Nothing's bothering me Severus."
Severus refocused his gaze on the clouds. "Pre-wedding jitters, is it?"
Arielle snorted. "Of course not. I couldn't be happier. I really do love Cissy, and I'm glad she is going to be part of the family."
"But…" Severus continued.
"But, I'm a bit nervous. I haven't gotten a letter from my brother, mother, or Cissy, scolding me about...well you know what. It's very unlike them not to weigh in on the matter by now, it's been five days."
"Have you talked to Regulus about it?" Severus asked curiously.
"No." Arielle said firmly.
"You two still haven't made amends yet?" Severus asked plainly.
"I have bigger problems right now than Regulus Black." Arielle stated.
"Like what?" Severus snorted.
"Like thinking of a creative way to exact revenge on that horrible cunt, Rita Skeeter."
"Maybe you should ask Regulus, he's just as conniving and clever as you are when it comes to scheming and destroying."
"While that may be true, I don't need nor want his help." Arielle said firmly.
Severus rolled his eyes. "Whatever. When do you leave for the wedding?"
"Tomorrow."
The two friends remained silent for the next hour before getting up and walking to the Great Hall for the last feast before Easter holiday. A lot of students were staying over the break to get a head start on studying for exams. James, Remus, and Peter cheerfully discussed the lack of snakes that would be at school over the holiday due to the Malfoy Wedding while Sirius sulked woefully at the mere mention of the affair. Not that the shaggy haired boy had much to complain about; Chloe Chalice had made it her life's purpose to soothe Sirius's "broken heart" by snogging him in every inch of the castle much to Arielle's disgust. However, per Sirius's request, Arielle bit her tongue anytime she saw the blonde haired vixen, who subtly mocked Arielle with her sinister gaze and haughty smile. Arielle wanted nothing more than to punch that stupid smirk right off her porcelain face.
Chloe Chalice was somewhat of a bombshell in the making. She was slender with long blonde hair, curves in all the right places, and sun-kissed skin. What made Chloe even more attractive, according to Sirius, was that she was completely unaware of how gorgeous she really was. Arielle and Lily seriously doubted this claim, knowing full well that Chloe was a lot more cunning than she let on. Nevertheless, Arielle put up with Chloe because Sirius had confided in the blonde beauty that he wished for the two lionesses to be friends and the tart was actually making an effort to include Arielle in social situations despite her derisive demeanor. Chloe had also managed to convince everyone in Gryffindor, and a great number of students from other houses, that Sirius and Arielle only pretended to be couple in order to cover up Arielle's secret relationship with his brother, Regulus, while simultaneously getting Sirius's evil parents off his back about dating a pureblood. As much as Arielle hated to admit it, Chloe played a major role in minimizing the damage Rita Skeeter's scathing article caused even if it was to benefit herself and her relationship with Sirius. The blonde witch didn't want the other students to think that Sirius and Arielle had a real relationship; she much preferred the version where Arielle used one of her close friends to hide her shame of being involved with the notorious Regulus Black, enemy to Gryffindor house. Regulus, on the other hand, reclaimed his role as Slytherin prince. He roamed the hall like a king, achieving a legendary bad boy status that not even Gryffindor girls could resist.
It didn't seem fair. Rita Skeeter's article got Sirius a new girlfriend and saved Regulus from his short lived stint in social exile, while Arielle was left with little dignity and the shame of having her personal life vehemently discussed amongst all houses. She thought about what Bella had told her over the Christmas holiday, and decided to own this new bad girl image instead of run from it. Arielle couldn't deny that she had a bit of a dark side, however this dark side had only ever gotten her into trouble. And there was one person in particular who seemed to be pulling her into the dark. Every time a certain Slytherin prince walked into her life, chaos ensued. The sting of his rejection burned forcefully in Arielle's chest, and in a desperate moment she promised herself she would never let her guard down around anyone again, not even Regulus.
Arielle sat alone on the Hogwarts Express Saturday morning with her black cat curled up on her lap. She had finally received word from Lucius last night during evening post. He was too busy with Narcissa's last minute wedding plans to meet her on the platform, and said she was to accompany the Blacks to Grimmauld Place and use floo powder to get to the Manor. She wondered if this was her brother's idea of a cruel joke and his way of getting back at her for the magazine scandal; although, it did seem better than the alternative which would be Lucius giving his infamous 'you're an embarrassment to the family speech'. Once the train began to slow, Arielle locked the door and pulled down the blinds in the compartment. She slowly rolled her black stockings up each leg before taking off her uniform and pulling a simple brown dress over her head. She put on an elegant black cape jacket and black bootie heels. Arielle stuffed her uniform into her suitcase, placed Binx gently in her purse and with a flick of her wand the shades flew up with a rattle and the compartment door flew open. She strided down the hallway her chin up, pushing pass a group of third year Hufflepuffs that desperately tried to jump out of her way. When she reached the exit of the train, she purposely bumped into Regulus, who looked at her with soft eyes and unreadable expression, clearly unaffected by her attempt to get a rise out of him. He stepped off the train and offered a hand to the curly haired witch, who placed her gloved hand in his after a long sigh of annoyance. On the second step, Arielle lost her footing and began to fall, only to be caught in the strong arms of the Slytherin prince who stared down at her scrunched up face with a cheeky grin.
