Midnight || Sirus Black

chapter 6

It was the day of the engagement party. Weeks had gone by since Esther had become a Death Eater, as she found out more from her father that night. Lucius had joined straight out of Hogwarts, she had gone to her first death eater meeting, she had seen many of her fellow classmates, including Tiberius, she knew that his father had been involved into dark arts but she never knew that Tiberius would be involved, she remember the look on his face when she walked into that room, his eyes widened and his his pale, staring at her emotionless face. his eyes kept wavering to her throughout that day. She remembers what he whispered into her ear before she left, 'you shouldn't have to go through all this.'

"Esther?" Tilly jolted her out of her thought, "Miss asks you to be ready by 1:30, guest with be arriving at 2:00."

"Thank you Tilly." She got herself from her bed, she was reading a new book Emilia got her, "When do the Blacks get here?"

"They have already arrived, Mrs. Black is with Miss, while the men are in Mister study."

"Thankyou Tilly." She rose from her chair going to her closet while Tilly arranged the jewels that she would wear of the night. she pulled out a black gown, sliver and green trimming around the entire piece. It screamed Slytherin. Good. Tilly helped her with the corset, she cursed women fashion. As she was done she was ready to take on the night. Not being happy, she made sure the mark on her left forearm was covered for the night, wanting Sirius to not see it and make a scene. That was something that her family needed, and Black's did not need another outburst from the eldest Black.

"Thankyou Tilly." She hugged the small elf, "Go to my Mother I will be down shortly." It was two already, meaning the manor would be filled with many people. Coming from all over, Mother said that this was a sign of a good thing. Good thing my arse. She made her way out of her room, her Mother waiting outside the door,

"Now, smile, chin up." She tilted up Esther chin. Pulled her into a hug, "Please make me proud dear."

"Of course Mum." She rarely said mum, only in these type of situation, where they could let down their guard. Taking her mother's arm they made their way to the main hall.

The grand hall of Malfoy Manor was adorned with opulent decorations—green and silver draped elegantly from the high ceilings, reflecting the house colors. The air was thick with anticipation as Esther entered, the low hum of chatter filling the space like a well-rehearsed symphony. Today was supposed to be a celebration of her engagement to Sirius Black, but underneath the festive atmosphere lay an undercurrent of tension, one she could feel in her bones.

"Now, smile, chin up," her mother had instructed, and Esther plastered on a bright smile, despite the turmoil churning within her. She was acutely aware of the mark on her left forearm, the Dark Mark that bound her to a world she was trying to navigate but felt increasingly trapped within. Her eyes flickered to the guests, familiar faces, each one a reminder of the weight of her choices.

As the clock struck two, the first guests began to arrive. Among them were the Blacks, dressed in their customary black robes, radiating an air of authority. Sirius stood out even in his family's garb, his dark hair tousled, a rebellious spark in his eyes. The moment their gazes met, a rush of warmth spread through her, momentarily overshadowing her apprehensions.

"Esther!" Tiberius Nott called, cutting through the crowd, his voice tinged with surprise. He approached, his pale features a stark contrast against the dark decor, and the way his eyes widened at the sight of her sent a thrill of nostalgia through her. They had shared countless years at Hogwarts, and the memories rushed back—late-night study sessions and whispered secrets.

"Congratulations," he said, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I can't believe you're actually engaged."

"Neither can I," she replied, the weight of her new reality hanging heavy between them. "It feels surreal."