Author's Two Cents:
Midnight: Hey all you guys out there! WARNING! This chapter is VERY VERY long. Please do not chase after me with the pitchforks of doom ;)
But Alex and I have worked VERY hard on this chapter. And we both hope you enjoy this as much as we had collaborating it!
Alex: Okay, okay-- so um. this chapter comes to you a bit long-winded, but it seemed the right thing to do- it fleshes out the storyline a bit more and hopefully will make you beg for more...
Thank You's:
A BIG thanks goes out to Evening Starr, A.A., kickedoutofthegoblet, Deadly Nightshade, casper and anyone else who has stuck with us constantly! *HUGGLES*
~*~
As Midnight slipped her bedclothes off, she couldn't help but smile to herself. She had to admit, what she did was really pointless. Now that she thought about it, she didn't know why she did it in the first place. She shrugged lightly as she rifled through her small personal wardrobe in the corner of the long deserted room.
She was still smiling somewhat as she packed her trunk with almost all of her possessions. "I suppose I may as well bring most of my stuff." she said quietly. "Not much to bring is there." She asked herself quietly, her eyes seemed suddenly less vibrant.
Quickly she stood up, shaking away whatever emotion she held within herself. Surveying herself in the long mirror she blinked. Something was missing. "But what." she whispered. Looking at herself quietly in the brightly lit room she reached behind her and undid her loose braid, smoothly pulling the ribbon out. She looked back at herself. Her hair now fell amongst her in long wavy lengths, framing her violet eyes.
"Better get going then." she said quietly, taking out her wand. "Wingardium Leviosa!" she pointed sharply to her trunk as she quickly slipped on her boots and trotted down the stairs quickly, pulling on her coat.
Looking around the empty common room she sighed heavily. "Typical." she laughed to herself when she realized that Draco wasn't down yet. She sat herself down on a secluded armchair as she stared wistfully into the dancing flames of the fireplace.
Malfoy was still adjusting the collar of his shirt as he sauntered casually into the common room area, where he paused with a deep scowl as he noticed Midnight sitting in one of the armchairs staring his way.
"Well, well... if it isn't 'Little Miss Midnight Raid' he smirked coolly. "If you're waiting for me, it must be because you've assumed you're going to be forgiven for that little stunt you pulled this morning."
Draco's gray eyes took in the pink fur-lined jacket and short skirt she was wearing, obviously ready for travel, and he smiled to himself. "You might think it easy to play these kinds of games at Hogwarts, but let me give you a short bit of reality, Midnight. If you're still coming to visit my home for the two week holiday break, you'll find it more difficult to deal with my father and mother - and me."
He moved to the door and looked back over his shoulder, putting on his best nonchalant face. She was such a beautiful girl... it gave him the shivers but he could never let her see how it affected him. "We need to get down to the Great Hall." he snapped, "I need to make sure the houseelves have had our trunks have been sent properly to the train. We'll be riding in a sleigh to the station."
Midnight stared after him as her stomach dropped several notches. She hadn't expected Draco to be this upset at her little morning escapade. She opened her mouth to argue when Draco mentioned the sleigh ride to the station. Midnight had to admit. She had never liked sleigh rides. Never.
"Hmph." was all that escaped her glossed lips. She glared as Draco turned back around to smirk at her before disappearing out into the dungeon corridor.
Midnight sighed heavily as she ran after Draco, pulling her jacket closer to her as they both stepped into the cold Entrance Hall. The huge front doors were open and the bright morning light was now cascading in as well as the occasional snowflake borne along with the wind. Midnight watched silently as Draco double-checked that their trunks had been safely been brought to the train that they were supposed to take. Yes, it had all been done. Without another word, both of them hurried out to where a beautifully adorned sleigh with a groomed pony was patiently waiting. The ride was fairly uneventful and dull, as the snow had begun to fall in soft white veils, falling over the cold yet dazzling winter world. The ride also took place in utter and complete silence, save for the soft pleads of Midnight that punctuating the cold winter air as she tried to coax Draco to actually talk to her. However, her pleads had no affect on the obviously fuming Draco--so in the end, Midnight decided to save herself the breath. She just crossed her arms demurely, waiting for him to come out of his bad mood.
The train had been speeding through the English countryside for an hour now. Leaning his head against the hard leather headrest, Malfoy's smooth, pale face formed a scowl as he gazed out at the passing scenery. The 'luncheon', to say the word loosely, had consisted of nothing but 2 miserable looking meat pies accompanied by a pot of tea. Draco *knew* his father had paid for something a bit more than that-- even Midnight hadn't touched the food-- and he'd been so angry at the conductor and his staff, he'd flung out his wand naughtily and levitated the trays at them, creating quite a mess about. They, of course, never said a cross word to him - any rudeness would have reached his father's ears and the consequences for that would be career-breaking- so instead, they apologized profusely. Draco's lips lifted to a subtle smile at the memory. He carried his father's importance and position with him wherever he went.
The train was slowing down and he knew they were pulling into the station. "We're here," he said, craning his neck toward the window. "And thank god it's stopped snowing..." He could see the sleigh parked outside with the houseelves waiting eagerly to attend to their every need.
