The weeks before the ball passed quickly for Morgan. Classes were going well and nothing more than a casual conversation had passed between she and Snape. This should have calmed her but instead her insides were churning in anticipation of his company for the evening. True they'd both have to be on guard for the night, but they would be together.
She took care with her makeup, applying the evening eyes and lips as Pierre had instructed. Next she pulled her hair up so wispy tendrils floated to frame her face so it didn't appear so sharp and angular. The dress she donned was the one Xiomara had chosen short and black. Morgan stared at the mirror for a long time feeling self-conscious in the tight dress, especially as it suddenly seemed much shorter than she'd remembered. I'm not going to feel comfortable in anything I wear so I might as well just give up. Remembering the large blue sapphire pendant of her mothers the woman slipped it's chain around her neck. Grabbing her new cloak and a scarf for her head she left to find Snape.
The Potions Master was awe struck as she entered his quarters. The dress hugged her body to perfection and legs like he never would have imagined her to have rose ap all to far. She was beautiful tonight he thought, absolutely lovely.
"Well what do you think?" Morgan said turning around. "Hooch picked it out but I must admit I feel naked."
"You will be naked and on your back if you wear that thing." Snape frowned as the words came out of his mouth and the lovely face contorted into a hurt expression.
"Well then here," the woman flicked her wand and the skirt lengthened, still hugging her body to a few inches above her shapely ankles. "Is that better?" She watched the dark man tap his lips for a long moment before he flashed his own wand turning her black clothes to a snowy white.
Surely an angel graced his presence. "That is," come on Snape, he thought. Say something that's not completely stupid, spit it out! "Enchanting. You look lovely tonight professor." Don't over do it now Snape, he chided himself. At least it was better than a simple 'fine' or 'acceptable.'
Enchanting! Snape, had said she was enchanting. Surely never before had anyone paid her such an extravagant compliment. She could feel the flush staining her cheeks and suddenly became very nervous about the impending night.
"Stop that right now," he motioned to where she'd begun picking at the corner of her fingernail. "It takes away from your air of confidence."
She uttered a sharp laugh, "I assure you any confidence you see is completely feigned."
"Never-the-less, hold out your hands."
She complied and a quick spell left her with a nice set of french manicured nails. Morgan examined them and then glanced up at the Potions Master with a sly smile, "Professor Snape, who have you been practicing that on?"
He turned to grab his coat avoiding the question, "shall we go?"
Morgan wrapped her long sheer and now white scarf over her hair and donned the heavy cloak. Professor Snape thoughtfully charmed their feet to stay dry while they walked through the heavy snow to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
"You're freezing woman put your hood up! Where are your gloves?" the man chided.
"My hood will muss my hair and I forgot my gloves. It's not much further."
"Oh for all of the silly, come here."
Professor Rheged was stunned when Snape opened his coat and pulled her into the warmth of his body. Walking like this was slightly awkward, but wrapped in his arms? What could she possibly complain about? At the edge of the forest she remained snuggled in his arms while they Apparated to the ball.
Her eyes were closed when they Reapparated and the first person she saw as she stepped out of the Potions Master's arms was none other than Lucius Malfoy.
"Well, well," the man drawled sensually as his eyes skimmed over her, "Severus what curse did you put on this mesmerizingly lovely young lady to get her in your arms?"
"She was freezing Malfoy. Some of us have to walk quite a distance in this frigid weather to get here. Such a thing takes it's toll on delicate young ladies."
Delicate young ladies? Mesmerizingly lovely? Yeesh, Morgan thought as she found herself blushing for the second time that night. She removed her coat and scarf and handed then to the nearest House Elf only to find herself being closely scrutinized by the fair man. Standing tall and proud she tried to emit as much confidence as she could possibly muster before their eyes met and held.
Lucius stepped forward and taking her hand placed a lingering kiss on her fingers. Her body was repulsed at the very touch of the man. His gaze swept over the feint Dark Mark on her arm and Morgan fought a wave of nausea as his fingers gently ran over her skin.
"How nice it is to have a fresh new face among us?" Still holding her hand he spoke without taking his eyes off hers, "alas my own wife is dearly departed and I find myself looking for-"
Morgan was loath for him to finish his remark and she wrenched her hand from his grasp. Taking a step back she placed her hand on Professor Snape's arm in a possessive manner hoping to ward him off.