"Oh shut up—" Arielle began.
A loud poof startled them and they coughed as smoke filled the air.
"Oy! Get out of here you bastards!" Sirius shouted from the train steps at the two desperate photographers who managed to snap a picture of this brief moment between the lion and the snake.
"Oh Merlin!" Arielle said wantonly as she realized what had happened.
"Out of the way! Out of the way!" A voice bellowed behind the photographers.
Walburga Black looked at the paparazzi in disgust. The two men packed up their equipment in a hurry when they saw Orion Black approaching.
"Regulus, darling!" Walburga cooed pulling her beloved son into a choking hug.
"Mother." The Slytherin prince sputtered patting the old woman on the back.
"And Arielle, you look beautiful as always." Walburga said pulling the young witch into an unexpected hug causing Arielle to voice her surprise in a rather unattractive squeak.
"Hello son!" Orion Black greeted Regulus with a rare grin.
"You two are rather chipper this afternoon." Sirius said sarcastically.
"Shut up you wicked boy." Walburga spat, linking her arm in Arielle's.
Arielle shot Sirius a sympathetic look who merely shrugged in response.
"Would you please join us for our afternoon tea Arielle? We would be delighted to have you."
"Mother, I don't think-" Regulus began.
"Nonsense! I insist you stay for at least one cup." Walburga demanded sweetly.
"Of course." Arielle said unwillingly with a fake smile. Her last encounter with Walburga was cold and a bit calloused. She assumed Mrs. Black's newfound politeness must have something to do with the Witch Weekly article. No doubt the older witch was delighted that her son was shacking up with Lucius Malfoy's sister. This would cast a favorable light on her family in the eyes of the Dark Lord.
There was black landau limousine parked outside of King's Cross station waiting to chauffeur the wizards back to Grimmauld car was a bit older but Arielle had to give it to the Blacks for embracing a form of Muggle travel. Mrs. Black couldn't help but comment on how outrageous it was they had to take a car in order to blend in with the muggles, while assuring Arielle the driver was a squib. Arielle couldn't care less if the driver was a muggle or a squib, although she would never say so in present company. She did catch Sirius's knowing glance and she smirked as his mother went on and on about how foul the whole situation was.
Once they were in the car, Arielle went to sit next to Sirius but Mrs. Black beckoned her to sit across from her Gryffindor classmate.
"No no dear sit over there next to Regulus." Walburga said as she smooshed Sirius against the door to make room for her husband.
Regulus smiled and Arielle sighed internally. The git was enjoying this. She moved to the seat across from older woman next to the Slytherin boy, smoothing out her dress as she sat.
"Let me get a good look at the pair of you. Oh Orion, aren't they just the most handsome looking couple you've ever seen?" Mrs. Black cooed.
"Indeed." Orion agreed glancing at the two over the top of his newspaper.
Arielle cleared her throat and attempted to smile.
"Now, I don't want to pry but-"
"Then don't mother." Sirius cut in.
Walburga scowled at her son beside her before returned her gaze ahead, "When do you two plan on officiating the courting?"
Arielle's mouth hung slightly ajar.
"Mother, please…" Regulus said with a knowing glance at the older woman.
"What? It's a fair question! After all that affair business in Witch Weekly. It's a bit scandalous for our world you know."
Arielle shifted uncomfortably in her seat especially since Orion Black had put down his newspaper and was glaring at her from across the limo. His scrutinizing gaze was practically unbearable. He was a man of tradition, something his son and Arielle seemed to defy with their exploits. After a few moments of silence, Orion picked up his newspaper and continued to read.
"Give it a rest Walburga." He said sternly.
Everyone was silent from that point on. Arielle held back a hiss of annoyance when her cat crawled out of her bag and snuggled himself on Regulus' lap who stroked his black fur softly. The only sound that could be heard was Binx's loud purring, the rustle of pages turning in the Daily Prophet, and the occasional heavy breath of Mrs. Black.
