Author's note: Hi guys! I'd like to thank all of you for the support, and to apologize for the bad grammar, but english isn't my mother language and I'm struggling to write everything as correctly as I can... Also, I don't know how to get a Beta reader, so if anyone knows how, or wish to do it, I'd appreciate. Please let me know if something is incomprehensible, so that I can fix it.

And please review so that I know if you guys are liking the story.

The Serpent's Lair

Lucy didn't want to wake up, she was far too comfortable and warm to move from her spot under the covers, at least until she began to wonder where she was and what had happened, once the memories came back to her, she snapped her eyes open and sat up quickly, which she regretted immediately because she felt the room spin around her.

_You're finally awake. - A soft voice said besides her. Startled, Lucy looked to her side and saw a beautiful blonde woman sitting on a chair near the bed, a book resting on her lap, and inquisitive blue eyes watching her intently. Lucy furrowed her brow, she remembered the woman faintly but couldn't pinpoint who exactly she was.

_Who are you? Where am I? - She asked, her voice louder than usual, her eyes shifting from the woman to the luxurious room they were in, it was tasteful decorated in cream, brown and golden, there was a window, that was currently closed and a big fireplace, her trunk was placed next to her bed and Hedwig's cage was a top of it, but was empty, her wand was sitting on the bedside table. She also noticed that she wasn't wearing her own clothes, but was dressed in a simple blue gown instead, the realization making her clutch a bit tightly onto the covers.

_I'm Narcisa Malfoy, we're on the Serpent's Lair, also known as the Slytherin castle. - The woman said calmly, Lucy open her mouth to say something but Narcisa continued. - You've been unconscious for many hours, it's almost dinner time now, doctor Crabb just left. Once you were rescued from those muggles house My Lord brought you here, to his home, and called me so I could take care of you. Are you feeling better?

Lucy blinked it was a weird notion, she had been rescued from the Dusleys? By Voldemort? It was truly laughable, had anyone told her it'd happen a year ago and she'd think they were crazy, then again a year ago she could never believe she'd be engaged to the man either. Noticing that Narcisa was still watching her, Lucy hurried to answer.

_Yeah… I feel better. - She answered truthfully. - What happened to my clothes? - Narcisa made a disdainful face.

_Those rags, were all bloodied, I had to take it off so your wounds could be properly cleaned, but I must say that you have quite the talent with healing magic, you had already healed the worst damage yourself.

_Uh… It was accidental magic really… I don't know any healing spell. - Narcisa gave her a surprised look at that, but suppressed the expression fast enough.

_Well then, I think you may want to take a bath, the bathroom is over there,- The blond said motioning to a door to the right.- I've brought some of my own clothes you can use, since we couldn't find anything suitable among your things besides the school robes, tomorrow I'll accompany you to shop for some new clothes.

_Oh… Well thank you but… I don't think it'll be necessary, I'll just change and leave. - Lucy answered and Narcisa, arched her eyebrows to her.

_Leave? You can't leave, the ministry decided that since you have no others relatives you should stay with your betrothed during the remainder of summer, even Dumbledore agreed to that. - The woman said as if she was commenting about the weather.

Lucy narrowed her eyes at that.

_What? They simply decided that I have to stay here? That's ridiculous! I'm not staying, I don't have to be anywhere near Voldemort until the marriage and sure as hell I don't want to! - She nearly screamed, but the older woman only watched her with a statue-like face.

_I understand the situation may not seem ideal to you, but I truly can do nothing to change that, I advise that you take a bath and come down to dinner, the Dark Lord will be thrilled to see you, and it's possible that he may let you stay with some of your friends, he brought you here only so he could take you away from danger after all. - Narcisa said standing up and walking out of the room, she stopped by the door and glanced sideways to the girl on the bed.- I'll send an elf to take you to the dine room later, I'm sure you're hungry and will want to thank the lord…- With that said she slipped out and closed the doors behind her.

Lucy stared at door, she wanted to scream that NO! there's no way that Voldemort had done anything to help her without a hidden motive, and no, there's no way she'd thank him, or dine with him, or stay in that place for a second longer than was absolutely necessary. But there was no one there to listen and even if she whole heartedly believed that he must have an ulterior motive to take her out of the Dusley's, she couldn't think of any, and therefore she couldn't very well accuse him of anything… yet.