He glanced over at Midnight sitting across from him, still sipping her cup of tea, one long log crossed over the other. Draco watched her, a pale eyebrow raised, as her short pink skirt shifted upwards, revealing her sexy underpants underneath. Their eyes locked - she knew he'd seen it.
Midnight grinned inwardly as her vision met with Draco's silver-grey eyes. She smiled coyly and- batting her eyelashes she spoke in a cool drawl. "Like the colour do you, Malfoy?" Midnight asked with a grin on her lips and a giggle on her voice "Or is it the style that's catching your eye?"
Midnight rose out of her seat, gently putting her finished tea on the tray provided. "Oh! But I liked YOURS better!" she laughed as she grinned widely.
Draco's jaw immediately was set into a grim line as he also rose. Still, not talking to her, he walked ahead of Midnight and out to the awaiting sleigh.
Midnight followed quickly as she once again, partook of another sleigh ride. This time she spent most of her energies and time to take in the beautiful country and land. The open trail was blanketed in a deep, undisturbed layer of white fluff, which glistened in the setting sun. Around the trail were ominous yet beckoning forests of evergreen trees. The snow lay heavily on their sagging bows as icicles captured the sun's dying rays, and refracting it into millions of colorful shards. It was a beautiful scene to see as she sat there, staring wistfully at her surroundings. She sighed quietly as she relaxed a bit more in her seat, slumping slightly. What she was seeing was just magnificent. Like it had been painted just for her, from her imagination and love for the outdoors. Draco was lucky to live with these surroundings. As far as she could remember, all she really saw were the stonewalls of Durmstrang school. And then, there would be the dull landscape of fathoms deep lakes and harsh mountains. No. Midnight had to admit that she had always had the yearning to travel and see places of beauty and tranquility.
She looked again to Draco who was blatantly ignoring her, a grim expression darkening his features. She let her eyes wander over his smoothed back hair-the same colour as her's, if not darker. Then to his eyes, which were diverted from her, so all she could see was a light smattering of pale eyelashes. She sighed mentally as she too, looked away. She remembered when she first met Draco. She had recognized him immediately as Draco Malfoy. The pale skin and piercing gray eyes. The drawling voice and biting comments. Yeah, she knew that was Draco. She remembered him commenting on her claims of being the true Slytherin heir and her *charisma*. Then, all she did as glare and turn away. However, from that day on, she seemed to get along, quite well with him. Regardless of the melee of comments they both threw at each other.
Midnight was snapped out of her reverie as the horse gave a loud whinny as the sleigh was nearing a very impressive manor. It was huge and graceful against the now almost completely dark sky, with fine golden glimmers coming from the windows. It was breathtaking to just watch it.
After they traveled past the gate and the lengthly drive to the Manor, the carriage stopped at the front entrance. Draco brushed aside the house elves that clamoured about to service them, and offered his hand to help Midnight out. He glanced up and noticed his parents already waiting at the double doors to greet them.
Narcissa Malfoy in her designer plum-coloured dress and wearing her ash blonde hair neatly in a victorian coiffure, greeted her son with an affectionate hug and leaned down to receive his dutiful kiss on the cheek, then bowed her head with a steady gaze to the girl at his side. "
Lucius Malfoy, wearing his usual charcoal grey tailored made suit, his long blonde hair tied neatly in the back of his head, nodded at his son and cast off his most charming smile at Midnight as he welcomed the two inside. He had only seen the girl once before, and it was from a distance. At closer range, he found himself smiling and having to make great effort not to stare at her obvious beauty. "Hello Draco --and Miss Riddle....I trust you had a pleasant journey here?"
Midnight followed Draco as he pushed aside the more than eager house-elves and took his hand as he helped her up.
A nicely dressed woman with hair of blonde greeted Draco affectionately with the affection returned in the form of a kiss. Midnight just smiled softly as she smoothed out her skirt and put on her best *nice* expression. She looked about as both of them entered the manor and smiled oddly. She turned to Lucius and arched an eyebrow at his question. "Oh, it was lovely ride in - a winter wonderland out there." she said smoothly, masking any emotion and feeling carefully.
After a candlelight dinner in the formal dining room, Draco went with his parents to escort Midnight to her second floor guest suite, the largest in the manor, but to which turned out to be decorated in his mother's favourite victorian colors - somewhat garish to Voldemort's daughter's tastes.
"But, surely, you can't expect me to rest in this dreadful room?" Midnight asked quietly with pleading eyes. "What would you desire, my dear?" Lucius inquired. Narcissa raised a thin eyebrow.
"Well, I do need to rest. Is there realy no place for me to get an adequate rest?" She said, looking up at Lucius with her violet eyes."We have several lovely suites in the east wing..." Draco's father purred, "And before dinner perhaps you can make a list of things you would like us to do to improve this room for your stay?" He glowered at Narcissa's protesting _expression. "Anything... anything your heart desires. Afterall, you ARE our guest and we want you to feel at home during the yule season."
Draco rolled his eyes at the ceiling. He couldn't wait to get to his room again...he was looking forward to a nap himself. And he thought he'd need one to face his father, who said he wanted to meet w/ him after dinner.Midnight gave a quick glance to Narcissa and arched a well groomed eyebrow. She brushed aside her shimmering hair with a pale hand from her eyes. "Well," she started slowly. "I saw a room on the way here, from the drive way. The one with the gorgeous balcony..."
