Black Rose [Regulus Black]

08 - mutilated horrors & tea parties

A series of loud cracks rang out through the air, causing Alessandra to let out a gasp of horror.

For in front of them stood a strange creature with the most horrendous face she'd ever seen, he appeared more reptilian than human. His skin was pale with blue veins running through his bald pate, his eyes were the crimson shade of blood with visible insanity streaking through them, and his nose...what had become of his nose? It looked like someone had smashed it in with a rolling pin.

She quickly shut her mouth when she saw the strange expression of reverence on Reg's face as he bowed. "My Lord. Alessandra, he's the leader I told you about, the one who will bring greatness to our land and purge the world of all the Mudbloods."

His face was emotionless, making him look like a marble statue, but it somehow became clear to her that she had to play along.

"My Lord," she knelt, bowing her head with respect as she tried her hardest not to freak out.

"You may rise," the man spoke up, his voice smooth yet chilling, and shivers ran down her spine. "Why have you called the Dark Lord, Regulus?"

Reg was at a loss for words. He had no idea what to say that would explain this situation, and cursed the deities overhead for blessing him with such terrible luck that he managed to summon the bloody Dark Lord, of all people.

Thankfully, Alessandra took over, plastering a cheerful expression on her face. She had no idea what was going on, but was going to pretend that she was fully in charge. It worked at her school when she was called on, so it would probably work here.

"My Lord," she smiled brightly, her voice sickly sweet. "You see, darling Reggie and I had come back from a wonderful trip to the apothecary at Diagon Alley. When we apparated back, I saw your mark on his arm, and had to see it because I've heard such amazing things about this! Of course, he was only too happy to brag about it for it was such an honor for him, and I accidentally touched it. I apologize for pulling you away from your extremely important duties, it was an unfortunate accident." She smiled once again for good measure, trying to flatter him as much as possible.

Reg caught on to what she was trying instantly, and plastered a lovestruck smile on his face, rather like those couples at Madam Puddifoot's. "What she's said is absolutely true, my Lord. Alessandra is an amazing woman, she and I are courting. Of course, I had to show her my mark for it was one of the highest honours I have ever received. Please accept our apologies."

Sandra was smart, he'd have to give her that. Despite not knowing much about the magical world, she'd somehow managed to come up with a completely accurate excuse and sell it thoroughly.

"Lord Voldemort forgives you, for like you said, the Dark Mark is one I only bestow upon the most worthy. However, can I trust you not to broadcast your Dark Mark to every woman you meet, Regulus?"

"Of course, My Lord."

"Excellent," he leered, looking like the monsters she'd dreamt of as a child. "Aren't you going to invite me inside?"

Regulus' breath caught in his throat. "My Lord?"

"I need to be introduced with your acquaintance. I'm certain she'll be very useful to our cause, won't she?"

No, no, no, this wasn't good. If his mother saw the Dark Lord and told him everything, Alessandra wouldn't live to see the light of day again. But, it wasn't like he could refuse the man.

He could only pray that she would be smart enough to do what was right, and that his mother would be compliant for once in her life.

"Of course, My Lord." He stepped aside for the Dark Lord to walk forward, suppressing his revulsion. "After you."