Shadows of Darkness

Death Eaters

As the icy wind howled around the ancient mansion that served as the meeting place for the Death Eaters, Oakley Crouch hugged her cloak tighter. She stood at the edge of the dimly lit room, her vibrant blonde hair cascading around her shoulders like shimmering gold, drawing glances from the older Death Eaters gathered in anticipation. For Oakley, being popular in Slytherin had always come with its perks—arranging parties, charming professors, and basking in the envy of other students—but tonight felt different. An underlying tension rippled through the air, electrifying it.

The atmosphere shifted suddenly as Voldemort entered the chamber, the air thick with anticipation. His presence sent a shiver down Oakley's spine, a mix of fear and excitement. Everyone hushed instantly, their backs straightening as the infamous Dark Lord took his place at the head of the gathering. Dressed in black robes, he looked every bit the embodiment of power, his snake-like visage glaring at them through fierce, red eyes.
"Tonight, we gather to discuss our future," he began, his voice echoing ominously throughout the cavernous room. "Our future requires strength, and strength requires blood, specifically blood that is purest. The Crouch line—especially through the exquisite Oakley—holds power far beyond your comprehension."
A murmur of interest spread among the assembled Death Eaters, and Oakley felt herself freeze.
"Blood binds us," Voldemort continued, his eyes scanning the room. "It is crucial that our young—our future—forge alliances that will solidify our strength. Arranged marriages will bolster our cause."
Oakley's heart raced as she processed his words. Marriages? She exchanged glances with Regulus, whose brow tightened in concern. Confusion and dread crept into her heart. How could they dictate who she would marry as if she were merely a pawn in a larger game?
"Together, Alecto and Evan," Voldemort declared, pointing a bony finger at the couple. "You will join your houses and solidify our power."
Alecto looked unfazed, smirking as if this were merely a game — but Evan didn't share her enthusiasm. He glanced around the room as if he sensed the trap their leader had set.
"And Regulus and Oakley," Voldemort continued, his voice growing more intense. "A union that will bring together two lines, further entwining our destinies."

"Ah, the beautiful Oakley Crouch!" Bellatrix cackled, her voice slicing through the air like a knife. She patted Regulus on the back, her enthusiasm almost predatory. "What a splendid addition to our family this will be, isn't that right, dear?" Oakley gave a small smile.
"Yes, splendid," Orion Black said, his deep voice resonating in the room. "With the Crouches allied to our name, our legacy can only grow stronger.
"Enough!" The dark lords voice sliced through the discussions, leaving an echo of silence in its wake. "We are here to set this in motion, not to debate worth. Regulus and Evan you will be betrothed to Oakley and Alecto at the next moon cycle. Simple as that."

"Perhaps we should wait a moment," Oakley said, her voice unwavering as the others looked stunned. "Regulus and I should—"
"Speak together?" Bellatrix interrupted, her laughter ringing shrill. "Oh, this is rich. Perhaps you'll tell him all those charming little things that can sway him?"
"I want to hear what she has to say," Regulus replied, a fire ignited within him.

Regulus took Oakley's hand, pulling her up from her chair. "You and I need to sort through this together, away from all this," he said, bringing an appreciative smile to her lips as they walked toward the door, ignoring the incredulous expressions thrown in their direction.
"Black men don't run!" Belatrix sneered.
"Not all Slytherins follow suit," Regulus shot back, an edge to his voice that signaled their sudden departure was without retreat.
Once they were outside in the dimly lit hallway, they leaned against the cool wall, breaths heavy with the weight of what loomed ahead.
"Do they always do this?" Oakley asked, her heart still racing.
"Worse, sometimes. But I refuse to be chained by their expectations. I won't betray you for the sake of a betrothal... if that is what you want," he added, turning earnest eyes toward her, his hand still grasped tightly in hers.
"That's the problem," she murmured, panic flickering in her chest. "I want you, Regulus, but I don't want to be a pawn in their game."
"There has to be a way." Regulus's voice dropped to a whisper, desperation threading through it. "We can be more than the stories they tell. I—I'll figure something out."