Enraptured Release
Adumbral Amour
"Brave now long rest is sweet
With me here in the deep"
"I prayed for pleasure wished for love
Prayed for your - "
"Never pray for me!"
Lily could not believe it when Rodolphus licked her so deeply within her folds. Nor could she believe it when he said that she was the sexiest Witch he had ever come across. She had not held back her ecstatic cries of passionate bliss.
The rest happened in a bit of a blur. Her disbelief allowing her mind to mask what was happening to her. So, when she woke up the next morning surrounded by strong arms, next to a decidedly hairy chest and a foreign erection prodding her back, she yelped and practically flew out of bed. Causing her to become entangled with the sheets and trip on the floor.
Rodolphus woke up lazily, blinking blearily as he watched Lily trying to free herself from the sheets that had wrapped, and tangled, tightly around her. All formal comportment forgotten as she cussed and fought her way to freedom. Blushing with embarrassment of the failure to suavely get away from him.
"I did not know you would be awake this early, Lily," he said softly as he watched her stand up still struggling with a silk sheet that seemed stuck to her. "Any reason for your escape from me?"
"None," she tried to convey with blasé confidence. "A gentleman would have offered to help," she said tartly.
"Ah well, you were doing so well by yourself I did not wish to interfere," his eyes sparkled playfully. "I enjoyed your brave battle with bed linen."
"Hardly St George and the dragon," she said stiffly.
"Ah, but just as valiantly fought, my lady!" he stretched out along the bed, his hands behind his head, his arms flexed taut muscles. Lily blushed as she remembered how well held she had been in those arms. "What were you going to do, Lily?"
"Shower," she replied.
"Need your back scrubbed?" his eyes twinkled.
"Do you not have to help Bellatrix with a ball?" she said icily.
She could not believe that she had slept with a married man. Happily or not, he was still someone else's and she felt as if she had trodden on some toes. She somehow wished she could be absolutely guilty for breaking a code. Even in light of the conversation at yesterday afternoons tea though, she was slightly ashamed.
"Oh don't be scared, love," Rodolphus said realising she was afraid of their newfound intimacy. "Lily, Bellatrix and our Lord are lovers. I do not care, neither would she about you and I. The fact that you are here and still alive proves that. The only one she would be jealous of is our Lord but he would find a way to calm her down before you die."
"Not exactly reassuring," Lily mumbled finally free of the sheets. "Anyway, I had best go... um... have a... a shower, I guess."
"Take your time," he rolled on his side and Lily watched with jaw-dropping astonishment that the man allowed the sheet to fall so low she could watch the thickening swell of his penis. She was flabbergasted when he began to palm it in front of her. "I will join you in a minute."
With that Lily fled the room. When she was under the hot splashing water the door opened and Rodolphus groaned. Clearly she was sent here by their Lord. He Who Must Be Obeyed.
"Was she good?" Bellatrix asked.
"She was."
"Do not get used to her, Roddy," Bella warned. "You know where scum like her belong."
"Our Lord does not seem to think of her as scum, Bella."
She folded her arms and sniffed: "Be that as it may, she is going to have to do a lot of improving to be accepted in our circle. She stinks of too much light magic."
"For Salazar's sake, Bella," he growled. "There is no such thing as light magic, dark magic, or magic with purple stripes for that matter – the only thing we are truly interested in seeking and cultivating is power and she has that in spades."
"Still," Bella said as she lay down where Lily preoccupied the bed before next to her husband. "Whatever she is here for it is not to join that is most certain."
"Why would you say that?"
"Because she is not a power seeker," Bella said. "I don't trust her within a millimetre, let alone, a yard near our Lord. They could have sent her to assassinate him."
