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Face of War	By : dweek Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Voldemort/Ginny Views: 19603 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Ginny-
Daphne has been very strict with me today. I haven’t been allowed out of bed unless it was to use the loo. She transfigured my side table into a small lap desk for me so that I could read and work on my homework during the day, but the moment she felt I was too stressed she took my things and ordered me to lay down.
The first half of the day Tracey was in a great mood, fluttering about and almost singing to herself. She kept giving me secret looks, as if she’d won some battle between us and was now only waiting for me to find out. By the end of supper, she was scowling at everything that moved. I remember he had told her he would be calling on her today, I guess she thought that meant earlier than he did. I decided to let her suffer for now, telling myself it wasn’t because I was jealous.
While I sit up in bed reading for pleasure, I keep hearing Tracey huff at the world. I try to ignore it focusing on my book. The Witch and the willow is a silly little romance novel my mother would have loved. I think sometimes it’s nice to be able to turn your brain off and only think about how tragic it would be if Stephaney married Charles instead of Dartanion.
When there’s a knock at the door, I don’t even look up. I’m focused enough on the book I don’t really thinking about who it must be.
“My Lord.” Tracey says in a pouty tone. She must have answered the door, much more aware of the time than I was.
I look up just in time to see him give her a charming little smile that makes me want to stomp her face in the muggle way. Embarrassed by the thought I stuff the trash novel under my pillow. I don’t want him to see it. I'm unsure why I care; I just don’t want him to think I'm the kind of girl that swoons over such silly things.
“Leave us; I will only take a moment of your Lady’s time.” He says sending my maids from the room before he comes over to sit beside me on the bed.
To my complete mortification, the first thing he does is reach under my pillow to retrieve the book. “The Witch and the willow.” He reads looking at the cover for a moment before opening it to the marked page. A smirk spreads across his face as he reads a few paragraphs to himself.
“I wanted something stupid to read.” I snap before he can say anything. Then I try to make a grab the book.
“Are you sure it isn’t because you wanted ‘him to take you under the swaying branches of the willow tree’?” He asks obviously quoting the book.
“No.” I growl making another snatch for the book.
“Good, because if you had any such desires to be filled it would be by me, not some book.” He says tossing it out of my reach. “How are you feeling?” He asks more seriously.
My brain is still stuck on the part where he would fill any of my desires. I blink a few times blushing before I have to look away. “I didn’t think we could be together like that yet.”
He chuckles reaching out to run soft fingers down my cheek and neck. “Soon. Do you wish to be with me again?” He asks with more curiosity than he had asked about my wellness.
“That question is a trap my Lord.” I tell him forcing myself to look up into his eyes. “More so when you’ll be having another woman in your bed tonight.” I remind him for Merlin knows what reason.
He chuckles smiling before taking my hand. “I do enjoy your spirit when it’s appropriately applied.” He tells me before bringing my fingers to his lips. “It makes life so much less dull.” Tom says before getting to his feet. “Speaking of the girl, I wish for you to send her to my rooms in one hour.”
“Fine.” I snap looking away from him.
I can feel his smile on me even if I can’t see it. Tom runs fingertips down my neck again before getting up without a word. I can’t think of anything to say, I really don’t wish to think of him with Tracey. I still feel the soft touch on my neck, and I wonder if that was to point, to leave me with a lingering thought of him before he goes off to take another.
The next thing I notice is Daphne taking the spot he vacated. He must have left while I was in thought. I must have a dumb look on my face because she looks at me with pity in her eyes.
“What happened?” She asks softly, looking behind her to the other two in the room.
I run my fingers over the place he had touched me so softly and shake my head before looking at my maids. “It seems our Lord wishes one of my ladies’ company tonight in his chamber.” I say as if I was just hearing about it for the first time. “Tracey?” I ask looking over to the beaming girl. “He will expect you in one hour. I suggest you not be late.” I tell her and dismiss her with a wave of my hand.
She makes a squeaking sound and rushes for the door, obviously thinking she needs to ready herself for her time with Tom. Once the door nearly slams shut, I close my eyes leaning back.
“I’m sorry my Lady.” Daphne says as she takes my hand. “I didn’t realize how much of an effect this would have on you.”
“I’m just tired Daphne.” I say and I can hear how tired I sound. “Do you have the potion ready?” I ask wearily.
She sighs nodding before getting up to go retrieve the dreamless sleep potion for me to take before I drift off without it. I'm anything but physically tired tonight, but I don’t want to think about anything anymore.
“Milly, you may go.” Daphne says before she rejoins me on the bed. Millicent leaves without a word and I can’t help but be glad for it.
“You know he is mostly doing this to see if it would make you jealous?” She asks gently.
I sigh before looking up at her. I try to push a smile on my lips, but I think it comes out pretty pathetic. “I figured it was something like that.” I say thinking about his wordless touch again. “I wish I wasn’t. I don’t even really know why I am. I hate him.” I tell her trying to sound like I really mean it. “How is it possible I’m falling for his tricks all over again?”
She smiles at me sadly, as if I should know the answer. “I think if the Dark Lord looked at me, and spoke to me the way he treats you, even after all he’s done to me, I would still fall in love with him. There is a reason he rules so many, and his raw power only goes so far. Just think of it this way, you being jealous can be a smart political move for us.” She says as her smile warms.
I can’t help but laugh. “What?”
“Well, it pleases him. Having the Dark Lord pleased always puts him in a better mood for negotiation. He feels he has the upper hand right now, we will just let him feel that way, but not let your feelings for him change your ultimate goals.” She explains as if one can just turn their feelings off.
I sigh shaking my head. “I’ll leave all that up to you for right now. I just need some sleep.”
Luna-
After getting a wand for my alter ego to use safely, I head back to my room and find that Ron is still sound asleep on the little sofa at the end of my bed. He’s snoring as arms, legs and even his neck are all bent at odd angles. With a sigh, I lean down and kiss him softly, trying to wake him up gently.
He blinks at me a few times as if he’s trying to figure out exactly where he is.
“I can’t stand it anymore. Come lay down with me?” I ask as I try to smooth down his hair. It has grown much longer in his months on the run and now hangs into his eyes.
Ron yawns realizing what’s going on for the first time. “Luna, I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
I give him a mischievous smile and shake my head. “You looked so uncomfortable. It’s just sleeping Ronald.” I tell him before kissing his soft lips again. “Please?”
“I don’t really care about my comfort.” He says moving his neck this way and that in order to work the stiffness out.
“Well I do.” I tell him with a frown before taking his hand. “You have to stop being so much of a gentleman. I’m not as fragile as you seem to think, or as pure.”
“Okay. But no funny business missy, I have my virtue to think about.” He says teasing to lighten the mood.
He lets me lead him back to the bed and crawls in after me. At first, he tries to keep his distance, as if we’re some siblings sleeping together. With a chuckle and a shake of my head, I snuggle up next to him and rest my head on his chest.
“What is so wrong with touching me?” I ask sleepily.
“Only that I’m worried I won’t be able to stop there.” He tells me softly as a hand comes up and starts to stroke my cheek.
