Wow, I will officially NEVER take advantage of my computer again (which includes hitting the monitor for being slow, pounding the keyboard, shaking the mouse like a madman, etc.). I have literally been DYING to get online. I won't go into details, but pretty much, my AOL account was suspended for some unknown reason, so we had to call and rebuild the entire account. This happened approximately March 29th. Then I went on Spring Break. So guess what: no computer. I was having Internet withdrawal. Seriously! Shakes and everything. So I haven't been able to upload anything. I wrote this chapter before I left for Tennessee (the greatest state in the U. S. of A. in my humble opinion). And now that I'm back, I've tried numerous times to upload it…and ff.net is being dumb. I'm going to resort to abusing my computer again. I feel like pulling out all my hair. Trust me…this is more painful for you than it is for me ;) I am so SORRY that I have kept you guys waiting for so long…if you review this chapter and continue this journey, it will mean so much to me. (You really like me!) So here's chapter four (it's semi-long and juicy). I'm going to try something different with the titles of my chapters (sort of a Mark Twain deal, if you know what I mean). Hope you like it. Please review!
Chapter 4
Dinner—Hidden Room—Bad News
Dinner went by entirely too slow for Caelan. She sat at her seat, the noise of the Great Hall pounding in her ears, threatening to cause her head to explode, staring at her chicken and vegetables, trying to avoid having to lift a finger in order to consume her meal. The grilled chicken stared back, the charred lines from a grill curving into a frown, as if it was furious at her for leaving it to spoil upon her plate. She imagined what it would be thinking if it still had a brain: after all that it had gone through, the monotonous yet carefree days of pecking at seed, baking in the sun, sleeping with others of its kind and the smell that came with it…this was the end. If only it had known what its real purpose was…would it have tried to escape? Caelan smirked at the though of a plump, clumsy hen trying to jump a barbed wire fence…feathers everywhere…
But it didn't know. It had no idea.
"The Finest White Meat in Western Europe!" That's what the package had said. Finest White Meat for humans to eat. What a worthless function that was—especially when it was put upon a plate belonging to someone like Caelan…someone who wrinkled her nose at the thought of food when she was so exhausted and refused to eat.
"Are you going to eat that?" Ron Weasley asked from a few seats down. He had noticed the distant look in her eyes and—more importantly—the untouched food on her plate.
"No, be my guest," she replied, reaching down as if in slow motion and handing her entire dish over to the redhead. Caelan rolled her eyes as he began to shove her meal into his mouth. "Pig," she mumbled as she folded her hands in her lap and waited patiently for time to pass.
Both Severus and Reign kept a watchful eye on Caelan as she sat at her seat, though from opposite ends of the staff table. It had been weeks since Reign had sat next to Professor Saxon. Severus sipped his pumpkin juice and watched over the rim as the elf laughed. He was jealous; he wanted her next to him, laughing with him. His fingers twisted along his glass as the fires of jealousy burned in his eyes. His obvious discomfort seemed to attract the elf; as he brought his goblet back down he caught her eye, and she winked.
Caelan was looking even more out of place than she had been in his class earlier that day. Anger consumed her features; her brows fell upon her eyes in a scowl directed toward no one in particular, her lips were pressed tightly against one another, and her jaw muscles flexed as she grinded her teeth. It was if Hogwarts was the last place she wanted to be…like she'd rather be in the woods, bathed in black, next to a roaring fire, doing God-knows-what for the Dark Lord.
He couldn't put it out of his mind. Yes, Reign had laughed at him, and in a small portion of his mind he doubted even himself, but the greater portion trusted his impulses. He recognized that attitude; he was all too familiar with the way she looked and acted—or didn't act. Normally one of the bravest and most spontaneous individuals he had ever known, she had now shunned herself from her teachers, fellow students, and even her friends.
Even Stanton Raigo was getting ridiculed for his rather annoying curiosity.
Which Snape didn't totally object to.
But he didn't think it was very healthy for one of his female students to be involved with the Dark Lord. He rarely allowed females into his circle—when he did, these women were much older, with experience in the field of Dark Magic.
Why was she so special?
Reign sat with her head in one hand, running her finger over the edge of her wine glass, listening to the sweet tone of its singing with one ear and with the other trying to catch words here and there of Helena's rambling. Her eyes were fluttering back and forth from an uptight Severus to an extremely disgruntled Caelan.
