Disclaimer: I own nothing Harry Potterish.

A.N. If at all possible, could you please read my other fics and review them, especially Harry Potter and the Stranger's Gift. I desperately need the feedback.

CharliexBlack: Glad you liked it Hun. Read on.

Alatariel Linwe Narmolanya: Wow. I love your name. Don't worry. I talk like that all the time. As for leaving it like that, I couldnt be that cruel.

Dawn: Glad you liked it.

Sorry it has taked so long to put it up. I couldn't on monday for some bizarre reason. If you cant leave a review the usual way, leave it at , just make sure to let me know what it is as the subject.

Enjoy:


Firelight flickered in the grate, casting shadows dancing across the dark walnut panelling; Lucius Malfoy sat in a plush velvet chair, a glass of Firewhiskey in one hand and his chin in the other, as he gazed favourably upon the sleeping girl in front of him. Lying in front of the hearth on thick, warm fur rugs was Charlotte, her bare skin glowing in the firelight. Lucius sneered at the thought of Black touching her. The kiss from the previous evening was seared into his retina, taunting him. For a long time he had harboured a grudge against Black. That grudge had turned into pure hatred that had festered his black heart upon his arrest. Exacting his revenge, he also took the woman he coveted. He had watched her from a distance, and began to harbour a deep affection for her. With her chestnut hair, almond skin and hazel eyes, Lucius was nuts about her.

Seeing that Charlotte was stirring, he quaffed the fiery liquid in one shot and placed a poker in the fire. From his liquor cabinet, Lucius retrieved two goblets, several sachets of spices, and a jug of wine. Smiling, he selected one sachet he had purchased previously, and inspected its purply-grey contents. Placing a large pinch in one goblet, he could hardly contain a sigh of triumph. His long years of patient waiting were about to come into fruition. Earthroot, a powerful sedative was soluble in any liquid, and was banned by wizarding law for its inhibition reducing properties. Hearing a soft moan, Lucius turned and walked to the fireplace. Seizing the red-hot poker, he plunged it into the Jug. The rich red liquid hissed and spat due to the heat, and Lucius added the spices before pouring them into the goblets and handing one to Charlotte.
'Here you are my dear'. Smiling all the more broadly when she took the offered goblet and in her still groggy, sleep filled state, took a sip. Looking up, she realised the identity of the man before her. But it was too late. The Earthroot's powerful properties had already begun to work. 'Drink up'. Lucius could have almost danced with glee, as meekly Charlotte complied. Moving to sit behind her, Charlotte leaned back into his chest. Silky soft hair, brushing against his pectoral muscles. Gently, he began to place soft kisses along the side of her neck. With a murmur that sounded suspiciously like the name of his rival, Charlotte tilted her head to one side, granting the older man more access.

'Please Sirius.' She murmured. Hiding his grimace, Lucius moved in front of her and gently lay down, ready to comply with her unasked command. Smiling, he took the love that was believed to be being given to another. Triumph was sweet.

Body less voices swam above him. Remote words of seemingly broken English that vaguely connected with his brains. Who was that talking?

'I wish he would wake.'

'Honey, think logically. He has had a heavy vase smash into his head.'

'All the same, it's been thirteen hours, and he hasn't even stirred. It scares me to see him like this. He has always been the quickest to heal.'

'I know. He will wake. I'd hate to see the state of Malfoy though when Sirius gets his hands on him. If anything is recognisable.' This earned a chuckle from the man. 'Hmm. That would be a sight to see. He is almost as protective of her as I am of you.' The man on the bed groaned. Thick white bandages contrasted sharply with his long ebony hair, yet matched his pale skin perfectly. Parts of the bandages were stained with a dark puce colour, at the location of his wound. 'Where am I? Charlotte? What happened?' His throat felt like it had been coated in a thick, sweet velvety soft paste. Kayleigh handed him a glass of water, with a straw to help sluice his throat.

'Death Eaters attacked your home.'

'What? How?'

'The wards on the flat were broken. They've kidnapped Charlotte.'

'What?' Sirius snarled as he tried to sit up. Remus caught him by the shoulders and forced him back to the bed. Vision swimming, memories flashed through his eyes. He and Charlotte dancing. Charlotte stumbling down the hall, blindfolded. Charlotte saying she would marry him. Charlotte screaming. Charlotte slumping into the arms of a blonde. A very familiar blonde. 'Malfoy.' He gritted through teeth firmly clamped together to prevent the bile from spewing out of his mouth.

'Yes, Malfoy has her. People are preparing to search his manors now.'

'I want to join them.'

'No you are going nowhere. Remus leaned on Sirius' arms to prevent him from rising again.

'No, you are going to get better.'

'Remus is right. You are of no help to Charlotte when you can't even stand on your own two feet.'

'But I swore to always protect her. I have to go.'

'STUPEFY!' Two stunners hit him simultaneously.

'That should keep him there.'

'Oh, I'm sorry Padfoot, but it's for your own good.'

'We had better go and see if we can help.'

'Yes, you can help with the planning. You are not going anywhere remotely near those manors in your condition. Charlotte will be alright. She can take care of herself.' But from the look in his eyes, Kayleigh wasn't sure who he was trying to convince. They both knew of the slyness Lucius Malfoy possessed.

'She will be alright.'

Aftershocks had faded form his form, leaving him to bask in a glow as warm as spring sunshine. Pressing a kiss to the swollen lips of the once more slumbering girl beside him, he settled to sleep. Triumph was very sweet indeed.


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