Thread: Rise. - Chapters I, II, & III.

Chapter I - Riddle. Come, Draco. His mothers voice echoed down the long corridor, drawing the young male to attention and forcing him to quickly catch up with her hurried movements. Though she made haste, she did it with elegance and grace, and his gaiting clip look sloppy compared to all else. He knew not what the importance of this meeting was, or why they were here. All he knew is that the Dark Lord had a new task for him, something that was important to their success. Thin lips pulled into a smug smirk, as he began to imagine what their world would be like. Once they plunged the worlds into darkness. Finally they stopped, and his mother parted the large oak doors into a large, lusciously furnished, brightly lit parlor. He entered, the soles of his black dress shoes clicking lightly upon the marble floors, one hand tucked lamely into his pocket, the other clutched loosely at the lapel to his dress coat. The slim, fitting black suit gave him a look of importance, but with his untucked, three buttons undone, white dress shirt, and messy platinum blonde hair, he looked a little ruggish. Something he thought suited him. But when those blue eyes laid upon Bellatrix LeStrange, and the glowing look about her, he assumed something was terribly amiss. That woman never smiled so big, unless she was getting the chance to kill some poor bloke. Draco, please sit. There is someone we would like you to meet. His Mother gestured to a large black chair, where he promptly seated himself. His mother moved to stand behind him, one slender well manicured hand placed upon the back of the chair, the other tensely held at her side. This would have made him nervous, had his mother not taken on this tension since the imprisonment of his father. The laughter of Bellatrix filled the room, and those thin lips pulled into a small grimace. The woman was truly mad. Just then, the wild haired, dark eyes woman moved to throw open the doors at the other end of the room, and entered a girl, unlike anyone he had ever seen before. OR so he glimpsed, for Bellatrix was blocking his view, her hands softly touching the girls face, and she was making cooing sounds. Bellatrix, fauning and cooing? What was this world coming to? Slowly he rose from his chair to properly greet the newcomer, and Bellatrix moved aside revealing the girl once more. Her slender frame reached near his height, pale, and fair skinned. Full pouting lips, and eyes bright as the skies, her hair was dark and flowing, waterfall curls cascading over her shoulders and down along her back. She was utterly beautiful. Not a blemish in sight from what he could tell. Draco, this is Amiana Bellatrix Riddle. Pleasure to meet you, Amiana. It took a moment for the name to settle in, and for the obvious connection to click. Did you say, Riddle? As in.. Tom Riddle? The Dark Lord? Yes Draco, Amiana is the sole heir of the Dark Lord. He stared for a moment, his face not betraying his thoughts, nor his astonishment at how such a dark, dastardly creature had spawned this angel. And her mother? That would be me! Bellatrix laughed with pure, utter, victory. My sweet, Amiana! She laughed, whilst petting the girls long hair and donning an expressive little pout of her lips. Long, sharp nails parting the girls hair, and finally she spoke. Bellatrix! Please, You're making a fool of me. Bellatrix gave a huff, threw her hands in the air, and left the room. They're all yours! Amiana moved further into the room, a pair of black dress pants rode low on her hips, exposing a small scar stretching from beneath the waist, and up beneath the white tank top she wore, the thin spaghetti strands clung to her soft shoulders, her exposed forearms showed no marks, no scars, except for the single tattoo upon her left forearm, of the Dark lords Mark. She moved with a confidence he'd not really seen before. Even Pansy's fierce pride was no competition for this girl before him. Draco, it is in the Dark Lords wish, that you are to Marry Amiana, and together, shall he fail to defeat Potter... the two of you together, will be unstoppable. A thick brow rose inquisitively as he turned to look upon his mother. You're kidding, an arranged marriage? Be quiet now. There are requirements, preliminary 'tests' you must pass. Amiana will be returning to Hogwarts with you. She's been privately turtored and trained her whole life, so your job will be to help her explore the sanctuary, get closer to potter, and better equip yourselves for the quickly rising war. And this was where everything turned upside down, and everything became so much more complicated. ------------------------ I had never seen so many people in one place, at one time, or quite frankly at all in my life. I almost felt nervous, there were even butterflies in my stomach. All my life, my mother and father had protected me, sheltered me from the outside world. Treated me like some precious gem, a wilting flower, frail and weak. But I was strong, I was powerful they'd told me. And