Interlude 7, The 38 B

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J Once again, Kudos to the person who thought of the idea of a "Dark Revel", its not my idea, but I'm borrowing it, cause its very Drae ;) A bit pointless, this one, but I like writing them J

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Severus Snape hadn't had such a relaxing evening as the present one for a long time, Pytheus was out playing Quidditch with some Slytherin first years, which meant a lengthy time alone with the ever maliciously inclined Draezyc, which suited Severus just fine.  Noticing the candles had burnt low and were close to extinguishing, Severus rolled over under the heavy fur blankets that covered his bed and reached out for his wand. "An hour or three well spent, my love."

"Indeed." Draezyc stared up at the ceiling "Coming to the Revels tonight?"

"Would we even be welcome after the escapades of DuCruet?"

"With a bit of well placed occlumency I don't see why we shouldn't. After all, it wasn't my fault that a horde of Aurors attacked in my crucial moment of murder." Draezyc giggled. "How many Aurors decided to tackle me all at once?"

"Seven.  Seven and a half, because Rabastan Lestrange stunned one of them as he was in mid- leap to join his comrades." Severus counted thoughtfully. "You're quite the hot property aren't you."

"I like to think so." Draezyc nodded.  "Don't you agree?"

"Quite." Severus smirked, stroking a strand of Draezyc's black hair, "Add the possessive pronoun 'my' to the title, and I agree completely." He leaned close so strands of his own hair brushed Draezyc's face.  "As DuCruet said. Quite the harlot." He breathed, reaching under Draezyc's head to pull her up for a violent kiss. 

 "Harlot! She called me a harlot!" Draezyc fell back on the bed, letting her head hit the pillow "Intriguing observation.  Am I a harlot?"

Severus smirked "You do possess some qualities that might satisfy the title."

Draezyc's face clouded over. "I'm going to kill her.  I mean it.  Give me an excuse and I will make sure she dies."

"That's your wish?  Really?" Severus looked concerned, "You know you would never be allowed to get away with it if the Order found out."

"Screw the Order." Draezyc hissed. "Perpetually living to fight a pointless battle?  I'd rather live out my pureblood status thank you."

Severus took a deep breath.  "You never did leave the Death Eaters did you."  He shook his head.  "When it was convenient for you, you accepted their help, but truly, you prefer the Dark Lord?"

"I enjoy the privileges of both, equally."  Draezyc challenged, "Call me selfish, but it's ME first, and then other regimes."

"And where do I figure?" Severus asked pointedly.

"A joint first." Draezyc stared him out, "Do you have a problem with that?"  She pushed him off and summoned her clothing to her with a flick of her wand.  "You know where to find me when YOU decide where your own loyalties lie.  I am going to enjoy the muggle torture and rampant sexual play at Malfoy's mansion with the other loyal Death Eaters.  When you have decided, you can come and tell me." 

"Draezyc!" Severus threw on his shirt and proceeded to grab hold of her arm, but Draezyc had already disappeared through the Floo network.

~*~

At the desolate, empty hall of the bowels of the Malfoy Family's less preferred but equally expensive castle residence, Tintagel castle, a transformation was taking place.  Black silk drapes were covering the cold stone walls and cathedral worthy candles hovered just above head height, casting an eerie glow down to the ornate Regency Era wooden floor.  In a throne like chair at the end of the hall was the distinct silvery blonde haired figure of Lucius Malfoy.

"Was this Machiavellian style wake your idea?" Draezyc asked after elegantly appearing through the burning green fire in the fireplace.  A dozen elves were trying to position obelisk-like ice sculptures in strategic places around the halls, supervised by Malfoy himself.  When the Dark Lord wanted a party, the proceedings could not be trusted to anyone else.

"Our Lord knows I can be given the most detailed of tasks and perform them with equal efficiency as you do your hair each morning." Lucius seemed pleased at Draezyc's arrival, a cousin of sorts, through some illegitimate affair or another.  The details of which did not bother Lucius, other than the affair was conducted between two pureblood wizards.  "Pity about your attack of Aurors.  I admit  was enjoying the impending death of DuCruet, as was our master, although he does not hold you responsible."

"Next time she shan't escape."  Draezyc assured Lucius.  "I'll catch her unawares."

"Head on a silver platter affair, now is it?"

"Hers or mine, entrails and all." Draezyc nodded

"Excellent." Lucius smiled maliciously, "And Severus?"

"Will do as he pleases as he always has done."

"Indeed.  Do I sense a lovers tiff?" Lucius folded his arms in his robes.  "Severus… is still as unenthusiastic about the Revels as he always was, if he's not careful he'll end up like Regulus Black."

"I am aware of it."

"Being the one privy to his innermost thoughts, I assume you know his reasonings?"

"Self preservation I should think."

"Thought so."  Lucius shrugged "Looking forward to the revels tonight?"

"Oh yes." Draezyc smiled widely… "Revels are a laugh."

"We have a whole family of village muggles for torture this time, seeing as it will be a reunion of sorts."  Lucius rubbed his hands together, looking pleased for himself, "A good assortment of music, some ghost orchestra, plenty of food and of course, this ballroom will be spectacular when finished."

"Indeed. It looks to me like I shall be needing a new robe or three." Draezyc clapped her hands. "Elf."

One of the elves pattered forward, "Madam?"

