Malfoy's desires
Chapter fourteen: Garden of delight.
All names and places associated to Harry Potter belong to JKRowling and associates. I'm just borrowing its world for fun… no money is to be made from this.
Katherine dressed herself early, feeling a mix of nervousness and exhilaration. His note had mentioned to be ready for seven tonight and looking at the clock for the hundredth time today, she realized that she only had five minutes to go.
She drummed her fingers on the armrest of her chair, wondering where he'd take her. He hadn't mentioned much about what they would be doing, or where for that matter, but she was sure that it would be quite exciting.
At seven, as her clock started to chime in the hour, the same handsome eagle owl from the other evening came tapping at her window. Katherine jumped from her seat and ran to the window. Feeling worried that he might be canceling their date, she let bird enter the room and rapidly untied the letter and small pouch that was neatly tied to the bird's leg.
The owl didn't wait for an answer and quickly left before she could say anything. Katherine was puzzled by its sudden departure and had to shake the uneasy feeling that overtook her. She undid the red ribbon that kept the tightly wound parchment and unfurled the paper with shaky fingers.
Katherine,
Please reach inside the bag and take what is to be your key to this evening's rendezvous. I wait for your arrival with baited breath.
Yours truly, Lucius
Katherine smiled, exhaling the breath she had been holding in while she read the letter. It dawned on her that whatever was in the bag might a portkey, since Lucius hadn't come himself. Not wanting to take a chance, she placed her heavy woolen cloak on her shoulders, tying it securely around her neck before reaching inside the sac.
Her fingers found a key, briefly feeling the magical energy placed upon it, before she felt the familiar tug around her navel. Within moments, she had been transported to a heavily wooded area in an unknown countryside. She stood facing a rather large and ornate metal fence. Some ivy crept along its slats in certain areas, but she could clearly see the door straight ahead.
She walked toward it, her hand reaching up to open the latch. But the latch wouldn't budge at all, making her huff with frustration. She thought for a second until she remembered the key.
'Lumos' she whispered as she took her wand out, illuminating the door and peering at it until she found the latching system. She slipped the key in the keyhole and the gate creaked open before she could do anything else.
Raising her wand high above her head, she could see a meandering pathway that was dimly lit by a few torches. She hesitated for moment, wondering if this was the way she had to go. She looked around and couldn't decipher anything else that might indicate another venue. Her senses were heightened by the experience, but she eventually went toward the path.
She walked slowly and quietly, listening for any sign of movement while keeping an eye on the ground. She could hardly see where she was stepping, trying to avoid any rocks or forest debris on the path. The abnormal silence that reigned within these woods, made her even more nervous.
She finally got to a clearing, the sky becoming more visible with each step, giving her a good view of the nearly full moon. She walked further on, peering around, trying to find Lucius within the shadows that enveloped her.
'Lucius?' she called out in a small voice, 'are you here?'
This was really making her edgy and apprehensive. Maybe she didn't take the right way? 'Damn it!' she let out after a few minutes, 'this can't be right?'
She reached a courtyard, which in the pale light of the torches that surrounded it, she could see the large fountain that stood in its center with many well-manicured bushes on its perimeter. She came to stand next to it, listening at the soft trickle of water that fell from its stone architecture. She strained her eyes, trying to identify the shape it represented.
'Good evening, Katherine.' Lucius murmured behind her.
Katherine jumped with a start, turning quickly on her heel to face him. 'Lucius... you almost made me faint. Don't ever scare me like that again.' She put her hand over her chest, feeling the quick and heavy thudding of her heart. She could see the sudden flash of a grin before he spoke again.
'I'm so sorry, my dear. Didn't mean to scare you like that.' he said softly, 'so, do you forgive me?' He came forward, reaching up to take her hand, touching his lips to its back.
Katherine felt somewhat appeased by his words, but not completely. Her breath slowed as her heartbeats went back to a more normal rhythm. 'I could have hexed you!'
'I doubt it, my pet. I do know how to defend myself.' he chuckled lightly with a raised brow. He was neither scared nor worried by what she said. 'I doubt you could actually hurt me in those circumstances. I always come prepared.'
He stepped closer to her, his eyes taking in her subtle features in the pale light that surrounded them. 'I missed you... I have been thinking about you all week.' He reached up to cup the side of her face, feeling her warmth through his leather-gloved hand. He rubbed her cheek with his thumb, gazing intently at her face.
'You have?' she breathed out lightly, trying to control the slight tremor in her voice.
'Yes, quite a bit actually. Seems I couldn't drag my thoughts away from you for very long. I even got chastised for my lack of concentration.' he said gruffly, remembering the Dark Lord's scathing remarks during their last meeting.