Sighing she threw the covers away from her and stood, she entered the door Narcisa told her was the bathroom and saw that there werealready some clothes for her and very fluffy towels near the bathtub, she made a quick trip to the loo and filled the tub with streaming hot water and all sorts of scented salts she could find.

The hot water made wonders to her body, that was still somewhat stiff due to the many hours of sleep. As she relaxed in the water she couldn't help but think about what Narcisa said, did she really believe she was going to thank Voldemort for anything? Should her? She couldn't deny that he had actually saved her, it had probably been Snape who saw what was happening and informed him… He could just have ignored it and let her there, it wasn't like she'd die before the wedding or anything, but he had informed the Ministry and had gone there himself, even if his presence had actually done a lot more damage than good.

Idly she wondered what would happen to her Uncle and Aunt, she'd have to ask someone during dinner… Voldemort couldn't possibly have killed them, could he? Probably not, it'd be bad propaganda so soon after the treaty, they'd probably be arrested, maybe go to Azkaban…

Once she was dressed, with a really beautiful light-pink silky robes, it was a bit too long and the sleeve went well past her hands, but it was still a lot more fit than Dudley's old clothes and she was a lot pretty wearing it too. Lucy put on the nice soft slippers that were left for her with the clothes and exited the bathroom, an elf was standing on the middle of the room, it's big brown eyes fixed on the ground.

_Mistress Lucy, Tipsy welcomes you Mistress! The Master Dark Lord is waiting the Mistress for dinner! Tipsy must show the way to the Mistress! - The elf said with it's tiny high shrieked voice, bowing low to her.

_Huh… Hi Tipsy, thank you. - She said quietly, and the brown eyes fixed on her as if she was the most bizarre attraction on a circus, and then it smiled up at her.

_Come! Come! Mistress with beautiful eyes! Come with tipsy! Tipsy will show the way to the pretty mistress ! - The elf started to blab and Lucy grabbed her wand and followed the she-elf out of the room with a bemused smile.

Tipsy led her through a maze of corridors and stairs, the castle seemed to be as big if not bigger than Hogwarts, it was mostly done in black stone, but there were some details in marble or silver along the halls, it was beautiful if not a bit gloomy, there were snake carvings on the walls and Lucy had the creepy feeling that they were moving. They stopped in front of two double doors that Tipsy pushed open

_Here, that's where the Master is Mistress Lucy with beautiful eyes! - She said excitedly.

_Thank you Tipsy. - Lucy said and stepped inside trying her best to ignore the aching on her scar that had started burning since she got to the door.

It was a small living room, inside were Narcisa, Lucius, Snape and sitting in a throne-like chair by the fire was Voldemort, they all turned to look at her when she came in, but her eyes fixed themselves on the red ones, narrowing slightly when the pain on her forehead increased.

_Welcome to my home Lucy. Ssssssit. - He said pointing to a chair besides his own.

Lucy glanced at the chair for a moment but chose to sit on another one, the furthest away from him, he lifted an elegant eyebrow at this.

_Why are you sitting so far away my dear bride, could it be that you're afraid of me? - He asked sarcastically, and Lucy's eyes narrowed further at that.

_I'm not afraid of you Voldemort. - She hissed angrily. - I'm so sorry if I'm not playing along your little game, but my scar is hurting enough as it is, and I really don't want to make it any worse.

Red eyes watched her pensively a long finger traced his elegant chin, he didn't seem annoyed by her biting tone, he seemed intrigued.

_Your scar still hurts because of me… that's a problem… Is there anything we can do to fix that Severusss? - He said after a moment of silence.

The Potions master shifted uncomfortably on his chair when his Lord gaze fell upon him.

_I'm afraid not my Lord, Potter had been affected since your rebirth every time you're close by or when you have a strong emotion…- Snape said slowly, trying not to cower under the sharp gaze and failing miserably at that. - But it's possible that once you're bonded and there's no feeling of hatred or fear between you that she'll stop feeling the pain.