"That is interesting?" He glanced between the two,"aren't you going to introduce us Snape?"
Before Snape could answer she started, "will you never cease to amaze me Malfoy? After all I have been a follower for a very long time."
His eyes went wide as he recognized her voice, "if it isn't our very own Black Witch. Or perhaps for tonight I should say the White Witch. My, my Rheged I must say you do clean up well."
"If you're quite done Malfoy the lady and I have a party to attend," without waiting for a reply Snape ushered her away from the man and into the ballroom.
Neither heard the man whisper as they left, "actually I don't think I am done. Not quite yet."
The room was incredibly opulent. High ceilings bewitched to change from night sky to sunrise, day and sunset. Gold filigree covered the walls and elegant mosaics spotted the floor. Large antique mahogany tables filled with all manner of culinary delights were set up on one side of the room and chairs richly upholstered in green and gold lined the walls.
"Incredible," she whispered.
"Hmm. Malfoy manor."
"In that case I hate it. Horrible really, what lack of taste."
"I would advise you to stay away from that man," Snape added casually while making their way to the bar.
"I smell what you're stepping in." At the odd look the Potions Master gave her Morgan added, "I mean yes. He's a dangerous man and I plan on staying as far away from his malevolent person as I can get." Snape handed her a glass of wine and they retreated to a couple of chairs in a fairly empty corner. She watched the gathering, taking notice of the familiar and unfamiliar faces. Most of the women wore long sleeves and none of the ones with short sleeved dresses like hers wore the Dark Mark upon their skin. "Er, I'm the only one with bare arms Snape? Is that a faux pas?"
His gaze remained on the other Death Eaters and he spoke without looking at her, "I don't see why such a thing would actually matter. Everyone here is a supporter in one way or the other. I really haven't taken much notice in the ladies choices of attire."
The two watched as Voldemort came out and took his place on the dias. They kneeled along with everyone else until called to their feet. With a waive of his skeletal hand the music began and couples started to cover the dance floor.
"Oh my god!" Morgan said in hushed tones. "I can't dance."
Snape raised his eyebrows and turned to the woman who was looking very pale, "now is an excellent time for that particular recollection professor."
"I told you I avoid these things like the plague. It didn't even occur to me I might have to dance."
"That's why they call it a ball. Of all the..." He inclined his head to the dancers, "you'll just have to stick to the slow dances then. There's not much to them just follow the man's lead and you'll be fine."
Stick to the slow dances and I'll be fine? Shit! Slow dancing with these barbarians is the last thing I want to do. Apprehension came trickling back into her heart, "show me?"
"What?"
"Did I stutter? No? Then you heard me, show me how to dance."
"I do not dance at these functions."
"If I have to dance you have to dance. It's for a good cause after all or have you forgotten?"
"Fine, lets go."
Snape led her by the arm out onto the dance floor appearing impervious to the shocked looks on the faces of those around them. One arm slipped around her waist and the other cupped her palm before they began to move to the music. Back and forth and around and around Morgan was led. She began to relax as he held her and before she knew it found her head resting against his chest. His heart beat lulled her into a calm euphoria. They continued until he suddenly stopped moving and she pulled back to look up at him, "what's wrong?"
She feels too good in my arms Snape thought. I could be content to stand here like this for a very long time except for that fact that the others were staring even more now, "the song is over."
Jerking back quickly she looked down, "oh. Sorry"
They retreated back to their corner and soon after the men swooped down upon them. If Dumbledore hadn't ordered her to mingle they'd each have found themselves suffering one painful curse or another. Instead she found herself being partnered with one sorry excuse for a man after another. Morgan flirted a bit as Snape had instructed but not so much as to lead them on, just enough to help loosen their tongues. They bragged about their horrible deeds to impress her. Muggle slayings, tortures, even rapes. What kind of bastard would brag about raping women to a woman? Scum sucking leaches of the earth all of them. She vowed to take a long hot bath later to rid her body of the stench those malodorous nincompoops left on her skin.
Morgan was leaving the dance floor when a gentle hand grasp her arm.
