2. The Queen and the Lord
AN: I wanted to post it one week ago, but I started to write new story about Tom. It's about him and his sister. It would have incest relationship in it and I would like to know, if you are interested in it. I wrote a few chapters for my new story, but this time about Paul/OC from Twilight universe. Let me now if you would like to read it!
I am not native English speaker, so please, forgive me my mistakes.
I don't own Harry Potter. Rowling do.
Enjoy and please share you thoughts about it!
"Is that vodka?" Margarita asked weakly.
The cat jumped up in his seat with indignation.
"I beg pardon, my queen," he rasped, "Would I ever allow myself to offer vodka to a lady? This is pure alcohol!"
Mikhail Bulgakov "The Master and Margarita"
Days varied in weeks, weeks in a month, and so Maleficent found herself one day before weekend, wondering if she would go on her first expedition to Hogsmeade this year. She would like to go for a new book, because the 'Secrets of the Noble Lord SS' were swallowed up by her in late September.
In early October, Edmund approached her, demanding that she respond to her father's letters. She stared at him as he handed her the envelope in the Common Room, then tossed it into the fireplace in front of his eyes.
Pass it, little owl, she said,And stop drooling at the sight of Eileen. It's pathetic.
Since that incident, she did not receive any news, but her younger brother honored her with his company at dinner and forewarned her of father's presence in the town. He did not do it for free, of course. He was a Slytherin and he demanded her to do his homework about some potion. Maleficent could do it, she really could, but she didn't want to. She smiled, he took it as her consent, and then went his way. She came across him several hours later, he was pinned to the wall by older Gryffindors, the Slytherins would not dare to touch him, struggling in their grasp.
She did not say anything. She walked quietly to the tormentors, put her hands on their shoulders, and stuck her head between them. They jumped like they were burned, apologized bending in half, and Maleficent was left alone with Edmund. She checked for wounds on his body other than bruises, and when she saw nothing, she had said she repaid her debt. Edmund was not happy, though he could not disagree.
So she found herself in the dark corner of the library, sitting on the windowsill with the Transmutation textbook on her lap. Rain hit the glass, smearing the picture of the grounds. She tapped her finger on the window, hummed the lullaby and stroked book with her palm. She tried to focus on studying, but the vision of meeting her parent overwhelmed her.
At the last tete-a-tete with her father, she had promised she would not come home for Christmas and she would keep her word. Holidays were never the same after her mother death and she was sick with all artificiality. She closed her eyes and her voice became stronger.
"'But if I know you, I know what you'll do. You'll love me at once the way you did once upon a dream.'"
She did not dare to sing louder. The library was crowded for some time now. The students threw themselves into the whirl of preparation for Owls or N.E.W.T or, like Maleficent, they were doing their homework. She muttered the melody under her breath, leaned her head against the glass and relaxed before making a decision.
She was close to reaching the desired nirvana, everything was losing colors and shapes, she was slowly falling asleep. She would have been in this sensation, if it had not been for the sound from the outside world. She was suddenly ripped out of bliss, the silence was disturbed, the heart returned to a restless rhythm. She turned her head aside, lazily turned her eyes to the intruder, on her face a grimace of dissatisfaction. Maleficent's clenched jaw loosened as he saw the boy's horrified, shifting gaze.
Travers recognized him as a colleague of Edmund. He, Edmund and the other tall boy formed a group of peers, and thanks to the brunette they have some kind of immunity. Edmund was a coward blanked in a bravado, and his classmates were spoiled, cheeky brats. The third year in front of her knew his place in the Slytherin hierarchy. If the Maleficent provides security for them, they must respect her.
The boy might have been fourteen, but he was not a fool. The witch could blow him off the earth with one spell, he would not know how to defend himself, and the whole thing would look like an accident. He quickly pulled himself together, calmed his breath, stood in front of her as was expected before a lady, then greeted her.
"Good evening, Miss Travers. My name is Antonin Dolohov, I am a friend of you brother…"
"I know who you are, Dolohov." she interrupted. She got up from the windowsill, put the book on the table on her left, then returned to her gaze to him. "What is the reason for your intrusion on my part of the library?"
The area next to Restricted Section belonged to her, and students who were frequent visitors to the reading room knew it well. Antonin Dolohov was not here too often. It was not a surprise to Maleficent. In the end, he was Edmund's friend. She stared at his black hair, dark eyes and limp posture.
How did this child survive in Slytherin for three years?, she wondered, He is unable to control his magic, he looked skinny, he lacked any aura.
