Riddle Me This

Chapter 44

Catherine's POV

I spent most of my week with Voldemort. Which was both horrifying, but also informative. And he seemed to begin to trust me. At least enough to ask me my thoughts on matters, and to allow me to walk around the manor without being watched at all times. But when it came time to go on my shopping trip, I was not the most... thrilled.

"Why do you need new clothes?" Bellatrix asked as Narcissa helped me look.

"Because I can't just lift up my sleeve and show who my allegiance is too." I grabbed a blouse and smiled. "I need something like this." I turned the shirt and showed how the back was made from a charmed fabric, which would become invisible with a flick of a wand. "It's perfect." I said, going and grabbing more shirts with the same effect, as well as some backless ball gowns. And heels.

"Why heels?" Bellatrix asked. I rolled my eyes as I grabbed a pair that had a snake curling up the heel.

"Because I like them." I answered as Narcissa helped me pick out some more, before we purchased them. "Now let's head back to the manor. I need to put these away and change." And we went back. I redid my hair, putting it up in low twin braids that went down the front of my shoulders so you could see my entire back.

"Lady Catherine." Draco said when he passed me and saw. I turned to him and gave him a soft smile.

"I hope that's a good stare." I said. Draco stared for a second longer before taking a deep breath.

"You look... good." He said. I stepped closer.

"Draco, don't lie to me."

"I never thought you'd be so happy showing off your scar. It always bothered you in school." Draco replied. My smile turned sad.

"I'm not happy, Draco. But it's easier than taking my shirt off every time someone asks." I said, glancing up and down the hall briefly before leaning in and pecking his lips. "Sorry, I'm going mad not being able to show my feelings for you openly." Draco smiled lightly.

"You're not the only one." And we walked away from each other. We still had our friendly bickering, but Draco would always be sassed for talking back to me, and that he should know his place. We entered a similar situation not even an hour later as we had both found ourselves in the sitting room.

"I don't think Snape would seriously allow you to skip any class to go to Honeydukes, Cat." Draco said with a small roll of the eyes. I was about to retort when Draco froze.

"Draco!" Bellatrix snapped, entering the room and drawing her wand. "How dare you speak to the Dark Lord's daughter like that?" I stood in her way, stopping her from delivering whichever hex she thought her nephew deserved.

"Back off! We're just talking." I said.

"He's being disrespectful."

"How? Because he's not calling me 'Lady Catherine'? Because he rolled his eyes? We're friends, it's how we act towards each other. It's fine." I snapped, stepping up to Bellatrix, my heels clicking across the marble floor. "So stop acting like he called me a slag." Bellatrix looked ready to hex someone.

"As the Dark Lord's daughter, you must be treated as such." Bellatrix hissed. I crossed my arms.

"Sod off. And in case you didn't figure, it's an order. Leave unless my father needs Draco or I."

"Why you little-" Bellatrix began, raising her wand. I pulled my wand out quickly and aimed it at her.

"Put your wand down, Bella." Severus said as he stepped into the room. "Catherine, put yours away." I waited until Bellatrix had sheathed her wand before I did mine. I sighed as I turned to Draco, who was now staring at the floor.