TRIGGER WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE & SUGGESTIVE SITUATIONS BTWN MINOR AND ADULT.
AUGUST 21ST, 1993 - MALAGA, SPAIN - MID-DAY
"Remember, amor," began Isabella gently, "Try to tune out their thoughts."
Rose turned from the car window to look at her mother, "It's not like I try to listen in!" she said defensively. "People think too loud and, trust me, if I could tune everyone out forever I would!"
No, you wouldn't.
Rose ignored the voice in her mind as her mother continued.
"I know, amor, but just try your best to ignore it," Isabella smiled sympathetically as she reached out to tuck a flyaway hair from her daughter's head. Rose returned a weak smile to her and briefly admired how radiant her mother looked in a flowy, mid-length, navy floral skirt; a white, satin camisole, and strapped-heeled sandals. Her voluminous, dark brown hair fell down her thin shoulders in perfectly styled waves framing her beautiful facial features and illuminating her caramel skin.
Rose returned her attention to the vast rolling fields of the sunny Spanish countryside. The Vegas had arrived that morning in Madrid via the Floo Network into the Spanish Ministry headquarters then traveled via portkey to their destination point in Malaga where their security team waited to drive them to their host's villa.
They had been traveling for about twenty minutes down the winding country road and Rose could hardly contain her nerves at the prospect of meeting the Malfoys. This family was Pureblood elite and Rose was the daughter of a Blood Traitor and a No-Maj-born witch and, although her father had been a Pureblood, her own Half-Blood status was certainly looked down on.
It was a different world from the one she was used to.
The foreign magical migration to the New World had been much like its non-magical counterpart. Wizards and witches from all over the world had settled across the United States seeking freedom of persecution and prejudice from both magical and non-magical folks. There, half a world away, they married who they wanted. Purebloods married No-Maj, No-Maj-borns, and Half-Bloods. The magical tribes of Native Americans had welcomed their magical brethren sharing their own magic and even marrying them. Wizards and witches from every continent migrated over and became part of the magical melting pot. After Rappaport's Law was repealed, the American magical communities lived harmoniously in secret alongside No-Majes despite lingering anti-No-Maj sentiments from some. In the Old World, it was different, this world contained the ancient wizarding families who held strong traditions, beliefs, and immense political power.
You're a Potter, the omitted member of the Sacred Twenty-Eight! Your family name, regardless of how common, holds respect do not allow them to make you feel less! the voice reminded her.
He was right. She wouldn't be undermined or belittled...she'd make sure of it.
The car began to slow then took a turn onto a bumpy, graveled road that Rose would have otherwise missed. She strained her neck in an attempt to get a better view but it was obscured by an encircling tree grove and up ahead stood a towering, large steel gate guarding the driveway against further entry. They came to a halt when the car reached it.
"How old is their son again?" asked Rose frowning at the thought of having to interact with another rich spoiled brat as if she hadn't had her fill back in America.
"Lucius mentioned he turned thirteen this summer." came her father's voice from the passenger seat.
Rose smirked and watched as the gates magically dissolved into wisps of dark smoke allowing them entry into the villa.
At least you're older, the voice stated. It's an advantage if you know how to use it in your favor.
It was certainly an advantage and she wasn't going to make the same mistake at Hogwarts that she had done in Ilvermorny and remain friendless and pitied. Only when she joined the Dueling Team and Potions Club, which spotlighted her talents, that she gained some sort of respect and admiration from her peers although their apprehension around her never ceased. This could not happen at Hogwarts. This Malfoy kid was a part of Hogwarts therefore it was crucial she starts strong.
You're more in control this time. Her guide reassured her. But you must follow everything I say if this is going to work.
Rose subconsciously nodded in agreement hoping that no one had seen her do so which luckily they hadn't as their attention was drawn away by the villa as it came into full view. The sheer magnificence of the house was incomparable to their former modern Malibu home or even their new London mansion!
The house was grandiose and historic with an ancient magical charm embedded in its warm ochre-toned facades and beautiful Spanish masonry. As the car made its way along the carriage driveway Rose stared at the large, ornate fountain in the middle that had detailed depictions of mermaids, dolphins, and Neptune. At the arched front doors a small house-elf, wearing a dirty pillowcase, stood waiting. As soon as the car pulled up the little elf came running forward to Rose's side door with a bounce in each step.
The elf reached for the door handle and swung it open, "Rose Potter!" the female elf squealed and beamed excitedly at her.
Rose was momentarily taken aback by the elf's energy but then stepped out into the hot summer air. For the briefest of seconds, she closed her eyes taking in the humidity in the air, the slight breeze, and the warmth of the sun; she could almost imagine herself back in California.
She opened her eyes and looked down at the beaming elf. "Hello! How are you?" she greeted holding out a hand. Instantly the elf's eyes widen in shock and her ears dropped slightly as she stared down at Rose's outstretched hand.
They're slaves here, Rose. The voice reminded. No one cares about them much less how they're doing.
Slowly, Rose retreated her hand as tears pooled in the elf's large eyes. Of course, she had forgotten that the absence of ancient wizarding families in the New World also meant that the enslavement of house-elves did not exist. On the contrary, many free elves joined the great magical migration as their freedom resulted in being shunned and denied employment by traditional wizarding folks. In America, house-elves were still considered beneath warlocks and witches, second-class citizens, but they were allowed to hold menial jobs with fair wages and given housing opportunities and legal representation.
