Her King ( Tom Riddle )

NOT A PAWN

The halls of Malfoy Manor buzzed with activity as house-elves darted to and fro, meticulously preparing every corner for the impending grand wedding. Whose nuptials, you ask? None other than the heir to the Malfoy legacy, Abraxas Jonson Malfoy himself. Lord Malfoy beamed with paternal pride, his heart swelling with admiration for a son who scarcely hesitated in accepting the marriage proposal from the esteemed Greengrass family. Abraxas's betrothed? The youngest daughter of the Greengrass household, the enchanting Sabrina Jasmine Greengrass. With her porcelain complexion akin to freshly fallen snow and captivating brown eyes brimming with vitality, she perpetually wore a demure smile that bespoke cordiality on the surface, yet harbored the astuteness of one well-versed in the art of strategic maneuvering—a quality that now secured her place within one of the most illustrious pureblood lineages. Abraxas was ensconced in his private study when a gentle knock disrupted his solitude. "Come in," he uttered softly. The door creaked open to reveal a petite figure in a regal dark gown, moving with an air of utmost confidence. It was none other than Swethlana Karren Black, one of his closest confidantes."My dear, why the solemn countenance?" she inquired, her voice as smooth as velvet. Abraxas couldn't fathom why his own best friend would adopt such a demeanor. With a slight scoff, he retorted, "Why this pretense, Sweth? Surely you are not oblivious to the situation."The tall girl settled into a plush armchair and fixed her gaze squarely on her friend. "You must come to terms with it, my dear. Sabrina is a fine young woman who could prove to be invaluable to you in many respects."Another derisive scoff escaped Abraxas as he listened to her words. "Beneficial for me or for Tom?" His question only seemed to enrage the girl further. "Everything he does is for our collective benefit. So cease your lamentations and cease being so weak," she spat back sharply.The tall, blonde man rose abruptly, towering over her like a mountain. "I am utterly loyal and respectful to my lord. All I seek is solace and empathy from my closest friend," Abraxas admitted with a hint of vulnerability. Swethlana could discern the tremor in his voice, and after a brief sigh, she enveloped him in a comforting embrace."My sincerest apologies, my dear," she murmured softly. "The stakes are dire, and your apprehension has unsettled me." "I understand the gravity of the situation, but could you refrain from treating me as a mere pawn in this game?" came the gentleman's pained plea.

As they ventured through the deep forests of Romania, two figures strode purposefully toward a grand manor looming ahead. "I still cannot fathom that she employed her voodoo charms to whisk me here," lamented the young Asian lad in a fraught tone."Oh, do cease your melodrama, my dear. We've nearly arrived," countered the elegant young woman with a warm brown complexion. Upon reaching the manor's entrance, they were met by a quartet of figures, among whom the young woman's anger was immediately directed towards a tall, pale gentleman."Severus Snape! Pray tell, why did you abandon me at the muggle station in London with this wailing princess?" Sunaina Kholia exclaimed with an edge to her voice, tossing her trunk disdainfully towards him."My apologies, Kholia. I had presumed you capable of reaching us unaided. Nevertheless, here you stand before us, proving us wrong," Snape replied coolly, his demeanor untouched by her outburst.

The tall gentleman deftly transfigured the trunk with a flick of his fingers, slipping it effortlessly into the voluminous folds of his robe. "Ah, our esteemed guests have arrived. It's a rare pleasure to greet living visitors," remarked Izumi, the very same enchantress who had ensnared Si-Minak with her voodoo magic back at the Ministry of Magic. Upon hearing this, the other young man accompanying Sunaina recoiled. "Keep your distance, you madwoman," Si-Minak retorted sharply, causing an uneasy ripple among the assembled group. Adrian exchanged a puzzled glance with Catrina. "Are you certain they've chosen the right individual? He hardly seems the sort our lady would find necessary."

"Adrian, silence yourself!" snapped the beautiful blonde woman with a hint of indignation in her voice, effectively silencing him. "This gentleman may appear timid to you, but his intellect surpasses most. He possesses knowledge gleaned from countless libraries, owing to his heritage in the realm of light magic. Moreover, having been a member of Slytherin at Hogwarts, he boasts a formidable understanding of the darker arts as well."

With Adrian duly subdued, the group proceeded towards the entrance of the manor. It stood majestic, akin to Hogwarts but adorned in hues of green, silver, and black. Unlike the iconic school perched on a cliff above a dark lake, this manor nestled deep within the forest and housed only a select few. Its interior boasted an endless array of rooms, each possessing its own unique charm and allure.

Upon stepping inside, they were greeted by a bustling scene of diligent elves, diligently attending to their tasks amidst paintings, numerous bookshelves, and a magnificent fireplace tucked into a corner. As they advanced further into the expansive hall, their gazes fixed upon a solitary figure observing their arrival.