now, this was my time to prove it. But everything was happening so fast, I was new to all of this, and that was when a hand clutched my own, and everything seemed to calm. I was becoming quite familiar with him. The blue eyes, blonde devil at my side. He could be snide, and rude, cruel even.. but he'd never looked at me with anything other than a sense of compassion, and a want for more. Which tickled me, made me smile despite my need to stay focused on the task we'd been given. Together we boarded the train, and he lead me towards the Slytherin car, odd looks and whispers greeting us as we passed. These people were so judgmental, so utterly clueless. But suddenly he halted, and I could see why. The figure blocking out path was a face I was indeed familiar with, and felt the sneer rising, the urge to lash out and rip his throat was overwhelming but I contained myself, even as I felt Draco tense beside me, and his head jerk to the side. Out of the way Potter. He snarled, I giggled. A wild haired girl joined his side. Oh, get over yourself Malfoy! Her attitude struck me, and I felt myself willing to react in a way I'd never behaved before. Easily sliding myself in front of Draco, my hand still firmly held in his, I let my eyes lower to the shorter girl, her know it all look disgusted me, but alas, I smiled. Granger, right? - Why don't you be a dear, gather your little boys and move along? I watched as she rolled her eyes, huffed and avoided an obvious confrontation, snagging the hand of Potter and dragging him back into their compartment. Pleased with my success I let my back to the compartment door and allowed Draco to pass in front of me. Lead the way Darling. He looked at me sternly, and I gave my best practiced pout. Sorry, something about her just.. irked me. It's alright I suppose.. He whispered, kissed my forehead and lead me down to the correct car. -------- Who was that girl? Rumor has it, the Dark Lord killed her family, her mother was a close friend of Professor Dumbledore, so he agreed to take her into the Academy and protect her, should Voldemort seek her out. but what would Voldemort want with her? I don't know Harry.. but I have a feeling things are going to get a lot worse... What are you guys talking about? Oh RON! --------- As we entered the car, I could hear the bickering, laughing, insults and comebacks of the roudy Slytherin ensemble. One girl in particular stood out. Thin, grey in the face, and her eyes were narrowed upon me. That must be Pansy. The girl Draco had to break up with, due to my fathers wishes. He didn't seem to be complaining however, so perhaps this wouldn't be so bad. Sliding into a seat, with my back to her, I placed my hands on the table before me, and watched as Draco slid in across from me, the way he held himself even when seated was cocky, prideful, and almost arrogant. Hey, Draco.. who's this? Goyle clambered up to lean against the seat behind Draco, and I felt a small blush flourish over my cheeks. This attention was really beginning to bug me, I watched as Draco frowned and before he could wave off the boy, I reached my hand out. Amiana! My name is Amiana Loveless. There had been an entire story embelished behind me, created and designed to allow me unjudged access to the school. Several Rumors had been cast to keep the students at bay, but I myself had approached the Headmaster, along with the ever loyal Severus Snape. Snape had told Dumbledor he'd found me, with Bellatrix LeStrange, being tortured. That I was, the love child of Bellatrix LeStrange, and that she and the other Death Eaters had been torturing me, practicing their tricks upon me. And in need to protect me, he desired that I be placed in Hogwarts for protection, and that my name be changed to Loveless. Though my name had never been Lestrange, it was well enough. Nice to meet'ya. I'm Goyle. Yes, now please.. Goyle, Leave us be. With an odd last look to Draco, the boy left to fool around with another group of students. Most of the train ride had passed in silence, a silence I was very much thankful for. Hogwarts in itself, would be a battle for me. But I knew, without a doubt, I would prove myself worthy of my Father's name, and I would teach Draco, how to truly be a powerful wizard. Chapter II - Pansy Our Arrival at Hogwarts had been quick, but still just as nerve wracking. There were so many more students than I ever could have imagined. You're going to be alright. His words were comforting, but I was at war with myself. Had all those years in the Villa, separated from the world made me weak? I was strong.. I knew I was, but this was something entirely different. I relaxed, as his hand squeezed my own. Shoulders back, chin up. Side by side we walked through the Entrance Hall to the Great Hall. Passing through the large doors I took in the sight of the students seated side by side, row by row, and by their houses. The colours sectioned off so neatly. Draco lead me back towards his house table. The green and silver colours upon the common black robes felt welcoming. Was this the house my Father had been chosen by when he attended Hogwarts? An odd urge, had me looking back over my shoulder, to find Potter, and Granger staring at me. Their third, red headed companion whose name slipped my mind at the moment -Weasle? Weasley? Weevile?