"Rose Potter greets Tilly so warmly and asks about Tilly's well-being! We elves have heard of the Potters' humbleness and generosity but Tilly never imagined being treated like an equal. It's an honor for Tilly to meet you, Miss!" Tilly squealed her large, yellow eyes glistening as she bowed so low her pointed noise surely must have touched the ground.
Behind her, Rose could hear her parents stepping over as her father instructed the driver to wait for the luggage to be unloaded from the car and brought to the guest house. Tilly straightened up and her eyes immediately fell on the Vegas reminding her of her welcome duty.
"Mr. Ambassador! Mrs. Ambassador! Please follow Tilly inside!" she exclaimed bouncing her way back up to the front doors. "Come, Rose Potter, Tilly's Master and family are waiting!"
The Vegas exchanged skeptical looks and quietly chuckled at the elf's boisterous excitement before following her inside into a beautiful, arched foyer. The house was refreshingly cool and the absence of any air conditioning noise made it obvious that it was kept that way by magic.
Rose caught her reflection on a long, rectangular mirror placed underneath a rich, wooden foyer table as her family passed through into an adjacent room. She had chosen a forest-green, spaghetti-strapped, floral-print dress that fell mid-thigh which had also been magically designed so the flowers bloomed and closed repeating the action in a hypnotic fashion. Underneath she wore a cropped, solid white shirt and completed the outfit with black, platform sandals. Rose's long black hair fell down her shoulders in loose waves and she had applied light natural makeup that Isabella had charmed to remain waterproof, repel humidity, and resist heat damage.
Rose knew she looked good...dare she say, beautiful?
You are very beautiful, my lovely Rose. Complimented the voice. Never question that.
A small smirk formed on her face and she gave her reflection and mental friend an encouraging wink before turning to catch up with her parents who had been escorted into a large drawing room.
"Please sit, Ambassadors," implored Tilly kindly pointing at the couches and an armchair across a large, unlit fireplace. "Tilly will make it known to Master that Rose Potter and the Ambassadors are here!" she squealed excitedly before disappearing with a quick pop.
"So we're just the 'Ambassadors'," said Rodrigo amusingly as he lowered himself onto the armchair. He was the picture of travel and leisure sporting light, white trousers and a button-up shirt complete with a pair of tan, summer loafers. He looked at ease and it was a nice change seeing him relaxed and wearing something other than his usual ministry suits. "We certainly can't compete with 'Rose Potter'!" He gave a high-pitched squeal that was a poor imitation of the elf.
Rose snorted with laughter, "Yea, I'm way more famous than you here because I didn't die when I was supposed to."
"Rose!" snapped Isabella. "Please don't say things like that in front of our hosts. We cannot bring any of that up here. Let's just focus on enjoying ourselves and being considerate and well-mannered guests. That goes for the both of you!" she warned darkly.
Rodrigo and Rose could only exchange grins but did not dare test Isabella's patience further. Rose's adoptive mother was a socialite but nonetheless a strong and stern matriarch who held the Vegas together. Everywhere she went she made friends and her compassion and kindness were genuine. This along with her resilience, mannerism, grace, and strength were traits Rose admired and strived to possess as well.
Rose walked across the room looking up and around to admire the high-end contemporary comforts and charming bucolic features such as the exposed wooden ceiling beams, the beautiful antique decor, the art displayed tastefully around the room, the rustic flooring, and French-style doors.
"It's so beautiful!" she said in awe.
"Why thank you, Miss Potter."
They all turned at the sound of the cold, drawling voice that came from the entrance of the room where a handsome tall man stood. He wore tan trousers, a white button shirt that had the top buttons undone, and expensive tan loafers. His long, blonde hair was tied back emphasizing his pale, pointed face that sported a rather mischievous smirk. His most prominent feature, however, were the cold, piercing grey eyes that stared right into Rose and should have made her feel uneasy but for some unknown reason, rage was all she felt. In that second, Rose saw red she wanted nothing more than to hurt the man standing before her, hurt him for having the audacity to proudly stand before her in all his wealth, arrogance, and privilege; immune and untouchable even to the consequences of his own actions.
Her eyes gladly met his and Rose prepared herself for the flood of memories to pour in but none came. There were no thoughts either, there was nothing but low incoherent muffles. He was an Occlumens, a weak one considering how she could feel a disturbing fascination radiating off of him, but nonetheless an Occlumens.
You could easily break through that. You would have all your answers if you did, the voice sounded gleefully in her head.
"Lucius!" boomed Rodrigo's voice bringing back Rose's attention from the realms of her consciousness and redirecting the man's attention to her father. Rodrigo stood and walked over to his colleague and the two warmly greeted each other with a firm handshake.
"Rodrigo," greeted Lucius pleasantly. "Smooth trip? I trust they did not keep you waiting in Spanish customs."
"In and out," Rodrigo replied chuckling as he waved his hand dismissively. "Being the ambassador has its advantages."
"And we are just honored to be your hosts, Ambassador," came a more feminine, cool drawl that belonged to a breathtakingly, beautiful blonde witch. She stepped in accompanied by a pale-pointed, teenage boy with slick-back, blonde hair.