Rodolphus rolled his eyes and rubbed his hands over his face: "Why did I have to be saddled with a Black?" he moaned with exasperation.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means your paranoia will get the better of you someday," Rodolphus replied. "It could be your downfall, now," he turned around on his other side to look at the witch he was married to. "Give her a chance. She is quite clever and she radiates power. Your prejudices and jealousies are tinting what you know as truth." He advised as he rose from the bed, he stood up, glorying in his nakedness. Bella licked her lips at the sight. She may not love her husband but she was not immune to his masculinity. "I must go and shower, witch."
"Is she not in there?"
"So?" he shrugged.
With that Bella left the room in a huff. She'd slept alone the night before. Her Lord nor her husband desired her – she felt petulant against her guest but had to keep her feelings within her own heart quiet. Even her sister had decided to like the young witch within their midst. Oh well, she could punish some elves just to let the anger out.
Breakfast was mostly a silent affair. Lily found by living with Euphemia Potter that the upper classes served their own breakfasts, which was odd to her. What was the difference between breakfast and dinner? The rules of etiquette were a mystery to her. Still, she enjoyed her meal of scrambled eggs, with ketchup – she noticed – Rodolphus must have provided it when he asked her what muggle treats she liked. She smiled a little at his thoughtfulness as she poured some over her eggs, sausages and hash browns. Her night activities and shower had increased her appetite so she dug into her heavily laden plate voraciously.
"What is this?" Lucius asked picking up a pot of thick red gloop placed near his dish.
"It is called ketchup," Lily answered. "It is a condiment, like salt and pepper. It is made to make things like sausages, chips and scrambled eggs taste zingy."
"A muggle invention?" Narcissa asked as she took a delicate teaspoon out of the pot to taste – she found she liked it.
"Seeing as I embarrassed myself on my first breakfast at Hogwarts by asking where the ketchup was I guess it has not reached the Wizarding world yet. It was popularised in the UK when I was a child."
"The one muggle thing you cannot live without," Rodolphus said as he reached for his own pot and tested it on a slice of his sausage and nodded. "Well, it is quite nice – Lucius, it won't kill you."
"No thank you," Lucius sniffed it and made a funny face causing Lily to giggle.
"What is so funny?"
"That was Sirius' exact reaction to it."
"What is wrong with just flavouring things with grilled tomatoes?" Lucius said, making a case in point by dipping his sausage into the juice of a massacred tomato. "I am sure it is better for you than that... that... muck!"
The only other person who tried ketchup was Tom and he proceeded to add it to his own breakfast. Lily was shocked, she supposed the blood colour was what attracted him to it otherwise she could not fathom out why he would take interest in a Muggle treat.
The rest of breakfast was small talk until: "Does Miss Evans have anything suitable, Narcissa?" their Lord asked.
Narcissa, still glowing with the news Lily had given her replied: "Nothing for a costume or masquerade."
"You must take her shopping then," their Lord said. He turned to look at her: "A vixen perhaps."
With that seemed to signal the end of breakfast. "But sir," Lily said as he was about to walk out the door. His eyebrow arched and she remembered what he said: "Er, Tom." Everyone in the room froze on the spot. Knives and forks raised in the air, stilled with food dripping off the prongs. Narcissa swapped anxious glances with Rodolphus, Rabastan and Lucius. Tom regarded her with a blank expression meaning this could go either way. "I have no money to purchase outfits."
"You are amongst the elite of the elite, Miss Evans," he spread his arm out conveying the company she was in. "Lucius has more than enough to generously provide – as he should after your keen eye spotted what his could not."
Lily was about to reply back but Narcissa had stopped her: "It would be a pleasure my Lord."
Lily rubbed her forehead as she tried to reconcile what this could mean in the long run. What if they found out she was here under false pretences? She was here to help Severus and Regulus – not become recruited herself. Lucius agreed quickly.
"I have never had a sister to spoil, so let me pretend to be your big brother for the day, please?"
The redhead blushed: "Of course," she murmured.
"See, nothing to worry about, Miss Evans. Oh and you are to be my date," the Lord said as if she had no choice in the matter.
She supposed she did not, it rankled her though, for him to assume she wanted to be. Common courtesy should have had him asking her first: "Yes, sir," she sighed.
