Viper

Summer 1992

Draco and Lexie spent their birthdays at Hogwarts. The pair felt a bit glum about the situation and wished they could celebrate at home. Their parents had sent them multiple gifts via owls on June 5th for Draco’s birthday, and a mountain of gifts for Lexie’s birthday on June 13th. It was a cheerful experience opening their birthday gifts at the Great Hall and it was certainly fun to catch the eyes of the Gryffindor table. Specifically the eyes of Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley who were staring at Draco and Lexie on both occasions with their mouths agape at the size of the gifts and the owls who brought them.

The rest of the term went smoothly. They took their exams and passed with good grades and were already in a great mood to go home. Hermione Granger, (much to Draco’s and Pansy’s dismay) came top of every class except their flying lessons. Draco was first behind her, and Lexie not too far competing for second place in the different classes they had. Lexie was second in Defence Against Dark Arts, while Draco was second in charms. Theodore, Pansy, and Blaise also did quite well.

After the term finished, Alexandria and her friends couldn't wait to get home. They spent the entire train ride discussing recent events regarding the Harry Potter situation with Quirrell, and tried to come up with a plausible explanation as to why the events had taken place. They also tried to figure out the relevance of the Philosopher's stone to the Dark Lord.

“It just doesn't make any sense!” Lexie exclaimed. “Why does he need it? What does he need it for? What does it do.” Lexie, who had become very agitated, was in a neurotic state of agony trying to put the pieces together. Pansy, who had her conspiracy theories about Quirrell proven correct, was also trying to put together the pieces of the mystery.

“Lexie, are you sure Dumbledore didn't tell Potter?” Asked Pansy, who was scanning her eyes over a large book about magical sedimentary rocks.

Before Lexie could respond, Blaise beat her to it. “Parkinson, if your eyes bulge any further, your eyeballs will pop out their sockets. Enough already, you won't find it in there.”

“Shut it, Zabini.”

The train ride continued this way until they reached Kings Cross. They pulled their trunks out from the overhead compartment and made their way to the platform, where their parents would be waiting for them. When they arrived they bid their goodbyes to each other, and Draco and Lexie went to their usual spot to meet their parents. For the first time in a long time, Lexie was looking forward to seeing her mother. She wanted to see her baby brother and wanted to see if she could get any information about the Philosopher's Stone. But, her excitement decreased when she saw only Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy standing waiting for Draco. She approached them and smiled. Narcissa hugged her boy and turned to hug Lexie. Lucius Malfoy shook Draco's hand and patted Lexie’s shoulder. After their small talk, Narcissa broke the news to Lexie. “I apologize on behalf of your parents. They asked us to bring you over. Your father is off on a business trip and your mum has her hands full with your little brother. I hope it's not a problem, Lexie dear. We can stop for ice cream on our way home.” She smiled as she squeezed Lexie’s shoulder.

Lexie looked at the smiling witch before her and couldn't stop the smile forming on her face. “Yeah, alright.”

“Good.” Lucius replied. He took their trunks in his large hands and led the way.

When they arrived home, Lexie was greeted by her mother holding her little brother in her arms. He was bundled in a unicorn hair blanket and was snoring softly. Alyona Rosier smiled at Lexie and Draco and beamed when she saw her best friend, Narcissa. “Isnt my little Anton precious?” She was radiating happiness, and for the first time in a long time Lexie saw her mum truly happy. The sweet happiness she shared with her mum was soon clouded with a feeling Lexie could not quite place. She felt this overwhelming surge of resentment for her mum, who never treated her the way she treated her younger brother. However, Lexie did not want to affect her mum’s mood, so she went back to smiling and reaching for her little brother.

“Can I hold him, mum?” Lexie asked, opening her arms.

Alyona Rosier nodded with a smile but gave a warning. “Be very gentle, Alexandria. He just fell asleep.” She handed the baby to her daughter and Lexie and Draco went to sit down on the settee.

Draco reached out to touch little Anton’s fingers. “I don't know what Pansy was saying. This kid looks exactly like Yaxley. Look Lex, even the bald patch resembles him.” Lexie shot Draco a dirty look and lightly hit him upside the head. “Ouch!” Draco yelped. Lexie shushed him immediately and they continued to stare at the sleeping bundle.