Draco paled. "That's MINE" he started... and then stopped as his father eyes darted dangerously into his. "Uhm...well..." Draco stammered. Lucius facial _expression froze in charming mode. "Of course, Draco would be *happy* to give you his room for the duration of the renovations. Meanwhile, he'll stay in the east tower room... another *favorite...*" Draco grimaced. He hated that room... hated it all his life.
And his father would put him in an unheated room in the tower just so he could kiss Little Miss Riddle's butt! Draco folded his arms and grunted.Narcissa clucked her tongue and reached over and put her arm around her son.
Midnight smiled evilly. "Oh, I couldn't..." she hissed through her teeth as she shot Draco a glance. "Are you sure Mr Malfoy?" she said, her actions coy.
"I'm sure, Midnight dear." he said with an oily smile.
Midnight gave Draco a defiant smile as she curtsied slightly. "And i'm sure Draco could show me the way." she added, looking to Draco with a steely look in her eyes.
"I think I'm more than capable of showing you my own room," he snapped, not careing what his father thought. He wasn't looking forward to his nap anymore. He shrugged and rolled his eyes at his parents... then put out his arm like a gentleman and led her down the passageway to the eastern wing.
Midnight arched an eyebrow and took his arm as she walked down the hall.Halfway there, Draco pulled his arm away. "You'll *hate* my room," he said with an amused smile. "It's got too many windows - and the balcony is crumbling, its not very safe."Midnight smiled wryly as she blatently brushed off her sleeve. "Oh, i'm sure it's wonderful. Besides, you think i'm going to go in there, without an escort?" she laughed. "YOU'VE slept in that room! It's probably baited and trapped. You're coming in with me."
"I *am*, am I ?" Draco's pale eyebrows furrowed. "I'm afraid to disappoint you, little girl...but I'm planning on dropping you off at athe door and saying goodbye..."
Midnight scoffed lightly. "Oh, don't worry "Mr. Narcissa's Boy"." she laughed. "And for your *information*, MY room will NOT be pink." she snapped, her violet eyes showing a strange sense of danger.
Draco stepped up to the door and waved his palm across it vertically. "Cavedwelling" he said.
Midnight snorted loudly from behind Draco as she heard him utter the words. "Cavedwelling?!"
"Shut up," Malfoy muttered softly with a deathly hiss to his voice. The door opened to reveal a large warm room with heavy rugs and curtains...dark furniture with Draco's initials carved in it. Midnight's eyes widened as the doors opened. She gasped quietly. It was indeed beautiful and luxurious like she thought. Draco stepped quickly behind her and the door panel slowly closed them inside. His lips formed a straight line as he waved his arm around the room, emphasizing his point. "See? Hunting green. My favourite colour, and much too masculine for your tastes--I doubt if you would like sleeping in here."
Midnight looked sideways at him. "Hmm... It's not that bad. Besides, I just need a quick nap. That's all..." she trailed off as she walked towards the bed, her tiny jacket slipping off of her shoulders, dropping silently to the floor.
Draco blinked, a startled _expression frozen on his face. She wouldn't *do* this to him--naa-she wouldn't...."Okay, you DO that...take yourself a little nap and I'll--- just... blow out the lights and go back to my *other* room." he said, his face flushing as he gazed at her body laying across *his* bed...
Midnight sighed quietly as she felt the cool sheets slide across the milky skin, making a sharp contrast against the bedsheets. Her silver blonde hair fanned out around her, her eyes vivid and alluring as she turned to look at Draco. "You do that..." she finally said, after watching him in silence. "You can just move along now." she said quietly as she felt her small top slide up with the motion, revealing her flat stomach and smooth skin, shivering.
Draco gave her one long tempting glance before he folded his arms. "Think I'm that stupid d'ya?" he chuckled darkly. He walked over to the bed and stroked her soft cheek w/ his forefinger. "I know you're toying with me, Midnight-Primrose." he gave her his sexiest smile. "Oh, don't get me wrong, I want nothing better than to lie down next to your bewitching body, but.... in my own time, my own way. So...pleasant dreams, Little Miss Riddle." Draco snickered, as he turned around and headed for the door. He looked over his shoulder and grinned. "And-- welcome to Malfoy Manor. You're on *my* turf now."
"Hmmmph..." she muttered as she looked away from him, hiding the small blush creeping onto her features. Finally closing her eyes, she barely heard, or remembered the last words Draco had uttered to her sleeping form.
Draco strode down the corridor, scowling, as he thought about having to spending nights in that damnable cold tower room. He didn't understand why his father would assign him there - it seemed like a bitter pill considering he'd managed to bring Lord Voldemort's daughter, just as requested. His lips lifted in a subtle smile, knowing he could wheedle his mother into letting him stay in one of the other guest rooms - lord knew there were enough of them...
Suddenly his pace slowed as he turned the corner.... and he stopped, his spirits dampened. There was his father standing like an ominous shadow at the base of the black marble stairs.
"Going somewhere Draco?"
"I- I was just heading to the sitting room to kiss mother good night...." he said, trying to sound nonchalant. But Draco knew better.... his father always seemed to know his state of mind.
