Viper

December 24, 1991. 11 years old

Our first term at Hogwarts had finished about a week ago. I had come home with Draco tailing behind me. Narcissa and Lucius had greeted us at King’s Cross. Narcissa, standing in her beautiful black gown and Lucius by her side in his matching velvet wizard robes. The epitome of elegance and pureblood wizard fashion. They gave us their best aristocratic smiles and led us to the fireplace in which we’d go to the Manor from.

We had floo’d to the Manor where my parents had greeted us. My mother was hardly able to stand, her very pregnant belly would tire her back. Contrary to my mother, who was dressed in light grey robes, my father was dressed in a similar fashion to what Lucius was wearing. His outfit was dark in colours with matching black robes. The lapels of his robe had been deep crimson, complimenting his dark skin tone.  

Within seconds of arriving, my mother started to mutter prayers for the baby to come out soon. She would start cursing when the baby would kick her. Almost as if the baby was saying he couldn't wait to get out of her too. My father would reassure her, telling her to handle a couple more days and the future Rosier heir would be born. Mother and father were clearly impatient to meet their male heir, even more so now that they knew the Rosier bloodline wouldn't die off with me.

We stood in the drawing room just exchanging pleasantries before I ran to my room at the Manor and crashed on the bed. I was finally home. The magically warmed linens welcomed me as I took a deep whiff of the mahogany scented air. The Manor always smelled so welcoming. 

After lying down for a couple minutes, I dragged myself to the grand bathroom. It had brown tile floors and a giant tub in the corner of the room, across from the shower. If I didn't spend so much time here, I'd be jealous of the way Draco’s bathrooms look. The shower’s at the manor was almost three times the size of the Hogwarts one, and contained an assortment of shampoos, conditioners, bath supplies, and more. There was a small cabinet dedicated to an assortment of lotions and creams. Each one had different magical ingredients that did something different to your hair or skin.  The warm water welcomed me like the sheets did, and when I got out I noticed the fireplace had turned on. Tired and happy to be home, I crawled into the silk sheets and succumbed to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As usual, the Malfoy’s are hosting a dinner party for Christmas Eve. I wouldn't be surprised to see Narcissa running around frantically. The cooking was on the Malfoy house elves. Who no doubt had been preparing the food since last night.

I woke up to my dark room. The curtains had been drawn shut and the only light source I had was the candelabra at the corner of the room. I found myself quite bored since it was probably around 10 am and long away from the actual dinner party. 

I didn't bother grabbing a robe as I walked to Draco’s room. His room was a couple paces down from mine. My fist hit the door softly as I knocked. “Draco?” My voice above a near whisper.

No answer. I didn't want to wait so I opened the door and was greeted with a pile of crumpled sheets and blonde hair poking out from under. “Draco.” I whispered.

He turned in bed and snuggled closer to his pillow. I had to hold back a chuckle at how innocent he looked. “Not so scary now huh, Malfoy?” 

I silently closed the door behind me, locked it with a couple spells and whispered a Silencing Charm before walking forward. Shivering and hugging my arms close to my body, I made my way to his bed and slipped inside the warm covers that were radiating with his body heat. 

I snuggled close to his back and threw my arms around him. Our parents used to find us in this position a lot when we were younger. Especially when our families would host their extravagant balls. Me and him were never ones to shy away from physical affection, which was possibly the reason our parents encouraged us to get married. “Oh but they are so perfect!” My mother would say. “Could you imagine calling Draco son?” She would tell to my father. In which my father would shake his head and say, “Too good to be true.” and would down whatever whiskey he had in his hand, then proceed to shoot me a dirty look.

My finger traced a circle on his shirtless, pale back, enjoying his warm company. After a few minutes of this morning bliss, I felt my eyelids fluttering shut and my breath slowing. I snapped out of my trance and looked around, afraid I was hallucinating. I noticed my arms were wrapped around Draco’s pale waist and he was breathing softly into the pillow. My mind started to run as I contemplated what to do. “Dracooooo.” I whispered in his ear. He stirred slightly, but did not wake. “Dracoooo.” I repeated. “Wake up, Pansy’s naked and she can’t find her bra!” I said even louder.