He left the room and with it the dolorous tone that had settled over them during the meal. The young woman was completely at sea. Still, shopping... how hard could that be?
Oh, why did she have to think that? Shopping with Mary and Marlene, piece of cake. Shopping with Narcissa Malfoy – practically exhausting! Especially when she was forced to hurry by people and stores she'd normally greet or enter, was humiliated; especially when she passed by Alice Longbottom. Or had to ignore Tom's greeting in The Leaky Cauldron.
"Here we are," Narcissa said.
Lily looked up at the store and groaned. One had to have a vault the size of Lockhart's ego to come in here for a simple pair of earrings. Trust Narcissa to pick the one store where there would be no chance of repaying Lucius.
"Can we not go somewhere that I can pa..."
"When Lucius says the word 'spoil' he does not mean it lightly, Lily," Narcissa sighed as she threaded her arm through her new friends as they entered the store. "One vixen outfit."
"I do not think I am a vixen..."
"Your date," Narcissa said, "wishes for you to go as a vixen, it means he is going to be a fox. You have to match your partner."
Lily wished she could have gone as a mermaid instead: "Fine, a vixen it is then."
"Certainly," a young wizard said. His voice and mannerisms suggested he was either sensitive or... "I'm Julian and this is my friend Sandy."
Lily laughed, that answered that question. This was just too coincidental, surely? Neither looked like Kenneth Williams thank goodness, she thought. Still Lily was tickled by the fact that she had walked into a real shop where that was the greeting. She indulged herself in a little jaunt down Nostalgia Alley to visions of her childhood. Her heart beat warmly to the vivid memories of when her family listened to the wireless to shows like: The Navy Lark, Round the Horne, The Goon Show and others of their ilk.
"Hello," Sandy said. A tall blond-haired brown-eyed wizard too pretty to be a man, too flat chested to be a woman said. "How may we help you ladies?"
"I have been seen to. My friend," Narcissa elegantly stretched her hand out to the red-head, "Lily, needs help."
"Ah," Julian said as he walked up to the red-haired witch. "Vixen did I hear? Oh yes, definitely a vixen. I am sure you have your pick of the men, do you not?"
"As do you, I am certain," winked Lily.
"Oh you flatterer," Julian smirked. "I think I know exactly what to do. Get in the stall there. We can get the measurements and make you feel as foxy as you look in no time."
They found orange leggings and under blouse to go with a waist corset. The billowing sleeves needed topaz beads and sequins it was decided. The wizards used sticking charms as they artistically arranged them to maximise their effect. Sandy went out the back and found some orange fluffy material and shaped it into a fox's tail. Adding some white cotton wool at the end. He charmed it to swish and wag with her mood. Julian attached it to Lily's leggings. They then fashioned a heart shape out of cotton wool and white sequins to cover her chest to sit under her chin. Narcissa found a pair of orange stilettos with pre-attached cushioning and balancing charms. Lily's hair was restyled by Sandy whilst Julian and Narcissa were picking out accessories and make-up to complete the outfit.
Lily stood on the plinth at various points waiting and feeling silly whilst three strangers discussed what else was needed to give the costume that extra wow!
"Black stiletto finger and toenails of course," Sandy said shaking a bottle of polish. He used a nail extending charm, shaping them into a tapering point to match the heels of her shoes. He then painted the colour carefully on each nail, drying them naturally before adding a glitter layer on the fingernails to make them stand out. A charmed top-coat and her nails were done.
"She needs something for the head," Julian said. "A-ha!" he brought out ginger felt and faux fur. He measured her face, drawing out the contours on paper then used magic to cut the shapes and sewed them together. "Ears," he sighed. Two triangles of orange felt and fur, with black glittering tips to match the nails were made to fit and Lily felt sexier by the minute, curiously loving the wagging tail. "Bend down dear so I can put this on you."