"I think not. I think your intention was to persuade her to smuggle you into a different room tonight." Lucius returned in his smooth voice. "What- you don't like your new sleeping arrangement, son?" he chuckled, folding his arms.
Draco's grey eyes bore into his father hard ones, bordering on defiance. "Why did--?"
"No questions now. Turn around. We're going to the tower for a little chat about how you will become a Deatheater..."
Draco's mouth formed a straight line as he began climbing the winding stairs upward to the east tower of the manor, and a shiver went through him. This vacation was beginning to suck.
When they reached the top of the stairs, Draco followed Lucius into the circular room; the tall narrow windows were frosted over from the draft. Draco walked over to the oversized canopy bed and fingered the cool tapestry hanging there. He turned around to face his father with a disgusted _expression. "Is this some kind of test?"
Lucius shut the door and moved across the floor, a wicked glint in his eyes. "One of many tests, Draco. You're sleeping here for two reasons, the one; because we need Riddle to sleep comfortably in your bed, and two; because you need to learn to obey -- something you don't do so very well...." The elder Malfoy brushed the dust off his billowy white sleeves and walked around the bed eying it thoughtfully and then back at his son. "So...to make things clear. I have spoken with the Dark Master and he has agreed, although you are only sixteen, your time to be tested as a Deatheater has come. Because of your age, and your position--- he consented to give you a private task, which you must pass."
Draco paled suddenly at the thought of what would happen to him if he failed. "Task...what *kind* of task?" he swallowed.
Lucius smiled at his son and patted his shoulder. "Oh you *will* like this one, Draco. Your task is a test of trust and skill. You will show the master how brilliant you are at potion-making-- this one is an old and rare variation of the Imperius Calunti, a more delicate formula." he started, and reached into his trousers and pulled out a small roll of parchment, handing it to his son.
Draco reached for the scroll and unrolled the marbled paper and read the faded script:
*Seductio Icaria*
water, boiling 2 gal
bicon horn, crushed, 2 tsp
daisy roots, finely sliced, 1 tbsp
nettles, 5 oz
wormwood, shredded, 3 oz
3 scarab beetles, crushed
4 dittany leaves
alihotsy roots, sliced, 2 tsp
Draco, being Snape's prized pupil, recognized this base from his potions encyclopedia and looked up incredulously. "This looks like one of those enticement potions-- it takes at least 4 days to age properly..." he said incredulously and paused, "What do you expect me to do with it?"
Lucius gave his son an evil grin. "You will use it to control Midnight Primrose Riddle into one night of seduction."
There was dead silence and Draco's mouth formed an 'O'. A small part of him wanted to protest....
A small part.
"I know you can do this, Draco. And you WILL NOT fail... our family's reputation completely depends on how you accomplish this...very simple test. I know you won't let me down. Your mother has no knowledge whatsoever of this test, and you will face severe punishment if I find you've revealed anything her way," he said glowering, "I know you are 'mama's boy'.... but I warn you Draco-- leave your mother out of this."
Draco found himself nodding dully, but still standing with the rolled parchment in his hand, stunned, half listening to his father giving him further instructions...and telling him they would talk further on the morrow, as he walked out, the door closing behind him with a loud click.
He didn't know whether to smile or scream....
~*~
Narcissa Malfoy apparated silently in the corner of the cherrywood wardrobe of the tower room, as she watched her son's movements from the shadows. Draco tried to warm himself from a meger fire in the small stone hearth but the drafts made the floor cold and he reluctantly undressed down to his black boxer shorts and tee shirt as he stood in front of the small sink and wall mirror, removing his shirt and cursing father under his breath as he washed his pale face in the frigid water.
Smiling from her secret corner, Narcissa sapphire eyes gazed at her son's physique approvingly. He'd grown since she last saw him, and his arms and chest were well toned since he'd become involved in quidditch. Draco was staring at his reflection, seemingly lost in thought; his blonde hair combed back, dripping on the towel around his shoulders.
Still grumbling under his breath, Draco turned and climbed into bed, wrapping the coverlet around him possessively. Narcissa held her wand daintily in front of her and quietly uttered a spell on the room, the fireplace refreshed...and her son's eyelids drooping into a deep sleep. She sauntered over to the edge of the canopy bed and undaunted, reached down and her slender fingers tenderly stroked his forehead, down his cheek, neck and along his bare shoulders.
"Draco, my son...you have grown up so *perfectly*- how alluring you are...." she whispered, knowing he could not hear her, "It looks like you have pretty girls clamoring for your attention and it seems your father wants to use that for his benefit. but your mother loves you...needs you-- and what he doesn't know is that.... you belong to me."
Narcissa leaned over Draco's sleeping form and kissed his lips, backed away with a half-lidded smile and dissapparated out of the room, leaving only a faint scent of her perfume behind.
~*~
Another Two Cents:
Midnight: I TOLD you this was LONG! But what do ya think of the ending? Alex and I both agreed our fic needed to be unlike others. We wanted it to have twists and surprises etc. Unlike some warped romance novel.
So in the end, I am congratulating Alex! He's the genius behind the twists and such! Rock on!!!
