[Chapter Thirteen] Within Temptation

How many days had passed? How many longing looks? And how many times had Lena's heart split when she saw Draco with Parkinson and Daphne. Her rage flared easily and before she knew it, she was the top female student in Slytherin, and it was Christmas break.

As she walked out of Hogwarts with her trunk floating behind her as a diligent follower, the bleak mid-winter breeze glazed the girl's cheek and a shiver ran through her spine, just as the silver gray eyes came into view, and the mess of blonde hair, tousled from the wind.

Draco spun around once more, and Lena slowed her pace, noticing the large crowd of people surrounding him. The train wasn't due to leave for another ten or twenty minutes at least. The girl looked up at the dreary winter trees, some leafless, and other with sharp pine needles, spreading a wonderful scent with each gentle breeze. The girl shivered once more, this time not from the cold, her thoughts arriving on the events that were to come in the next two weeks. The girl almost wished that she could stay at Hogwarts from the break, but knew that would be unacceptable.

A chilly disposition overcame Lena as she approached the front door. A house elf stood outside, ankle deep in snow, no doubt at the demand of her psycho parents. They had also likely forbade the elf from warming itself with magic or clearing the snow by hand.

The elf immediately jumped out of the snow and opened the door, taking precautions to avoid getting any of the snow indoors. As Lena entered, the elf hit the hems of her cloak and robes with a spell the dried them instantly.

The girl turned back and waved her wand at the spot beneath where the elf had been standing, the snow melted away, exhuming tremendous steam. She spun around and entered her home, which had remained unchanged for as long as she could remember. She passed through the entryway which she had destroyed earlier that year, perfectly repaired, and continued quickly to her room, avoiding the accretion of voices coming from the sitting room and the dining room.

By the time Lena reached her own room, the voices had gone completely silent. Her trunk still followed behind her obediently and as it entered her room, it found its place at the foot of her bed, atop a table. Lena glanced over the table of presents, which she had never opened from her birthday over the summer. She had been so upset over Draco she had had no desire to do anything but mourn, let alone open presents or celebrate her impending old age. As she filled the tub, the steam helped to push the thoughts out of her mind, and she prepared herself for the best acting she would ever have to do in her life.

As the masked figured descended the staircase, everyone turned in awe. She wore a black and gold ballgown, and a matching mask. It was the Masquerade Ball Lena's parents held very rarely. The black on the skirt and bodice shone beautifully under the lights, and the gold trim and lacing throughout glistened luminously. A single gold bracelet laced her arm, elegantly bordering the Dark Mark. It felt almost a relief to let it show.

Lena finally stepped down the last step and made her way through the crowd to the open bar. She wouldn't be able to make it through tonight sober, but as she reached the table, she reminded herself that she needed to keep the utmost grip on her mind. Steering away, she found herself alone at the edge of the ball, unwilling to make conversation with any of the other Death Eaters, and avoiding any of the kids from school, Lena was thankful she wore a mask. Though an intelligent person could quickly distinguish who she was, she was hoping that the available alcohol would help to divert attention.

Suddenly, someone was in front of her, offering his hand. Lena shook her head quickly and coldly gave the man a rough bump on the shoulder. Tempted to head back up to her room, Lena found herself looking up at the gold throne that the Dark Lord sat in.

She felt his eyes meet hers and she nodded. Her thoughts menacingly went to her feelings of rejection, and she knew that he had heard, and the probing began in her mind.

How could you keep it from me that Draco was alive?

The probing continued but no answer came. After a few painful pokes the answer streamed into her head, causing a headache. I do not have to justify my reasons to you.

Lena moved away, careful not to smile, to show her joy that she had outsmarted him, defeated him. Was she, Lena Yavari, more cunning than the ever famous Tom Riddle? Could that notion even be remotely possible? The girl hindered her conceit quickly as a tall man appeared in front of her her.

She took his hand without hesitation and waited for the next song to begin.

The two stood across from each other, and their eyes met. Those perfect silver gray eyes. Lena's heart melted as the music began, the gentle strum of a guitar echoed off the acoustic panels on the walls. All the other people faded away as their eyes met, and they circled each other for a moment before Draco grasped her hand and her waist. A silent gasp escaped and Lena felt the warmth overcome her entire body as she glided gracefully across the marble floor.

All of his sins were forgiven, at least for that moment. Nobody mattered except for him.

The song came to a blissful end and Lena pulled away from him, giving a small smile, but she couldn't ignore the piercing sensation in the back of her neck.

They were being watched.