Draco immediately woke up, twisting and knocking his elbow into my face. Hard. “Huh? Pansy? Where?!” 

“Fucking hell, Malfoy!” My hands flew to cup my nose which was now gushing blood. “You bloody broke my nose!” 

He turned to face me and raised his eyebrow. “Lexie?” He took in the sight of me clutching my nose and his eyes trailed down to my nightgown. His face grew even more confused. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see if you were awake, but you were too busy making out with your pillow. And after lying down, you decided to BREAK MY NOSE.” I groaned and my head hit the pillow. Blood had started to leak down my fingers. 

Draco rubbed his icy grey eyes before reaching for his wand. “Episkey.” The crack echoed throughout the room, as he fixed my nose. He gave me a matter-of-fact look as he said, “And if you didn't decide to tell me Pansy was naked, you wouldn't be in this mess.” 

“Oi fuck off, Malfoy.” 

“Can't get enough of me can you?” He eyed my shape cocooned in the blankets and smirked. “You're still in my bed.”.

I scoffed and pushed myself up onto my elbows. “Have you forgotten how many times I've woken up to see your arms wrapped around me and turned to feel something hard on my back?” 

My retort caught him off guard as he turned red in the face. He struggled for words. “You're bullshitting, Lexie. I have never…” He looked down then back up. “Around you.” 

I smirked, and pushed the covers off me. “Must have been imagining then.” I shot him a wink and he immediately grabbed my hand and pushed me down to the bed. He leaned his pale slender shirtless body over me. 

“Don't fucking play with me, Lexie.” 

“I play with you whenever I want. Who else is to keep me entertained when I am oh so bored?”

His face drew closer to mine. “Keep playing with me. You’ll see what happens.” 

I rolled my eyes. “You're not scary, Draco.”  

He leaned in closer, our noses almost touching. A blush was spread across his pale cheeks, and his eyes were wide. He had such a beautiful boyish face that I wanted to just hold onto forever. “You haven't seen scary yet.” 

That is when I slapped him across the face. Lightly, of course. His eyes darkened, turning black, and his face grew even redder than he already was. “Oh fuck off, Malfoy. Quit trying to seduce me. Besides,” I paused, pulling down my hitched up nightgown. “Potter might get jealous.” 

I struggled out his grip and got out of bed. “See you at breakfast.” I gave him another wink before I strutted out his bedroom door, leaving him cradling his pale cheek.

Upon exiting his  room I bumped into my mother, who had a frantic expression on her face. “Oh dear Merlin, Lexie.” She gasped. “I was just coming to inform you that we will be having dinner today. I had Madam Malkins make a set of dress robes for you. They are on your bed.” 

She was glancing around the dimly lighted hallway, reaching up to the rolls in her golden hair. Even in her dishevelled state, she looked put together. I was quite confused with her reaction to dinner. My mum would always fret over things like this but never to this extent. “Mum?” 

“Yes, Alexandria?” 

“Why are you so worried? It is just dinner with the Malfoys.” I shrugged casually.

Her dark, thin eyebrows raised. “Get a hold of yourself, girl. It is not just the Malfoys we will be dining with this evening.” She took a deep breath and nudged a pink roll that was holding her curls. Her breath whistled through her mouth as she glanced across the hallway, as if searching for a potential threat. Her stern voice now a soft whisper as she said, “The Dark Lord will be joining us.” 

Her eyebrows furrowed, into the regular thin brown lines and I couldn't help my own eyebrows rising. I found myself at a loss for words as silence filled the dimly lit hall. “I take it Draco does not know?” 

She shook her head. “If you could inform him that would be lovely.”

I nodded my head and left my mum standing there as I walked back toward Draco’s room. I quietly opened the door and peeked my head in to find him lying down in his bed, still shirtless. There were a couple books floating in a line in front of his bed. They were moving from one end to another with just careful waves of his wand. I closed the door roughly behind me and at the sound of his door slamming, Draco dropped the books in the air. “Come to give me another slap?”

Bending over to pick up the books, I placed them on the shelf as I said, “No actually. But what I'm about to tell you might feel like one.” 

He raised his eyebrow. “Try me.”