As much as she enjoyed spending time with Helena, tonight there were more pressing issues to discuss other than what insane folly Neville Longbottom had manifested in her Defense Against the Dark Arts class. The professor laughed hysterically as she recalled the events; Reign gave a weak smile.
"Hey, what's up with you, Reign? You seem like you're…not all here." Reign pulled herself from the table, communicating an apologetic smile to Helena.
"You're right. I'm sorry. My mind is elsewhere this evening."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Reign looked passed Professor Saxon's head and into the dark eyes of Severus Snape at the end of the table. He gave a small smile and nodded in her direction.
"No, it's nothing." Helena didn't seem convinced, but she shrugged her shoulders and let it slide.
"Stanton, I swear to God, if you don't stop pestering me I will hex you so bad your mother won't even recognize you!" Raigo was interrogating Caelan…again.
"Jeez, I'm sorry Caelan." He put a warm hand on her shoulder. "It's just that…you're my friend…and I'm worried about you." Caelan brushed his hand off and refused to meet his gaze. God she wanted to get out of there so bad.
Severus had stopped watching over Caelan at about the time that he nodded at Reign. She had let a slight smirk escape the inquiring stare of Professor Saxon, and now he sat transfixed on her as she conversed with the Dark Arts professor.
She had on her coat—the sleek black one she had bought that day in Hogsmeade. It was she who made the coat look amazing, not the other way around. It reminded him of one of those jackets the captain of a pirate ship would wear in times only experienced through storytelling. He imagined her standing at the helm of her ship, hands folded behind her back, watching over her crew, with the wind gently rustling her white hair, playing across her body as the sun highlighted her angelic frame…
Though she made the cover look extremely feminine, she had a powerful aura about her when she wore it. Her gloves lay beside her plate as she ate, and Severus could barely make out her crescent-shaped scars engraved upon her wrists. He shuddered at the memory…the blood.
As he stared, he noticed a head bobbing up and down above the shoulders bathed in the obsidian coat and hands waving discreetly in his direction.
As soon as the Headmaster had risen from his chair, dinner was over. Caelan had disappeared in the mass of students heading to their dorms for the night. Reign was frantically trying to get Snape's attention to signal that she had slipped away from them. She pointed to the crowd, and Severus followed her finger. When he turned back, his eyes were slightly larger than they had been before he noticed she had gone.
"Should we follow her?" Reign mouthed to him. Severus shook his head sternly and got up from his seat. The elf watched as he strode toward her, and—not even noticing or caring—the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as he leaned down and spoke to her.
"We need to discuss this with the Headmaster before we go stalking one of the students."
"Right…" Reign replied as he helped her from her seat.
***
The moonlight seemed to be following Caelan as she walked through the empty corridors. It immersed her in a ghostly light, watching over her, wishing she could hear its warnings.
But her ears were not as sensitive, and so on she walked. The click her boots made against the stony floor of her path also escaped her ears; not a single care passed through her mind. She walked on, not caring where, as long as she didn't have to put up with those impulsive and foolish Gryffindors that she was forced to room with. They had grown increasingly annoying over the past few months. Ever since…
A cold breeze rushed through the hall and ruffled her robes. Caelan shuddered and wrapped her arms tighter around her body.
Was she being brainwashed? Certainly not. No one would ever be able to manipulate Caelan Decatur. And yet she felt so…odd. As if she didn't belong. But not just in Hogwarts, or in the wizarding world…but as a member of the human race altogether.
The Dark Lord had promised her that she would find her place among his Death Eaters. She would have power, respect, and people who cared for her. Growing up in an orphanage all of her life had hardened her heart and her attitude, and yet she still ached to be loved. The Dark Lord promised that, also. Love.
Caelan hoped that the horrific things she had experienced were worth it.
Her mind drifted back to that poor young witch, whom she had witnessed being raped numerous times and finally murdered. It disgusted her…and yet she did nothing about it.
But did it disgust her that much? After all, it was the girl's own damned fault she had stumbled into the forest that night.
Fate is funny like that.
A sinister smile crept across Caelan's face as she stalked down the corridor, her feet commanding her movements, her mind drifting like a madman. Finally her pacing stopped; her feet halted in front of a large door—slightly hidden in the shadows, but quite noticeable at that moment, for there came a soft light from behind the dark wood…beckoning her, calling out. It fell upon her features as she stepped in its range, trying to get a peek of what lay beyond the door. She moved closer, listening to the crackling fire, wondering who was inside.
