𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐓 ━━ golden trio era

[008] PROTECTION EFFORTS AND UNSPOKEN UNDERSTANDING

The somber atmosphere of Malfoy Manor hung heavy in the air as Juliet made her way through the dimly lit corridors. Her wavy red hair was open, accentuating the sharp angles of her face that had become more pronounced in recent months. Dark circles shadowed her hazel eyes, a testament to countless sleepless nights. She wore simple black robes, tailored to fit her lithe frame but designed for practicality rather than style.

As she approached the drawing room, Juliet could hear raised voices. Her heart rate quickened, recognizing the cold, high-pitched tones of Voldemort himself. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she pushed open the heavy oak doors.

The scene before her was tense. Voldemort stood at the head of the long table, his serpentine features twisted in anger. Gathered around were various Death Eaters, including Juliet's friends. Draco stood rigid, his platinum blonde hair a stark contrast to his black suit, his grey eyes fixed on the floor. Beside him, Theodore fidgeted nervously, his usually impeccable appearance slightly disheveled. Pansy and Blaise sat further down the table, both pale and visibly shaken.

"Ah, Juliet," Voldemort's voice cut through the silence. "How kind of you to join us. Perhaps you can explain why your... friends... have failed in their latest mission?"

Juliet's mind raced. She had known about the mission ── an attack on a safehouse believed to be harboring Muggle-born wizards. She had also ensured that the Order received an anonymous tip about the impending raid. Her friends' failure was, in fact, her success.

"My Lord," Juliet began, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her gut. "I take full responsibility for the mission's failure. I was the one who planned the strategy, and clearly, my intelligence was flawed."

Draco's head snapped up, his eyes widening in surprise and confusion. Theodore opened his mouth as if to protest, but a sharp look from Juliet silenced him.

Voldemort's red eyes narrowed. "Is that so? And why, pray tell, were you not present for this mission you so carefully planned?"

Juliet felt a bead of sweat trickle down her spine. "I was following up on another lead, my Lord. I believed it to be crucial and didn't want to waste the opportunity. It was my error in judgment to not be present for the raid."

The Dark Lord's wand twitched in his long, pale fingers. "Your error indeed, my little serpent. Perhaps a reminder of the cost of failure is in order. Crucio!"

Pain beyond imagination ripped through Juliet's body. She fell to her knees, biting her lip hard enough to draw blood to keep from screaming. Through the haze of agony, she could hear Pansy's muffled sob and Blaise's sharp intake of breath.

As suddenly as it began, the pain stopped. Juliet remained on her knees, panting heavily, her entire body trembling. Somehow, this felt worse than the last time, considering that she still faced the after-effects of the dark curses Voldemort and Bellatrix had used.

"Let this be a lesson to all of you," Voldemort hissed. "I do not tolerate failure. You are dismissed."

As the Death Eaters filed out, Juliet struggled to her feet. She caught Draco's eye as he passed, seeing a mixture of gratitude, concern, and something deeper that made her heart ache.

Once in the relative safety of the hallway, Theodore grabbed her arm. "What the hell was that, Red?" he whispered furiously. "You weren't even there!"

Juliet shook her head, forcing a weak smile. "Better me than all of you. I can handle it."

Pansy, her dark hair framing a face etched with worry, stepped closer. "You shouldn't have to handle it alone. We're in this together, remember?"