- , looking rather infatuated. I turned my head away, dark curls falling in my face, but I quickly brushed them away. Draco.. how often will we be forced near them? Often enough, by the looks of your schedule.. you'll have a lot of classes with Granger.. Oh.. One quick glance back, and then my attention had been stolen away by the curious questions and conversations that quickly enveloped us. I noticed, how easily Draco placed himself amidst the Slytherin team, and the way they surrounded him, as if he was the Head of their House. He was a natural born leader, yes, but I was certain there were things I'd have to teach him.. as soon as I figured out how to push this Awkward phase along and get back to being myself. Do I have any classes with you? Two.. Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Potions. Defense Agai-- Oh... I giggled. This was going to be easy. Though, I figured a lot of the spells I was used to, would not be tolerated, so here was to the beginning of a very -sarcastically- fun year. Subconsciously, I laid my head upon Draco's shoulder and listened as the conversations carried on. His laughter rattled my ears, but I was lost to what they all found so funny. My eyes focused on the window, where the night sky seemed to go on forever. I could feel the magic of all the students tingling, prickling against my skin. The lot of it was so bright, it burned against my senses. But I could feel the comfort of Draco beside me, his magic blistering with darkness, cool and calming. His fingertips snaked across my palm, and slipped between my own, twining our fingers together, and that was when his voice broke me out of my daze. Amiana, you alright? Oh, I'm fine.. just tired, I suppose.. Well the Gathering is over, I'll show you to your dorm. I frowned at the thought of being separated from him, but nodded softly. After our first introductions, he'd been at the Villa every day for the rest of the summer. Though he had more often been training with the Death Eaters, he had still always managed to find his way to me, wherever I had been. We waited, till the majority of the mass had disappeared out of the Great Hall and down their corresponding corridors, then finally we followed suit. Moving at our leisure despite the urges of haste by the Professors. I was not surprised to see the ghosts lurking about the hallways, and corridors, the pictures mouthing off, and arguing with students. In fact it made me giggle. I was amused at how common these people were.. how different everyone was. Back home.. things were always the same.. everything was about the rise of the Dark Lord, and none must fail, shall we fail him, we die. There was no time for childish games, mingling, or fun. We reached the Common room and I felt a feathering touch beneath my chin. I turned my attentions and let his lips meet mine, with a soft, chaste kiss. You'll find your things, at the foot of your bed, right up those stairs. In the morning, I will meet you down here in the common room. Right, I should get some sleep, as should you.. We have a lot of work to do. I parted ways and started up the stairs, though I did not miss the jealous stares or mumblings of the other girls. As I rounded the corner to the girls dormitory, I noticed my trunk at the foot of a bed at the far end of the room. I'd have a little privacy there at least. I approached, and the low pitched hum of Afakos in his cage. Another familiar companion. I'd been told all students were allowed their familiars, and I'd chosen to bring Afakos with me. The Large, White Falcon had been a gift from Severus when I'd been little. It had been just a hatchling then. We'd grown together and he was my greatest companion. Unlatching the cage, I pushed back the sleeve of my left arm, the dark mark hidden beneath a thick wrapping of white bandaging, I reached forth and the Falcon hopped down to perch upon my forearm, ducking his head as I carefully removed him from the confines of his cage. Using my right hand to gently stroke the plumage of feathers upon his chest. There there my darling, I'm here. The large bird cooed, and nudged his head beneath my chin, before craning his head and letting out a loud, aggressive shriek. His feathers ruffled, and his claws dug into my arm, I turned to see a few of the other girls entering the Dormitory, Pansy in the lead and she was coming right for me. The nasty look upon her face, and the sassy placement of her hand upon her hip. Body Language alone, said she had a few choice words for me, but the look in her eyes expressed that she was just truly hurt, and did not understand. So you're the pathetic, nobody my Draco had to spend his summer helping? Pathetic Nobody? Helping? What was she talking