Her green eyes softened. Antonin Dolohov reminded her of herself several years ago. Maybe it would not have been bad for the Queen to find the Prince for herself.
"I heard your singing, Miss, and my legs led me here on they own. You have a beautiful voice." he praised. Once Slytherin, forever Slytherin.
The story was great, Maleficent enjoyed it, but she did not believe in lies. She used wrong words, she does not believe in his lies. His compliments were true, but worthless. He had another reason to be here.
Hypocrisy would be for Maleficent to say she hates liers. She often deceived people, but she could not stand, when someone was doing it in such an unspoilt manner. Dolohov had to learn many things.
"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream. I know you, that look in your eyes is so familiar, a gleam and I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem. But if I know you, I know what you'll do. You'll love me at once the way you did once upon a dream." she sang quietly, approaching the boy. He shivered as the last line was whispered in his ear. There was a mocking smile on her lips. "You are like a dog. Have not you learned anything yet? You do not come to someone more powerful than yourself to lie. You are telling the truth, if you want to achieve something. It makes an impression, it makes you seem stronger than you are. You only lie when you are sure it will bring the intended result."
He swallowed hard, slid away, and Maleficent could swear that she saw scarlet spots on his cheeks. She tilted her head to one side, suddenly interested in what he had to say. Dolohov was embarrassed and it amused her immensely. Nervously rubbing his hand, he shuffled from foot to foot, whimpering under his breath. She nearly laughed after hearing his request.
"Would you like... To go with me to Hogsmeade tomorrow, Miss?
It is certain, she thought, Dolohovis mad.
Sweet Merlin, he does not remember what Maleficent did to the last daredevil, who dared to ask her out. Even with her cold behavior she was still popular with the rougher sex and she blamed her mother's genes for that. Maybe if there were more of her father's features in her, she would be repulsive, though it is a precarious theory considering Mr. Travers is handsome. The stepmother did not hit unfortunate. A handsome, rich and respected wizard looking for a wife?
The widower and widow, how delightful, she mocked, There's a pity that the widower has a daughter.
Ravenclaw, who invited her to a date at the end of school year, seemingly he was preparing for this moment for four months, pondering whether he should do it or not, in front of everyone in the Great Hall, was crushed by her questions. Once she had convinced him, that he was worse than her, and that if he was a better wizard, she would not mind going out with him, she used one of the few spells she could throw without help of a wand, without speaking out loud, and the sixth year student choked, tears flowed from his eyes, his body seemed to burn from within.
The teachers reacted at once, but when they ran, Ravenclaw breathed heavily, released from the spell. She had no wand in her hand, she did not say a word, and the non-verbal spell without a wand was not at her level, was it? Nobody knew what happened to the boy, but they would not dare to blame Maleficent. Not to her face at least. To this day, Ravenclaw is staying away from her.
The witch had two options; agree or not. The fact that she was thinking about it was admirable. Refusal could have irrevocably broke him, but the Maleficent did not change her beliefs. Her man had to match her in every way. She would skip the age difference, if he controlled his skills well. She could fix it, she could fix him. She will not say yes, she will not say no, she will say maybe.
"I have a proposal for you, Dolohov." She leaned against the edge of the table. "I will agree to be with you, if you prove to me that you are an outstanding wizard. Expand your talents, rise to the great heights of magic, and when you do it, I will be yours."
With each word of the girl, Dolohov became more excited. Maleficent, according to him an ideal woman, promised that, if it becomes stronger, she will be his. What did that do with his young mind! The teenager has imagined these moment many times, since the first day of September. He had never felt anything like this for witch before, and Travers seemed amazing to him.
Her cat-like eyes, porcelain face, full, begging for kisses lips and body that were worth dying for. His neck flushed red at the thought of touching her waist. He approached Maleficent, grabbed her dissolved hair in his fingers, kissed them, then left without saying goodbye.
Maleficent was angry at herself for untangling the braid, before going to library. She hated people touching her. Nobody had the right to kiss or hug her without her consent. However, she was not furious for a long time. She changed it to satisfaction, knowing that the boy accepted the challenge and had the courage to make that gesture.
She tied her hair, hid her things, and then headed to the dormitory. If Dolohov did not fear Maleficent, knowing her reputation, she would not be afraid to meet her father.