Alex: Midi is an inspiration to me...hmm...so guess we're the ultimate writing team *wink*
Midnight: Hey all you guys out there! WARNING! This chapter is VERY VERY long. Please do not chase after me with the pitchforks of doom ;)
But Alex and I have worked VERY hard on this chapter. And we both hope you enjoy this as much as we had collaborating it!
Alex: Okay, okay-- so um. this chapter comes to you a bit long-winded, but it seemed the right thing to do- it fleshes out the storyline a bit more and hopefully will make you beg for more...
Thank You's:
A BIG thanks goes out to Evening Starr, A.A., kickedoutofthegoblet, Deadly Nightshade, casper and anyone else who has stuck with us constantly! *HUGGLES*
~*~
As Midnight slipped her bedclothes off, she couldn't help but smile to herself. She had to admit, what she did was really pointless. Now that she thought about it, she didn't know why she did it in the first place. She shrugged lightly as she rifled through her small personal wardrobe in the corner of the long deserted room.
She was still smiling somewhat as she packed her trunk with almost all of her possessions. "I suppose I may as well bring most of my stuff." she said quietly. "Not much to bring is there." She asked herself quietly, her eyes seemed suddenly less vibrant.
Quickly she stood up, shaking away whatever emotion she held within herself. Surveying herself in the long mirror she blinked. Something was missing. "But what." she whispered. Looking at herself quietly in the brightly lit room she reached behind her and undid her loose braid, smoothly pulling the ribbon out. She looked back at herself. Her hair now fell amongst her in long wavy lengths, framing her violet eyes.
"Better get going then." she said quietly, taking out her wand. "Wingardium Leviosa!" she pointed sharply to her trunk as she quickly slipped on her boots and trotted down the stairs quickly, pulling on her coat.
Looking around the empty common room she sighed heavily. "Typical." she laughed to herself when she realized that Draco wasn't down yet. She sat herself down on a secluded armchair as she stared wistfully into the dancing flames of the fireplace.
Malfoy was still adjusting the collar of his shirt as he sauntered casually into the common room area, where he paused with a deep scowl as he noticed Midnight sitting in one of the armchairs staring his way.
"Well, well... if it isn't 'Little Miss Midnight Raid' he smirked coolly. "If you're waiting for me, it must be because you've assumed you're going to be forgiven for that little stunt you pulled this morning."
Draco's gray eyes took in the pink fur-lined jacket and short skirt she was wearing, obviously ready for travel, and he smiled to himself. "You might think it easy to play these kinds of games at Hogwarts, but let me give you a short bit of reality, Midnight. If you're still coming to visit my home for the two week holiday break, you'll find it more difficult to deal with my father and mother - and me."
He moved to the door and looked back over his shoulder, putting on his best nonchalant face. She was such a beautiful girl... it gave him the shivers but he could never let her see how it affected him. "We need to get down to the Great Hall." he snapped, "I need to make sure the houseelves have had our trunks have been sent properly to the train. We'll be riding in a sleigh to the station."
Midnight stared after him as her stomach dropped several notches. She hadn't expected Draco to be this upset at her little morning escapade. She opened her mouth to argue when Draco mentioned the sleigh ride to the station. Midnight had to admit. She had never liked sleigh rides. Never.
"Hmph." was all that escaped her glossed lips. She glared as Draco turned back around to smirk at her before disappearing out into the dungeon corridor.
Midnight sighed heavily as she ran after Draco, pulling her jacket closer to her as they both stepped into the cold Entrance Hall. The huge front doors were open and the bright morning light was now cascading in as well as the occasional snowflake borne along with the wind. Midnight watched silently as Draco double-checked that their trunks had been safely been brought to the train that they were supposed to take. Yes, it had all been done. Without another word, both of them hurried out to where a beautifully adorned sleigh with a groomed pony was patiently waiting. The ride was fairly uneventful and dull, as the snow had begun to fall in soft white veils, falling over the cold yet dazzling winter world. The ride also took place in utter and complete silence, save for the soft pleads of Midnight that punctuating the cold winter air as she tried to coax Draco to actually talk to her. However, her pleads had no affect on the obviously fuming Draco--so in the end, Midnight decided to save herself the breath. She just crossed her arms demurely, waiting for him to come out of his bad mood.
The train had been speeding through the English countryside for an hour now. Leaning his head against the hard leather headrest, Malfoy's smooth, pale face formed a scowl as he gazed out at the passing scenery. The 'luncheon', to say the word loosely, had consisted of nothing but 2 miserable looking meat pies accompanied by a pot of tea. Draco *knew* his father had paid for something a bit more than that-- even Midnight hadn't touched the food-- and he'd been so angry at the conductor and his staff, he'd flung out his wand naughtily and levitated the trays at them, creating quite a mess about. They, of course, never said a cross word to him - any rudeness would have reached his father's ears and the consequences for that would be career-breaking- so instead, they apologized profusely. Draco's lips lifted to a subtle smile at the memory. He carried his father's importance and position with him wherever he went.
The train was slowing down and he knew they were pulling into the station. "We're here," he said, craning his neck toward the window. "And thank god it's stopped snowing..." He could see the sleigh parked outside with the houseelves waiting eagerly to attend to their every need.