Lily complied. Who would have thought it was this exhausting to be doing nothing? Assistants rushed in with coffee and food when required; otherwise, she was the sole focus. Julian placed the mask on her face, making sure her eyes, nose and mouth were free. Her red hair cascading in stylised waves down her back as if it was part of the costume acting like the furry back to her look.
Once finished she stood in front of the mirror. For the first time, she could see why he demanded she be a vixen. She even giggled when she saw the tail swish behind her, she was taller than she had ever been and able to walk straight.
"Now, let's finish the overall impression, darling," Sandy said. He lifted the mask off and began blackening around her eyes and nose, drawing spots and whiskers along her cheeks. Her lips a bright cherry red. "Not bad for a days work, Jules," Sandy said.
"Not bad at all dear," Julian replied.
They watched in awe as Narcissa taught her how to swing her hips just so. How to command entrance. She was taught how to sit, stand and accept a dance. The little things Euphemia forgot or did not take into account. She was practically exhausted but could not rest yet. She had to keep the face paint on, otherwise she was allowed back in her usual clothes to spend the rest of the day in her room. She looked at her watch and groaned.
"When does the ball start?" she asked Narcissa.
"7:30 PM when the guests start to arrive."
"Who are the guests?"
"Severus, Regulus, The Potters should be there as well as..."
Euphemia knew this was going to happen and let her go unprepared? Why? Did she really hate her for leaving her son? Severus and Regulus too had also not mentioned a ball. How on earth was she to carry out this plan when they would be watching her every move. Eventually, Lily phased out as Narcissa continued listing the multitudinous guests that would be attending the soiree.
"Do not worry," Narcissa said. "The Potters only come to keep up appearances."
"Do Severus and Regulus always come to these things?"
"As Regulus is our cousin, yes he does. Severus comes but he's a little...uncooperative."
"Meaning?" Lily's heart fluttered in her chest a little fearful of the fallout should Severus decide to pick a fight.
"He refuses to dress up and wear a mask. Call it – what does he call it now – oh yes: Ostentatious fripperies I could do well without!"
Lily giggled as she thought of what Sev would have said as a child about it. Probably, as politely colloquial as she could make it, would be along the lines of: Lots of ponces in frills tha' only dandies can afford. Waste of time if you ask me.
"He still comes though?"
"Yes," Narcissa said. "He says it's for the free food."
To this, Lily offered an unladylike snort. That was more like her Sev. They reached the Leaky Cauldron and smiled at each other. "Well, normally we have afternoon tea at this time but when a ball is planned though, afternoon tea is more of a chore than a welcome break to the day."
"I should imagine," Lily said. "I would nap but I am afraid that..."
"Oh do not be scared of smudging," Narcissa said, "or staining. The potion makers that supply that shop always charm the various components to make sure it doesn't. Look," she picked up a white serviette and wiped it along Lily's nose. "See, no smudge. This make-up washes off with soap and water but otherwise no marks."
"Oh good," they used the floo rather than apparated.
Elves met them the other side – Narcissa just casually dumped the boxes on the floor where two raced to serve. The winner poked its tongue out at the loser and took them to Miss Evans, the special guests, room.
"Perhaps you can transport me to the room," Lily said to the losing Elf. "I was about to have a..."
"Ah you're back!" the Dark Lord said extending his arms out in welcome. Narcissa blushed a little as she took hold of one of his hands. Lily took hold of the other. "You went for some kind of animal I see like I advised I hope" he looked down at her stiletto shaped nails. "Hmm, I approve."
"Sir I was..."
"You keep calling me sir," he said in reprimand. "I have already told you to call me Tom."
"I was not aware of how seriously you meant it sir... er Tom," she whispered.
"Hmm, you could always refer to me as: My Lord?" he said smoothly. "I would love to hear you greeting me as: My Lord."
"M-my Lord," she stammered. "Tom, er..." she blushed as she awkwardly curtsied. "I was about to go for a rest."