"Miss Travers, could I have a word with you?" She heard a warm voice behind her. Turning around, she saw Professor Dumbledore. Maleficent had mixed feelings for Transmutation teacher. The man was able to see through her without any problems, he was not fooled by her sweet smiles and after every lesson he insisted that she give him the sincere one, just like she used years ago.
On the other hand, she admired him immensely. He discovered all her cards, he did not let her to start playing with him like she did wit other professors. He deciphered Riddle! How amazing he must have been to do this. Without much trouble he recognized the wolf in sheep's clothing!
Thrill of excitement run trough Maleficent's back as her teacher's eyes rested on her. She imagined as a man discovers her secrets one after another, the next ones ever darker that previous, until she finally stands naked, in his mind defenseless, and once he turned his back on her, trusting her again, she would hit hard, bit into his flesh with all her power. She would use magic and he would...
She basked in knowing that Dumbledore did not know her desires. It was not appropriate for a young girl to dream of events from this matter.
"Of course, Professor Dumbledore." she answered immediately, then followed him by a deserted corridor toward his office.
Dinner ended less than five minutes ago, students went to theirs dormitories, she was about to lie down earlier, although it was not yet nine in the evening. However, you do not deny one of yours authorities, do you?
"Please sit down, Miss Travers." he pointed to one of the armchairs by the fireplace. "Tea?"
"No, thank you, Professor." she said, occupying a designated place.
"My dear, you are probably asking yourself why I want to talk with you? "He sat next to the table, lemon drops appeared on the table, flames in the fireplace. "Headmaster Dippet informed me of the changes you and Tom introduced to the patrols table of the prefects. I looked at the sketch that Tom provided. I am worried about the frequency of your commonly rounds. I would not protest, if there were other partners switching between the two of you. Prefects mix in this layout for the next month, but you and Tom are always together."
She drew her lips in a straight line, frowned, she racked her brain. She tried to recall, when she debated with Riddle about their patrols. She remembered how he put two and two together, promised to make up for it, but she did not think that would really happen.
I can blame myself for that, she realized, my last leap caused it. And ignoring him for the last month after asking a very important, existential question could have a major part in it too. He had the right to be confused by my outburst, of course.
"I do not want to cause problems, Professor, neither to you or the Head Boy. Indeed, Mr. Riddle and I chat about our duties during one of our few conversations. I believe that Mr. Riddle did not have bad intentions, although the effects are not satisfactory. We have noticed that we have not patrolled corridors together and now he want to catch up. I'm not sure through, maybe you should ask him?"
"I put your comfort first, Miss Travers." he said after a few seconds of hesitation. "You agree to such scheme? If not, then please, do not hesitate to ask for a change."
"If it does not complicate the situation, then I agree to the second version. Fine changes will not hurt, but before I go..." She stopped, standing by the door, ready to leave. "You would do me a great favor, if he did not enlist me with Mr. Riddle at all. The Head Boy and I do not agree on many issues, and joint rounds could lead to an increase in conflict between us. We have common friends and we work together as Prefect and Head Boy, but we are never alone. I will be eternally grateful for your kindness. Thank you and I wish you a good night."
Without waiting for the response, she ran out of the office. Her legs tangled between her long skirt from her uniform, her hands sweating, and her pulse accelerated. Maleficent can afford such reactions only when she is alone, so she does waste time. She lean on the cold walls of Hogwarts and inhibits the need to vomit.
She avoided Riddle no without a reason. She declared war on him, sweet Merlin! She said she was a Queen, she pointed out his blood status. The theory that he is a half blood was not confirmed, albeit highly probable. He did not know many of the pureblood customs, he knew a lot about muggles, did not talk about his family or vacation. Sorting Hat would not put a Muggle born in Slytherin. Would it?
No, no, no, she argued, why did I let the pride take over? What was I thinking about then?
She was almost crying. Maleficent did not care, if anyone saw her face red, bloodshot eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. She was waiting for the end, because she was afraid of people stronger than her, who caused this kind of reaction from her. Last time it happened two years ago, and Maleficent did not want to go back to it, she did not want to see the face of the sorcerer.
What he had told her to do with the Muggle was frightening. Nightmares were leaving her only at Hogwarts, where she knew she was safe. How wrong! Her lips trembled at the memory of a hand in the throat of a defenseless girl, pushing chunks of bloody material into it. Muggle was begging Maleficent to stop, although the canvases drowned her scream. The girl died trying to get rid of the fabric from her body.