Rose couldn't believe how aristocratic they all looked!
Like her husband, the woman's cold gaze went directly to Rose without any fear of having her mind invaded as she too was an Occulems. However, like her husband, her mental shield was weak allowing Rose to feel the apprehension, curiosity, and distrust ruminating from behind. Mrs. Malfoy quickly returned her attention back to the adults but her son's eyes lingered on Rose and he sent her an arrogant smirk that rivaled his father's. There was no mental shield with him, he was an open book to her and right now he was entertaining thoughts commonly found in pubescent boys when looking at pretty adolescent girls. Rose tried not to smirk herself as rather lude mental images played out in his mind. She also couldn't help but admit that despite being younger Draco Malfoy was rather cute.
Don't lose focus, the voice urged and Rose couldn't help but register a small amount of apprehension in his words.
Mr. Malfoy introduced his wife, Narcissa, and their son to her father before Rodrigo introduced his own family. Lucius and Draco greeted Isabella with a gentle kiss on the top of her hand while the older witches greeted each other with a kiss on each cheek.
"And, of course, my daughter, Rose Potter," introduced Rodrigo as Rose stepped forward to greet the Malfoys channeling forward all the charm and grace instilled by her adoptive parents.
Mr. Malfoy was the first to step over, alarming her slightly when he took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on top of it. The sensation of his lips gave her goosebumps as well as a cold sensation that ran down her back. "Miss Potter, welcome back. It's an honor to have you in our humble home," he said smoothly releasing her hand from his grip but maintaining his cold, intimating eyes on her.
He's looking to intimidate you. Explained the voice. He knows the effect his little act of superiority has. Show him how unbothered you are.
Rose smiled sweetly at the older wizard, "Thank you, Mr. Malfoy," she turned to Narcissa, "and Mrs. Malfoy for inviting us into your beautiful home. It's such a pleasure to meet you both... and your son." She made sure to give Draco a sweet, coy smile that sent the boy's heart racing with excitement and anticipation at the thought of being alone with her.
Mrs. Malfoy smiled and leaned over to give Rose a peck on each cheek. "Aren't you a beauty," she admired as she looked over the teenager. "Welcome back, my dear."
Draco then stepped forward and took Rose's hand in his own imitating the same act his father had. "Welcome back, Miss Potter." He looked at her smirking all over his pale face, "I hope you're looking forward to the start of term as much as I. Hogwarts will certainly be made brighter by your presence."
Rose wanted to laugh, hearing how much effort he was putting into coming off as smooth and alluring as his father. Nonetheless, she smiled kindly as he released her hand. "I look forward to becoming good friends, Draco, and please call me 'Rose'."
"Draco," began Lucius approvingly. "Why don't you show Rose the gardens and take the opportunity to become well acquainted? I'm sure my son can answer all your questions about Hogwarts, Miss Potter," he offered.
"Excellent idea," Rodrigo agreed cheerfully. "We'll certainly be more at ease knowing Rosie has a friend at school. I'm placing my trust in you, son, to look after my little girl."
Rose wanted to die from embarrassment. She didn't need anyone, much less an underclassman, looking after her. However, she swallowed her pride, and forcibly laughed at her father's comment along with everyone else.
"You have nothing to fear, Mr. Vega, I'll make sure she's well looked after," replied Draco unable to hold back from imagining the various ways he would enjoy looking after her.
Rose would have been amused had she not been more annoyed at being thought helpless.
"Shall we?" he inquired extending his hand to Rose. She looked down at his hand for a moment before taking it knowing that once she did she would be subjected to more of Draco's objectification however, a growing part of her wanted more of his attention. She took his hand and he was momentarily stunned. He was half-expecting her to reject him but he recovered from his brief surprise and wound Rose's arm through his own linking them together.
"Would you and Isabella care to indulge in a bottle of a 1947 De VegaRojo?" Rose heard Mr. Malfoy say as she and Draco walked out of the room into the large arched hallway.
"You have excellent taste in wine!" she heard her father replied. "Of course, we'll be more than happy to indulge. After all, is that not what vacations are for?"
The adults all laughed.
"It's a little early in the day to get sauced," Rose remarked amusingly as they walked down the hallway to the back of the house. She was slightly annoyed that despite being older, Draco had a good four inches over her in height.
Draco chuckled, "Oh, they'll be 'sauced' the entire time. It is what vacations are for," he said cheekily repeating her father's words.
She gave a small laugh and shook her head.
"What's the matter, Potter?" he inquired amused. " It's the last summer holiday before the boredom of reality sets in, time to loosen up!"
"Should I loosen up with you?" she spoke before she could stop herself but she couldn't ignore his salacious thoughts or her own need to assert a strong and confident first impression. This was all about advantage and if that meant using her femininity and developing sensuality to flirt with this boy then so be it. She needed the practice anyway.
Her words had a positive effect on him as the heat rose to his pale face tinging his cheeks with pink and his mind raced to those salacious images once again, "If you want," he said rather bashfully before recovering. "Unless you'd rather hang out with the adults."
"And watch them get drunk off their asses while pretending to hold on to their dignity...I think you'll do." she teased as they stepped through a glass sliding door that led to the pool that overlooked the breathtakingly, beautiful coast of the Mediterranean.
Draco chuckled, "You're a lot more pleasant than your brother."