The Dark Lord smiled as she tried to escape his arm that had found itself around her waist: "I wish I could join you but Rodolphus does not have a clue about how to organise such events. I am sure as a Head Girl, as I was Head Boy, you had to arrange tedious parties like this?"
"I did, Si – To... My Lord," she said. "I found it fun."
"All right then, my vixen, I shall let you rest," he kissed her temple. She hated that it tingled and that her body liked the feel of his silken lips against her skin. "Now, go and have your rest."
He released her from his grip. The patiently waiting elf reached out for her hand, within seconds she was asleep.
One of the elves had woken her up with a cup of tea and a biscuit. She was alone and cold, however she used her wand for a warming charm and soon felt better. She walked over to her pink boxes and opened them on the bed. A female elf entered.
"I is to helps Miss Evans gets ready."
"Thank you...er..."
"I is just to helps. I is told not to converse with the special miss."
"Special... Miss?"
"You is our Lords special friend, so you is the special Miss."
Lily remained silent as she stood, once again, on a small pedestal. The elf worked fast, adjusting the outfit, laced up the corset Lily swore was looser in store, though it helped keep the spangled blouse in place as it pushed up her breasts, giving the heart-shaped ruff more of a dimension. The elf also managed to make fur cuffs with white sequins to wrap around her wrists. The orange of the outfit seemed to off-set her hair and the green of her eyes sparkled with the dark brown eye shadow and heavy black liner. The eyelash extension opened her eyes more.
"You is beautiful, Miss!"
"Thank you."
When Lily was primped, preened and dressed she wondered if she should leave but the elf told her to stay put. Moments later the Lord himself arrived dressed – as expected – as a black fox with white paws.
"My dear Miss Evans you do look wonderfully sweet," he said. "As my plus one, we are to greet each guest."
Lily took his hand demurely and rose up. Shyly she allowed him to lead her out of her room and into the hall where Lucius and Narcissa were dressed as peacocks. Bellatrix and Rodolphus were vampires. Rabastan came with a girl Lily vaguely recognised.
"Francine Flint I believe you know Lily Evans," their Lord said.
"We were in each other's year. How is Severus, Lily? Oh, I forgot, you ditched him when he called you a..." Rabastan coughed to cover up what would have been a faux pas on this night.
"Now, all of you, remember that there will be non-supporters of our maxim, so please, mind your manners and show them how we treat everyone. Lily here is a prime example of how we treat others. I trust you all to be on your best behaviour. DO NOT use terms such as: Filthy, Mudblood, Disgrace or Blood Traitor. We are mixing with the likes of Weasley and Potters and Lyall Lupin is bringing his Muggle wife, so we must be well behaved. Understand?"
Lily felt a lot of this was directed at Bellatrix and, perhaps, Francine. She was nervously fiddling with her sleeves as she stood by his side. She would never follow him but even she could not deny the effect of his words on her, how he spoke, how he led. By being near him she felt ten feet tall. They looked at the entrance hall as the elves stood by the doors. Then, with an intonation uttered by Rodolphus, the doors opened.
The first couple to enter were Euphemia and Fleamont Potter. Lily stood by the Lord and curtsied. Euphemia regarded her with an arched eyebrow, frowned at the way the one in the black fox outfit held onto her, but hid it under a formal curtsy and empty greeting. The next couple to enter were James and Mary – Mary looked at Lily confused as to how she wound up amongst the Slytherins they so despised in school. Lily wished she could talk but was told that a quiet 'thank you' and a curtsy were enough. Then Severus and Regulus showed up. Lily noticed that Regulus had dressed up as a Muggle. A proper Muggle and not a Wizard version of one. It made Lily smile. He came with Rosmerta on his arm. She was a Muggle too.
Severus came with no one but himself and was dressed up as a rather irate Potions Master in the making. That is what he replied to people who asked him about his costume... or lack thereof.