“You don’t have to stop.” I tell him as I enjoy the light touch.
“You don’t know what you’re saying Luna.” He says, but his voice doesn’t sound sure.
“Really?” I ask moving my head up so I can look at him. “What is it you would like to do that I haven’t already done?” I ask curiously.
“Once, while you were high on something.” He reminds me. “I don’t want you to think I’m anything like him.”
I frown shaking my head. “Ronald, I don’t think you are. What I did with him was pure lust.” I say with a sigh sitting up now. “What I want to do with you will have a much larger emotional connection. Why is that wrong?”
“I just don’t want to rush into anything.” He says, but his resolve sounds weak.
“What if tonight is our last night?” I ask before leaning down and kissing him before he can respond.
His hands move to rest on my hips as the smell and warmth of him starts to fill me. Ever so gently, as if he’s afraid I’ll break, he moves me down onto the bed as he positions himself over me. The kiss seems to only grow in passion the longer it goes on and I’m regretful when I finally have to break just to take a breath.
As I tilt my chin up a fraction and his lips descend on my neck and I can’t help but moan. “Ron”
He gives my neck a little nip that sends wonderful shivers down my body before moving to look into my eyes.
“I do want you Luna, but are you really sure you’re ready for this?” He asks seriously.
“If you stop now I will kill you.” I tell him with a smile on my lips. Before he can change his mind, I move my hands to his shirt to start unbuttoning it. “I want you Ronald.” I tell him breathily. Looking at his colors, I see a mix of love and lust and actually a great amount of happiness. I smile; I really haven’t seen someone this happy in a while.
“Why are you doing that?” He asks a finger running under my eye.
“I’m looking at your colors.” I tell him before leaning up into another kiss.
Once I have his shirt completely open, I slip my hands over the skin of his chest. He feels so different from Blaise. Everything about this moment is different from my time with the Slytherin, the only connection being the pleasure it wells up within me.
Seeing that he doesn’t seem to want to do it himself, I start to pull on my own nightgown, wanting it out from between us. I don’t want anything between us now. Once I start the struggle with the garment Ronald catches on and helps me to remove it.
He looks down at me as if seeing me for the first time. “You are…” he starts seeming to have a loss for words. “...perfect.” He finally decides on.
I feel the warmth of blood flow to my cheeks as I blush. “Make love to me?” I ask a bit meekly before he leans down and starts to kiss me all over again.
His lips don’t stay on mine for long and soon he’s leaving a wet line of kisses and bites down my body. As he passes between my breasts, I can’t help but arch my back in want for him. I feel his fingers hook into my knickers slowly working them down as he goes.
I’m shaking in anticipation by the time he reaches my pelvic bone. “Oh Ron!” I gasp unsure of what I should be doing with my hands so I tangle them in the sheets next to me.
He smiles up at me, obviously pleased with my reactions. Before going any further, he finishes his work with my underthings tossing them aside. Once I’m completely nude under him he smiles again before leaning down and parting my legs. His lips pick up right where they left off, trailing down between my legs.
As his tongue meets an electric button, my body jerks in response. He chuckles against my skin, shifting to put my legs on his shoulders before diving back into his work between my legs. My toes curl and I can’t seem to get away from his mouth. Before I know it, I don’t want to get away as I feel a wave building in my core.
My hand moves to his head to keep him as close to me as possible. I scream as the wave bursts and a feeling of wonderful pure pleasure floods my system. As I come down from the high, I feel him still licking me, trying to extend that pleasure.
As I sink into the wonderful warmth of my afterglow, it’s a moment before I realize I’m speaking. It’s a familiar feeling and I realize a new prophecy is tumbling from my lips.
This time I just let the words come. “The Dark Moon shows the way for the hero to be saved. What was stolen will be won by the Ancient Snake’s son. With the first battle over, the war will go on.”
I saw it a few time before the impulse to speak stops and I blink down at Ronald who is looking up at me in a mix of confusion and fear.
“I’m sorry.” I say a bit breathlessly.
“We should write it down before we forget.” He says pulling away from me.
I reach out and grasp his wrist before he can leave. “It’s not important, I still want you.” I tell him showing worry in my voice.
He smiles as he turns back to me. “Think it will happen every time you climax?” He asks as he tries to lighten the mood.
“Only one way to find out.” I say smiling at him.
He laughs and kisses me again, moving back over me. We spend many hours joining together again and again. Teasing and laughing as we enjoy each other. The impulse doesn’t happen again and we end up falling asleep still joined together.
I don’t think even an hour passes before I’m woken by someone shaking my arm frantically. When I open my eyes, I see Minty looking both very pleased and very worried. Before I can ask, she puts a finger to her lips and motions to the still sleeping Ronald.
I nod and try to slip out of bed as carefully as I can so I don’t wake him up. I pull on my dressing gown and tie it tightly around me before following her into the hall where we can talk.
The moment the door to my bedroom closes Minty speaks. “Really Bad Man here Miss.” She says in a frightened tone. “Says if Miss not come now he come to get Miss.” She squeaks.
“Blaise or Mr. Lestrange?” I ask not sure who the really bad one is. “Or someone else?”
“Older one.” She agrees shaking slightly. I wonder what he’s done to her this morning.
“Okay, go get me some tea and I’ll go see Mr. Lestrange.” I tell her patting her on the head to sooth her before I head down the hall. “Where did you put him?” I ask realizing she hadn’t said.
“Miss’s Office.” She said before popping away.
I smile; it really was the safest room for him in the house. All he would see there was notes and work on the Quibbler. I fix my robe as securely as I can as I head down to my office. Pushing open the door, I find him sitting at my desk with his feet up.
“Can I help you Lord Lestrange?” I ask giving him his title to suck up just a bit. “It is rather early, I thought we were meeting later today?”
“I wanted to make sure to get here before your boy decided to show up.” He says with a wave of his hand. “I have a proposition just for you.”
“Oh?” I ask making sure to keep as much distance between us as I politely can. “What kind of proposition?”
“I’m willing to have sex with you for a price.” He says with a slow smile, as I can’t help but step back from him.
“Why would I want you to?” I ask frowning.
“Are you a virgin Miss Lovegood?” He asks in a knowing way.
“No.” I tell him and he actually looks surprised by this. “I’m with Blaise Zabini.” I remind him as if that should explain everything.
The smile that faltered for a moment soon returns. “So you’ve only been with the dandy?” He asks moving his feet to the grounds so he can sit up.
I bite my lip and think of my night with Ron. Unsure if I should admit to it I decide to lie. “Yes…”
“Well then.” He says looking my form over for his own enjoyment. I resist the urge to tighten the robe, knowing it will only look weak. “If you want your future husband to be able to dictate you’re almost every action, than by all means, ignore the offer.”
My mind starts to work over what he’s talking about before a slow and horrible idea starts to form in my brain. “No one uses those kind of marriage rites anymore.” I tell him firmly.