'Much less of a self-righteous git too,' he thought to himself.
This one will dig himself into a hole if you keep him talking, the voice advised.
"I take it you don't like him very much?" she asked curiously as they descended the stone steps leading to the gardens.
Draco shrugged, "I would be lying if I said we were the best of friends, and lying to you is pointless, isn't it?" he said smirking and raising an eyebrow in question.
"How is he really like?" She asked ignoring his last inquiry.
He debated whether to give his true opinion for only a second before realizing the futility, "A complete wanker," he answered bitterly and unabashed. "There's absolutely nothing special about him yet that does not stop him or his followers from acting like he owns the school!"
Jealousy. Anger. Resentment. The emotions were immensurable but then it dawned on her.
"You're the kid Harry told me about in his letters! The one who gave him a hard time during his first year! You're also the one who bought his way into the Slytherin Quidditch team last year, no?"
The color suddenly rose in Draco's face.
'Of course, Potter went and gossiped about me.' He thought annoyed and infuriated.
"I didn't buy my way in," he retorted defensively. "I was given a fair tryout and when I was appointed Seeker father made a broom donation to the team to help out."
Such a pathetic lie but let's humor him, chuckled the voice.
Rose could see no objection in that, he was very cute and proving to be very amusing besides there could be no jeopardizing her father's relationship with the Malfoys. This connection was far too important.
"Well, whatever beef you have with my brother is between you two. You seem okay to me...so far."
Draco chuckled as they continued along a path lined with tall hedges. There were rose bushes and large colorful flowers everywhere. A fountain with a statue depiction of the Birth of Venus stood in the middle. It was like strolling through a painting.
"Just wait," he began. "Once we're at Hogwarts you won't be caught dead with the likes of me."
Rose stopped to unwind her arm from Draco's and inspect a tall pink petal flower up close, "Why do you say that?" she inquired keeping her back to him as she stretched out to touch the soft pedals turning it from pink to a dazzling green.
"You're a Potter, the sweetheart of the wizarding world! You can do no wrong," he answered simply as he watched her reach for the flower on her tiptoes, impressed by her display of wandless and nonverbal magic but quickly distracted by something else. Rose could feel his eyes run down her backside and knew her dress had ridden up dangerously.
'She has a nice arse.' Rose heard him think before he spoke aloud again.
"Hogwarts will practically be made for you. You'll go into Gryffindor with all the self-righteous twats and the next time you see me I'll be nothing more to you than Slytherin scum."
She turned to face him so suddenly that she caught his eyes hastily redirecting their gaze to her face, "You seem to already know so much about me considering we just met ten minutes ago."
"You Potters are celebrities," he remarked with slight annoyance. "Your name is all over the bloody press and in every teen magazine around the entire wizarding world!"
"And that means you know everything about me?" She cocked an eyebrow teasingly.
Draco had no reply that he could articulate although his thoughts had a lot more to say.
'I want to know everything about you. I really hope she's not like her brother.'
He then smirked, "I suppose not."
Rose gave a satisfied smile, "I'm not my brother and I could be a Hufflepuff for all we know!"
"I hope not," he replied smoothly thinking of how well green suited her.
She gave a light chuckle, "What's wrong with Hufflepuffs?"
"More do-gooders. Bunch of half-wits and barely tolerable girls."
"What's wrong with them?"
"Too nice, too sweet, and too disgustingly happy," he grimaced as he shook his head.
"You don't like nice, sweet, happy girls?"
"I find them incredibly boring," he replied simply and in a bored tone to further emphasize his point.
"Oh, no," Rose said softly. "Let's hope I don't bore you to death then."
"Oh, I doubt that," he replied smugly. "I have a feeling there's more to you than just being Potter's sweet, darling sister."
Rose chuckled softly, raising her eyes up as she shook her head, "Why is the world obsessed with giving me that label? Before all this publicity, only my parents had ever used the word 'sweet' to describe me."
"Is that so?" Draco inquired with an arched eyebrow, the arrogant smirk returned to his face, "Maybe you'll end up in the snake pit with me?"
"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"
"Very much."
Rose couldn't stop herself from responding to what he was initiating. Draco was simply too good-looking, charming and absolutely yearning for her attention to not indulge. She heard a soft chuckle in her head at this thought,
Indulge away. The voice encouraged. Go, approach him. I want you to see firsthand the effect you can have.
Rose stepped forward, closing the space between them, and stared directly into frosty, grey irises. The intensity of his excitement and lust pulsated deep within him, she could feel it as it coursed through him. It did not repulse her. On the contrary, she was enjoying it and the fluttery sensation it was stirring in her core.
It's nothing more than a power play, Rose.
"Why don't you get to know me first and see how 'sweet' I am? Who knows, maybe the 'likes of you' are just my type."
The sultry approach had the desired effect. Draco's mind was racing with all sorts of titillating thoughts but there was a maliciousness laced within. A maliciousness mixed with a burning desire to spite and harm Harry.
'I wish Potter could see his darling sister flirting with me.' He thought smugly. 'I hope he finds out about this soon, can't wait to shove it in his ugly face!
Rose held back from frowning or objecting to his intentions knowing that sooner or later Draco would unwillingly expose a deep secret that she could hold against him should he decide to use her against Harry.
You are the one using him. The voice reminded. You can change his mind and secure his loyalty in other ways.