Greeting the guests took a good hour of the night – by then Lily felt a little dizzy. Thankfully it was a buffet rather than a sit-down dinner. The Lord entered the room and stood on a raised step: "Welcome to Châteaux Lestrange, my guests," his arms wide open as if trying to hug the entire room. "Tonight is not political it is fun. So eat, dance, be merry," he then looked at Lily and beckoned her up to the platform. "My special guest Miss Evans extends her warm welcome too," he was interrupted by a discreet cough by his side. Lily was alerting him to Lucius – clearly wishing to share his news. Tom graciously allowed his follower the time in the spotlight. "Mr Lucius Malfoy has an announcement to make."
Everyone stood and watched as Lucius, in his white peacock outfit smiled as he put a Sonorous on his voice: "It is my proud pleasure, due to the keen eyes of Miss Evans, to announce that my wife – Narcissa – and I, shall be extending our family by one!"
A polite applause sounded out – immediately women began to flock to Narcissa dressed as a white peahen glowing with joy at the prospect of being a mother. The men congratulated Lucius.
"Go," he said to Lily. "Mingle."
As soon as she was allowed to be on her own James and Mary rushed to her side: "What is going on, Lily?" James demanded.
"Nothing that concerns you!"
"THIS IS WHERE YOU'VE BEEN!" he shouted, drawing attention to them. Lily groaned with embarrassment as the disapproving tuts from the surrounding group reached her ears. "THIS IS WHY YOU'VE DUMPED ME SO YOU CAN BECOME A DEATH EATERS WHORE?"
Immediately she felt the air freeze around her, despite the warmth the crowd offered, she shivered.
"James, calm down, what I am doing is so much bigger than us. Trus..."
"Trust?" he snorted, he leered down at her. She could not believe that this was the same man she was once in love with. Were you though, a snide voice whispered inside her, you barely gave him much thought the moment you left Kilners Grove; she told the bitchy voice within to shut up. She jutted out her chin defiantly, prepared to face James venomous attack on her head on. "You know, now I know this about you I am pleased we are no longer engaged. You disgust me, Evans!"
"James please," Lily urged silently. "This is not what it..."
Suddenly, she felt a presence behind her and turned to see Lucius sneering down at James Potter.
"What have you got to say for yourself Malfoy?" James sneered.
"Miss Evans has behaved with decorum," his silver eyes narrowed dangerously, "much more so than you are now. If you persist in harassing Miss Evans I shall be forced to ask you to leave."
"I'm so scared!" James snarled.
"If we disgust you so much, why did you come, Potter?"
"Because I was told to, Malfoy" he said. "Believe me, I would not otherwise downgrade myself by being amongst Death Eater scum."
The atmosphere was becoming thick with vile accusation. Lily found it difficult to breathe. She felt dizzy – like she may faint at any moment now. She was mortified by the scene James was forcing upon her. Lily stiffened when the Dark Lord entered into the fray.
"Miss McDonald," he said calmly. "I trust you are well?"
"I-I'm fine," she replied. "W-who are you?"
"My name is Tom Riddle," he bowed. "I am Miss Evan's date. Lily, honour me with this dance?"
"I must go, please, James stay."
"Don't bother Lily, like you told Snivellus once: I don't want to hear it!"
Now that cracked her heart. To hear James speak like that to her hurt her almost as much as when Severus had spat that horrible word at her. Yes, she broke the engagement but she did it for him as much as for her. She did not want him to be stuck in a loveless union. It would not have been fair to him or her. Deep down inside, Lily was still hoping to remain friends with James. Tonight she realised that James was never going change, she had learned different shades of grey in her short time here. James was still monochromatic in his outlook.
"Fine James," she said in a small voice, "but none of this was done because I hated you."
"If this is how you show you like me I do not want to be shown how you hate me."
"You are well within your rights to leave, Mr Potter," Lucius said coldly.
"What has made you suddenly like her sort?" James narrowed his eyes. Lily wished the ground would swallow her whole. Her throat dried up. Narcissa had showed up with a glass of water. "You hate Mudbloods..."
