The Burning of the White Wisteria

MINICHAPTER: TOM

"My Lord," Aventus Avery kneeled before me, green eyes cast to the floor as he bowed his head deeply to show his submission to me. The green fire in the fireplace lit up his body, our shadows stretching all the way towards the black door. "I apologize for not coming to your aid beforehand."

I stretched my jaw, the feeling of a wicked bruise on my cheek, as I shifted in my chair. Curse that Sirius Black. "Get off the floor, you oaf," I ordered, kicking him to the floor with my shoe.

Avery scrambled to his feet pitifully, his expression similar to a dog's follow orders, only to bow once again. I took note of his trembling body, a satisfied feeling bubbling in my chest at the mere sight of it. Lestrange stood at his side, nodding to me respectfully, before placing a hand on his comrade's shoulder. "Dark Lord," he began, "what do you intend to do about Sirius Black?"

"Don't concern yourself on the matter." My fingers found one of my silver rings, twisting it around my finger as I stared into the fire. "I've been planning something for a while. I'll handle it personally."

"B-But, My Lord," Avery kneeled beside my chair, hands desperately holding onto the arm of it. "I desire nothing more than to help you."

Before I could even respond, Lestrange pulled Avery back towards his feet, holding his collar tightly. "He said he doesn't want our help, Aventus."

He's trying to protect him from me, I thought, how cute.

Merlin, how I despise people and their ridiculous feelings for each other. All they seem to do is cause trouble for me.

My hand gripped the arm of the chair thinking about it. My plans for Alexa would've been infinitely easier if she never developed romantic feelings for Sirius Black in the first place. Oh, how I longed to wipe his existence off the face of this planet. Murder, however, is messy. I'd rather not have to deal with Dumbledore investigating me before I've even got my story straight. Besides, I didn't understand her infatuation with him. I predicted that their relationship wouldn't last long-- that, eventually, she would fall for me but she proved herself difficult once again. It doesn't make sense. Surely, I'm better than him in every possible way: looks, power, and intelligence...

Most importantly, I have her father's respect.

Perhaps that's what's been keeping Sirius Black alive. I knew I had another option. What had started out as an attempt to spread my name in the pureblood community ended up being an extraordinary gain in my plans. Having Adolphus Malfoy's respect early on would save me from an infinite amount of struggle and planning shortly. The truth is that, in the end, Alexa Malfoy doesn't have a choice in who she loves. I think she knows it too. Her father's word would determine her future-- her husband, the father of her children most importantly. Sirius Black, though a pureblood, does not even come close to meeting Adolphus' expectations.

I could. It would be difficult giving my blood status, but even the most stubborn man can be turned into a servant if you spoke sweetly enough. Thinking of it, I glanced over at Aventus Avery. Oh, how he despised me when we first met and now? Well, now, he lives to kiss the ground I walk on.

Anyway, I didn't want to use that card if I didn't have to. Alexa wouldn't take it well. She'd somehow grow to hate me even more.

Oh, Little Alexa.

A frown formed on my face when I thought about our last conversation. I'd rather hoped that she would forget about our arrangement for just one dance. For a while, she did. The night was going infinitely well before that. She was actually smiling as she spoke to me and she'd looked absolutely darling in that white dress of hers, gaining the attention of so many men in the room-- even my followers. I was sure that every single one of them wanted to see what was underneath her dress, taunted by the sheer fabric on her torso. They knew not to touch her though.