'How?' She asked him.
Do as I say and you will have him eating out of the palm of your hand.
Draco reached out, taking a wavy, strand that framed her face, and tenderly ran it through his fingers before locking eyes with her again. He was nervous, turned on, and excited; all feelings she, herself, felt.
"How do you propose we get to know each other?" He answered in a rather husky tone.
"Let's go for a swim."
AFTERNOON
The first impression was promising.
Aside from the sensual image Draco had of her, Rose was confident she had come off as strong and assertive.
After Draco had more than willingly accepted her suggestion to go swimming he had led her back inside to the guest house and upstairs to the bedroom she would be staying in before taking off for his own chambers. On the way up, they heard laughter coming from the drawing room where the adults had remained and Rose could make out her parent's thoughts but she was far more interested in the two new voices in the midst.
'We just need his signature to pass the new agreement with MACUSA. Keep drinking, Mr. Ambassador, we need you and your family to enjoy yourselves. This will be a truly memorable trip. I hope Draco is succeeding in keeping Miss Potter well entertained. By the looks they were giving each other it seems very likely. Perhaps the boy is not hopeless after all.'
'I should've sent one of the elves to spy in the garden. Merlin knows what that girl is capable of. Draco looked far too interested in her."
The Malfoy's must have let down their mental guards when she stepped out but unfortunately, Rose had no time to stop and eavesdrop so she reluctantly followed Draco up the stairs while willing her power to reach out to them. It was futile, she was too far. Nonetheless, she made a mental note to inform her father of this agreement Mr. Malfoy was looking to push although she was slightly mortified that he and his wife had noticed the coy exchange between her and their son.
She found her luggage in the bedroom neatly placed near a large, rustic trunk at the foot of a large canopy bed. The bedroom, like the rest of the house, had the same handsome exposed wooden beams on the ceiling and Spanish-style decorum. There was even a statue of a saint on a recessed shelf across the room next to a wooden wardrobe and a vase of fresh red roses placed on a wooden bedside table. There was a beautiful abundance of light coming through the large, balcony window that overlooked the gardens and sea.
Rose opened her suitcase and rummaged through pulling out a maroon-colored bikini. It was new and her first two-piece ever; she had to practically beg for her mother's approval before she had given in on the condition that Rose wear a cover-up.
Happy at her small victory Rose had greatly anticipated breaking in the new swimsuit but now that the moment had come a rush of insecurities came hurling at her. This would be the first time Rose walked out wearing less than she usually felt comfortable wearing and the prospect was daunting!
What if she looked foolish?
What if her small breasts made her look childish?
What if Draco ended up finding her unattractive after all?
That's impossible, the voice sounded.
Rose smiled at the words she could only hear.
Put it on, you are beautiful, Rose.
She nodded but was nonetheless thankful for the pedicure, manicure, and hair-free bikini line that Rose had gotten done with Isabella the day before. It certainly provided some reassurance but what she needed was the right attitude. She thought of the girls back home in California. They always held themselves with such confidence as they strolled together laughing and flirting along the boardwalks, clad in bikinis tops, and shorts so small it was practically underwear. She thought of the popular girls in Ilvermorny always rolling up their skirts way past the knee, exchanging secret love notes, and shooting flirtatious looks at the popular and cute boys. Rose would scoff and roll her eyes at their ridiculousness until she could no longer ignore the responses they received. Boys would flock to them; offering to carry their books and bags and even copy their homework. It was all true power play. She needed to emulate that same confidence and sensuality especially as Draco's first impression of her had gone very well. He knew enough about Hogwarts, Harry, and likely the Dark Lord to be a reliable and useful source of information. Plus she was having too much fun flirting with him and it only delighted her to know how attractive he found her to be.
Rose could not wait to see how their 'friendship' would unfold.
Draco was already waiting for her when she arrived at the pool. He was sporting dark green swimming trunks and his once slick-back hairstyle had been hastily tousled. Rose looked him over as she approached; he was thin with fair muscle definition all over his lean body most likely earned from hours of Quidditch training. She allowed her eyes to wander down to his lower half and noticed the teasing sight of a v-line leading into the unknown beneath his trunks. He tried not to blush or get aroused as he felt her eyes on him and he could not resist the temptation of looking over her too. His eyes traveled down and over her body yearning to touch the exposed skin and lingering on the small fabric that covered those desirable parts of her.
'Gods, I wish I could touch her,' his thoughts rang out. 'How is this gorgeous creature related to that pathetic scarhead.'
"Well, no one can pick their family," she decided to answer ending his mental rambling at once. "Also, creature? I'm not some animal, Draco, but thank you for the ' gorgeous' compliment. You're not so bad-looking yourself."
She winked and giggled at the sight of his realization. Then, without warning, she jumped into the cool water. It took Draco a few seconds to recover but he eventually followed suit coming up from the depths shortly after Rose.
"You can read minds!" he exclaimed. "I've read that natural-born Legilimency can hold more power than for those who have to learn it! How long were you going to pretend you couldn't hear inside my head?"
Rose shrugged nonchalantly, "For as long as it amused me."
There was that signature Malfoy smirk again.
Well played, Potter. She heard him think.