He laughs and shakes his head. “You don’t think the Dark Lord would take that kind of precaution with your history?” He asks in a knowing way. “After the request I made to him on your behalf?”
“Then I’ll go and find someone else.” I tell him starting to turn my back.
“This morning? Before you meet the Dark Lord for approval of your wedding contract. I pulled a few strings to get you heard today.” He says as if he was being helpful.
I think about the hours spent with Ron and wonder if the Dark Lord would ask me whom I was with. “What’s this price?” I ask to gather as much information as I can.
“It has to happen now. No calling your boy to try to come up with a different idea. This or nothing.” He says with a relaxed tone. “As for the true price, you could agree to service me in this way any time I wish.”
I frown at this and shake my head. “I’m not becoming your personal whore.” I tell him taking a step back. That’s just too high of a price. Really, he was making me choose between being under Blaise’s control or his. That really didn’t seem like a choice.
“I thought you might scoff at that one.” He says with a knowing smile. “My other offer isn’t nearly as offensive. All you have to do is drink this potion before we couple.” He adds taking out a blue bottle and setting it on my desk.
“What is it?” I ask unable to tell from the color alone.
“A fertility potion.” He says as if that’s the most normal thing in the world to want to give me.
“You want me to have your child?” I ask with a slight frown.
“Something like that.” Lestrange says obviously not willing to go into detail.
I walk up to the desk and pick up the potion. Opening it, I sniff to try to place the exact fertility potion he’s using. Potions has never been my specialty so I shake my head and chew on my bottom lip.
I shake my head and back away from the desk. “I’m not ready for children. There is too much in my life right now.” I tell him firmly.
He chuckled shaking his head. “You realize any marriage rite that the Dark Lord will approve will have a fertility charm worked into it. A much more powerful one than this. The question is whose child you will have, not if you will have one at all. I would even claim her once she was born; it would be much less work for you.” He points out with a grin.
“Her?” I ask realizing the potion must also give a higher female birth rate. This seems odd since it most pureblood families have a biased towards male children. I blink a few times and tilt of my head. “This is about my title?” I ask him with a frown. “You want to be the father of my heir?”
The grin on his face falters a little and I know I’m right. “Maybe I just want lasting proof to the pretty boy that I fucked his wife.” He says smiling again.
I work very hard not to blush at his words. “It really bothers you that Blaise changed our deal?” I ask pretending to buy this new excuse.
“The boy just needs to be put in his place.”
“And that has to involve my body?” I ask him before shaking my head. “No, Lord Lestrange, this is not something I’m willing to do either.” I tell him before leaving him in the office alone.
He catches my arm as I near the stairs and I have to admit the hold hurts. “You don’t say no to me girl.” He says firmly before twisting me around and backing me against the banister to the stairs.
“You saw what happened to the last man that tried to force himself on me.” I say trying to keep my voice steady.
He chuckles and shakes his head. “I’m not going to force myself on you, but I will enjoy getting your husband to force you to fuck as many Death Eaters as I can think of. Agree now, or you will be a whore.”
She swallow and shake my head. “Blaise would never do that to me.” I press.
“We will have to see about that.” He says as a slow smile forms on his lips.
Daphne-
“I’m just tired Daphne.” She says in almost a defeated tone. “Do you have the potion ready?” She asks wearily.
I sigh with a nod before getting to my feet and retrieving the potion. I’m a little troubled by how much her pain actually affects me.
“Milly, you may go.” I tell the other girl because I wish to speak with Ginny before she takes the potion. With a nod of understanding, she leaves without a word.
Walking back to my Lady I sit on her bed without handing her the bottle just yet. “You know he is mostly doing this to see if it would make you jealous?” I ask softly.
She sighs before looking up at me, a small sad smile on her face. “I figured it was something like that. I wish I wasn’t. I don’t even really know why I am.” She says shaking her head. “I hate him.” She says with less venom than she had the first time I met her. “How is it possible I’m falling for his tricks all over again?”
I give her my own sad smile. “I think if the Dark Lord looked at me, and spoke to me the way he treats you, even after all he’s done to me, I would still fall in love with him.” I tell her, only slightly lying. “There is a reason he rules so many, and his raw power only goes so far. Just think of it this way, you being jealous can be a smart political move for us.” I add with a warmer smile.
She actually laughs at this. “What?”
“Well, it pleases him. Having the Dark Lord pleased always puts him in a better mood for negotiation. He feels he has the upper hand right now, we will just let him feel that way, but not let your feelings for him change your ultimate goals.”
Ginny sighs shaking her head. “I’ll leave all that up to you for right now. I just need some sleep.”
I nod before handing over the bottle. “I’ll be sleeping on the sofa tonight, just in case you need me. The Dark Lord doesn’t wish for you to be alone.” I tell her thinking it will make her feel a bit better.
She nods without a word before downing the potion. I help her lay down in a comfortable position before heading over to my usual chair to read for a while.
When I hear the door, open I look up to see it’s been three hours since Ginny went to sleep. Looking over to the door, I find an almost sick looking Tracey.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” She asks in a shaking voice.
I knew this moment would come, though I didn’t think it would be so soon. I thought I would feel cold towards her, like she had gotten what she deserved, but I as I look at her now I can’t help but feel regret for having any part in her pain.
I glance over to our Lady to make sure she’s sleeping soundly before answering. “I tried.” I remind her. “Come sit down.” I add, getting up to help her over.
She’s limping, and as I get closer, I can see bruises and scratch marks from the way the Dark Lord handled her.
“I can’t do this.” Tracey whimpered.
“Do you want to tell me what happened?” I ask, not thinking she was ready for the truth of her situation.
“I didn’t think he would be so cold.” She tells me softly. “I knew he would be rough with me, I had heard those rumors.” She says looking at if she was about to burst into tears. “But he was so cold, I could see it in his eyes, the only think I was to him was a warm body.”
I can’t help but blink at this. Was she really complaining that the Dark Lord had hurt her feelings?
“What do you think a Mistress is for?” I ask as I help her to sit down on the sofa.
She just starts weeping without really being able to say a word. I pat her back unsure of what to do. I have to admit that Ginny is much better at this sort of thing, what had she said to make me feel better while it was happening to me? While I’m thinking this over, the sound next to me changes. Suddenly it sounds much more like laughing then crying.
“Tracey?” I ask frowning over to her.
“Sorry I can’t keep this up any more.” She says looking up with a smile. “Merlin, I didn’t think you would be so easy.”
“What?” I ask, stunned to the point of stupidity.
She sits back with a much more relaxed posture, though she still looks a bit stiff. “I didn’t think you were so gullible.” She says as if she’s talking to a small child.
That snaps me back to life. “So you enjoyed your time with the Dark Lord?” I ask, looking towards Ginny again before refocusing on the little brat in front of me.
“He’s actually a lot better than I would have thought. I mean, I figured with golden boy’s body he wouldn’t have the skill, but he knows exactly how to use it.”
“So what was that about?” I ask sounding bored at this point. It seems I was correct in assuming he would be different with her than he had been with me.