Voldemort didn't seem to be happy with the answer and Lucy wondered if he was planning on casting a cruciatus curse on Snape, her scar seemed to burn more at the thought and she couldn't suppress a grimace, causing the red eyes to rest on her again.

_What you've done with the Dusleys? - She asked suddenly, not bothering to hide the accusing tone on her voice.

_I've let them under the Ministry custody, they will no doubt be thrown into Azkaban, I'll make sure of that. Why my bride, do you feel pity for that scum? - Voldemort said, displeasure showing through his voice, and her scar throbbed just a bit further.

_You should have let me eat them Masssster- A hoarse voice said just behind her and Lucy startled, looking behind herself to see Nagini sliding inside the room.

_I would have loved to let you my friend but that would be counterproductive for my plansss. - Voldemort hissed back.

The black snake came forward and stopped in front of Lucy's chair, lifting it's big head to look at her more closely.

_Hello Mistresss Lucy, It's an honour to meet my massster bride. - The snake said ducking slightly in what should have been a bow.

_Hello Nagini, it's nice to speak to you in less tenssse circumstancessss.- Lucy answered dryly remembering the night when Voldemort had come back to life and the snake had been very hostile towards her.

_Forgive my later rudenessss my Mistressss, now I'm at your servicccce.- Nagini answered and repeated the attempted bow, coming slightly closer to Lucy.

_I don't need your services Nagini, but I may accept your friendship…- Lucy answered and stretched her hand to pet the giant snake, which in turn rested it's big head on her knee. Lucy couldn't help it, she liked snakes, being a parselmouth she had the tendency to befriend them.

_It's good to see that you've become friends with Nagini…- Voldemort said with an evil smirk, Lucy looked up at him and glared.

_I can't blame her for the misdeeds of her master. - She answered spitefully, but his smirk only broadened.

_It's time for dinner.- Voldemort stated in English and stood, Lucy glared at him some more while the others got to their feet, they all seemed wary, probably feeling uncomfortable for witnessing a conversation in a language they couldn't comprehend and which creeped them out.

Dinner was an uncomfortable affair, Lucy saw herself being forced to sit by the Voldemort's right, who sat at the head of the table, her scar burned more due to the close proximity but she did her best to hide it, and concentrated solely on her food. The others talked about business, except for Narcisa who looked slightly bored, but Lucy didn't pay attention to what was being said, they weren't talking anything that went against the treaty nor that seemed particularly suspicious.

When they were almost finished Voldemort turned to her.

_Narcisa tells me that you're going shopping tomorrow, you will no doubt start helping her with the preparations for the wedding, it has to suit your tasssssste after all.- He said smoothly, and she glared at him.

_I'm not making any plans for this wedding Voldemort! It wouldn't even happen if I had a choice, and I'm not staying here either, tomorrow I'm leaving. - She answered gritting her teeth.

His eyes narrowed at that.

_Oh, no you're not leaving dearrr bride. You can't leave, you'll be staying here with me until the wedding and of course afterwards. - He said coolly but his voice had threatening edge to it .

_I have no obligation to stay here before the wedding and I'm sure as hell not spending my last free summer here. - She answered hotly, the pain on her scar increasing.

_You'd rather spend it with those muggles?- He asked and she winced when a hot wave of pain washed over her. - You don't have a choice on the matter my dear, the Ministry has already stated that you should stay here. - He brought one pale hand to caress her cheek, the moment his cold skin touched hers, her scar burst in excruciating pain that irradiated through all her body, she started to shiver and bit down her lip to stop herself from screaming even as a tear slid down her cheek

If things kept going this way she'd die from the pain soon enough, he could torture her with just a flitting touch or with a bit of anger, her life would be utter hell, and she couldn't even begin to imagine what would happen when they were married and he had the right to rape her.

He took back his hand and the pain subsided, she opened her eyes again and saw that he was watching her with annoyed eyes, she kept still breathing hard, she felt like she had just being through the cruciatus curse her whole body ached.

_Tipsy. - He called and the elf popped up in front of him. - Show Lucy the way to her room. - He ordered and Lucy struggled to her feet, slowly following the elf, even if it hurt to move just yet she wanted to be as far away from Voldemort as possible, at least the pain on her scar dulled with every step away from him she took. The relieve from the pain was good enough for her to obey him without question.