He glanced over at Midnight sitting across from him, still sipping her cup of tea, one long log crossed over the other. Draco watched her, a pale eyebrow raised, as her short pink skirt shifted upwards, revealing her sexy underpants underneath. Their eyes locked - she knew he'd seen it.
Midnight grinned inwardly as her vision met with Draco's silver-grey eyes. She smiled coyly and- batting her eyelashes she spoke in a cool drawl. "Like the colour do you, Malfoy?" Midnight asked with a grin on her lips and a giggle on her voice "Or is it the style that's catching your eye?"
Midnight rose out of her seat, gently putting her finished tea on the tray provided. "Oh! But I liked YOURS better!" she laughed as she grinned widely.
Draco's jaw immediately was set into a grim line as he also rose. Still, not talking to her, he walked ahead of Midnight and out to the awaiting sleigh.
Midnight followed quickly as she once again, partook of another sleigh ride. This time she spent most of her energies and time to take in the beautiful country and land. The open trail was blanketed in a deep, undisturbed layer of white fluff, which glistened in the setting sun. Around the trail were ominous yet beckoning forests of evergreen trees. The snow lay heavily on their sagging bows as icicles captured the sun's dying rays, and refracting it into millions of colorful shards. It was a beautiful scene to see as she sat there, staring wistfully at her surroundings. She sighed quietly as she relaxed a bit more in her seat, slumping slightly. What she was seeing was just magnificent. Like it had been painted just for her, from her imagination and love for the outdoors. Draco was lucky to live with these surroundings. As far as she could remember, all she really saw were the stonewalls of Durmstrang school. And then, there would be the dull landscape of fathoms deep lakes and harsh mountains. No. Midnight had to admit that she had always had the yearning to travel and see places of beauty and tranquility.
She looked again to Draco who was blatantly ignoring her, a grim expression darkening his features. She let her eyes wander over his smoothed back hair-the same colour as her's, if not darker. Then to his eyes, which were diverted from her, so all she could see was a light smattering of pale eyelashes. She sighed mentally as she too, looked away. She remembered when she first met Draco. She had recognized him immediately as Draco Malfoy. The pale skin and piercing gray eyes. The drawling voice and biting comments. Yeah, she knew that was Draco. She remembered him commenting on her claims of being the true Slytherin heir and her *charisma*. Then, all she did as glare and turn away. However, from that day on, she seemed to get along, quite well with him. Regardless of the melee of comments they both threw at each other.
Midnight was snapped out of her reverie as the horse gave a loud whinny as the sleigh was nearing a very impressive manor. It was huge and graceful against the now almost completely dark sky, with fine golden glimmers coming from the windows. It was breathtaking to just watch it.
After they traveled past the gate and the lengthly drive to the Manor, the carriage stopped at the front entrance. Draco brushed aside the house elves that clamoured about to service them, and offered his hand to help Midnight out. He glanced up and noticed his parents already waiting at the double doors to greet them.
Narcissa Malfoy in her designer plum-coloured dress and wearing her ash blonde hair neatly in a victorian coiffure, greeted her son with an affectionate hug and leaned down to receive his dutiful kiss on the cheek, then bowed her head with a steady gaze to the girl at his side. "
Lucius Malfoy, wearing his usual charcoal grey tailored made suit, his long blonde hair tied neatly in the back of his head, nodded at his son and cast off his most charming smile at Midnight as he welcomed the two inside. He had only seen the girl once before, and it was from a distance. At closer range, he found himself smiling and having to make great effort not to stare at her obvious beauty. "Hello Draco --and Miss Riddle....I trust you had a pleasant journey here?"
Midnight followed Draco as he pushed aside the more than eager house-elves and took his hand as he helped her up.
A nicely dressed woman with hair of blonde greeted Draco affectionately with the affection returned in the form of a kiss. Midnight just smiled softly as she smoothed out her skirt and put on her best *nice* expression. She looked about as both of them entered the manor and smiled oddly. She turned to Lucius and arched an eyebrow at his question. "Oh, it was lovely ride in - a winter wonderland out there." she said smoothly, masking any emotion and feeling carefully.
After a candlelight dinner in the formal dining room, Draco went with his parents to escort Midnight to her second floor guest suite, the largest in the manor, but to which turned out to be decorated in his mother's favourite victorian colors - somewhat garish to Voldemort's daughter's tastes.
"But, surely, you can't expect me to rest in this dreadful room?" Midnight asked quietly with pleading eyes. "What would you desire, my dear?" Lucius inquired. Narcissa raised a thin eyebrow.
"Well, I do need to rest. Is there realy no place for me to get an adequate rest?" She said, looking up at Lucius with her violet eyes."We have several lovely suites in the east wing..." Draco's father purred, "And before dinner perhaps you can make a list of things you would like us to do to improve this room for your stay?" He glowered at Narcissa's protesting _expression. "Anything... anything your heart desires. Afterall, you ARE our guest and we want you to feel at home during the yule season."
Draco rolled his eyes at the ceiling. He couldn't wait to get to his room again...he was looking forward to a nap himself. And he thought he'd need one to face his father, who said he wanted to meet w/ him after dinner.Midnight gave a quick glance to Narcissa and arched a well groomed eyebrow. She brushed aside her shimmering hair with a pale hand from her eyes. "Well," she started slowly. "I saw a room on the way here, from the drive way. The one with the gorgeous balcony..."