“Oh, I just remember hearing about how much of a little wimp you were when he was shagging you. I thought it would be fun to see what you’d do if I acted like a wimp as well.” She says sitting now as if she owned the room.
“You need to keep your voice down, our Lady is sleeping.” I say trying to remind Tracey of her place.
“Oh, I don’t think she’s going to be my Lady for long.” She says with a knowing tone. “Really I came to give you one last chance to join the winning side.”
“How generous of you.” I say instead of calling her a fool like I really want to.
“It really is.” She says sitting up a bit. “The Dark Lord already fancies the way I make him feel. Sooner or later he’s going to realize she can’t do anything for him that I can’t do better.”
“Tracey, I need some sleep. Go get yourself healed; our Lady won’t want to see you looking like this when she wakes.” I say, not caring enough to keep up any sort of act with her. With her attitude, I’m sure she’ll be gone sooner rather than later.
“Oh I think I’ll have them leave a few marks.” She says as she stands. “She could use the reminder that he doesn't really want her.”
Once she’s gone, I get comfortable on the sofa and close my eyes. The Dark Lord doesn’t want her to be left alone any time soon, but I’m going to need my sleep if I’m going to have to deal with Tracey.
What seems like a moment later I hear the cold clearing of the Dark Lord’s throat. I open my eyes and get to my feet as I see him looking down at me.
“My Lord.” I say as I bow low to him.
“How did she react last night?” He asks looking over to Ginny’s sleeping form.
“She went to bed early. I don’t think she wanted to think about you with Tracey.” I tell him knowing he’ll be pleased with the truth.
A calculated smile forms on his lips. “Good. I think I shall keep playing with my lioness’ mind for a while. It will be good for her.”
“Tracey visited here last night.” I add wanting to give him all the information.
“Who?” He asks sounding slightly distracted as he looks at Ginny.
“Tracey Davis, the girl you are taking as your Mistress?” I offer, finding it more than a bit amusing at the impression she actually left on him.
He sighs looking back at me. “Did she bother your Lady?” He asks sounding cold again.
“No my Lord, but she seems to think she has gained some favor with you.” I tell him curiously.
“Let her think it.” He says with a dismissive wave. “I have a meeting this morning in the main chamber; I want Ginevra by my side. Make sure she looks especially put together for it.”
“Yes my Lord.” I say bowing my head. “Who is the meeting with?”
“It will be a partly public gathering and I want the rebels to know how far she really has come.” He says with a smile before walking over to her bed and sitting down next to her.
I take this as a dismissal and head to the bathroom to give myself a quick clean up to give him some privacy.
By the time, I return Ginny is sitting up and the Dark Lord is heading for the door. Once he’s gone, I take her robe off the hook and bring it to her.
“Did he tell you he wants you to join him for a meeting in the main chamber this morning?” I ask and she shakes her head.
“He didn’t say anything to me except to ‘drink this’.” She says looking a bit upset by that. “He’s messing with me.” She adds and I can’t help but smile.
“Maybe he wants to see how far you have come since coming here.” I say knowing the truth wouldn’t be helpful in this moment.
Ginny-
I feel someone shake my arm and I wake with a deep breath. The potion I’d taken the night before did its work well and I actually feel refreshed for once. I blink away the light as I open my eyes and see Tom sitting over me.
“Drink this.” He says before holding a new potion to my lips. I cough is down unclear what it is.
I open my mouth to say something to him, but he’s already getting to his feet and heading for the door. I’m stunned, unsure of what to do until Daphne speaks. “Did he tell you he wants you to join him for a meeting in the main chamber this morning?” She asks from the bathroom doorway.
“He didn’t say anything to me except to ‘drink this’.” I tell her trying not to be upset he hadn’t even asked how I slept. “He’s messing with me.” I say to convince myself more than her.
“Maybe he wants to see how far you have come since coming here.” She says and I can see her forcing a smile. “Don’t worry about it right now, he wants you dressed to impress today. At least you’re getting out of this room.”
“Yes.” I say with a sigh. “I get to go all the way to the main chamber, which usually ends in my torture.” I remind her as I get myself out of bed. “I can do this myself.” I add as she tries to help me. “I’m feeling better and I slept well.”
“Yes my Lady.” She says taking a step back. “I’ll pick out a gown for you while you’re showering.” She says and I’m glad she’s giving me space.
I take a long shower and just let my thoughts get lost in the warm water. When I come out the dress she’s chosen makes me stop in my tracks. It’s a velvet emerald green number that reminds me too much of the dress I wore in the dream.
“Something else.” I snap at her, more shortly than I’ve spoken to her in a while.
She blinks at me twice frowning without moving from her spot.
“I’m sorry.” I say after a moment and shake my head. “I just don’t want to wear that, it has bad memories.”
“It’s new…” She says in a confused tone. “But I’ll pick something else.” She adds quickly as she can obviously see how much it’s bothering me. “But I still think he would like you in green.”
“Why should I care what he likes?” I ask and straighten my back. “I’m not playing this game. I’m not dressing to impress him, just because he’s playing around with that girl.”
Daphne frowns as she’s obviously trying to think of something to say to make me feel better. “I want to wear red. Enough of my old friends already think I’m some kind of traitor.” I say before she press. “I want to be myself, just a little.”
She gives me a half smile before nodding. “I think he’ll like the image as well. He wants you to be yourself Ginny. He may not realize it, but it wouldn’t do him any good if you were seen as a cold and calculating queen.”
“I know you’re trying to help Daphne, but I don’t need that junk in my head right now.” I tell her before sitting at my desk to cool my temper.
“Put this on and we’ll work on your hair.” She says, smart enough to give me a few minutes before bothering me with it.
“Thank you.” I tell her feeling a bit better. When I turn to look at what she’s chosen, I can’t help but smile. It’s a deep red halter dress beaded with gold. Just looking at it makes me feel a bit more like myself, even though I never would have worn something so expensive in my old life.
Once I’m dressed, Daphne brushes my hair and pulls it up into a mass of curls. It kind of reminds me of a mane, and I have to laugh a bit at the image.
“I think it’s lovely, and you can’t say you don’t look like a Gryffindor.” Daphne says playfully as the door opens.
When I turn to see who it’s, Millicent and Tracey walk into the room. Millicent looks pleased and bows her head. Tracey narrows her eyes and huffs a bit. I can see the marks he left on her, bruises that don’t look nearly as bad as what Daphne walked around with and I ease a bit.
“You know this won’t really help in the end.” Tracey can’t help but say.
“What?” I ask as I stand and look over at her curiously. “Do you think we are in competition?” I ask her in a tone I don’t recognize as me. It’s cold and a bit demeaning.
“Life’s a competition.” Tracey says showing the animosity that’s been boiling under her skin for weeks.
“I’m starting to understand that.” I tell her in the same cold tone. “I’m also realizing that one of the keys to winning is knowing who your real competition is. You think we’re competitors before the Dark Lord used you as his whore last night.” All the venom that had been building up over the situation was flowing out with these words.