Rose winked again then allowed the water to raise her body up so that she was floating on her back. The strong sun rays were blinding so she closed her eyes and propelled her arms back losing herself momentarily in the repeated motion. She loved being in the water it reminded her of the pool and private beach in her beautiful Malibu home. She needed to see the beach while she was here just once before returning to the dreary English weather.
Edge! She heard Draco warn.
Effortlessly she turned her body and used the wall to propel herself forward submerging herself fully before passing Draco and coming up on his other side. "Thanks," she said smiling. He smiled back unsure of what to say to her; she was nothing like what he had expected.
'Gods, she's amazing!' He thought.
"Quit being such a sap! I know I'm amazing!" She playfully shot back making him laugh. "Now come on, Malfoy! Are you gonna float there all fucking day? Last one to the end is a troll turd!"
EVENING
"Hang on, I have to fucking pee!" Rose yelled pulling herself away from Draco's grasp as he attempted to once again lift and fling her into the water.
"Attractive," he replied feigning disgust but then the look he gave her as she hoisted herself out of the pool spoke to the contrary. He was once again enthralled by the full sight of her especially now that she was dripping wet causing the bikini to cling to her skin.
"Stop it, pervert!" She shot playfully at him as she grabbed a warm pool towel that was folded neatly on the chair to dry herself. She wrung out and tousled her hair then tied the mesh cover over her hips, "I'll be back."
"Use the one on the first landing, it's the closest."
"Got it."
Rose stepped back into the cold house and now, that she was fresh out of the pool, it was absolutely freezing! Quickly, she made her way through the arched hallway and to the bathroom down the hall from the drawing room where she and her family had been received hours ago. She could no longer hear the adults, they must have moved elsewhere, and, obviously, she and Draco had lost track of time. Once in the bathroom to she relieved herself and checked that the beauty charms placed on her makeup had held up; they had.
As she made her way back into the hallway she came to a stop in front of a room a few feet down. The door stood ajar revealing a very familiar painting of three women, two were nude and one was veiled. Looking and hearing around, Rose made sure she was alone before approaching the room and stepping inside. It was a study, there was a large armchair behind a rich, wooden desk that was empty except for a few blank sheets of parchment, a quill, and an ink bottle. Next to the chair leaned a cane with the head of a snake. Lining the walls behind the desk were shelves filled with books and large intimidating volumes but the painting was what had caught Rose's attention.
Where had she seen this before? The painting was so familiar.
It was then that Rose realized that the figures did not move.
It was No-Maj art!
"Has my son been poor company, Miss Potter?" came that amused, cold drawl that she had heard earlier that day and once again sent shivers down her spine. She jumped and turned to find herself face-to-face with Lucius Malfoy.
"Mr. Malfoy! I'm so sorry!" she blurted out nervously. "The door was opened and your painting caught my eye. I was just taking a closer look, I'm so sorry! I should go back to the pool, Draco's waiting for me." She began to step forward to walk past him but he held up a hand to stop her.
"It's alright, Miss Potter, there's no crime in having an eye for art, and please don't feel the need to rush off on my account, I assure you my son can wait." He smiled at her and then looked at the painting behind her. "' The Three Graces.' Pablo Picasso. Are you familiar with his work?"
It suddenly dawned on her, she knew exactly where she had seen this painting! It was today during their drive from the city, Rose remembered finding the statue depicting the muses in the center of a large roundabout very beautiful.
But why Picasso?! He was a No-Maj! Didn't it go against their anti-No-Maj rhetoric to admire anything from their world?!
"Yes, I know Picasso," she finally said. "I also know he was a No-Maj." She made sure to emphasize the last part.
"And what is wrong with that?"
Rose shrugged, "Everyone knows how Purebloods feel about them."
Lucius cocked a handsome eyebrow at her, " Miss Potter, are you implying I'm some sort of Muggle-hating bigot?"
"Something like that," she replied surprising them both with her boldness.
He smirked and walked forward to her, closing the door behind him to her alarm.
He won't harm you. Assured the voice feeling her sudden uneasiness.
"It's true, we don't traditionally wed Muggle-borns however we're more tolerant than what you have been led to believe. What do you know of my family, Miss Potter?" he asked.
"Only what I've read in the First War archives and Pureblood genealogy books I found in my school's library," she replied.
"Then you'll know that my ancestral line contains Half-Bloods as well as Purebloods," he began. "As you may know, all Pureblood families are related in some way or another, even you and I share distant relatives. With such a small, exclusive circle it becomes difficult to avoid incest and the genetic anomalies it can breed therefore we must balance out our bloodline every few generations."
"By marrying Half-Bloods?"
"Certain Half-Bloods," he corrected and she did not need Legilimency to know that 'certain' meant Pureblood-approved Half-Bloods who had no direct parentage to their No-Maj side unlike herself.
"You'll also have read that my ancestor, Armand Malfoy, arrived in England with William The Conqueror as part of the invading Norman army," he continued. "For his services to King William I, he was graciously bestowed our family land and home in Wiltshire where every Malfoy has lived since. It may surprise you to know that the Malfoys were known to mingle within the high society circles of the Muggle world. Our connection and services to the crown ensured our family wealth for generations to come as well as priceless collections of original artwork and treasures." he stared toward the painting and Rose turned to examine it once more before it dawned on her.
'Original?'
"Is this-.." she began unsurely.