"You may enter, Miss Decatur." Her head snapped back at the sound of her name. She recognized that voice, but failed to recall the name of its owner. Curiosity tugged at her body, pulling her forward. She had to know, to be reminded, so she slowly pushed the door open and slipped inside.
Whoever had spoken to her sat silently against a chair facing the fire. Opposite the fireplace was an enormous four-poster bed bathed in dark green with silver lining…the colors of Slytherin. Behind it the wall was covered entirely with windows.
Outside the moon had finally given up on her.
She let her eyes travel around the room; the spacious living area, the high ceilings, the far wall lined with book upon book, and then back to the chairs by the fire—and the pale blonde hair that grazed the top cushion.
"I've been waiting for you." The voice seemed to summon her rather than merely make a harmless statement; it pulled the young woman to the empty chair. As she came into his view, a great smile graced his handsome face. Caelan couldn't help but blush.
"Mr. Malfoy. I'm surprised to see you here." The man laughed.
"Please, call me Lucius," he said. "This is the room where the Headmaster has let me stay in case my work at Hogwarts keeps me overnight," he explained. "Please, have a seat." Caelan obliged, sinking into the soft cushion of the high chair. Lucius reached for a bottle of wine on a table to his right.
"Care for a drink?" Caelan snorted, but was silenced when Malfoy raised an eyebrow at her.
"No, thank you," she said quietly.
"Very well then," he replied, refilling his own glass. As he drank, his eyes never left the young woman sitting adjacent from him. She was almost an exact replica of Reign, though much more immature. His gaze made her feel slightly uneasy, and she resorted to folding her hands and biting her bottom lip because of it.
Lucius leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees.
"You know, biting your lip won't enhance your beauty anymore than it is presently." His voice was honey to her ears. She immediately let go of her bottom lip and gazed into his swirling gray eyes. He smiled inwardly as her cheeks glowed red. Besides looking terribly uncomfortable, she looked as if she was itching to ask him something.
"What is it, dear?"
He called her 'dear'. Good God. She almost forgot what she was going to ask as his smile grew wider to show his perfect teeth.
"Um, well, you see…" she sighed. "Is that all Death Eaters do? Rape and murder innocent people?" She instantly wished to retract her question; she hadn't meant for it to be so blunt, but it was exactly what she was thinking, worrying about.
Lucius leaned back in his chair and took another sip of his wine. His movements were slow and steady, graceful and seductive.
"The Dark Lord's methods may be a bit…unconventional, but it's his minions that give a bad name to Death Eaters." He leaned forward again. "Not all of us are so barbaric." He winked; Caelan nearly passed out.
God he's sexy. A strand of pale blonde hair fell into his eyes, communicating a look of innocence, of sincerity. Before she even thought about the consequences, Caelan reached up and removed it.
Lucius took advantage of this opportunity and caught her wrist before she had time to remove her hand. He felt her body instantly go rigid, her fingers flexed and her eyes widened, if only for a moment. His own heart was beating faster than normal.
She looked so much like the elf. If not for her human ears and darker hair, he would most surely have mistaken her for Reign. But she was beautiful nevertheless.
And even if he couldn't seduce Reign, he knew this young minx would not be able to resist him. So his smile grew abnormally wide as he placed her hand on his cheek. It was insanely cold; she was so nervous being alone with him. But that anxiety would soon pass.
Caelan flinched as he brought her hand to his cheek. It was warm from facing the fire for so long. And Lord was it soft. She let her thumb rub the tiny hairs of his cheek as he closed his eyes. Soon enough her eyes were closed, also, as she caressed the soft skin of the older man sitting in front of her. Only when he pulled her to her feet did her eyes open. Lucius slipped one arm around her waist—pulling her securely against his body—and placed his opposite hand on her cheek. Like his face, his palm was also warm, soothing. Caelan's hand fell from his cheek and rested upon his chest.
He was dressed in one of those suits she had seen in reference books on 19th century fashion…a waistcoat with tails, a black collar shirt, a vest (oh Lord how she loved a man in a vest), and long pleated pants with the sexiest boots she had ever seen. And all of his attire was black. Nothing like what Professor Snape always draped over his sorry ass, but an impeccably clean cut and form-fitting attire. And beneath his vest (oh Lord…a vest!) she felt the steady rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. She could have died a happy woman right at that very moment.