“If I may say, Alyona, Anton is an extremely calm baby.” Lucius pointed out.

Narcissa nodded and smiled, adding onto Lucius, “When Draco was around his age all he would do was whinge and cry. It would drive me insane by the time I would get him to sleep.”

Lucius let out a sigh. “Don't remind me, Narcissa. By the time, he’d finally be asleep, Id have to go to a meeting with the Dark Lord. For quite a while he was concerned about my ability to perform tasks due to my sleep deprivation. You remember don't you, Narcissa? How I would come home and immediately fall asleep.”

A smile grew on Narcissa’s face as she reached for the baby in Draco’s arms. “Yes. How could I forget, Lucius? It was tough times for Alyona. Luckily, your house-elves have experience now after taking care of Lexie.” She sighed as she picked up the baby, cradling him in her arms and slightly rocking him. Her smile did not falter as she spoke. “We didn't have that luxury.”
“I suppose we are lucky yes.” Alyona smiled back. “The house-elves should have prepared lunch by now, shall we go to the dining room?” She asked.

“If you don't mind, Alyona dear.” Lucius spoke.

Alyona took Anton from Narcissa’s arms and handed him to their house-elf who vanished to put him in his crib. They walked toward the dining room, and after washing up the family sat down to dine.

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

About a week later, Abel Rosier had returned. He had not disclosed what sort of business trip he was on, and only Alyona seemed to understand. They told Lexie off for asking and immediately switched the conversation on how Lexie finished the term and her finals.

She had received good marks on all of them and was currently looking forward to the rest of the summer. Up until Draco had told her there was going to be a meeting with the Dark Lord.

“We are meeting at my manor,” he said.

Lexie looked at the boy. “Surely, we don't need to be there too?”

Draco shook his head. “Father told me you are to be there as well.”

Lexie sighed and shrugged her shoulders, “Alright then.” That was that.

The next evening Lexie and Abel flood to the Malfoy Manor for dinner and the meeting. Alyona had to stay home because of her newborn son. Much to their surprise, Alyona’s presence was not significant in the meeting. Before exiting the fireplace, Abel grabbed Lexie’s arm and harshly pulled her back. “You have to agree with everything he says. Not a single ounce of defiance shall be present in your voice. If you disagree or show attitude, I will beat you to beyond recognition and the Rosier line will have forgotten there was a female heir.”

She looked at the dark features on her father’s face and yanked her hand back. All she could do was nod her head and she quickly made her way out the fireplace to Draco’s wing of the manor.

As soon as she was out of sight and reached from her fathers grip, she made a beeline up the stairs and ran as fast as she could to Draco’s room. She yanked open the doors and burst in. “Draco!”

Draco was sitting at his desk, feet propped up with a book in his hand. Lexie squinted and could make out the large title Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland. Draco slowly shut the book and turned to meet the girl behind him. He sighed and slowly turned his head, “Yes?”

“I'm here.” Lexie said.

“Yea, I could tell by your stomping footsteps and your rude treatment of my door.” Draco took a breath and a sarcastic smirk formed on his thin lips. “Ever heard of knocking?”

Lexie rolled her eyes. “Draco, don't be smart with me; let's go, your parents are waiting.” She said as she took in the sight of the boy in front of her.

Draco pushed the book back onto the desk and got up. “Give me a few. I need to change.”

Lexie nodded curtly and left the room, shutting the gold door behind her softly. She whipped her head to her side as she scanned the corridor for people. After noticing there was no one,she walked to her given room that she stayed at during her visits to the manor. Lexie turned right and made her way to her large bathroom. She opened the gorgeous snake-head handle and walked into the grand washroom. Lexie’s eyes gazed upon her reflection. She looks paler than usual, but she remained a contrast to Draco’s alabaster tones. Her body remained frozen in that moment, with her mind fogged. There was not much she was expecting from the Dark Lord’s visit. Her father had not told her much except his threats and judging by the lack of commotion that sounded in the Malfoy Manor drawing room, not many people were going to be joining this meeting.

She inhaled and exhaled, averting her eyes to examine the state of her robes. It was a long black number, similar to the way her Hogwarts robes fit. They were nothing extraordinary, but they would do. Lexie made sure her wand wasn't on her when she cast a hair-taming charm. Her eyes met her reflections once more as she took in the way she looks. Nodding and being content with the way her locks looked in the knot they were in, she made her way back out to Draco’s room.