His Master had been in the middle of a long-winded explanation of his latest idea, when Lucius's thoughts had erred away without notice. Of course he had been thinking about this evening's arrangements, but to his greatest chagrin, the Master had caught him in the middle of his flight of fancy.
A few well-spoken words of warning and a 'Crucius' later, Lucius had lain panting on the floor while pains shot through his body. The experience did remind him that he should never let his mind wander again... or else!
'Oh, dear! I hope it didn't get you in too much trouble?' she smiled at him, blissfully ignorant about what he had to endure at times.
'Nothing I can't handle, I can assure you.' he smirked in retrospect. 'And how about you? Have I been in your thoughts as well?'
Katherine blushed a bit, though she was quite happy that the relative darkness of the courtyard would probably mask this fact. 'I have been thinking of you this past week. Pleasantly so, I must add.'
A lop-sided smile touched his lips for an instant, before he bent his head down to briefly touch her lips with his. 'Knowing that, pleases me immensely... A balm for my poor male ego.' he let out smoothly.
'I didn't think your ego needed any balm. But if it pleases you, so be It.' she mocked playfully. Her gaze searched his for any sign of displeasure at her words.
'Most pleased... ' He breathed as he lowered his mouth again, taking her with thoroughly deep and hungry kiss. His hands circled her waist under her cloak, tugging her closer to his frame. She whimpered softly under his touch, her hands reaching up to grasp his shoulders.
They kissed hungrily until they had to come up for air, panting heavily as they slightly broke apart. They looked at each other, wondering what the other could possibly be thinking of.
'Your kisses are intoxicating, young lady. But I do have other things I'd like to do with you before I lose myself in your arms again. If you don't mind?' Lucius whispered to her ear, coming in for gentle nuzzle of her neck and a swift lick at her earlobe.
Katherine closed her eyes, feeling his warm breath here and there on her neck. Steeling herself away from these arousing feelings, she answered airily, 'No, lets see what you have in store.' If it was anything nearly as exciting as his kisses, she was a willing victim.
'Come along then, our feast awaits us in the solarium. Please follow me...' he grazed her lips again before taking a few steps back and offering his hand to guide her.
She took his hand without another thought, following him toward another pathway within the garden that lay beyond. They walked quietly, his arm coming around her waist to pull her forward and guide her steps. How he could see anything without his wand lit before them was beyond her understanding. But follow him, she did! Trusting him to bring her safely to wherever they were headed.
As they rounded a very high hedge, the pathway opened up, giving Katherine her first glimpse of Malfoy manor. The gray-white stone façade ran on and on, revealing the great vastness of the huge edifice. She gasped softly, truly surprised by the size of the stately home.
Lucius heard her intake of breath and grinned quietly at her side. 'This is my home… What do you think'
Katherine looked up as they came closer, wondering how many people inhabited the place. 'It's quite impressive, I must say. Who lives here, apart from you?' She asked with curiosity.
'I live alone for now, and a few servants of course. My son is presently away at Hogwarts, but he'll be back for Christmas holidays.' He said casually, not noticing the quick glance that Katherine gave him.
'It's quite a large but lovely home, Lucius. Doesn't it get lonely up here?' Katherine mentioned, after looking over her shoulder, noticing that they couldn't see any city lights in the vicinity.
'At times, it is. But I do a lot of reading and researching for my work. It passes the time…' he said with a shrug of his shoulder. 'But tonight, I have company that I need to entertain. Follow me and we'll get better acquainted while we dine.' Again, he took her hand and led her to the left side of the large house.
They passed a few large windows and a set of glass doors, giving her a chance to see inside. They seemed to be passing a rather large library, walls covered with books from floor to ceiling. Katherine was passably dumbstruck by what she saw, but said nothing as they passed by. Maybe he'd show it to her later on?
They got to their destination, Lucius stepping forward to open the glass door for her. Stepping through, she was struck by the sheer beauty of the environment. A lush collection of plants and flowers greeted them, subtle aromas coming to tickle one's nose. She smiled as she saw the lovely collection of garden furnishings, covered with flowery pale blue damask. She would have gushed with amazement, but felt that she would seem a bit puerile if she did so.
Lucius gazed at her, seeing how her eyes lit up as she glanced at the room with interest. 'I gather that you like this room?'
Katherine turned around, beaming back at him. 'This is a wonderful room… so light and airy. I could really live here all the time.' She said jokingly, not really meaning it for real.
'Maybe you shall, my pet. You should never discount your first impressions…' he replied cryptically, a grin lighting up his face.
His words made Katherine pause for a moment, not sure how she should reply to his remark.