about. Please, Pansy, you don't know what you're talking about. Afakos was taking a defensive posture, snapping his rather sharp beak in Pany's direction. I watched as she flinched, gently brushing my hand over the birds head and calming him. Whispering to him softly. Mind your step, -Loveless- I will get Draco back. I've already told you, you don't know what you're talking about. I advise you to kindly take one step back, and relieve yourself of this confrontation, before I am forced to relieve you from it against your will. Without so much as a glance, I gently placed Afakos back within his cage, and closed the door. Only to hear the feint sound of Pansy taking a step closing, and the tension rising, she was drawing her wand. Stupe-- Expelliarmus! I whirled around and threw my hand out, yelling out the charm with such force, her wand went flying and skittering down the stairs. How did you... I was startled at first by her reaction, but that's when I noticed, I'd failed to withdraw my wand, and had simply raised my hand in defense along with the charm. ENOUGH! Just.. Leave me be Pansy, I am not someone you want to pick a fight with. If you want so desperately to be with Draco, then convince him to be with you, attacking me will not help you! The girls behind her seemed to back off, their body language screamed they were scared, but Pansy she looked shocked. And with what sounded like a stifled sob, she turned on her heels and stomped over to her bed. I plopped down at the foot of my own, and allowed myself to place my face into my hands. This was going to be difficult. I was forced to use mediocre charms and spells to defend myself without blowing my cover. I had to fit in, or things for Draco and I were going to get a lot more complicated. Why, was I suddenly factoring him into everything I did? When Pansy had drawn her wand, I'd instantly thought of him, had I not wanted to see him happy, I would have destroyed her without a second thought. It was difficult. I'd been raised as a Death Eater all my life. No one else mattered, no other life mattered, all that mattered was the rise of the Dark Lord, and the fall of all that oppose him. Was I allowing myself to develope feelings for Draco, is that what my father had wanted? Was that not what had been powerful enough to destroy him? Love.. if love had been powerful enough to destroy him, was a love of his own kin.. strong enough to protect him? I was terribly confused. After a few moments I rose to put away my things, and turn in for the night. I had a long day ahead of me. Chapter III - Understanding Part one The next morning had moved slowly, I'd been awake since the early hours, the other girls still slept quietly, peacefully. Unknowing of the darkness that would soon rise to face them. Their generation, knew nothing... it was almost sad. I'd dressed in the required robes and uniform. Wand tucked neatly into place, so it would not be so easily forgotten this time. I gathered my books and headed down to the Common Room, it was still too early for any student to be rising, but I was not surprised to see Draco lounged upon one of the large chairs. His face appeared as if he was deep in though, and he didn't seem to notice I was there. I placed my books on the side table at the end of the stairs and quietly made my way towards him, trying not to break his concentration, but not exactly wanting to startle him either. Though the part of me that had slipped away in this new transition was quickly seeping back into me. I could feel my confidence rising, and my tongue aching to share quiet words of despair. Drawing in on my bottom lip I bit. A long time habit. Moving around behind the chair I gently threaded my fingers through his blonde hair. He breathed out so deeply, and sounded relieved as he finally came back to reality. I watched his reflection in the mirror, as his eyes closed and his face relaxed. I leaned down to gently kiss the top of his head. Looks to me, like you did not sleep well? He made a low noise, and I took that as his answer, easing around the chair to seat myself upon the arm of it, his arm slithered around my waist his hand laid upon my thigh. Gently threading my fingers through his hair I listened to the silence, but not for long. What is it, that has you so bothered? What we're doing here.. Amiana.. it's dangerous. Shhh.... I hushed him, gently pressing a finger to his lips. These walls do have ears my darling. You're right.. He sighed. I knew this would be difficult, he'd grown up here, everything he knew basically had been taught to him here, until Lucius and Narcissa had brought him to my Father and the Death Eaters. He knew emotions like fear, doubt, and uncertainty. I knew not of these emotions. I knew only power, pride, and confidence. Fear was not a word in my spoken vocabulary, nor was the term Dangerous, everything was dangerous given the right circumstances. Life was a dangerous thing in itself. You've nothing to worry about, I'm here with you Draco.. I am here to help you. Things... are