When they finally arrived on a quiet street in London, the driver opened the door, and Arielle watched in amazement as the house slid into view without any knowledge or feeling from the surrounding muggles. It was little moments like these that Arielle loved magic.
The inside of the Blacks home was practical. Arielle knew the Blacks were extremely wealthy, but given Orion's simple nature, she suspected that the decor reflected his elegant yet simple taste. It definitely wasn't at all like the Malfoy Manor which exuded extravagance and luxury.
A rather sour looking house elf took Arielle's coat and led her and Mrs. Black up the first flight of stairs to the drawing room where tea was already waiting on expensive china. The room was a bit dark even with light filtering in through the windows. A large black piano sat in the corner of the room and two old yet well maintained couches were in the center of the room by a large regal looking fireplace.
Arielle thanked Kreature after he handed her a cup of tea. She shifted uncomfortably on the couch. Orion had retreated to his study, Sirius and Regulus to their rooms. It was just her, Mrs. Black, Binx, and Kreature cowering in the corner.
"Now that it's just us ladies may I speak frankly dear?" Mrs. Black said after taking a sip of her tea and setting down the cup on the table between them.
"Of course." Arielle said mirroring the older witch's actions.
"As you can imagine with a son like Sirius, Regulus means everything to my husband and I."
Arielle picked up her tea and took another drink.
"You come from a long line of good breeding and nobility that rivals that of House Black. However, like most Malfoys your tendency to use others without regard for anyone but yourself is legendary." Mrs Black continued coldly.
Arielle felt her cheeks fluster in anger and she tried to maintain her composure.
"Over the centuries, there has always been a witch or wizard like you in the Malfoy line every decade or so."
"Like me?" Arielle scoffed.
"Yes. Like you...defiant, disobedient, brash...all the qualities a lady of your station ought not to be. Scandal following you wherever you go, in fact you willingly create and relish in it. Like Sirius, you were sorted into a disgraceful house and continue to bring shame upon your family. My son Regulus is not a trophy for you to parade around and then cast aside when you become bored. That is why I have declined your brother's offer to officiate your courting with Regulus. Perhaps, when you are older and hopefully a lady worthy of your name, I will reconsider…"
Arielle jumped out of her seat furiously smashing her tea cup on the floor. This woman had to be batshit crazy to talk to her this way, to refuse a request from her brother. Although Arielle had no desire to officiate a courting with Regulus Black, she was a Malfoy and Malfoys were never talked down upon in such a way. Arielle knew that Mrs. Black would never speak in such a way to her brother or her mother. It infuriated her to think that the old woman thought she could get away with speaking to her in such a rude manner.
"Listen to me you old bat." Arielle sneered so darkly that the older witch looked frightened rather than appalled by this outburst. "There is nothing that you can say or do to intimidate me. As for refusing Lucius, a man who you know is in the Dark Lord's pocket, I applaud you. Merlin only knows the hell that my brother will rain down upon you now that you have refused his request. I am quite grateful to you Mrs. Black, for I have no desire at all to court your son Regulus, in fact you have done me a considerable favor. I think I'll be going now."
Arielle snatched her coat from Kreature's hands, picked up her bag and suitcase, and walked over to the fireplace. She took some floo powder out of a golden vase and stepped into the fireplace.
"Oh and Mrs. Black, if I wanted to take your son away from you, it would be easy. I wouldn't even have to try. You know men, there so malleable." Arielle hissed before throwing the powder on the floor and saying Malfoy Manor under her breath.
Arielle threw her suitcase on the floor of the drawing room in fury when she arrived home. She was fuming from her encounter with Mrs. Black. Arielle stomped all the way to her room where she found Bella waiting, flipping through Witchy Weekly, and lounging casually on Arielle's bed.
"Well, well, well…" The curly haired witch taunted.
"I'm not in the mood Bella." Arielle said as she took her boot heels off and tossed them on the floor.
Bella didn't care. "I always knew you were too smart to fancy Sirius, however when you kissed him at the party I had my
doubts. He would be dead if it weren't for Regulus."
Arielle rolled her eyes. "What's your point Bella."
The curly haired witch looked at her darkly. "You've grown up quite a lot over the last few years. It seems you took our little chat over the Christmas Break to heart. You are more conniving than I was at your age."
"That's hard to believe." Arielle said sarcastically.
Bella snorted. "I've always had my reserves about your brother you know. Narcissa was always mad for him but there was something about him that never sat right with me."
Arielle's shivered at Bella's candidness.
"The way Lucius speaks to the Dark Lord as if he were his equal. It'd be a shame if someone pointed it out."
