Servitium
Latin (noun.) The essence of service and devotion, weaving a tapestry of humble dedication and unwavering loyalty.
"Oh my Ivory, you may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you. You let me violate your justice, destroy what...
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TW- mentions of rape and act of murder, read at your own discretion.
Ivory before anyone knew how difficult it was to master the art of Occlumency, for her it had been mentally exhausting and she had to learn to ignore her emotions, make her mind a blank canvas, learn discipline and focus, all to protect her mind from magical intrusion. So as she watched Bellatrix Lestrange teach Draco the art of Occlumency she didn't think he'd be able to master it to a level the Dark Lord deemed acceptable before the end of the summer holidays.
Bellatrix Lestrange had little patience and Draco Malfoy didn't have the dedication, he was far too emotional and with everything that had been placed on his shoulders, Ivory couldn't blame him. Only yesterday Draco had found himself under the Dark Lord's scrutiny, his eyes vicious and analysing and under his gaze the blond was less regal, almost like he was cowering into himself, a dimmed version of the proud, pompous and distinguished Draco Malfoy she knew only months ago.
If Draco was hiding something, the Dark Lord did not reveal, a man such as himself only revealed what he knew to manipulate. Still, as she watched them Ivory knew that the Dark Lord was rummaging through the Slytherin Prince's memories but Draco managed to hold his attention, his posture unshaken. Ivory imagined that even a seasoned Occlumens such as herself would struggle to detect Voldemort's Legillimency because she thought it would be of such skill and power, that it would be difficult to realise when he had invited himself in.
"Draco," the Dark Lord demanded in a hiss, his face was not pleased but contemplative. "Are you not versed in Occlumency?"
"No, my Lord," Draco answered, this caused him to turn to Snape who looked like he was waiting for the Dark Lord's interrogation.
"Severus, I understand you taught and are still teaching Ivory Occlumency, why did you not extend this offer to Draco? He will not be of use to me if Dumbledore meets as little resistance as I did."
Bellatrix who was sitting adjacent to her Lord, unusually silent and upright, perked up instantly, Ivory thought she might wave her hand in the air and scream 'Me! Me!' it was almost as if she knew what Voldemort was thinking before he had even said it because then he spoke.
"I imagine you are rather busy with your occupation Severus, you still have a part to play, so, Bella," he glanced briefly at the elder Black sister. "You will teach your nephew Occlumency."
Bellatrix bowed her head. "Yes, my Lord, I will."
This brought them to the present, where Bellatrix was looming over Draco wand pointed as he sat on a wooden chair his knuckles white from gripping either side of it.
"COME ON DRACO! CLOSE YOUR MIND!" Bellatrix shrieked, she seemed to have forgotten that she had an indoor voice and had taken to shrilly sounds all morning and a quarter of the afternoon. Bellatrix only seemed to be adding to Draco's frustration, Ivory thought she might offer to help but she didn't know if Bellatrix would take offence, so she simply lingered behind watching silently.