"Get me something tailored by Lavellenne & Crouzou by this evening at the latest, something dark, long and silver hemming.  Full bodied skirt, I want a corset on it, and a bit of embroidery…" Draezyc knelt down to get a closer look at the elf, "Don't forget any of that, and tell the assistant to bill it to Severus Snape.  She will know what I am talking about."

"Yes, mistress.  Right away."  And the elf was gone.

"Lavellenne and Crouzou?" Lucius nodded in approval, "Expensive.  Narcissa just had a new set of gowns made by them, beautiful, and the price is well worth it.  You go there often?"

"Every robe." Draezyc laughed "And doesn't Severus hate me for it…"

~*~

Severus hated Dark Revels with a passion usually reserved for Sirius Black.  Ridiculous displays of violence, sexual promiscuity and muggle torture and of course the habitual reverence for Lord Voldemort, who more often than not, did not make an appearance.  He had taken Draezyc's words to heart before her abrupt leaving and had since noticed the bill which and owl had given him late afternoon for a costly new robe from some fashionable tailors in Diagon Alley.  It was with some chagrin therefore that he had made a trip himself down to Diagon Alley's jewellers, Tziana's for a handful of weighty diamonds in a black silk pocket.  Nothing like a present of diamonds for a disappointed and upset witch.  A waft of power and money.  For women like Draezyc, power and money were heavy elixirs.  It was for this reason that Severus Snape was slinking in one of the dark corners of  Tintagel Castle's clearly refurbished ballrooms, courtesy of Lucius Malfoy's treasury no doubt.  He could see Draezyc in what must have been her new gown.  Black, as usual, but with shimmering stars all over.  Draezyc Tealamon , Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy.  All varieties of a strange pureblood beauty, and clearly all enjoying themselves, huddled in a circle in the centre of the room, each with a silver goblet full of red wine, and each glittering with jewels.  Revels were a prime occasion to boast wealth and status.

Bellatrix's high pitched voice echoed across the cavernous hall "You say you have to put up with that dreadful DuCruet every day?  Your husband spares you nothing?"

Severus bristled, it was due to Draezyc's decision that she was even remaining IN Hogwarts, it wasn't like the Snape family didn't have enough various houses dotted around the country.

"Darling, you shouldn't put up with it." Narcissa's lustrous voice was far smoother and refined. "Draco speaks most highly of you and as a personal friend of mine I am sure Lucius would not be averse to let you stay at our Manor for a few days if you need a rest, we could always go to a spa…"

Severus was very sure Lucius wouldn't be averse.  Prime chance for hitting on and salivating over his wife.

"Oh no, you see." Draezyc glittered "If I leave, I can't have DuCruet to myself, as irritating as she may be, I have plans for her and so I will need to be in the vicinity." She adjusted her necklace, "But it was so kind of you to offer, Narcissa, so kind."

"I'm surprised Severus doesn't do something about it himself, I know Rodolphus would."  Bellatrix nodded sagely, "Or Rabastan given half the chance."

"Let Draeliana do it her way," Narcissa smiled  "It should be entertaining to watch at least."

Severus had had enough, he took in a deep breath and walked purposefully over to the group, touching his wife's arm softly, "Entertaining it will be no doubt.  A word, my love?"

Narcissa and Bellatrix raised their eyebrows at each other before melting away into the crowds, still talking loudly, still posing and showing off their status.

"I was talking with friends." Draezyc said haughtily, "You interrupted."

Severus closed his eyes for a brief moment, willing himself not to glare at her and make things worse.  Apologies were not Severus' forte especially when he thought it was not he who had erred.  "I wanted to talk to you."

"Decided where your loyalties lie?" Draezyc questioned,

Severus pulled her out of the doors into the large ornate gardens, "With you.  They always have been with you."

"So why do you insist on following that bumbling idiot like a dog?"

"Because… because it is more profitable that way." Severus hissed.  "Don't you remember anything about what it was like before?  When you were sent to be rid of me?  You couldn't and the pressure had become too much.  If you are asking me to become a killer, like you, then we shall have to part in our ways.  I never was an assassin, I work with potions."

"I don't ask you to kill, I kill." Draezyc muttered, "And I don't want the lecture about pressure.  It is what I believe in."

"Purity of blood?"  Severus sighed, "If it is what you truly believe in then I shall stand by your decision.  However, it will be a passive role."

"Will you at least stop working as an underpaid teacher?"  Draezyc fondly stroked his cuffs, "So demeaning."

Severus smirked "And where then, would you have the inside information to hand to our master, if I resigned?"

Draezyc nodded, smiling broadly, "You are forgiven."

"And you," Severus handed her the small pocket of diamonds "Are more than deserving of such a gift."

Draezyc rolled the diamonds on her palm, "Flawless."

"I should hope so." Severus paced "A fortune's worth of colourful ice."

"Beautiful."  Draezyc beamed. "You want to leave?"

"You want to stay?" Severus asked seriously "I will stay if it is what you want."

"No no." Draezyc shrugged. "I have a better idea."

"You do."

"I do."

"Excellent." Severus took her free hand and led her to the waiting carriages, "Which residence does Lady Snape request?"

"Ah, the one by the lake.  View from master bedroom, breathtaking."

"Serpenside House." Severus instructed the Thestrals, before opening the gilt carriage doors for Draezyc and himself.

TBC