Draco paled. "That's MINE" he started... and then stopped as his father eyes darted dangerously into his. "Uhm...well..." Draco stammered. Lucius facial _expression froze in charming mode. "Of course, Draco would be *happy* to give you his room for the duration of the renovations. Meanwhile, he'll stay in the east tower room... another *favorite...*" Draco grimaced. He hated that room... hated it all his life.
And his father would put him in an unheated room in the tower just so he could kiss Little Miss Riddle's butt! Draco folded his arms and grunted.Narcissa clucked her tongue and reached over and put her arm around her son.
Midnight smiled evilly. "Oh, I couldn't..." she hissed through her teeth as she shot Draco a glance. "Are you sure Mr Malfoy?" she said, her actions coy.
"I'm sure, Midnight dear." he said with an oily smile.
Midnight gave Draco a defiant smile as she curtsied slightly. "And i'm sure Draco could show me the way." she added, looking to Draco with a steely look in her eyes.
"I think I'm more than capable of showing you my own room," he snapped, not careing what his father thought. He wasn't looking forward to his nap anymore. He shrugged and rolled his eyes at his parents... then put out his arm like a gentleman and led her down the passageway to the eastern wing.
Midnight arched an eyebrow and took his arm as she walked down the hall.Halfway there, Draco pulled his arm away. "You'll *hate* my room," he said with an amused smile. "It's got too many windows - and the balcony is crumbling, its not very safe."Midnight smiled wryly as she blatently brushed off her sleeve. "Oh, i'm sure it's wonderful. Besides, you think i'm going to go in there, without an escort?" she laughed. "YOU'VE slept in that room! It's probably baited and trapped. You're coming in with me."
"I *am*, am I ?" Draco's pale eyebrows furrowed. "I'm afraid to disappoint you, little girl...but I'm planning on dropping you off at athe door and saying goodbye..."
Midnight scoffed lightly. "Oh, don't worry "Mr. Narcissa's Boy"." she laughed. "And for your *information*, MY room will NOT be pink." she snapped, her violet eyes showing a strange sense of danger.
Draco stepped up to the door and waved his palm across it vertically. "Cavedwelling" he said.
Midnight snorted loudly from behind Draco as she heard him utter the words. "Cavedwelling?!"
"Shut up," Malfoy muttered softly with a deathly hiss to his voice. The door opened to reveal a large warm room with heavy rugs and curtains...dark furniture with Draco's initials carved in it. Midnight's eyes widened as the doors opened. She gasped quietly. It was indeed beautiful and luxurious like she thought. Draco stepped quickly behind her and the door panel slowly closed them inside. His lips formed a straight line as he waved his arm around the room, emphasizing his point. "See? Hunting green. My favourite colour, and much too masculine for your tastes--I doubt if you would like sleeping in here."
Midnight looked sideways at him. "Hmm... It's not that bad. Besides, I just need a quick nap. That's all..." she trailed off as she walked towards the bed, her tiny jacket slipping off of her shoulders, dropping silently to the floor.
Draco blinked, a startled _expression frozen on his face. She wouldn't *do* this to him--naa-she wouldn't...."Okay, you DO that...take yourself a little nap and I'll--- just... blow out the lights and go back to my *other* room." he said, his face flushing as he gazed at her body laying across *his* bed...
Midnight sighed quietly as she felt the cool sheets slide across the milky skin, making a sharp contrast against the bedsheets. Her silver blonde hair fanned out around her, her eyes vivid and alluring as she turned to look at Draco. "You do that..." she finally said, after watching him in silence. "You can just move along now." she said quietly as she felt her small top slide up with the motion, revealing her flat stomach and smooth skin, shivering.
Draco gave her one long tempting glance before he folded his arms. "Think I'm that stupid d'ya?" he chuckled darkly. He walked over to the bed and stroked her soft cheek w/ his forefinger. "I know you're toying with me, Midnight-Primrose." he gave her his sexiest smile. "Oh, don't get me wrong, I want nothing better than to lie down next to your bewitching body, but.... in my own time, my own way. So...pleasant dreams, Little Miss Riddle." Draco snickered, as he turned around and headed for the door. He looked over his shoulder and grinned. "And-- welcome to Malfoy Manor. You're on *my* turf now."
"Hmmmph..." she muttered as she looked away from him, hiding the small blush creeping onto her features. Finally closing her eyes, she barely heard, or remembered the last words Draco had uttered to her sleeping form.
Draco strode down the corridor, scowling, as he thought about having to spending nights in that damnable cold tower room. He didn't understand why his father would assign him there - it seemed like a bitter pill considering he'd managed to bring Lord Voldemort's daughter, just as requested. His lips lifted in a subtle smile, knowing he could wheedle his mother into letting him stay in one of the other guest rooms - lord knew there were enough of them...
Suddenly his pace slowed as he turned the corner.... and he stopped, his spirits dampened. There was his father standing like an ominous shadow at the base of the black marble stairs.
"Going somewhere Draco?"
"I- I was just heading to the sitting room to kiss mother good night...." he said, trying to sound nonchalant. But Draco knew better.... his father always seemed to know his state of mind.