"May I have the honor of this dance?" Lucius Malfoy's sensual voice inquired.
"I'm really quite tired Malfoy." She was loathe to think of him touching her again.
"I promise not to step on your toes and after all I am your host? I could create quite a scene should you continue to deny me."
"Fine, one dance that's all."
Morgan glanced over to where Snape was slowly nodding his head in warning as Lucius lead her to the throng and gathered her in his arms. She'd been instructed to smile and laugh but that certainly couldn't apply to Malfoy? It never occurred to me that this man would aim anything other that malicious contemptible thoughts my way or I would have asked what to do in this situation.
"Do you realize what an influential team you and I would make Rheged? I have powers to match your own and together we could be the Dark Lord's right and left hands hmmm?"
Morgan glared into his beautiful face, "why the sudden change of attitude? You've never felt anything other than dislike for me?"
"Isn't it obvious? You were ugly and no matter how strong a witch you are I'd never align myself with someone who's looks repulse me. Besides I find myself desperately in need of someone to run my household."
"Beauty is only skin deep," she muttered with disdain. "And hire a maid!"
Lucius flicked his hand to waive the notion away, "you are also a pureblood and that is of the utmost importance. There's nothing like a Muggle parent to waste a perfectly good witch."
"So the only requirements you have in a woman are looks and blood-lines?"
His elegant fingers trailed over her lower back while they danced, "everything else is insignificant."
"I hate you Malfoy. How is that insignificant?"
Lucius leaned close and she could feel the warmth of his breath on her ear as he spoke, "it's meaningless compared to the extent of power such a union would create. I am aware that I'm not a undesirable man nor one unskilled in the art of pleasuring a woman."
His hand moved lower on her back to the top of her soft derriere and Morgan grabbed it in hers to move it back to it's proper place at her waist. "I'm not like you Malfoy, looks and power aren't important to me."
"Why would you be here if the lust for power wasn't important to you?" He turned his head thoughtfully, "perhaps you don't realize the generosity of my offer?"
Strong arms pulled her closer and Morgan felt trapped closely to his warm chest. "I do realize what this offer means coming from you Malfoy but I'm afraid I have to decline on the grounds that I don't like you. I never have and I never will."
"This has nothing to do with wether we like each other or not. Power my dear is the most heady, desirable thing in the world." His hand tightened around hers painfully as his eyes bore into hers. The grin on his face malicious, "you will learn to like me."
"I'm sorry but I can't. Those things aren't reason enough for me to spend my life with a man, any man. As much as you have going for you I'm sure you'll have no problem finding a powerful witch to succumb to your charms." The song had ended and Morgan pulled away from him.
"Not a pureblood."
"Thank you for the dance," she inclined her head politely and made it a point no walk instead of run back to Snape's side.
"That was not a wise move professor," he commented without making eye contact.
"I said no until he threatened to cause a scene. Ye gods I hate that man. How should I deal with him?"
"The only sure way to deal with Malfoy is to stay away from him."
Soon the men swooped down again to whisk her off to dance for what seemed to be an eternity. Finally her would be suitors gave her a break. Snape appeared to be having an in-depth conversation with someone near the buffet so she decided to slip out onto a secluded terrace for a breath of fresh air. Her body was glistening from the heat of the packed room and the cold winter air felt heavenly.
"My, my what a surprise to find you out here, all alone Morgan."
It wasn't the frosty air that sent shivers down her spine as the sensual droning of Malfoy's voice caught her off guard. "I thought I smelled something foul out here. I don't recall giving you leave to use my given name. I prefer Professor Rheged or even the Black Witch if you don't mind."
Lucius came to stand so close he was almost touching her. His fingers trailed down her silken arm, "I'm sure you can find a way to be more gracious to your host can't you Morgan?"
"Fuck you Malfoy," she snarled between clenched teeth. His hand suddenly grabbed her hair and wrenched her head back. Morgan felt his lips on hers in a kiss that was hard and demanding . When she failed to respond to his prying tongue as it flickered into her mouth Lucius wrenched away from her.
"You are a cold unfeeling bitch aren't you? Much the same as my dear Narcissa. She eventually came to enjoy my demanding nature as I expect you will."