_Thissss can't go on Severusssss. - Voldemort said when the girl left the room. - I can't have a bride which I cannot touch. Find me a solution! - He snapped and stood from his chair stalking out of the room with Nagini following just behind.

_Is Mistress Lucy alright? Is Mistress Lucy in pain? Can Tipsy help Mistress? - The elf asked anxiously when they exited the dine room.

_No, Tipsy, I'm fine…- Lucy said smiling softly at the elf. For now she was truly fine, for now Voldemort wouldn't hurt her so much, not before the bond, but after… She was sure she'd be anything but fine.

She found the window opened and Hedwig waiting for her on her room, two letters attached to her leg.

_Thank you for showing the way Tipsy. - Lucy said quietly, the elf bowed threw her another worried look and disappeared. Lucy sat on the bed and Hedwig landed besides her, screeching her leg so she could take the letters.

_Hey girl… Are you hungry? I'm sure there are still some treats on your cage over there. - She said running her hand over the snow-white feathers, Hedwig hooted and nipped her earlobe fondly. Smiling a bit Lucy proceeded to open the letters, one were from Ron, the other from Sirius.

Hey Mate,

How are you? We're all very worried here. Mum got really pissed when she heard what happened to you, she wanted to go and hex those muggles insides out herself. Why didn't you tell us about the beatings having gotten worse? You know Dumbledore would have taken you out of there if you did…

Anyway, we're worried about you staying with that bastard too; dad is trying to convince the Ministry to let you stay here during the rest of the summer. Hermione is still in France with her parents, but I've sent her an owl telling what happened.

Everyone is sending their best wishes and hoping you're okay, we'll be at your wedding…

Hugs, Ron

Ps. I still think we should kill the bastard that calls himself your fiancé, just send an owl and I, Fred and George will go there to rescue you okay?

Lucy laughed a bit as she finished Ron's letter, she could very well picture Mrs. Weasley ranting about killing her relatives and Ron and the Twins plotting her rescue. She just wished it was true what he said about Dumbledore, the headmaster wouldn't take her out if she asked, it wasn't as if she hadn't asked before anyway, he'd just say it was the safest thing for her, and she knew he actually believed it was for the best, just it was the best for the wizarding world not her.

Putting the first letter aside she moved on to Siriu's.

Hey, cub

Are you okay there? Please write me an answer okay? I'm dying from worry here, Remus is too. I hope Voldemort doesn't try anything with you, I'm going to kill him if he does. Actually I want to go and kill those muggles too, but Remus and Dumbledore convinced me it wouldn't be a good idea to be arrested again for murder after all the trouble you had to clear my charges. Anyway, I hope those monsters get a lifetime sentence.

I'm trying to get you to come stay with me until the wedding, I'm sure the weasleys want you to go stay with them too, I just can't believe the Ministry threw you there with Voldemort.

Now let me give you some good news, I'm sure you need them, I'll be your future DADA teacher, Dumbledore offered me the position a couple weeks ago. It was supposed to be a surprise but due to the circumstances I thought it would cheer you up to know. Also the other good news is that I'll be an uncle again, and you'll gain a little cousin. Remus got Tonks pregnant. Those bastards have been together for almost a year now and didn't tell us! I should kill Moony for that. Anyway… She's three month's pregnant and will be due sometime around January. I really can't wait to see Moony on diaper duty.

I think that's it cub, me and Moony will be there on your wedding, and if everything goes right you'll see us before that.

Love, Sirius.

Lucy had tears on her eyes when she finished the letter, she wanted so much to be with her godfather, the only family she still had… But she knew it was almost impossible for her to see him before her birthday, it was only a few weeks away, and things with the Ministry always took too long. She also knew it was very probable she wouldn't be his student either, she doubted Voldemort would let her go back to Hogwarts. And Remus was going to be a father… She just wished she could see him, and Tonks, she never had been around a pregnant woman before, she wondered if Tonks would let her rub the baby bump when she saw her…

Lucy curled herself on the bed hugging the letters to her chest, tears were sliding freely through her cheeks now. She cried herself to sleep, thinking about her friends, and her home, and the family she never had and would never have…