Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

Let Fall the House of Black

The Hogwarts Express.

June, 1978.

As the Hogwarts Express weaves its way across the countryside like an iron serpent, the two richest girls on the train sit side by side in the privacy of the compartment they've claimed for themselves. And, as befits the pure-blooded wizarding royalty they are, they're busy pampering themselves like spoiled princesses.

Feet kicked up onto the seats directly across from them, their mountain of luxury luggage shifts lazily back and forth in time with the steady motions of the train. Set in between them, an enormous bowl filled with an assortment of sweets: Peppermint Toads, Fizzing Whizzbees, Sherbert Lemons, and so many more.

Sighing to herself contentedly, Alecto Carrow sinks back against her cushioned seat as she sucks on a Sherbert Lemon and pulls out her compact for what must be the hundredth time since they departed Hogwarts.

From her place at Alecto's side, Emma Vanity narrows her eyes in concentration as she points her wand at her left hand and waves it, changing her nail colour yet again. Whistling softly, she holds up the hand for her friend to see, "What do we think about this shade, then?"

Scoffing as she glances at Emma's nails, Alecto shakes her head and begins rifling through her bag in search of her favourite lipstick, "We've gone over this. This season's colours are dusty rose, brightest aqua, and burnt sienna. So where in Salazar's name does that frightful shade of magenta fit into the palette, Emma?"

"Well ... perhaps it doesn't. But I rather like it."

"Absolutely not. Completely garish. And it makes you look tartishly common."

"I just thought ... perhaps with the warm weather -"

"- No, a thousand times no. Honestly, Emma, where would you be without me? It's embarrassing to even imagine."

Sighing defeatedly, Emma nods deferentially and flicks her wand again, her nails instantly transforming from the bright shade of reddish purple to a decidedly more muted earthy brown, "... How's this?"

Leaning forward, Alecto takes a few seconds to carefully consider the new colour before finally nodding, "Much better, yes."

Holding up her own hand next to her best friend's, she giggles as she wiggles her long, perfectly manicured fingers, "And best of all, a perfect compliment to my own."

Having finally earned Alecto's approval, Emma smiles. Like a puppy eager to please her master, she repeats the spell with the nails on her right hand. Setting her wand down on her lap, she holds up both hands and inspects her work.

A sudden, unnecessarily forceful knock on the door to the compartment causes both girls to still, their eyes meeting as they frown at the notion of a would-be intruder. Rolling her eyes in irritation, Alecto calls out impatiently, "Yes?"

The door sliding open, Henry Mulciber leans his thin willowy figure against the doorframe, dark eyes flashing into the compartment as he gives them both a barely perceptible nod, "Ladies ..."

Biting at her lip and scowling, Alecto instantly straightens up in her seat, "... Ugh. Go away, Henry! We're in the midst of a private pamper session."

His own lip curling as his mouth forms a disconcertingly handsome sneer, Mulciber shakes his head slowly, "Mmm ... no. No, I don't think so, darling. Not when we've got important matters to discuss."

Though the train jolts unexpectedly, Mulciber remains still as a statue, perfectly balanced on his feet as he and Alecto silently stare one another down. Finally, snapping her compact shut and tossing it back into her bag, she kicks her feet down and gestures towards the now vacant seat across from her, "Very well, Henry. Won't you please come in."