Before that, they raped and beat her, and her death was a distinction for the fourteen-year-old Miss Travers. They stuck her clothes in Maleficet's hands, most likely teared during the sex, leading her to a dying woman. The wizard explained what she was supposed to do with it, but she did not know the cause. She choked out that she could not do something that would make her sinful for the rest of her life.
The man stroked her cheek, he brushed away hair from her face, drew the lines of her lips with his thumb. He explained that the woman is just an animal, a dog that does not listen to master, that she do not deserve merciful death, and Maleficent could put an end to her torment. He said it was an award for the Muggle, that it was a prize for Maleficent, but also the price she had to pay for his lessons. She almost complained that she did not ask for it, it was all the fault of her father, she did not want it.
She did not move, stared at the woman and thought about escaping. She analyzed her abilities for too long, the sorcerer leaned over her, whispered into his ear.
Your stepmother can end up like that, darling, shiver passed through her, though she did not care what happened to her father's mistress, and if it does not impress you, then I'll take her son, your little brother, and he'll end up in the place of this tramp. You will have to push all sorts of objects into his throat. Still no reaction? Do it before I start to fuck you in front of my people, girl, come on!
There was no need to add the last phrase. He convinced her enough with Edmund. This year he had got a letter from Hogwarts. Starting school with trauma is not a child's dream. Additional motivation was the last threat. She did not want to lose her virginity with a much older man she was only averse to.
She did what he commanded and did it for herself, no matter how selfish it sounded, and for Edmund, she dug into her mind not to feel guilty. Cruel laughter sounded in her ears every time she saw thestrals pulling carriages. She found them in a book of magical creatures, remembered the definition, she debated if she understand the death of an innocent girl.
She suffocated, she lacked oxygen in her lungs. She was sure Riddle was her punishment for the crime she committed. She will never be equal to him and she will die trying. The act of the barbarity she has committed will never be forgiven, she will not forgive herself. If she used Avada Kedavra her actions would not be so barbaric and she would not have dreamed of the muggle's empty eyes.
She slide down the wall, her legs could no longer hold her. She sobbed aloud, then quickly suppressed the rest of the unwanted sounds with her palm. Oh how she wanted to be in her dormitory!
"Maleficent?" She suffocated herself, but did not raise her head. "All right?"
Brunet crouched beside her, and when he did not get the answer, he slipped his right hand under her knee and left on the small of her back. Maleficent found herself in his arms. Boy's shoulders were wide, perfect for concealing unwanted tears in them. She wrapped her arms around his neck, clenched her fingers on her friend's from the beginning of her education clothes.
Maleficent missed him much more than Nott. They understood each other without words, only he was allowed to touch her without asking for permission. She never regretted losing him as much as in the fourth year. When she was thirteen, much changed in her life, she pushed aside all of them, but not Alphard and Cantankerus. In May 1942, just two months after her birthday, she had no one on her side.
She loved Alphard as a brother. He allowed her to fly on a broomstick, when no one was looking, although she should not have been doing it since she was eight. He made Maleficent smile with his stupid jokes, he played with her hair, while learning together in the library.
She did not notice, when they were in the Common Room. It was late, the Slytherins slept in their beds. Black put her on the sofa and then sat down on it. He took off her shoes, put them on the floor, and began massaging her feet, placing them on his lap.
- "Alphard? "She rasped. "I was starving for you."
"I officially announce my jealousy." they heard.
Three men and a boy came out of the corridor leading to the male dormitory. Nott's voice and messy hair, she recognized immediately. He appeared suddenly beside her, his fingers clutching her chin, lifting it up.
"Good evening, Cantankerus. How was your day?"
He wiped her tears with his sleeve, smearing the lipstick on her lips. He left his hands on Maleficent's collarbone and stroked it as if to make sure everything was okay and that she was not hurt in any way.
"Why did you cry, Mal?" he asked, his breath near her temples. "Did someone hurt you?"
She forgot about Riddle, about their two year absence from her lives, about her father, about him. Everything became Black and Nott. Just as if they did not part. She touched Nott's hairs in a way she had done it a few years ago and kissed his forehead. An innocent gesture that did not match her, warmed Nott's heart. His skin on her lips, the warmth of his flesh. Maleficent wanted to stay here forever. She, Cantankerus and Alphard. Is it not a beautiful combination?
"I do not want to ruin this meaningful moment." The spell was broken, magic has disappeared, time to wake up from your dream, Cinderella. "But we have something to do, Nott."