“The Dark Lord is coming to dinner today.” Just as I had expected, his face immediately paled. If I was closer I'm sure I could see his pupils constricting. He looked as if someone had told him his dad died. “Told you.”

I started walking toward his bed noticing how his pale complexion started to turn red with anger. “Who told you this?”

I lifted the covers and slid under. “My mum.” 

The anatomy of Draco was interesting because usually his thoughts would be written plainly on his face. If he was angry, he was red. If he was nauseous, he was such a pale tone that he looked green. If he was happy, his pale skin had a golden hue to it. A happy Draco was my favourite Draco, but he still resembled a chameleon during the 24 hours of the day. 

Draco looked me dead in the eyes and said something I never thought I'd hear come out his mouth. “Let's run.” 

My jaw dropped to the floor as I tried to contain the words Draco just said. “Draco…” I started,  “You can't be serious.”

Draco pushed the covers off him and walked around the bed. “I am serious, Lexie. Lets go to Blaise’s or Pansy’s. I'm sure they are doing Christmas Eve dinner too. We can ditch and tell our parents that.” His hands reached down and grasped mine, a desperate gesture. 

I shook my head. “Draco, my mum ordered a dress custom for me. She wouldn't have done that if this wasn't important. We can't ditch.” I answered.

“Lexie, I don't wanna dine with him. Everything about that man gives me the creeps.” Draco pleaded. His silver eyes met my dark ones, a silent begging filled the room. 

I pushed off the bed, letting go of his hands. “Sort yourself, Draco. If they catch you like this it won't end well.”

“Lexie,” He said. His hesitance was obvious in his voice. I started walking toward the door silently praying he had enough common sense to not ditch. Before grabbing the black handle I turned to him. “Better get used to it now. In 7 years we will be working for him.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had spent the entire rest of my morning and part of my afternoon helping my mother with the decorations. It honestly wasn't even considered helping. If her ordering me around while she sat down on her big bottom is considered helping, then I'd hate to find out what actually doing work is. I can't wait till baby Rosier is born. At least then she’ll stop bothering me.

After finishing up around 1, I rushed to my room in order to get ready. I already understood the seriousness of this event from the fact that my mother had ordered a custom made dress for me. As if the dress wasn't enough, there was a layered diamond necklace laying inside a cushioned velvet box. “Unbelievable.” I muttered under my breath.

I bathed and stepped out in a fluffy robe. I walked over to my desk and unravelled my long brown hair. After casting a quick drying charm, I walked over to my coat rack where the dress was hanging in a grey bag embroidered with Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions. I held my breath as I pulled down the zipper down the long path. 

My eyes had widened in complete shock. “No way…” 

“Like the dress do we?” The voice of Narcissa Malfoy boomed throughout the silent room.

I turned around to face her, a smile taking home on my face. “Yes,” I sighed. “It's gorgeous. Mother’s really outdone herself.” I said while touching the tulle on the bottom. 

Narcissa’s blue eyes lit up with sparkles as she beamed at me. “You are going to look absolutely stunning.” 

Failing to hide my blush I said “Thank you.” Before asking her if Draco knows what he is going to wear. 

“Oh yes, dear. We had Madam Malkins make him custom robes as well. Since this is a very special occasion.” Narcissa Malfoy answered.

I couldn't help the wave of anxiety that took over me, as me and Narcissa just stared at each other in silence. After what seemed like forever, she kindly told me she should leave me to get ready, and quietly slipped out my room.

I sat down in front of my giant vanity deciding what to do. I knew a couple hair charms and began to perform them. My brown hair began to fall down my back in giant shiny waves. I applied some serum to my waves. It was a special witch’s brew that helped keep your hair locked in place. 

I felt as if leaving my face makeup free was too basic for the dress I was wearing. I didn't know what to do so I looked at the golden dress for inspiration. Grabbing my wand, I performed some spells to make my lips and cheeks a couple shades pinker.  My mother would perform some spells to do her makeup but my knowledge on it wasn't as grand since she viewed me as too young for makeup. I had smuggled some muggle makeup products that I had seen in muggle magazines.