just so much more complicated than that.. That was when we noticed we were no longer alone. Professor Snape stood in the Common room door way, his eyes peering down at us along his nose. That look was forever demeaning. I hated it, especially when it came to particular lessons. Malfoy, Loveless... What are you doing at this hour? He asked. Forgive us professor.. troubles sleeping. I slid from my perch and Draco rose from his seat. Come with me. He turned, and we both quickly made to follow. I gathered my books again, and waited for Draco to grab his bag, before following behind the Professor. The corridors were eerily dark at this hour, the dim fire light not casting much luminous charm on the old walls. Despite that, it was nearly comforting, the solitude, the quiet, the emptiness of it.. reminded me much of home. We rounded the corner to the class room for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Our First period class. With one final glance to each other we entered. Snape was leaned against his desk, impatiently awaiting. Set your books aside, you're going to start today's lesson early. While you wait for the rest of the school to wake up. I set my books aside, and rolled up the sleeves of my robe, cross my arms thereafter and raising a slender brow. And exactly, What lesson might that be, Professor? The mocking tone in my voice could not be helped. A lesson, you're going to teach to Malfoy. It has come to my understanding, Loveless, that you possess the ability to cast your spells without a... wand. I want you to teach Malfoy. You've at least two hours of private study before you are to join everyone else for breakfast. Yes sir. With that he left. Leaving the large, empty room to our devices. Draco turned to look at me, one hand lamely tucked into his pocket as usual, the other limp at his side. Casting spells without a wand? Has he gone bloody mad? No, Darling, he hasn't. I removed the rob all together, as to keep it from getting destroyed. I rolled up the sleeves of my shirt and untucked my wand, setting it aside for safe keeping, then tapped the spot next to it. Your wand.. Still looking rather skeptical of the idea entirely, he removed his wand and placed it next to mine. Then took a step back. I grabbed his hand and lead him to the centre of the room. Guiding his steps and minding his posture. I made him stand, and fixed him - much like one would do a doll- in the manner I needed him. Now.. I need you to believe, Draco.. I didn't believe it either... that spells could be cast without the aid of a wand.. but all it is, is a focal point. A place for our concentrated power. If we concentrated all that power simply through out our being... we could do so much more, than just a flick of a wrist. He laughed. Is this some sort of game, Amiana? I smiled and moved around in front of him. Pulling his hand up to eye level and making him hold it there, against my own. Fingers to fingers, palm to palm. I concentrated, and watched his eyes, as he watched mine. I distracted his attention long enough to get my point across. He'd feel it, beginning in his finger tips and working its way down his hand and arm.. to the rest of his body. A warm, tingling sensation, that would grow heavy, and heady. Do you feel that? His expression changed. He answered seriously. Yes. Can you feel me? Yes.. I can feel you too... you just have to feel for yourself. He closed his eyes, and I could see he was beginning to understand, he was beginning to concentrated. I want you to feel it.. feel your power, feel what it is, that is in your blood.. which makes you a Wizard, Draco. Feel it, Know it, Hear it, See it, let it consume you.. let it become you. I could feel his presence growing stronger, his touch was growing warmer. The power began to roll off of him, in pure uncontrolled waves. It licked at my skin, and slammed against the walls. Roaring like a wild flame. Then.. it consumed him, and when he opened his eyes again, I could see in them a flare. A ring of power, that had not been there before. I can feel it.. Magic.. is so much more than spoken words, and wooden sticks.. the power comes from within us, it is our greatest defense.. this is what will lead us to victory.. For the remainder of our time, I made him practice, unleashing and recalling that power, then how to form it in his mind, and to begin controlling it. We continued, until sunlight began to peek in through the cracks in the window curtains, and the halls began to come alive with voices, foot steps, and other such noises. Our time alone was up.. and it was time to join the others for breakfast. Quietly we placed out things aside, for safe keeping, gathered our robes and headed to the Great Hall. With my hand in his, he lead me once more to our seats. Amongst the other Slytherins. I was beginning to understand the thought, and process behind the workings of this place. Mass gatherings alotted the students a place to socialize, in a safe enviornment. It gave them the illusion of security. If only they knew.