“A Mistress to the Emperor is hardly a whore. Did you know he offered me the position after I’d thoroughly satisfied his desire?” She asks smugly.
“There are so many things you misunderstand about our Lord.” I tell her before I glance to Daphne, suddenly realizing that maybe I’m messing up a plan of hers. She only smiles in a very amused way so I decide to go on. “First, of course I know you’re his Mistress now. He had to ask my permission to make the offer in the first place. You are my lady, and were under my protection. Secondly, there’s absolutely no way you satisfied his desire. You don’t even know what his true desires look like. One of us in this room was your true competitor…” I start and see her look to Daphne; I have to laugh at her assumption. “Wrong again.” Is all I say before I again look to Daphne, not wishing to give away that last bit. “Is it time for this gathering yet?” I ask as I watch Tracey look to Millicent out of the corner of my eye.
“It is soon enough to go take your place my Lady.” She says in a very pleased tone as she leads me out passed my other two Ladies. Once we’re out of earshot she starts to giggle. “I’m sorry my Lady, I just really enjoyed watching her face. Of course she doesn’t believe you, or really understand what you just said... but that was priceless.”
“I thought maybe I shouldn’t have given so much away.” I tell her with a slight frown.
“Oh, I saw her last night my Lady. She should really already be packing her bags. We won’t have to worry about her for long.”
I let out a slow breath as we walk into the main chamber. I’ve become more used to it, but every time I see Salazar's face, I still feel a chill run up my spine. Tom’s usual throne is set up on a platform in front of his ancestor with a smaller chair set up next to it, obviously for me. There are already people milling about the room as they wait for an audience with the Dark Lord, but I try to focus more on my breathing, and staying in control than the people around me.
Before I know it, I’m sitting in my place next to Tom’s throne with a straight back and the posture of superiority that has become second nature to me. When did that happen exactly? Daphne leans over to speak in my ear.
“If you need me I’ll be right here.” She says in a way that actually makes me feel better.
As we wait for Tom to make his entrance, I let my mind wonder. I start to think about what these people must be seeing when they look at me. How much had I really changed since the girl who fought by Harry’s side?
I shift uncomfortably as I start to wonder how much of myself I’ve lost in my months of captivity. None of those I once called friends will come anywhere near me while I’m attending class. The only one who talks to me outside of my household is Harper and that’s only because I’m sure he wants to join my household once he graduates.
I feel the mood in the room shift and I realize Tom must have just made his entrance. I glance up at him, but I have no greeting for him when he sits down next to me in his throne.
“You look lovely today.” He says in a low voice as those around us start talking. “A good night’s sleep did you well.”
“Thank you my Lord.” I say without really looking at him.
“You also look rather troubled. Is there anything I can do for you, my pet?” He asks and his tone is amused more than anything.
“The question is a trap my Lord.” I tell him making him chuckle.
His hand slides to the back of my neck in a gentle touch. “Everything I do with you is a trap my pet.”
“I’ve realized that.” I say before someone clears their throat trying to get Tom’s attention.
His hand drops away from me and I feel a new shiver that has nothing to do with painful memories.
Most of the business for the day is boring and nothing I have the power or interest to intervene in. The rich and powerful squabbling over land and power. It wasn’t until I heard a familiar name that I looked up.
“Lady Luna Radcliff-Lovegood and Lord Blaise Zabini.” The secretary starts. “Here to have a marriage contract approved.”
I stiffen at this watching as one of my best friends steps forward next to Zabini. She looks as changed as I do. Her hair is well groomed in long blond waves and her dress in formal and fitted. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding when I see her looking up to the throne in her unfocused way. So she isn’t as changed as I’d feared.
“This will be our Empire’s first truly noble wedding.” Tom says bringing me back to the situation at hand.
Why would she marry him? Was she being forced? I hadn’t gotten a note from her in a while and I started to worry that something had happened to her. Now it seems all my fears were coming true.
“Is there something wrong my lioness?” Tom asks me pulling me from my dark thoughts.
“What?” I ask as if I didn’t understand what he was asking.
“You look upset.” He says and when I look up at him, I realize he has a knowing smirk on his lips. This is the exact reason I’m even here right now. He wanted to see my reaction to Luna marrying that slimy Italian.
“I wasn’t expecting to see anyone I knew.” I tell him glancing to Luna and seeing her eyes on me. I give her a weak smile and to my surprise, she smiles brightly back at me.
“Oh yes, Lady Radcliff was a friend of yours, wasn’t she?” Tom asks already knowing the answer as he sits back in his chair to look the couple over. “I will of course give my approval to such a fine match.” He adds sounding pleased. “I will even go so far as to insist the wedding be held here, at the Empire’s expense.”
Luna looked slightly troubled by this but catches herself before she can say anything.
“That’s too kind of you my Lord.” The slime ball says next to my friend.
“Of course it will have to be one of the ancient rituals.” The Dark Lord says, more to himself. “Tell me Lady, are you a virgin?” He asks but I can see his real focus is on me.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I know that this is the wrong move, but that doesn’t help me stop my actions.
I shoot up at the question and put myself between Luna and Tom. “I don’t think this is a conversation for a public gathering my Lord.” I say trying to keep my anger from my voice.
I watch as he sits back in his chair, looking like a cat that just caught a prized mouse. “Maybe not.” He says in an amused tone. “But why does my pet think she has the right to speak to me in such a way?”
I swallow and flush a bit, keeping my focus completely on Tom. “Have I been too gentle with you recently?” He asks loud enough for the room to hear. “You’ve been such a good little pet I thought that maybe we were past childish outbursts.”
I know he’s doing it on purpose, that he’s trying to stoke the fire of rage in me that has been forming since last night, but I can’t seem to stop myself or cool the heat.
“I’m sorry if I’ve offended my Lord.” I say not trying in the least to keep the venom from my tone. “But I really don’t think her personal life is any of your business.”
Tom taps his fingers on the arm of his throne for a moment as he was obviously thinking how best to punish my little outburst.
“Everyone is dismissed.” He says finally as he gets to his feet. “You two stay.” He adds as he moves past me, obviously speaking to Zabini and my friend.
I glanced to Daphne, who was still standing behind the throne obviously unsure if she was supposed to leave or not. Her eyes widen a fraction giving me my only warning before a spell hit me dead in the back. Instead of the pain, I had expected it sent me to a hazy soft place.
“Kneel.” A voice came, it was such a pretty voice and if I hadn’t felt this spell before I might even be listening to it. “Kneel.” The voice repeated with a slightly firmer tone, but I knew the Imperious curse when I felt it so I fought the urge still.
A new voice joins the first, but this one I know is wholly inside my head. “Keep fighting.” Riddle says and I can almost feel his soothing touch. “If you can throw the spell off, he’ll respect you more.” He explains in a calm tone.
“Ginevra kneel.” Tom orders again and I can hear the anger starting to rise in his voice.
“Don’t you dare!” Riddle orders as my knees start to buckle.
“It’s going to hurt.” I say just wanting to give in as I spend more and more will to resist.