When I had bought them, I hid them away from my mum, scared out of my mind she’d find them, but what she doesnt know won't hurt her. I opened the cap of the black mascara bottle and applied it to my lashes. Just the slightest bit. There was this red shade of lip gloss I had stolen from a muggle pop up cart, and I applied a little with my finger. 

Lastly, I had decided I wanted to add some shine to my face. There had been this new product distributed that supposedly made your eyes sparkle, and it wouldn't come off to the touch. Witches everywhere had been using it. I even caught Pansy sneaking some of this cream into Hogwarts, (stolen from her mother, obviously.) She would frequently apply it on her cheek bones and on top of her full lips. So much so that Blaise said, “A niffler would mistake her for a galleon.” 

Not repeating Pansy’s frequent mistake, I applied the tiniest amount on my finger and dabbed it on my eyelid. The gold shimmer came to life as it brightened my dark grey eyes. My cheekbones would sparkle when the light would catch. I felt quite accomplished and content with my look.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I walked down the staircase my eye caught the reflection of me in the mirror. My dress looked like nothing I've ever worn before. For it being Madam Malkin's work, it definitely looked a lot like those muggle princess dresses I had seen in the magazines.It was gold and huge. The dark gold material shone around me. The dress was short sleeved and it was draped over my shoulders with tassels and jewels hanging around my collarbone. On top of the dress and over my arms was a set of pale gold dress robes, which hung around my waist and flowed to the ground. 

On the bottom of the stairs awaited Draco, wearing robes of a similar style. Except his were a lot like the ones his father wore. Black, except with gold trimming. 

I met his gaze when I reached the bottom. “Looks like we’re matching.” I said.

Draco looked at me up and down. His grey eyes widening when he noticed the detail around my chest. He cleared his throat and his voice cracked as he replied, “Ye-ah. I guess we are.” He offered me his arm, and I took it in proper fashion, and we made our way to the dining room, where I was sure our guests had already been seated. 

The hallways were filled with decorations and paintings. The diamond and gold chandelier had been brightly shining, and there were magical candles floating around the rooms. Narcissa Malfoy had outdone herself, as usual. 

We walked in silence. His feet were slow as he placed light footsteps giving the sign that he was nervous. He was walking so slow it was almost like someone had put an Arresto Momentum on him. I didn't announce my complaints though, because if I was being honest, I was quite nervous myself.

When we finally reached the dining room, I pushed open the door and my eyes immediately landed on the Dark Lord. His chair was the largest one with a dark green wide back and solid gold arm rests. His back was perched straight and he stared ahead in his typical cold gaze. We entered quietly, but the room was so silent, you could hear a wand drop. “If it isn't our Young Viper and Little Malfoy. Please sit, we have important matters to discuss.” 

My father’s bloodshot eyes met mine and he tilted his head. I nudged Draco and we bowed. “My Lord."

 We walked quietly to the two open spots on the table. They were placed in front of one another. Draco on the left side of the table, in between his parents, and me, directly in front of him, in between mine. 

The room was filled with familiar faces, even though half of the Death Eaters were not in attendance.  At Voldemort’s right hand side sat Snape. This was a quite obvious and understandable arrangement, since Professor Snape had always been devoted to the Dark Lord. There was no one in his inner circle he trusted more than Snape and everyone needed to know that Snape was the Dark Lord’s highest ranking general.

 Next to Snape was Lucius, Draco, and Narcissa. Next to Narcissa sat Antonin Dolohov. He was a nasty man with a long, arched nose, and thick black eyebrows that dropped low onto his eyelids. Out of my fathers aqquantances, I never liked Dolohov. He was a very creepy man and was thought to be insane. His dress robes were always in tatters and looked like he had just escaped from Azkaban. His black rotten teeth emitted a foul stench that spread throughout the room as soon as he opened his mouth.

On Voldemort’s left hand side sat Corban Yaxley. Yaxley was a difficult man which wasn't much of a surprise since he was my uncle. He looked like the older version of my mum, with sandy blonde hair and a pale complexion. He had downturned deep brown eyes contrary to my mum’s lively ones and also contrary to my mother, he had a conflicted persona which we could never crack. He was quite serious as well. Him and father would drink scotch on weekends and watch Quidditch. They never said much to one another besides the occasional checkup on all things Ministry related and who they’d expect to make it into the Quidditch semi-finals. Next to Yaxley was my father, me, and my mum. Next to my mother sat Amycus Carrow, and across from him was his twin sister Alecto. These two were quite close to my family since we are practically cousins with all that inbreeding. 