"I think not. I think your intention was to persuade her to smuggle you into a different room tonight." Lucius returned in his smooth voice. "What- you don't like your new sleeping arrangement, son?" he chuckled, folding his arms.
Draco's grey eyes bore into his father hard ones, bordering on defiance. "Why did--?"
"No questions now. Turn around. We're going to the tower for a little chat about how you will become a Deatheater..."
Draco's mouth formed a straight line as he began climbing the winding stairs upward to the east tower of the manor, and a shiver went through him. This vacation was beginning to suck.
When they reached the top of the stairs, Draco followed Lucius into the circular room; the tall narrow windows were frosted over from the draft. Draco walked over to the oversized canopy bed and fingered the cool tapestry hanging there. He turned around to face his father with a disgusted _expression. "Is this some kind of test?"
Lucius shut the door and moved across the floor, a wicked glint in his eyes. "One of many tests, Draco. You're sleeping here for two reasons, the one; because we need Riddle to sleep comfortably in your bed, and two; because you need to learn to obey -- something you don't do so very well...." The elder Malfoy brushed the dust off his billowy white sleeves and walked around the bed eying it thoughtfully and then back at his son. "So...to make things clear. I have spoken with the Dark Master and he has agreed, although you are only sixteen, your time to be tested as a Deatheater has come. Because of your age, and your position--- he consented to give you a private task, which you must pass."
Draco paled suddenly at the thought of what would happen to him if he failed. "Task...what *kind* of task?" he swallowed.
Lucius smiled at his son and patted his shoulder. "Oh you *will* like this one, Draco. Your task is a test of trust and skill. You will show the master how brilliant you are at potion-making-- this one is an old and rare variation of the Imperius Calunti, a more delicate formula." he started, and reached into his trousers and pulled out a small roll of parchment, handing it to his son.
Draco reached for the scroll and unrolled the marbled paper and read the faded script:
*Seductio Icaria*
water, boiling 2 gal
bicon horn, crushed, 2 tsp
daisy roots, finely sliced, 1 tbsp
nettles, 5 oz
wormwood, shredded, 3 oz
3 scarab beetles, crushed
4 dittany leaves
alihotsy roots, sliced, 2 tsp
Draco, being Snape's prized pupil, recognized this base from his potions encyclopedia and looked up incredulously. "This looks like one of those enticement potions-- it takes at least 4 days to age properly..." he said incredulously and paused, "What do you expect me to do with it?"
Lucius gave his son an evil grin. "You will use it to control Midnight Primrose Riddle into one night of seduction."
There was dead silence and Draco's mouth formed an 'O'. A small part of him wanted to protest....
A small part.
"I know you can do this, Draco. And you WILL NOT fail... our family's reputation completely depends on how you accomplish this...very simple test. I know you won't let me down. Your mother has no knowledge whatsoever of this test, and you will face severe punishment if I find you've revealed anything her way," he said glowering, "I know you are 'mama's boy'.... but I warn you Draco-- leave your mother out of this."
Draco found himself nodding dully, but still standing with the rolled parchment in his hand, stunned, half listening to his father giving him further instructions...and telling him they would talk further on the morrow, as he walked out, the door closing behind him with a loud click.
He didn't know whether to smile or scream....
~*~
Narcissa Malfoy apparated silently in the corner of the cherrywood wardrobe of the tower room, as she watched her son's movements from the shadows. Draco tried to warm himself from a meger fire in the small stone hearth but the drafts made the floor cold and he reluctantly undressed down to his black boxer shorts and tee shirt as he stood in front of the small sink and wall mirror, removing his shirt and cursing father under his breath as he washed his pale face in the frigid water.
Smiling from her secret corner, Narcissa sapphire eyes gazed at her son's physique approvingly. He'd grown since she last saw him, and his arms and chest were well toned since he'd become involved in quidditch. Draco was staring at his reflection, seemingly lost in thought; his blonde hair combed back, dripping on the towel around his shoulders.
Still grumbling under his breath, Draco turned and climbed into bed, wrapping the coverlet around him possessively. Narcissa held her wand daintily in front of her and quietly uttered a spell on the room, the fireplace refreshed...and her son's eyelids drooping into a deep sleep. She sauntered over to the edge of the canopy bed and undaunted, reached down and her slender fingers tenderly stroked his forehead, down his cheek, neck and along his bare shoulders.
"Draco, my son...you have grown up so *perfectly*- how alluring you are...." she whispered, knowing he could not hear her, "It looks like you have pretty girls clamoring for your attention and it seems your father wants to use that for his benefit. but your mother loves you...needs you-- and what he doesn't know is that.... you belong to me."
Narcissa leaned over Draco's sleeping form and kissed his lips, backed away with a half-lidded smile and dissapparated out of the room, leaving only a faint scent of her perfume behind.
~*~
Another Two Cents:
Midnight: I TOLD you this was LONG! But what do ya think of the ending? Alex and I both agreed our fic needed to be unlike others. We wanted it to have twists and surprises etc. Unlike some warped romance novel.
So in the end, I am congratulating Alex! He's the genius behind the twists and such! Rock on!!!
Alex: Midi is an inspiration to me...hmm...so guess we're the ultimate writing team *wink*