Shadow Claw: The Life Story - The Final Chapter

Ch. 11 - Utmost Respect

Shadow's POV

The days faded to weeks, and then perhaps months.

Draco was losing alibis as to why he did not return to school, and I was finding it harder and harder to avoid Estos, who had - inevitably - found out that I was residing within Malfoy Manor. Salem was at my side at most times, luckily enough, and kept the nasty Light Claw at bay. Jenny and Draco would constantly be in different rooms, and barely ever emerged; James never left the first room, ever. He was in pain almost always, for the Manor was brimming with Death Eaters, but so far, Voldemort had not been present. Lucius did not know of James and Jenny either, though he was paranoid of many things, and was barely seen about the house.

Jenny and James might as well have been invisible, for all the Death Eaters knew. However, I was easy to be in sight, and so on Salem's orders - and a reluctant Draco's - I was granted immunity to their cruel habits of torture and violence. They shot me glares, glowers and hostile looks, but I ignored each and every one.

Except for one day. When he arrived.

Salem and I were napping in the cool, mint-green-tinted hall with our bodies pressed up against one another for warmth (we had kicked Estos out with our snarling roars and sharpened claws), when there was an awful crack, followed by small murmurs and some more deafening snaps.

Salem gave a growl, loud and clear, and lowered his head over my own, glaring at the black-robed, snake-eyed, slit-nosed wizard that almost drifted past us, his footsteps silent. The Death Eaters gathered at the other side of the long table, the virescent jade fire crackling in its place; Voldemort stopped, and turned towards us with an unreadable expression in those merciless, positively evil eyes. "Changed your mind?" His voice was a disgusting hiss.

I sat up, Salem keeping his head bowed over mine, though my wings shuffled in anxiety, however that was the only movement or display of nervousness I made. "No." I replied bluntly.

Voldemort swept around the room, and I could feel his rage, and my ears flicked to the distinct, quiet (so much so, only Salem and I could hear it) cries of Draco and Jenny upstairs as the Dark Lord's presence affected them greatly. My heart wrenched as I thought of Shade (and how jealous he would be of Salem) but I shoved aside that mind-set and focused on the serpentine man I was currently faced with.

"You, I believe, have not chosen sides, then? I refuse to believe you as an enemy, dear Shadow. You are a valuable asset-" Voldemort almost crooned, and if I had not interrupted, I might gave bitten him.

"SILENCE!" I roared.

To my utmost surprise, he fell into a dark silence. "Listen here, Tom, and listen well. I may not have officially taken sides, but nobody in your forsaken army has my gratitude, sympathy, love nor any other emotion. I am a Shadow Claw first before most other things, but an asset is not on the list; considering I spent twelve years in an attic, in my line of work, so to call it, I have never seen such a disrespectful, ignorant, dishonourable, ruthless, repugnant or objectionable band of people! I demand respect, and I am sure you can agree that you desire that too." I seethed, and yet I stayed put, sitting up with my shoulders straight. Salem said nothing, and yet kept his position on the floor, his side pressed to mine, his expression bemused.

Voldemort, or Tom Riddle - as I should have mentioned that a Taboo hex had been placed on the name Voldemort, and this is how the Death Eaters had tracked Harry and the gang to London - gave a low bow, his thin, pale lips curling into an almost crass smirk. "Of course. I neglected the small knowledge I have of Claws - perhaps you can enlighten us, Miss Claw?" He was teasing now, but at the same time, trying to learn more about a possible ally.

I sent the Death Eaters low hisses as I stood, pacing around the table once for dramatic purposes, and then glowering directly at Tom. I spoke no more, and for a long while, the Dark Lord looked to me as if he were a student again; I turned on my heel and somewhat fled the scene, Salem padding behind me as we reached the bedroom.

I shifted and kicked over the bin, yanking at my hair. "I hate it!" I screamed, fisting my hand and punching the wall. It left a small dent, but I was spun around by Salem.

He kissed me.

I kissed back.

He pushed me to the wall and I snatched at his thick hair, biting harshly at his lip and welcoming the slight pain that come with his own teeth. One hand wound around his neck, the other still up in his hair, whilst his own settled around my neck and on my ass; "Shadow." He groaned, but then reality came smashing back to me.

I shoved him away, and he fell to the edge of the bed. My eyes widened as I realized what had just happened, and then I pointed shakily at Salem. "Don't you ever do that-"

He raised his hands in surrender, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry, alright? I apologize- that doesn't usually happen to me. I have control, I swear by it." He looked genuine, so I let it drop with a warning never to mention that kiss to anybody ever. 

I sighed heavily, as if the whole world rested on my two shoulders, and sunk to the floor, my knees to my chest and my arms folded around them. "I miss my babies, and Shade."

"I miss having sex." Salem murmured in agreement.

I snorted, "I didn't mean it like that. Just... I suppose any day could be our last." I buried my head in my arms and knees, shaking my head. I felt Salem slide down next to me, and I leant against him. He, somewhat hesitantly, pressed a tiny kiss to my head in a soothing gesture.

"This is an interesting turn of events." Somebody spoke. That voice... dangerously familiar...

I leapt up, eyes wide and my breathing frantic.

Jenny and Draco stepped into the room, out of the bathroom. "I was going to see if I could get Shade over here, but apparently you've already replaced him." Jenny was outraged, but she didn't know the half of it!

"Jenny- no- it's not what it looks like!" I pleaded with her.

"That's what they all say, Shadow- just- get out of my sight. You're disgusting." She spat.