Arielle froze. Was Bella threatening her family? Her sister's future family?
"I'd say that'd be unwise considering your sister is about to be his wife. I'd hate to think of the ways the Dark Lord would choose to punish Lucius or those he cares for."
Bella let out a dark laugh. "You are a clever little minx, Arielle, you always have been."
"What did you really come up here to say Bella?"
"Regulus will likely be the heir to my family, since it seems you are failing to court Sirius to our cause."
"And?" Arielle asked growing impatient.
"This…" Bella said tossing the magazine at Arielle with the page opened to her and Regulus kissing, "kind of publicity is exactly the kind of thing Regulus needs to avoid."
"Well why don't you talk to your cousin about it? He's the one that pulled me off into that hallway anyway."
"He's a boy, and boys at his age tend to only think with their…."
"Enough! Enough Bella, I've heard enough." Arielle said waving her hand in disapproval.
"I just want you to know Arielle, he will be watched closely now and because of this so will you."
Arielle knew that in her own twisted way Bella was genuinely trying to warn Arielle of what was to come. However, a small sprout of hatred towards the witch began to brew in the back of her mind and Arielle knew that Bella was not to be trusted.
On Saturday, the Malfoy Manor was a madhouse. House elves bustled around the kitchens and the courtyard to get everything ready for tomorrow. Arielle remained secluded in her room with her cat all day after being scolded in the kitchen by her mother for not making herself useful. It's not that Arielle didn't want to help, she just didn't want to give Narcissa the opportunity to snip at her for the Witch Weekly article.
Around 8' o'clock, there was a stern knocking on her door.
"Come in." Arielle sighed from her bed.
Lucius walked in carrying a dinner tray and set it down on the table. He walked over to where his sister lay on the bed and took a seat silently. For a few moments, Arielle admired her brother and his handsome features. She remembered running her fingers through his long blonde hair, something she hadn't done since she was a child. Despite all their pettiness and arguments, for better or for worse, Lucius raised Arielle and any goodness that was in her heart was due to his unconditional love. Her parents had never been there for her, but he was...always.
"Being in love is something that I pray to Merlin you get to experience one day." Lucius began. "But I fear for you Arielle and the path you have chosen."
"What do you mean the path I have chosen?" She asked innocently without any animosity.
"This business with Sirius, this business with Regulus. Rita Skeeter can write all the filth she wants to about you in the papers but it won't change the fact you will lose one if not both of them."
"Does this have something to do with Misses Black? That old bat has a right foul tongue." Arielle frowned.
Lucius let out one of his rare chuckles. "No. I'd be damned if I let Walburga Black refuse a request of mine."
"I'd say good but…"
"But what? You don't care for the prize?" Lucius said more seriously.
Arielle gave her brother a knowing glance of approval.
"The only reason I asked the old whale to officiate your courting with Regulus was because I thought you cared for him."
"But I don't!" Arielle said rather defensively.
Lucius cracked a smile and shook his head. "Arielle you are more stubborn than I ever was. That boy is mad for you I'd say. That's not something you can run from forever."
"I'm not running." Arielle said her cheeks growing a slight shade of pink.
"Of course not. I just want to warn you Arielle, that a snake will always slither away from an unyielding lion."
Arielle looked away from her brother. He stood up from her bed and kissed her gently on her forehead.
"Goodnight Arielle. I'll see you in the morning." Lucius spoke softly before exiting the room and shutting the door gently behind him.
Sunday was here and the house was buzzing with the arrival of various pureblood families. The Blacks had arrived early and Sirius had taken to laying on Arielle's bed and listening to her muggle records. They were currently listening to Motown classics with a silencing charm in place at the bedroom door.
A loud knock at the door startled them.
"Arielle, are you in there, it's just me!" Lucienda shrieked from outside the room. Arielle waved her hand towards the door and it opened. Sirius shot Arielle an impressed look at her effortless use of wandless magic. She shrugged it off with a wink.
"Oh Merlin," Lucienda gasped, "Arielle your room…."
"Is fit for a queen?" A snarky voice spoke from behind the brunette beauty. Arielle scowled at Regulus. Binx was already pawing at the snake's shoe.
Arielle waved her hand, the bedroom door shut and locked itself and the music began to play again.
Lucienda had found her way into Arielle's closet, and was squealing with pleasure as she looked at all of Arielle's gowns and designer heels. Regulus had made himself comfortable on the sofa and Sirius threw his brother a pack of cigarettes. The younger brother nodded at the gesture and lit his cigarette with a muffled charm. Arielle stomped over to where the snake sat and yanked the cigarette out his mouth and waved her hand around the cloud of smoke that lingered over their heads.