Morgan was awash with both fear and rage at the liberties he sought to take. Rough hands kneaded her breast but he was too strong to push away. "Let me go you cock sucking son of a whore!" she started to tremble with rage.
"What a dirty mouth you have Morgan. What you need is something big and hard in those delectable lips to shut you up."
Revulsion turned to fear as the man shoved her back up against the wall and began to grope her between the legs. "I think you forget that I hold high favor with the Dark Lord you little weasel. He will not hold highly to your mauling me." His hands reached around to grab her ass and grind her against his stiff member.
"Have you forgotten he wishes for you to find a mate does he not? You should reconsider my proposal, together we would be a force to be reckoned with." Slowly he rubbed the hardness in his pants against her, muttering a soft growl. "Do you forget that the Dark Lord also holds me in favor Morgan? Perhaps it would only be a matter of a few choice words to persuade him that you should marry me. Yes, what you need is a good firm hand and a stiff cock in your bed to melt your icy heart."
As his hands began to lift her skirt a blanket of rage overcame her and she pushed his chest as hard as possible. Since he was much bigger than she this only moved him back about a foot but it was enough. She turned slightly sideways and slammed the side of her foot into Lucius' shin before bringing it down with all her might onto the fragile bones on his upper foot.
The sound of the door banging open muffled the sound of those delicate bones breaking and Morgan sighed with relief upon hearing Snape's voice.
"Professor," he said eyeing the other man as his beautiful face turned red with rage, "you're wanted on the dance floor." Snape felt her trembling as she took his arm. "Lucius you look a bit flushed. Perhaps you best stay out here and cool off."
"What did you do?" he hissed taking her in his arms on the dance floor.
Morgan was shaking so hard she could barely speak, "shit! Big mistake. Pissed him off bad I'm afraid. Broke his foot."
"You broke Lucius Malfoy's foot?" he asked incredulously.
"Fraid so."
They continued to twirl slowly across the floor, "that was not a wise thing to do. He's not a man you want to make an enemy of."
"He's not a man I want to rape me either," she whispered.
The Potions Master stopped moving suddenly. His fists clenched in fury, that bastard! I'll ring his bloody arrogant neck myself. Gentle fingers cupped her chin bring her eyes to his, "I'll not let that happen. You have my promise. Stay where I can see you from now on and stay inside." Her slim body relaxed next to his as they began to dance again. He felt protective of her for some reason. She was a lot like him in many ways. Rejection, death and pain had tuned her into a tough soul and yet as strong as she was he felt an overwhelming need to keep her safe. Snape held her tighter while he watched a limping Malfoy make his way to the Dark Lord's side.
Not long after one of his minions sought them out. Apprehension filled him and they made their way through the crowd to the dias. Lucius stood proud and arrogant as ever near the throne, his eyes following them as they bowed to the Master. Snape noticed the Dark Lord's eyes were no longer a glowing red but a dull deep amber and his skin smoother and less taunt. He looked stronger, healthier while he glowered at them. His once scrawny body seemed fuller in the heavy, opulently ordained robes.
"Rheeegeddd," he drawled slowly. "How well you follow orders my Black Witch. You are presentable at last." Snape immediately raised his Occlumency at the touch in his mind and he prayed his colleague would do the same. "Malfoy feels that you deserve a reward for your services and I find myself inclined to agreeee. You're not afraid to bear your arms I sssee. Yesss, I must admit that it pleases me to ssssee you wear my mark like a badge of honor. You have ssserved me well at that."
Morgan felt the blood drain from her face while he spoke those words. Please no. Not this, she begged silently. "You are most gracious my lord," her voice shook as she bowed in severance. Voldemort paused to slowly rotate his neck, she could hear the bones cracking while it made a slow turn.
"Hmmmm," fingers gently tapped the arm of the throne. "I have deccccided that it's far past time you took a mate." Dark eyes flashed over the woman slowly, "As such a strong witch I need you to marry and procreate while you are ssstill of child bearing age and I fear that would never happen if the choiccce was left to you."
Please no, she thought as she tried to hide her emotions. Morgan glanced over to where Malfoy stood with a very smug look on his face. The only thing she could do was stare at the floor and pray for a lightning bolt to sear through the ceiling of the ballroom and strike her dead.