"Picasso's original artwork?" Lucius finished for her, smiling amusingly, "A well-cast replication charm can fool even the most notable Muggle art historians," he mused proudly.
"So Muggles are too genetically inferior to marry but it's okay to become rich off them and steal their art and history?"
"Something like that," Lucius remarked looking rather pleased.
Rose had no reply and the older wizard took the silence as an opportunity to look her over, taking in her semi-wet, sun-kissed appearance. Realizing that she was still wearing the damp bikini and that the mesh fabric around her hips hardly provided any real coverage she cursed herself for being so caught up in her coquetry with Draco that she hadn't thought of wrapping a towel around herself. Now those cold steel eyes bore into her flesh, shamelessly examining her like she was a piece of meat, Rose had never felt so exposed and vulnerable in her life until this moment. Finally, his gaze came to rest on her own, he smiled wickedly at the tinge of pink staining her cheeks.
Merlin, did she hate not being able to hear his thoughts! His mental guard put her at a disadvantage something she was not used to and did not like.
"Are you fond of chocolate, Rose?" Mr. Malfoy asked breaking the silence.
"Yes, sir."
"And strawberries?"
"Yes, sir."
"Rose, you wound me so," he said softly, a small smile that almost seemed genuine formed on his face. "I must insist you call me 'Lucius'."
"Yes...Lucius," she obliged allowing his name to roll off her tongue. Merlin's balls, was it awkward to call adults by their first name! In this particular situation, it felt too intimate and wrong!
He gave a satisfied and rather twisted smirk that twisted her stomach.
"I have these delicious chocolate-covered strawberries you must try," he revealed casually as he walked over to his desk and opened one of the bottom side drawers.
Rose approached the desk cautiously as she watched Lucius take out a red rectangular box. He lifted the lid, "I foolishly bought these for my wife forgetting she no longer indulges in sweets. It's a shame to have them go to waste," he said holding out the assortment of chocolate-covered strawberries to her. "Try one."
Rose was hesitant, this was so sick, weird, and disturbingly sensual, but she wasn't sure if she had the option to refuse. His cold gray eyes were cutting into her, and his handsome symmetrical features intimidated yet enthralled her; she was scared but also captivated.
You must play their game, Rose, the voice advised softly. But you must also always take control of the situation. Grab one!
Instinctively her hand reached out for a strawberry, grabbed one by the stem, and was about to bring it to her mouth when Lucius stopped her.
"Ah..ah..ah." He said as she looked up at him. "Look at it first, Rose."
Rose did as she told and saw that the berry began to transform, carving itself into the shape of an all too familiar flower; a rose.
How original, the voice commented.
"Go on," instructed Lucius in a chilling, low voice. "Take a bite, Rose."
Her heart was pounding fast from the adrenaline rushing throughout her body, nonetheless, she placed the strawberry between her lips.
Look at him, show him you're not intimated. Show him that two can play the game.
Rose did not break eye contact until she bit into the succulent fruit. Her eyes closed for the briefest of seconds and when she opened them the Pureblood wizard had an intense wicked look of mesmerization.
He watched her finish the remaining strawberry then reached for his cane and with a quick wave vanished the stem from Rose's hand.
A brief silence settled between them as they looked at each other. Rose maintained the calm and unreadable demeanor she had been taught by the voice until a sudden boldness overtook her and she returned the sly smirk these Malfoys were so good at giving.
At this, Lucius looked delightfully amused.
"You look strikingly like your mother," he remarked taking the young witch by surprise. "Except, of course, for your eyes... and hair. You must forgive me, Rose, but I do believe your natural red suits you better than black."
Rose ignored the comment on her dyed hair, "You knew my mother?"
"Not well," he admitted as he place the box back into the drawer. "I was a few years ahead of her at Hogwarts but as a prefect, we had our occasional run-ins usually involving your father and his friends. He and your godfather gave me quite the stressful experience as Head Boy."
"Father?" came Draco's voice suddenly pulling their attention to the door as the younger Malfoy walked in. The dampness in his trunks and hair told Rose he had just left the pool to look for her. He stopped in his tracks when he noticed her, "There you are!"
'What is she doing in here alone with him?' He thought alarmed at what his father could have said or done to her behind the closed door Clearly, Draco knew exactly the type of man his father was and what he was capable of doing. 'Mother will lose it if she finds out about this!'
But as the fates would have it, it was too late!
"Lucius, darling?" came the feminine drawl belonging to Narcissa who walked in after her son and sure enough stopped at the sight of Rose. Her eyes darted between Draco and Rose and then to Lucius finally lingering on the proximity between the teen witch and her husband. By her taunt expression, it was evident she had deduced that Rose had been alone with him.
'Oh, fuck!' Rose mentally swore, feeling her nerves and embarrassment rise.
Don't react! The voice advised. You've done nothing wrong.
"What are you two doing?" Narcissa inquired pleasantly although Rose could hear the accusation and suspicion laced in her words.
"We were just admiring our art collection and discussing our family history, my love," Lucius replied simply smiling at his wife in a slightly feign-loving tone. "Miss Potter and I ran into each other in the hallway and she was drawn into this room by the Picasso." He indicated the portrait with his hand. "I fear I got carried away and was boring Miss Potter with the long history of our family."