"Are you trying to get me whipped?" Arielle scolded.
Regulus raised his eyebrows suggestively. "Do I get to watch?"
Sirius burst out in laughter.
"Pig." Arielle spat. "You'll ruin the disposition of the room."
"The disposition of the room?" Regulus snorted.
"That's right! The walls are old….the paint will peel." Arielle stammered in annoyance and anger.
Regulus and Sirius exchanged a humorous glance.
"Merlin I hate it when you two get along!" Arielle yelped before walking into the closet to check on Lucienda and get away from the Black brothers.
The wedding ceremony was absolutely stunning. Narcissa was a sight to behold. She had to be the most beautiful witch in the wizarding world in her white gown and glorious veil. Arielle had never met a woman that could rival her sister in law in beauty, grace, and charm. With the ceremony out of the way, the reception had begun and wizards and witches from all over the world talked, danced, and laughed together. Of course everyone in attendance was an elitist; however, pureblood politics seemed to be the last thing on anyone's mind tonight. Love was in the air.
After hours of dancing and entertaining, Arielle managed to pull herself away from the dance floor and join her disheveled Gryffindor classmate on a bank of grass overlooking the party.
"I thought Slughorn never let you leave." Sirius smiled at his friend.
Arielle laughed and sat down causally on the grass next to her friend. "For an old man, he sure can dance."
"The music is…"
"Terrible? Perhaps you and I should change it to the Stones and convince everyone it's a new album from the The Walloping Dragon Beads."
Sirius snorted and downed another glass of scotch. Her friend had consumed enough alcohol to sedate a hippogriff, yet he seemed acutely aware of his surroundings. Arielle shivered as a breeze blew by and her hair, which was pulled pack into a high ponytail, crept across her bare back.
"Looks like Reggie is enjoying himself." Sirius commented grabbing a bottle of scotch off the tray of a passing house elf who scowled in response.
Arielle looked down at the dance floor and saw a smiling Regulus twirling around a laughing Lucienda. She watched them silently the entire dance, studying the Slytherin prince's movements, and the way his hands effortlessly manipulated his partner into each step of the dance. It wasn't out of jealousy or anger that caused Arielle to gaze so intently. It was out of admiration.
"Arielle. There's something I need to ask of you." Sirius interrupted taking a swig directly from the bottle.
Arielle unwillingly drew her eyes away from the dance floor and focused on Sirius' face. It held a solemn expression.
"You are smartest witch I've ever known Arielle. Will you promise me that no matter what happens you will be a friend to Regulus?"
Arielle's felt her stomach fall the ground. "Sirius, what are you—"
Sirius sighed. "Just promise, Arielle. Little Reggie, he's not bad like the others" The Gryffindor stated nodding towards the dance floor "he got dealt a bad hand….just like you."
"Why are you saying this to me?" Arielle felt a lump rising in her throat. "It sounds like…"
"Merlin, what dark cloud has befallen you two?" A charming voice remarked.
Regulus took a seat on the grassy knoll a few inches below Arielle.
"Lucienda is sure keeping you busy." Sirius teased handing the joint over to his brother.
"I find her to be quite an engaging companion to tell you the truth." Regulus admitted inhaling the smoke.
Arielle snorted. She bit the inside of her cheek as Regulus's shoulders stiffened at her reaction.
"I don't think I've ever seen you to talk so civilly to each other." Arielle stated, desperate to steer the conversation away from Lucienda.
Regulus and Sirius exchanged a knowing glance that only brothers could share.
"Does the lack of conflict bore you?" Regulus said coldly.
"No…." Arielle began ignoring the Slytherin's tone, " I rather like it…."
Sirius let out a small chuckle. The two Black brothers and Arielle sat silently, passing the joint around. The tension faded away and the moment was peaceful. For the first time in a while, Arielle felt safe. She felt at home on the grassy knoll watching the sunset with two Black brothers.
"Mistress Malfoy, please may we get a photo for the wedding party?" A feeble short man asked holding a camera.
"Of course." Arielle said without hesitation.
"Perfect! Gather close….closer Mr. Black….Ah... Regulus Black, yes closer to the lady…" The man bumbled on.
"Oh the games we play…." Sirius whispered through a smirk as the camera flashed.
Loyal Recounts fans! I miss and love you guys so much! It's Spring Break so I'm glad I got to update! Please leave your feedback on this chapter in a review! What did you guys thing of Walburga? Chloe? What about Arielle and Regulus? Your reviews always keep me going. I love coming back to read your encouraging words. It inspires the mind, the writer, and the imagination! 3 you