Maleficent broke off contact with her friend, and turned to the speaker. Riddle stood proud, erect with red glow in his eyes. He did not look happy with the scene before him. He despised covetousness, public affection, any emotion. He did not expect to see the weeping Miss Travers in Black's companion in an ambiguous position on one of the common room's couches. In addition, Nott added his twopenn'orth, which made the situation uncomfortable.
Riddle felt the greed associated with the witch. Her magic so perfectly compatible with his, pure blood, the beauty of mind and body and the character he could not figure out. He had been watching her closely since the release of the basilisk. The serpent had a certain affection for Travers, which heir of Salazar Slytherin could not grasp, could not grasp her talent, until their magic had begun to fight.
During his earlier observations, he did not make any remarkable skills, except for outstanding marks, impeccable behavior and a very strong aura. Later, he slowly discovered how well she masked her excesses, her mania to have control of everything and everyone. Her movements, looks, perfection screamed 'Queen'.
Although Maleficent had one drawback, that was connected with many of her advantages: she was a woman. Women are influenced by emotions, they have a glass heart, they are easy to manipulate, things that were wrong with her, for someone like him is something he can easily use, and although they have the gift of organization and know the art of fraud, they cannot fully use it.
He saw Maleficent on the throne with a black crown and a golden long scepter with an irreconcilable expression on her face. Cruel, soulless Black Queen, judging anyone who opposes her. In his memory, he had a picture of a witch instructing her colleague from the dormitory to leave to the fifth year one. She left no room for any discussion, she requires, she has it.
That is why he felt a slight disappointment when he saw salty drops flowing from her eyes. He had the impression that she was unique, different, similar to him. Disappointment did not last long. Maleficent got up violently, but with grace, her naked feet hitting the floor. She stood before the third year boy, about ten centimeters taller than him, watching him from above. The boy shrank under her gaze, but did not step back.
"Can you explain what you do with the Knights, Dolohov?" Her voice full of venom, dissatisfaction." Among them you won't be a King."
"You told me to develop, so..."
"I do not need someone as insensitive as me. I need someone who will accept me completely. I will never be yours if you are not equal to me."
The witch paid no heed, returned to her place and demanded another massage.
Alphard laughed under his breath and fulfill the silent request. Because all the commotion, he has not answered her yet. He pulled her legs toward him and kissed her ankle. Unlike Nott's, Black's kiss expressed his total devotion to Maleficent, not innocence, it was passion, friendly passion.
I missed you more, he seemed to speak.
Green eyes looked curiously at the actions of his best friend. It was very inaccurate in their environment. Maleficent's relationship with the two boys was inappropriate according to the society frames. As a lady she should spend time with ladies, not with boys, and as gentlemen they should not seduce girls. But have they ever been interested in the public opinion about them?
Why did I leave them?, she thought, forgetting the Slytherin rules in which she was imprisoned, I love them.
"How do you know about Knights?" Riddle asked. Maleficent's attention was pulled away again.
"I know of every group that deals more or less with Dark Arts," she said. "I wanted to join you, although you call yourself the Knights of Walpurgis, so I would not fit in there with my sex. The second reason was the leader. My third was reluctance to cooperate with anyone."
"We'll be happy to have you," he said quickly. "We can change the name, you will have enough time to know me, and during the rounds, there will certainly be more opportunities. You can think of it as the Slug Club or Prefect's duties. Just they would be a lot more pleasant."
"I'm not sure. Your goals..."
"Blood purity, gaining control over the magical Great Britain, showing Muggles where their place is, gaining immortality," recalls Malfoy.
She only agreed with half of their ambition, one of them only caught up now. Absolute power through eternity? This thought was utopian.
So I will create my own world.
"Suggestions for a new name?" she said, letting them know that she is not opposed to the idea.
"The Queen and the Lord, how noble," Abraxas whined, but Riddle and Travers did not listen, completely absorbed in their new visions.
Riddle did not stop the smile that filled his mouth. He envision what he could do with Maleficent at his side. Wizards would respect him for capturing such a good gentlewoman from an old, pureblood family, her magic matched him, she lacked nothing.
Maleficent behaved in the same way, her eyes gleamed, new ideas appeared in her head. Power and immortality. She was not afraid of death, but how her empire could have failed without her supervision. Riddle's company was necessary. If he finds a way, she will not mind sharing the pleasure of power.
"Death Eaters," she whispered, kneeling on the couch, almost touching Tom's lips."The world will know us as Death Eaters."
"With Lord Voldemort and the Black Queen in the lead," Riddle said in euphoria. "It sounds divine, isn't it?