Rabbits and Rattlesnakes [Regulus Black/OC/Tom Riddle ]

Chapter 9

He was right, I had no idea what I was in for.

The manor was huge. The old brick walls let in small pockets of wind that sprinkled dust around the rooms. Regulus had warned me that morning when he said we would be leaving, but I expected something grander rather than something so old and dark. I was relieved. I felt comfortable here. I met the others first. The woman looked me up and down as if eying me for dinner.

"She's a child." She hissed to a tall man next to her.

"Just because she's younger than you doesn't make her a child." The man grinned as the wild' haired woman snarled.

"This is Bellatrix Lestrange, and this is Antonin Dolohov." Regulus spoke softly, guiding me around the room. I analysed the group. There were a multitude of characters, but mostly the slytherin type, which was great for me as I knew how to talk to slytherins and I knew I could win them over quickly. After my brief introductions I was more intrigued than ever to meet the dark wizard who'd collected such an interesting group of bandits. 

I felt his presence before I saw him. The confidence in the others' stares disintegrated, turning them into scattering mice around the perimeter of the room, and Regulus' grip on my arm tightened uncontrollably. The air chilled around me as the floor boards creaked behind me. Regulus turned me round, and my eyes landed on a large pair of shiny black shoes. I scanned up over the pair of black slacks that seemed to go on forever and an intimidatingly broad chest to land on a face. I exhaled slightly. At first I thought I was looking at an older version of Regulus, with his black hair and pale skin, but within seconds I could no longer see any similarities. This man's skin was icy, almost prickly. His eyes were black and narrow, determined. It was impossible to tell his age. He was older, the fine lines growing around his pale lips indicating his times around the sun, but he didn't look as old as he should. He watched my eyes as they darted around his features, trying desperately to overcome the strange sense of trepidation that was causing my palms to sweat.

"So Regulus, who do we have here?" His voice was low and sharp, his stare unwavering.

"This-" Regulus spluttered. "This is the girl I told you about my Lord, Eloise Griffin-"

"Ah yes, Miss Griffin." My eyes flickered to his, making me catch my breath. We stared at each other, both unflinching as we tried to to decipher the other's thoughts. "Are you aware of the tales of the Griffin?" I licked my lips trying to reintroduce some moisture before I spoke and noticed his eyes shoot down to watch. His gaze on my mouth made my stomach leap, but I knew first impressions were irreplaceable and tried to calm myself.

"The creature, my Lord?" I tried to speak slowly to avoid any unwanted voice breaks, but I felt a slight waver and silently cursed myself.

"Yes, the creature Miss Griffin. They're fierce beings, very dangerous. Are you dangerous, Miss Griffin?" His voice was like the smooth edge of a knife. I felt Regulus' eyes staring at me. I swallowed, making sure to collect myself enough this time. I never blinked, refusing to avoid the depth of his stare.

"I can be, my Lord." I felt a the corners of my mouth twitch slightly. "I can be as dangerous as you want me to be." There was a moment of pure terrifying silence as everyone turned their attention to the tall man in front of me. Then suddenly, I saw him smile. My eyes widened slightly at the sight.

"Good."