“Yes it is.” Both Riddle and Tom say at once giving me a weird stereo experience.
“But, it will be better in the long run.” Riddle reminds me and I start to wonder how he’s even talking to me right now.
“You will kneel.” Tom says sounding truly angry now.
“NO.” I yell finally breaking the curse completely and turning to face my attacker. I’m out of breath feeling almost as weak as I had after my last Riddle dream.
Tom’s eyebrows raise in surprise as I break his curse and the red is almost glowing in his eyes now. I can see how angry he is. Whatever punishment he’d planned originally was going to be nothing to what he would do to me now. But that isn’t all I can see, there’s also pure animal desire as he looks back into my eyes. Riddle had been right in that fighting would make Tom desire me more.
“Take my pet to my room while I finish my business here.” Tom says, how was he calm enough to speak in a controlled tone?
Luna-
Once Lestrange finally leaves I head up to my bedroom to find a pacing Ron. The moment I open the room he runs over to me wrapping his arms around me. “You still won’t come with me will you?” He asks in a knowing way.
“No.” I tell him as I rest my head against his chest. “But I would love to shower with you this morning.” I add to try to distract him.
He sighs and shakes his head. “Do you really have to get up now?” He asks sounding more than tired.
“Yes, I’m sure, he’s contacting Blaise now, and we will have to meet up to see what we’re doing about this new problem.”
“You know I would have come out and pounded that wanker if I didn’t think it would make it worse for you.” I says regretfully.
“Thank you, but if you see him someplace else you’re free to enact any violence you wish.” I tell him with a laugh. “Shower?” I press.
“Shower.” He agrees.
By the time, I’m dressed and ready to go, I come down the stairs to a pacing Blaise and I have to laugh at how similar the men actually are. “Something wrong?” I ask politely.
“Are you okay?” Blaise turns looking me over as if he’s going to find injury.
“I’m fine; I just had a bit of a disagreement with Lord Lestrange this morning.”
“I know he sent a message. In it he detailed what ritual he’s going to press the Dark Lord to make us use for our wedding rite.” He explains as he starts to pace again. “Luna, it’s going to give me a lot of power over you.” He adds sounding worried about that. “But I don’t know if I can fix this.”
I nod slowly walking over to put a hand on his arm. “I’m not worried about it. We will think of something.” I tell him with a smile. “At least I’m not a virgin, do you know how tightly bound those rites could be?”
He frowns at me shaking his head. “So you’re not going to try to run from this? I won’t blame you if you wanted to. He also sent over some ideas of what I should do with that control once I have it.”
I frown at this nodding again. “Do you think he’ll force you to share me like he described?” I ask looking into his eyes.
“No, but he seems to think I would do it willingly.” He says sounding a bit offended.
I take a slow breath and let myself get lost in the colors around me while I think. “Do you think the Dark Lord would let him…?” I start and Blaise puts a hand on my arm before I can finish.
“No. You’re the last heir to one of the great noble houses of England. He wouldn’t let even his inner circle turn you into that. Being my…” he frowns at his own words. “...plaything is your place as my wife, but being the plaything to his inner circle is not and dilutes and disrespects the line.”
I sigh focusing on him again. “He wasn’t afraid to disrespect my line when punishing Draco.” I remind him.
“And if the fool tells him exactly what he has on us he might be willing to punish you in a similar way.” Blaise explains regretfully. “But now I have proof that he helped you cover the death and that’s just as damning to him as it is to us.”
I let out a slow easy breath as his statement penetrates my worry. “You what?”
“I’ve found proof he covered up your involvement with the death, I think I can convince the Dark Lord he had as much to do with it as you do, which means he doesn’t have anything to force our hand with any longer.”
“But we still need to get married?” I ask blinking at him.
Blaise frowns looking torn before nodding slowly. “If we don’t go through with it it will give him the idea that I actually and truly care about you Luna.” He says in a regretful tone. “Which would give him power over me.”
I have to smile as I think about the logic of what he just said. “We have to get married to prove how much you don’t care for me.” I say unable to keep from laughing just a little.
He can’t help but smile at my point as well. “This is a rather interesting world we live in.” He admits before kissing the top of my head. “You look nice by the way; I wasn’t expecting you to be ready for the day with how the Lord described his interaction with you.”
“He isn’t nearly as scary as other people.” I tell him trying to keep my mood light.
“We have to be to the gathering around one, would you like to go out to breakfast and prepare for facing the Dark Lord?” He asks brushing my cheek with his fingers.
“Blaise?” I ask looking him in the eyes. “Do you want this to be a real marriage?” I ask as I realize his change in demeanor since our engagement.
He takes in a slow breath as he thinks. “We need to make it seem like a real marriage at least. You know I do care about you.” He reminds me. “And for right now you are…” He blinks as if he’s realizing something for the first time. He frowns obviously troubled by his thoughts. “Never mind.” He says taking my hand. “A nice breakfast will do us both good.”
Our meal together is spent mostly in silence, as we both seem deep in thought. By the end he starts to explain what will be expected of me in the gathering today, which isn’t much. He will be doing most of the talking unless I’m asked a direct question.
When we arrive at Hogwarts we’re directed with a large group of people all heading to the same gathering. As we descend the stairs to the main chamber, a coldness tries to seep into me, but I fight it by looking at Blaise and letting his warmth carry me through.
As the group waits for the Dark Lord to enter everyone is clustered in smaller groups talking about why they’re here or other political subjects. I stay silent as Blaise speaks to an older Lord who’s here to petition for an expansion of his lands. I tune them out watching the colors move about the room.
Most in the room have a selfish and greedy hue, but that isn’t really a surprise. I just enjoy the way they meld together and dance around the people to keep myself entertained.
We have been waiting for ten to fifteen minutes when there’s a part in those gathered and brave and loving colors move through the crowd. I blink away the colors and look as my friend takes the dais sitting in a smaller but lovely carved chair next to the Dark Lord’s throne.
She looks stunning and healthy and I can’t help but feel glad that my friend is well.
A few minutes later, the Dark Lord enters and sits down next to her. Swallowing hard I look at their colors together. It’s cold and complete darkness to her warm light, but somehow they mix in a way that makes the image bearable. I study this for some time as I wait for Blaise and I to be called.
“Lady Luna Radcliff-Lovegood and Lord Blaise Zabini.” The secretary starts. “Here to have a marriage contract approved.”
As we move into the small clearing meant for those who are addressing the Dark Lord, I notice Ginny stiffen a bit. Watching her colors, I can see a clear worry there so I try to smile as best I can to relieve her fears.
The Dark Lord says something but I’m not really paying attention, more worried about what Ginny will think of all of this. I wish I could explain it to her.
“What?” She asks as confused as I am.
“You look upset.” The Dark Lord tells her in an odd kind of way. I frown wondering what his game is.
“I wasn’t expecting to see anyone I knew.” She answers obviously trying to keep some kind of control. She gives me a worried smile, but I return a happy one still trying to show her things are okay with me.