Rose shook her head wanting nothing more than to disappear from this awkward situation and away from Mrs. Malfoy's ice-cold glare, "Not at all, sir, I find magical history to be fascinating." She replied reverting back to the polite formal way she showed to the public. Rose forced herself to look directly into Narcissa's eyes, "And your family has one of the richest and most inspiring histories!"
Narcissa forced a tight smile and Rose could feel the suspicion and hostility coming off the older witch like heat waves. The unexpected and alarming sight of her husband in a closed room with a bikini-clad teenage girl had faltered her mental shield making it easier for Rose to access her mind. Rose was just glad they had not walked during their weird powerplay with the strawberry.
"Thank you, dear, although, I'm only a Malfoy by marriage," Narcissa paused to quickly, but clearly, collect herself. "Your parents have gone to change for dinner, I suggest you do the same as dinner will be served at exactly 7 o'clock," she instructed with a transparent hint of austerity no doubt to remind Rose that she was the adult and she the child.
It truly was all powerplay with these people! 'Isolt help us! Do they ever get tired of acting so fake?!' She thought in exasperation.
The voice chuckled, 'No,' he answered for her. 'This is the way this world, your world works. You must play the game to come out on top. Only then will you reach achievement. Only then you will have your answers. We are up against powerful wizards, Rose. But as powerful as they are, they are also weak. You must discover those weaknesses to win against them. It's like a duel, Rose.
"Draco, escort Miss Potter to her chambers," instructed Lucius. "Go on, Rose, we'll see you at dinner."
Rose didn't need to be told twice. She maintained her polite and innocent demeanor but nonetheless walked quickly towards the door, passing Mrs. Malfoy and avoiding all eye contact.
"What were you doing in there?" asked Draco as he caught up to her in the hallway. Rose remembered his thoughts when he had walked in and despite their differences and turbulent family histories, he had worried about whether his father had scared and threatened her as he had apparently done to Harry. Her interest spiked at this potential threat, after all, why would Draco worry unless Lucius was truly capable of harming her? Clearly, his own son knew enough of him to even accept that his father was capable of such a thing but he gave it no further thought.
"Talking about your family's stolen No-Maj art mostly," replied Rose nonchalantly internally relieved to be away from his fucked-up parents.
"Oh, that," he said with slight embarrassment as they made their way into the west wing of the villa where the guest house was located. He debated on how to explain this secret fondness for priceless No-Maj treasures before settling on a simple answer. "Father appreciates fine art regardless of where it comes from. Besides, the English Muggle world wouldn't be what is it today if we Malfoys hadn't felt sorry for them. Those treasures belong to us for bothering to spare our magic to help them," he said as they walked up the stairs.
"Draco," began Rose, ignoring his explanation that he surprisingly had turned into an anti-No-Maj rant. "What do you know about my parents?"
The question confused took him by surprise until he remembered how young she had been when her parents had last been alive, "Your father was a Pureblood and very good at Quidditch. Your mother was a Mud-Muggleborn and in the same year as him," he recounted reddening at his slip of the word 'Mudblood'.
Rose ignored the awful word that had almost rolled off his tongue to continue listening.
"They were both Gryffindors like the rest of your family and they fought for the so-called Light Side. Of course, there's what everyone knows about the night the Dark Lord was defeated," he answered indifferently. "Why, didn't you know all this?"
'What did father tell her?' He wondered to himself.
He knows nothing else about them.
"Of course," replied Rose smiling sweetly. "Just curious. I've been gone from this world for so long I thought maybe you knew things I didn't."
It was Lucius's comment about her parents and Sirius that sparked a curiosity. If Lucius had known them and if he, in fact, had been a Death Eater then he might also know what prompted the Dark Lord to attack her family. Perhaps he might also know why she was spared from the same fate as her parents. Whatever the older Malfoy knew he was obviously guarding and had not shared with his son. However, that did not mean Draco was useless after all he was their son and therefore privy to their troubles and weaknesses. She decided to try a more direct approach.
"What do you know of the Dark Lord?"
She had taken him by surprise with her forwardness regarding the wizard who had murdered her family. Perhaps he had thought the Dark Lord was a sensitive subject for her that would bring about distress if brought up. Or perhaps he was trying to not bring any incriminating thoughts into his mind.
It was both.
Instantly his memories came to the surface containing the many praises his father had expressed about the Dark Lord to him from a very young age. The disappointment that came with his downfall and the hope for a new Dark Leader that could accomplish what they so desperately desired; magical supremacy.
"Only what I've read about the First War," he replied nervously pushing back those memories as they came to a halt at her door. "We should change for dinner, Rose. My mother will be really annoyed if we're late."
He had shaken off her question but Rose had received his unwilling answer. The Malfoy's were Pureblood supremacists. They supported the Dark Lord's anti-No-Maj rhetoric and ideals.
Rose revealed nothing however, she needed Draco.
Keep him close, he will be useful.
So for now so she smiled and returned to her carefree behavior.
"See you at dinner, Draco."
Rose winked as stepped into her room and closed the door behind her. However, when she looked ahead at her room something made her stop dead in her tracks and a chillingly cold sensation rushed down her spine. There, placed neatly on the bed, was the tainted red rectangular box that contained Lucius' chocolate strawberries.
A/N: As a disclaimer: the Malfoy family history was taken from Pottermore and I obviously do not own it.