Amycus was so carefree and destructive that Blaise took it upon himself to be just like him. Amycus would sneak us firewhiskey when we were younger and he would convince us it was juice. He had a wicked sense of humour and found it to be hilarious when we would start choking on it. And if people thought Amycus was bad, they had yet to meet Alecto. 

She was angry, spontaneous, and as aggressive as a Blast-Ended Skrewt. She had this mane of blonde curly hair, opposite to her brother’s darker tones. She made Pansy’s vain personality seem like a joke. These two were double trouble and you could not have one without the other. They were one of Voldemort's youngest followers, having recently graduated from Hogwarts. It might have shocked people why they were chosen but these two were actually quite gifted in the magic department. Both had graduated Hogwarts with 7 NEWT classes, and had earned at least 9 OWLS. My mother absolutely adored them and would flip the entire manor inside out when they would visit, just for the sake of pleasing them.

Next to Alecto sat Mulciber and Barty Crouch Jr. They were Voldemort’s errand boys. They dealt with the lesser death eaters and were in charge of the werewolves under his rule.

The room was quiet as everyone sat down to get situated but suddenly, the Dark Lord cleared his throat. All the Death Eaters rose up immediately. Once everyone in the room was up, he slid out his throne in an elegant fashion and said, “Thank you all for joining me.” His eyes scanned the room and landed on Narcissa Malfoy. “Shall we be grateful to our gracious hostess, Narcissa, for allowing us into her home.” He nodded to Narcissa’s direction.

Narcissa Malfoy’s pale face became tinted with a slight rosy flush as she responded in pure aristocratic fashion. “Oh, you flatter me my Lord.” 

The Dark Lord dismissed this appeal and continued. “You may now sit. We have matters to discuss.” The Death Eaters remained in the air until he slid back down to the green chair. Once we were all seated, he clapped his pale blue hands and food appeared on the table. 

The Death Eaters started on the food and we ate in silence. Eventually, once the plates were cleared and dessert was served, the Dark Lord spoke. “Alexandria, I take it Harry Potter is in your year?”

My eyes met Draco’s fearful ones at the mention of Potter’s name. I turned my head to the head of the table. “Yes, My Lord.”

He squinted his eyes as he looked at me. “I also assume he is in Gryffindor house?” 

I nodded my head once more. “Yes, My Lord.”

Voldemort’s face crinkled up in disgust. “Just like his filthy father and his mudblood mother.” He spat. At the mention of ‘mudblood,’ the people around us made faces as well. Especially Amycus who choked on his goblet. “I have a task for you, Miss Rosier.” He paused and the room was filled with silence. My blood froze in my veins as I struggled for a response. I felt my mother’s breath hitch and her hands froze on her fork. “Now, this is a fairly simple task and it is not one to fret much over… Could you do it for me?” His eyes met mine and my throat constricted.

My eyes felt as if they were about to jump out their sockets as I held my hands in my lap. I met his cold eyes once more and nodded. “Good. You are to befriend Mr. Potter. There is not much that I ask from you other than to keep an eye on him. Everything else will flow accordingly. Do we understand one another, Alexandria?”

My heartbeat started to slow and I felt myself relax at his assignment. “Yes, My Lord.” 

“So eager.” His eyes took me in and then shot toward Draco. “I'm glad we understand one another, Young Viper. I look forward to working with you in the future.” I let my lips curve upward into a small smile. “You and Young Malfoy are dismissed.” With a wave of his pale hand me and Draco shot up from our seats and made our way out the dining room. 

Once we were out of the room and far from earshot, Draco yanked my hand and pulled me up to my room. “I was so worried there, Lex. I thought he was going to ask you to kill someone.” 

I let go of his hand and looked in his eyes. “Don't be daft, he's not going to make me kill someone.” Draco’s breathing slowed. “Not yet anyway.”