“Oh yes, Lady Radcliff was a friend of yours, wasn’t she?” The Dark Lord asks before looking over to us as if he’s never met us before. “I will of course give my approval to such a fine match.” He adds sounding pleased. “I will even go so far as to insist the wedding be held here, at the Empire’s expense.”
My eyes widen and I try my hardest to resist the urge to look around for Lestrange. What would this mean exactly?
“That’s too kind of you my Lord.” Blaise says in a most polite tone.
“Of course it will have to be one of the ancient rituals.” The Dark Lord says thoughtfully. “Tell me Lady, are you a virgin?” He asks looking to me.
Before I can answer, Ginny jumps out of her chair and puts her body between the Dark Lord and me as if she’s protecting me. “I don’t think this is a conversation for a public gathering my Lord.” She says angrily.
“Maybe not.” The Dark Lord says sounding happy. “But why does my pet think she has the right to speak to me in such a way? Have I been too gentle with you recently?” He asks projecting his voice to the room. “You’ve been such a good little pet I thought that maybe we were past childish outbursts.”
I can see her hand tremble in fury as if she wants to draw a wand on him. “I’m sorry if I’ve offended my Lord. But I really don’t think her personal life is any of your business.”
The Dark Lord sits back on his throne, tapping his fingers against the on the armrest as he watches Ginny for a long moment.
“Everyone is dismissed.” He says as he gets to his feet. Blaise takes my arm again trying to move me away before he looks directly at us. “You two stay.” He adds with a grin.
Before anyone can say, another word and only half the people have left the room the Dark Lord turns on my friend and casts a silent spell.
I look at her colors to see what kind of damage he’s done when I see she has the soft muted colors of someone who is dazed.
“Kneel.” The Dark Lord orders and I realize it has to be a simple Imperious curse. When she doesn’t follow the order, I smile as I remember our training in the DA. “Kneel.” He repeats having no more outward effect.
I blink a few times as I see a new darkness enter her colors. It’s manipulative and prideful, and I wonder if it’s the Dark Lord’s influence on her.
“Ginevra kneel.” He orders and I watch, as this darkness seems to be protecting her from the spell rather than helping the Dark Lord over take her.
“It’s going to hurt.” She says weakly as her and the darkness fight together.
“Yes it is.” The Dark Lord agrees obviously not liking how she’s resisting his spell. “You will kneel.” He adds angrily.
“NO.” She screams as the daze fades from her colors and she turns on the Dark Lord.
There is a very long moment when one can hear a pin drop in that chamber as Ginny and the Dark Lord stare each other down.
“Take my pet to my room while I finish my business here.” He says finally before turning away from my friend to give Blaise and I his attention.
Once Ginny is out of earshot and most of the others have left the Dark Lord turns his attention back on us. “I mean it when I say this is an important event for our nation. Your union shows what is best about our new laws and customs.” He says as he gives us a cold smile.
“Now that my consort isn’t here to rage in your name Lady Radcliff, I do actually need to know the extent of your experience. It will effect which ritual we can perform for your marriage vows.”
“Of course my Lord.” I say licking my lips and not looking up at him. “I’ve been with two men.” I tell him and feel Blaise go very still next to me.
The Dark Lord chuckles and shakes his head. “I see, I don’t think your future husband knew this. Do you think you still want such a well-used wife?” He asks Blaise as if he hadn’t been with many more when than I had.
“Of course my Lord. I wouldn’t deny her the experience of tasting what was out there before she was bound only to me.” He says diplomatically.
“Such a modern wizard.” The Dark Lord says dryly. “I of course have little time for event planning, but you may set up a meeting with Lucius to start the necessary plans.”
“My Lord?” I find myself asking as an idea strikes me. “Isn’t it the Lady of the castle’s job to plan such important social events?” I ask hoping he doesn’t take the suggestion as a slight.
There is a few moments of silence before he chuckles coldly. “Traditionally yes.” He agrees. “We will see if she’s up to such a task. I’m sure she would be happy to be able to spend time with the future bride. It may even warm her to what her own future holds.”
With little more conversation, Blaise and I are dismissed and led back up to the castle proper. We aren’t alone again until we are back on my grounds.
“When?” Blaise turns on me with a growl. “When was this other bloke? I know you were pure when we were together! And who would dare touch you?” He asks sounding mad.
I frown at him and tilt my head. “Did you actually want to own me Blaise?” I ask not answering his question. “Have me bound up in a marriage where I have no free will?”
“No. But that doesn’t mean I like the idea of some slimy git having his paws all over you. Who was it Luna, tell me.” He demands.
I blink at him as the colors of jealousy swirl around him. “What happened to not caring what I choose to do?” I counter still not willing to tell him about Ron.
“Once we are married I’ll help you choose a lover if that is what you really want, but to shag some random guy on the street, it’s below you and they were not worthy of your noble line.”
I frown and shake my head. “I’m not going to pick up some random guy at a bar or something. I wouldn’t even go to a bar without you.” I remind him.
“Then who Luna? I will find out.” He says with a determined air.
“Me.” Ronald says from the top of the stairs and my stomach sinks as I watch Blaise’s eyes go wide.
Daphne-
I’m still thinking about Ginny’s reaction to the green dress while I do her hair to get her ready for the gathering. She’s usually rather friendly with me these days, so snapping at me and pressing me not to talk has me a bit puzzled. It has to do with the fact she’s upset over what’s happening with Tracey I decide, but I’m still puzzling it over when I hear her giggle.
I realize she has caught sight of her hair, which I’ve pulled into an intricate mane of curls. “I think it’s lovely, and you can’t say you don’t look like a Gryffindor.” I say with a smile as the door opens.
Both Ginny and I turn to look as Milly and Tracey walk into the room. Milly smiles and bows her head, and I can see she’s actually forming a great respect for our Lady and me. I find it warms my heart to see how much the usually awkward girl is blooming in this setting.
When my eyes move to Tracey, I can’t help but let out a soft sigh. Most of the damage from her time with the Dark Lord has been healed, but there are definitely a few clear bruises, she had purposefully left. Surprising I feel Ginny ease a bit at the sight of the other girl.
“You know this won’t really help in the end.” Tracey can’t help but say, as she looks Ginny over.
“What?” Our Lady asks as she stands. She obviously doesn’t understand the comment at all, which is kind of funny in a way. “Do you think we are in competition?” She asks Tracey as the truth dawns on her. I can’t help but be surprised at her tone, it sounds nothing like the Ginny I know, and reminds me more of the way Mrs. Malfoy would address someone she felt beneath her.
“Life’s a competition.” Tracey says with an open sneer at Ginny for the first time. Is she really giving away the game now? After just one night with the Dark Lord? She’s a lot dumber than I had originally thought, and that’s saying something.
“I’m starting to understand that.” Ginny says in the same superior tone. “I’m also realizing that one of the keys to winning is knowing who you real competition is. You think we’re competitors before the Dark Lord used you as his whore last night.”
“A Mistress to the Emperor is hardly a whore. Did you know he offered me the position after I’d thoroughly satisfied his desire?” She asks sounding very pleased with herself.