The word caused a gasp to echo around the congregated group, Rabastan smirked in the shadows next to a scowling Regulus Black. If only Speckles knew why she was doing this he would be ashamed. Nothing matched the scowl Severus sported but he was here somewhat because Regulus wanted him too and to see how Lily was fairing. James seemed to have come to just cause trouble. Never had he despised Potter more than he did in this moment. Goodness knows what she was suffering here.
"I am sorry to disappoint, Potter, but that word has not passed my lips in her company. Why need it when she has shown exemplary courtesies and understanding. In fact," Lucius held on to Lily's shoulder but Narcissa was supporting her by the waist, stroking her hair. Lucius felt a little excited by the sight of these two women holding each other. "I find myself realising that Miss Evans is quite an amazing witch – now if you are only going to cause my wife's friend distress, I suggest you leave. Miss McDonald, do you wish to go or stay?"
"Sorry James, but this costume has a no returns policy. I'm staying and getting good use of my money."
Lily watched as he left alone. James was never on his own. Francine Flint followed him. Lily turned to the Dark Lord and accepted his hand for a dance. The party went smoothly after that.
Within an hour all thoughts of James Potter's disgust with her had left as she had danced with several guests. After another hour had passed she had danced with with several others, including Lyall Lupin. Her other friends father turned out to have roving hands and even more adventurous eyes. He tilted her chin up so they could lock gazes.
"The sexiest vixen in our midst," his deep welsh voice suckered her heart into a level of fear she really should have felt when Tom spoke to her like that. Cautiously she looked around and noticed that she was not the only one but she was definitely the one more suited to the costume. "If you ever desire..."
The come-on was disgusting. This was Remus' awful father, no, definitely not! She tried to politely step away but Lyall held her firmly in his grip. He bent his head low and began to whisper things he'd love to do to her. She was blushing so much by the end as his hands lowered down her body. Lily felt her butt cheeks being fondled by slimy hands.
"May I cut in?" she heard Tom say. Lyall stood back and caught sight of Hope, his dowdy put-upon wife, frowning at them. "Your wife has been somewhat neglected, Mr Lupin."
Angry at being thwarted Lyall stormed off in a huff. Unaware that Severus eyes had landed on Hope Lupin. He was rather struck by the similarities between Hope and his own mother.
"Wow," she exclaimed in anger. "He had his ha..."
"Do you object to my hands being just as adventurous?"
"Um," she responded.
"I did not think so," he smiled.
"So, where are we going now?"
"We are going to finish this dance. I want to explain how wonderfully you dealt with Potters immaturity. You are really good, Lily Evans, I do know you are not here to gain my mark – which is more the pity but I still desire to grant you a boon. What are you really here for, Miss Evans?"
They continued the sensual foxtrot – he leaned in and sniffed her fragrance. Her mouth dried up and smiled shyly: "I do not think I can say..."
"Please – you have done nothing but please me – I may not trust you but I do comprehend your reasons for being here. So, tell me, what is your wish and I shall grant it... At a price."
"A... a price, my Lord?"
"You please me well," he said. "There are many other manifestations of pleasure I would wish granted. I shall tell you which one the moment you tell me what it is you desire from me?"
Lily gulped as she held his gaze. Even hidden by black make-up his violet orbs sparkled. His eyes could lead her down the darkest alleys. The little nooks amongst Knockturn Alley could not compare. She took a deep breath, looked down at the floor over his shoulder. She turned her head and said rather quietly: "I am prepared to do anything, my Lord, to stop two people from... from gaining your Mark. I... I..."
"What two people?"
"They are here – please do not punish them – I said I am willing to do anything to..."
He stopped dancing and pulled her away at arm's length. His eyes a glitter storm of emotions. She did not know how this would work out. Would she die?
"My answer is dependent on the two in question. How useful they would have been to my side."
Lily gulped: "S-Severus S-Snape and R-Regulus B-Black," she stammered in a whisper. "They are..." she did not finish that sentence as he gripped onto her shoulders and looked into her eyes.
