The Dark Lady and her twisted troubles

Chapter 14: Shady Nights and White Lights

Hello everyone,

I feel better about this chapter, rather than the previous. I'll be updating within the first week of August with maybe two chapters.

Thank you so much for the response! The amount of read s and votes I have for this story are just phenomenal. 

You know the drill.

-TheDarkLady 

Chapter 14: Shady Nights and White Lights

Narcissa looked over her shoulder to see no one but the stationed security, and felt herself relax.

Had it really been last night? She closed her eyes, as though to refuse any recalling of the memories. But it was useless. The images were all she could see: the look in Lucius’ eyes, the terrified look in Ivory’s, Draco’s nonsensical shout of rage, and Severus steadying her. Her own confusion, despair and then an overwhelming numbness. Shock, perhaps.

She took a shallow breath and felt her fingers tremble. She clenched them together and brought them into a fist as she walked rather hurriedly down the corridor.

The unmistakable signs of a gathering were fading from her ears: the bountiful chatter that usually was accompanied by a chink of silverware, but the latter was absent.

Instead, Beethoven built to a crescendo as itrang through the deserted corridors.

Narcissa however, held her head high despite the nervous energy that seemed to shoot through her veins like fire.

She took one more shaky breath, then lifted her wand resolutely and let the blindingly white light wash over her until she saw no more.

                ***********************

Ivory felt breathless.

The night so far had been a whirlwind, a miasma that she couldn’t even begin to describe.

She smiled, laughed and demurred her way through the roiling crowd. Pleasing and demeaning in a way only appreciated by purebloods.

She was cold, incandescent and proud in stature. She shone so bright she looked to be alit with a flame that couldn’t be doused.

Her rich tones warred against the cutting, accusing voices that conversed with her.

The guests of the evening would later recall their rather reluctant, but nonetheless present admiration of The Dark Lady.

What was it about the Dark Lady that was so compelling? They were no better than moths drawn to a flame.

It seemed too soon when bells tolled once more, signaling midnight.

Within the hour the guests left after bowing low to the Dark Lord and Lady.

There they sat on their thrones, looking cold and noble. As though they belonged.

                      ****************

Voldemort watched as every last wizard and witch departed the now near abandoned Hall. The death eaters had dispersed, and it was only Arlo who stood toying with a stem of a wine glass admiring Ivory while she looked at anything but him.

Severus entered the hall, “My lord, shall I dismiss security.”

The dark lord stared down Severus, “No stragglers?” Though it wasn’t stated as a question.

“No, my lord.”

“Very well, we have no further use of them.”

Severus inclined his head, and walked swiftly out of the room.

“Ivory, you’ve done well.” The Dark Lord said as he stroked Nagini’s head.

“Thank you, father.” She said respectfully, and yet sounding rebellious at the same time.

His mouth quirked, “Run along.”

She shot up and Arlo quickly crossed length of the hall (no doubt due to his long strides) to help her descend.

Ivory took his proffered hand appreciatively but bit her lip nonetheless when his skin came in contact with hers.

His impassive eyes held hers and she felt air leave her lungs. As though it was knocked out of her.

Arlo and Ivory both turned as though to await further instruction. But he simply knocked an eyebrow ever so slightly.

They bowed, and made their way to the doorway when intercepted by Severus.

“Come, I’ll show you to your rooms.”

They followed unquestioningly but only after exchanging looks with one another.

“Is Narcissa unwell?” Arlo asked quietly, as they climbed the daunting stairwell.

Ivory felt a shudder go through her body and something crackle like electricity in her chest at the sound of his voice.

Severus nodded, “She retired to her room.”

“Will she be alright?” Ivory couldn’t even recollect her train of thought leading to the question.

Severus slowed down as he took them down a corridor. He looked at her sideways and nodded once more.

“A house-elf is ready to attend on you, should you require their service.” Severus said as they all stopped before her door.

“Good night.” Arlo whispered.

“What if—”

“Down the hall.” Severus said abruptly, and after looking at them both he stalked down the hall and then down the stairwell.

Ivory swallowed, her and Arlo alone in the corridor, definitely not a good idea.

“Well I should..” She trailed off.

Arlo nodded but put his hand on her door as though to stop her from entering.

“But you don’t want to.” He said softly.

Her eyelids fluttered as she felt that delicious crackle of electricity once more.

“You don’t know what I want.” She replied.

“But its obvious.” He stated, leaning close with a grin on his face.

“You never told me who you were. Rather unfair don’t you think?”

“Don’t change the subject” He said imperiously.

“Why not?”

“I like where this conversation is headed.” He murmured softly as he removed his hand from her door and instead let the back of it trace her cheekbone ever so gently.

“Like silk…” He whispered.

She drew a breath but it was futile.

He leaned back and removed his hand.

“Good night..once again. My lady.” He spoke, his voice husky.

She felt her mouth go dry and she too murmured her ‘Good night’.

His eyes rested on her for a few more seconds then he drew himself up and sauntered to the end of the hall.

She had been leaning against her door and watching him as he went.

He opened the door, and looked at her.

“My bed looks pretty good. Just thought you should know.”

She smirked, and shook her head slightly.

Boys.