“There are so many things you misunderstand about our Lord.” Ginny starts before she glances to me, it was almost as if she was asking permission to put Tracey in her place. I give her a pleased smile in way of telling her to fire on. “First, of course I know you’re his Mistress now. He had to ask my permission to make the offer in the first place. You are my lady, and were under my protection. Secondly, there’s absolutely no way you satisfied his desire. You don’t even know what his true desires look like. One of us in this room was your true competitor…” She keeps going and Tracey looks to me, which almost makes me laugh, Ginny does laugh before going on. “Wrong again.” She finishes turning to look at me now. “Is it time for this gathering yet?” She asks as Tracey looks to Millicent with a bit of confusion on her face.
Milly looks very pleased with herself and I can’t help but be proud of our Lady for the little speech.
After that I take Ginny out into the main chamber while reassuring her she didn’t reveal too much of my plans for Milly. As Ginny loses herself in thought I start to go over all the girls that I could get to replace Tracey once she was gone. I meant what I said to Ginny, the girl wouldn’t last long with her attitude, not as the Dark Lord’s plaything.
I have the list in my head narrowed down to about ten girls when I hear silence fall over the room. Looking up I watch as the Dark Lord sweeps up the stairs and takes his place on the throne.
It feels a bit odd, as he starts right in on small talk with Ginny. I only really half listen to the conversation as I look over those gathered. Nothing unusual catches my eye until near the back I spot a girl with stupidly long blond hair. What was Luna Lovegood doing here? As people shift, I realize she’s with Blaise and I can’t help but smile. So it seems that project of our little group has taken a large step forward. I wonder why neither of the boys told me what was going on with that.
As people start to come forward to make their complaint or ask for their favor, I pay attention closely to everything going on. Most of these things are decided well before this kind of gathering, but it’s nice for the public to see our great Lord ruling his people.
When it’s Blaise’s turn, I take the chance to look over the girl more closely. I can’t help but admit my friend’s influence on her has gone a long way. Though I see, she still has this sort of faraway look in her eyes; Luna looks not only normal, but also well groomed and presentable.
“Lady Luna Radcliff-Lovegood and Lord Blaise Zabini.” The secretary starts. “Here to have a marriage contract approved.”
I see Ginny straighten a little at the secretary’s words and I start to get nervous about what she’s going to do. Luna was one of her old friends, and if she gets a hint of the girl being pushed around I think maybe she’ll fall back into old habits.
“This will be our Empire’s first truly noble wedding.” The Dark Lord sounds very pleased as he greets the couple.
This is truly bad luck. Even watching her posture from the back I can tell Ginny is going to have little patents for this, not after everything that’s happened over the last few days. Out of all the days, we could have sat in on one of these gatherings, why did it have to be the day her friend was here.
“Is there something wrong my lioness?” The Dark Lord asks in a tone that makes me realize this confrontation has nothing to do with luck. He has been pushing her buttons from the start.
“What?” She asks as if she didn’t hear him.
“You look upset.” He says with an amused tone that everyone in the room would be able to hear.
“I wasn’t expecting to see anyone I knew.” She says and I have to give her credit for not losing her cool just yet. Even if her voice sounds strained. She looks to Luna and the blonde gives her a bright smile.
“Oh yes, Lady Radcliff was a friend of yours, wasn’t she?” The Dark Lord asks as if he hadn’t already known the answer. “I will of course give my approval to such a fine match.” He adds sounding pleased. “I will even go so far as to insist the wedding be held here, at the Empire’s expense.”
No one looks happy with this idea. The Lovegood girl frowns slightly, and even Blaise has to force his smile. “That’s too kind of you my Lord.” he says, but I can tell he’s looking for a reason to turn the Dark Lord down.
“Of course it will have to be one of the ancient rituals.” The Dark Lord muses to himself. “Tell me Lady, are you a virgin?” He asks but it’s obvious his real attention is on Ginny.
I watch on as Ginny snaps to her feet and puts herself in a protective stance in front of her friend. “I don’t think this is a conversation for a public gathering my Lord.” She says with a boiling temper.
“Maybe not.” The Dark Lord says in an amused tone. “But why does my pet think she has the right to speak to me in such a way? Have I been too gentle with you recently?” He asks letting his voice carry to the room. “You’ve been such a good little pet I thought that maybe we were past childish outbursts.”
But it’s obvious from his tone and this little stunt that he had hoped for this exact outcome.
“I’m sorry if I’ve offended my Lord.” Ginny says, but her tone doesn't at all match her words. “But I really don’t think her personal life is any of your business.”
There’s a pause before the Dark Lord looks to the room. “Everyone is dismissed.” He says finally as he gets to his feet. “You two stay.” He adds pointing to Zabini and his new fiancé.
Ginny looks at me now as I try to decide if I’m supposed to stay or not. Before I can decide, I see the Dark Lord turn on the spot with his wand raised. It’s obvious he had cast a silent spell on Ginny and I watch as her eyes become unfocused.
“Kneel.” The Dark Lord orders and everyone still in the chamber stops breathing as Ginny only slightly sways on the spot.
“Kneel.” He repeats and it’s obvious now what he cast on her, but it’s just as obviously that she’s fighting his control.
“Ginevra kneel.” The Dark Lord almost hisses as he puts more will into the spell.
“It’s going to hurt.” I hear her say softly instead of following his command.
“Yes it is.” He agrees as his anger spikes. “You will kneel.” He says through clenched jaws.
“NO.” She finally yells and I can see her eyes clear completely as she throws off the spell.
I watch as anyone left in the room besides those ordered to stay find a quick exit. I don’t blame them for not wishing to be in the same room as our Lord at this moment.
“Take my pet to my room while I finish my business here.” He says in a seemingly calm tone. There’s a moment before I realize he’s speaking to me and I move forward to take Ginny’s arm.
As we walk, I glance over to Ginny who seems unusually calm as well. When I see that she’s, actually trembling slightly I frown. “You can’t show fear now.” I tell her once we’re out of earshot of anyone.
“Not his study, or the dining hall, or my room.” She answers and I can’t help but bite my lip.
“He knows how much this upsets you Ginny. He won’t force himself on you.” I point out knowing that that is a small relief when there are so many things he’s still willing to do to her.
“Do you think he will make me watch them together?” She asks actually surprising me.
“I don’t know.” I admit wondering if he actually knows how that would affect her.
“I’m always going to fall into his traps.” She said as she got to the large double doors of his bedroom.
“Maybe, but you surprised everyone by shrugging off that Imperious Curse.” I say still trying to make her feel better.
She licks her lips as she looks around the dark room. “It’s only going to make this worse in the end.” She reminds me.
“For today.” I say clasping her hand. “But tomorrow is he going to respect you all the more for it. Why do you think he plays these games with you? He enjoys having a woman that he can’t exactly control.” I tell her with a frown. “Do you want me to stay?” I ask as I try to ignore our surroundings.

She gives me a sad smile and shakes her head. “This can’t be pleasant for you either. Go, I’ll live.”
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Face of War