The girl fit surprisingly well in his arms…just as Reign had. The effect he was having on her nearly caused him to burst out laughing, but Lucius bit his own lip and kept his cool. He leaned forward, pulling the girl closer to him as he whispered in her ear.
"Caelan, I promise that I will always be here for you. To protect you, to comfort you, to help you when you need it." He rested his head against hers. "The Dark Lord has chosen you because you deserve all the joy and prosperity that he can give you. He cares for you, though I hardly think as much as I…" Caelan pulled back. Malfoy sighed at the look in her eyes. "Do you remember all that he promised you?" The girl in his arms nodded. "His last promise…do you remember that? He promised you would be loved. And not just by anyone…only he who the Dark Lord deems worthy, and is able to care for you and love you like no other." He lifted her chin. "He thinks I am most worthy, and has approved of my declaration of love. Will you not approve, also?"
Caelan nodded as she leaned forward into his kiss. It was soft, yet strong, and wholly comforting. It was the kiss of a man…a man with experience in such a field.
"Wait," she gasped, pulling back for air. "Aren't you married?" Lucius rolled his eyes.
"Yes, but nothing will keep me from serving you," he replied as he kissed her once more. He avoided the question perfectly by making Caelan feel more special than she really was. Losing himself in the kiss, Lucius imagined Reign's lips pressed against his, her tongue eagerly probing his mouth, her body grinding into his. He wondered how much experience Caelan had had with men as he pulled her over to the bed. She certainly seemed to know what she was doing.
He didn't take his lips from hers as he undressed her. Caelan froze as he slid her robes off onto the mattress and pulled her shirt over her head. His hands slid down her body, sending obvious chills up and down her spine. He leaned forward, pulling Caelan into an intimate embrace, and kissed her neck gently. A small groan escaped the woman's throat as her eyes closed against his hair.
"Wait," she panted, pulling away from him and restraining him with both hands on his chest, "I've never done this before."
Lucius nearly exploded.
"That's fine," he said, leaning down to kiss her once more. "Better a man than some idiotic seventh year Gryffindor, wouldn't you agree?" he said as he slid her bra off, leaving her upper body completely exposed.
"Oh God yes…"
Caelan waited for his next move, but Lucius had stopped. He was staring at her chest, just above her where her heart resided.
"It's just a birthmark," she answered as he caressed her skin there. The crescent shape was hauntingly familiar…for more reason than one. His eyes snapped up to hers.
"Yes, of course it is," he reassured himself as he slipped off his coat and beckoned for Caelan to remove his vest.
***
"This is quite a serious accusation, Severus…Reign."
"We know, Professor." Snape and the elf sat in Dumbledore's office, their heads lowered as they nearly regretted their decision to inform the Headmaster of their suspicions.
"But…if it is true, something needs to be done right away. I refuse to stand by and watch a student of mine fall into the hands of Voldemort."
"I agree," stated Reign. Severus gave her a curious look. "Well I do."
"Have either of you spoken to Miss Decatur yourselves?" Both adults shook their heads.
"I don't think that is such a wise idea, Professor," Severus said. "She's not exactly a big fan of mine—"
"Yes, and she doesn't even know me." Reign laughed, "That would certainly be odd…" Both men nodded.
"Very well then, I shall speak with her." He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms, signaling the end of their meeting.
"Oh, Albus," Severus said as they made their way to the door, "if I recall, Lucius Malfoy is infamous for convincing young promising Death Eaters to persuade them to join the Dark Lord's ranks—"
"Really?" the old wizard asked, the usual twinkle now absent from his eyes. "Oh dear…"
"What is it, Albus?" Reign asked, rushing back up to his desk.
"Hmm…well…as luck should have it, Lucius asked for his usual room tonight, saying something to the effect of 'I was planning an evening with Draco, and since Narcissa is away at present, and no one but the repulsive house elves are in the house…'"
Reign slapped her head; Severus had to stable himself on the desk.
"Shit," he said.
***
NOTE: Muwahaha…like I was going to write a love scene as vivid as some other writers…sorry for those of you who like that stuff, but I just wasn't able to do it. So I leave it at what I left it at. Hope you'll forgive me! A/N: Remember that I am writing in an omniscient third person point of view, where (lucky me) I am able to delve into the minds of all of the characters; this explains Caelan's comment about Nivah and her views on Lucius.
***
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