"They would have been extraordinarily useful – for this I need a big favour."
"Yes," she said breathily. "I will do anything for them to remain unmarked!"
He took her by her hips and pulled her close to his body where he stroked his length against her clothed core. She faltered in her footing when she felt him press his erection firmly showing his physicality and her effect on him: "Um, that's er – quite impressive."
"Nine inches," he smiled. "I bet you thought I was compensating or something – there is a reason Bella adores me."
Lily nodded: "Um so, er... w-what is it y-you..."
"You may not be able to be a DE but I can give you another mark – a small silver serpent I can use to call you to my bed whenever I am in need of you."
Lily lowered her lashes: "Surely you have many lovers, my Lord that..."
"Then watch as I mark..."
"No, please," she said quietly. "I was only wondering why you desire me to be your – your lover?"
"Do not all leaders take the best of the spoils, Miss Evans? You will be my concubine – or the two Wizards lives will be forfeit to me."
She let out a huge breath: "Yes, my Lord," she answered. "If it means Severus and Regulus will not be marked – I will take the mark of a concubine."
"This, of course, bears on how well you will bed me – Lily. I do not like a placid simpering witch. If you imagine I will let you lie there pretending – believe me I can tell when a witch is doing that – this deal is null and you shall be Rodolphus' pet for as long as he desires you. I, however, do not think that I will be disappointed. Will I, Lily?"
A flutter of fear swirled around her belly. She gulped and shook her head. Braving a glance into his eyes: "No, you will not be, my Lord. I am quite vocal and enthusiastic."
"Good," he purred as he stepped closer. "Perhaps, you may come to love me and follow me eventually."
He took her hand and led her to the large doors of the ballroom – three pairs of dark black eyes followed the couple. Their Lord turned around: "Continue in my absence friends and guests – I find myself suddenly in need of a rest as does my Lady with me. I bid you all good night."
Lily curtsied quickly then allowed him to lead her up the stairs to a most sumptuous looking bedchamber.
She was stunned – the bed was the size of her Thread Needle Street living room alone. Not to mention the chairs sitting by a warm fire waiting to be occupied. Bookcases that could dwarf Hagrid lined a circular enclave with its own set of sofas and little fireplace.
"How can anyone sleep in a room this size?" she asked.
"Why do we not find out, Lily?" he whispered in her ear.
A voice coloured by dark promises, forbidden nights and sinful actions. Shivers coursed through her body as he wrapped his arms around her.
"You are quite loyal to Severus, are you not, Lily?"
"Not as of late I am not."
"I am sure he will be a nervous wreck by the time morning comes – I saw you in his mind a few times – I have to admit I admired you then. How your hair seemed to shimmer your personality. Warmly glinting in all seasons. In Winter you were as warm as a furnace, in Spring you were the budding flowers, the new light and life. In Summer you were passion and desire. In Autumn though, that is where you truly fit. I watched you as Severus did, sitting in a glade, trees standing in serried rows as your sentinels – keeping you safe as you read. Oh yes, Lily, I like you – I," Tom pressed a kiss to her temple. He trailed his lips down the shell of her ear, not kissing her until he reached her neck, "like you," he reached around her body with his hand. "A lot!"
Once she realised the depth of his obsession Lily was frightened. Now, though, it was too late. He had made his stance clear. If she refused him now, out of fear, Severus and Regulus would suffer too. Her words to her ex floated back to her: This is bigger than all of us. Now was the time to prove those words true.
Taking a deep breath, she gathered her Gryffindorian sentiments of courageous hearts and deeds done fairly, she put herself in the role of an actress. Thinking only of Severus and Regulus, Lily allowed her eyes to smoulder, her lips to smirk, and her hands to touch.
"My Lord," she breathed in, her head fell back against his shoulder as she reached up with one arm tangling her fingers amongst the curls of his black hair. "I am yours!"