Draco was standing casually with his foot propped against the wall. He turned his sharp features to Lexie who met his eyes with an unreadable expression on her face. “Ready?” He asked, examining his fingernails. Lexie simply nodded and they silently made their way to the dining room.

Upon reaching the room, the pair was surprised to just see Lucius and Abel sitting, chatting quietly. Draco drew out a chair for Lexie first before sitting down himself. Draco turned to his father and asked, “Where is everyone?”

Lucius took a breath before answering. “I'm afraid it is just us, and Narcissa, if she wishes to join us.”

“Snape won't be joining us?” Draco asked.

Lucius reached forward to fill his and Abel’s goblets with wine before replying to his son. “No, I am afraid your godfather had something else important…” The drawl in his voice was noticeable and pronounced as he continued. “Inquiries to attend to. The Dark Lord did not request his presence this time.”

Draco just nodded and kept staring at his empty plate in front of him. A silence filled the room as they waited for their guest of honor. This was broken by the sound of rumbling from the fireplace. “Lexie, please go and call Narcissa.” Abel said to his daughter.

Alexandria got up at once and made her way to the kitchen where Narcissa was currently demanding the house-elfs around. “I hope everything is in its place! The Dark Lord is soon to arrive!” Narcissa Malfoy had an elegant aura surrounding her. She was sporting her classic ivory blonde locks in a hairstyle that curled and tied in a ponytail that reached the middle of her back. Even though she was giving orders to the creatures, her feminine voice had slight traces of kindness. The sternness was never mistaken with being rude. She had the perfect ability to remain stern and demanding while never coming off as unfair. It was a large contrast to Lexie’s mother, Alyona, who would go as far as hitting and pulling the house-elves' ears if they made a mistake.

Narcissa scanned her eyes across the trays of dishes as she wiped her hands on her light blue apron. She turned to see who had opened the large kitchen door. “Oh, Hello Lexie!” She beamed.

Lexie instinctively smiled at her favorite woman. “Hello Narcissa!” She beamed back. “I have come to inform you that we are requesting your presence at the table.”

Narcissa smiled at Lexie and said, “Okay, my dear.” She vanished her apron, washing her hands and made her way out the kitchen with Lexie at her side.

Lucius and Abel were standing and were walking the Dark Lord to the head of the table. The Dark Lord turned his head to Narcissa and Lexie. The corners of his mouth twitched upward as a serpentine smile erupted onto his face. “Ahh,” he hissed. “Narcissa, how pleasant of you to join us, I trust the elfs have cooked up something delicious.” His eyes darted to the smaller girl on Narcissa’s side. He seemed to beam even more at the sight of Alexandria. “And if it isn't my Young Viper.”

Lexie smiled and bowed in greeting and shot a quick look to Draco who looked mortified at the sentence the Dark Lord had just spoken. Suddenly, Draco’s words boomed into Lexie’s mind. “MY, Lexie? MY. At this rate you're going to replace Snape!.”

Lexie communicated her response back through their Legilimency. Without changing the smile she had plastered onto her face, she responded. “Draco, get out of my head. Now is not the time.” Draco looked at her incredulously but she felt herself relax at the feeling of Draco withdrawing from her mind. She looked back toward the Dark Lord who was clutching something in his hands. He noticed her eyes trail to the object and drew attention back toward himself.

“Please sit down, I must not waste time. Let us eat dinner and then we will proceed to discuss the topic I have gathered you all here for.” Lord Voldemort pulled his typical throne back against the ground, sat down gracefully in a snake-like maneuver. Abel and Lucius sat down second to Lord Voldemort, in the left and right hand seats. Last to sit were Lexie and Narcissa who sat next to their husband and father.

At the sound of the two women being seated, the house-elves transported the food to the table using a spell much similar to the one that allowed food to appear on the tables in the Great Hall.

There was a stillness in the atmosphere that took over as the group of Death Eaters ate their food. When the Dark Lord finished, he pushed his empty plate out forward, queuing that it was time to discuss business and immediately the plates of the others vanished.

The Dark Lord cleared his throat. “I am sure you are wondering why you are all here.” His eyes scanned the room taking in the solemn expressions before him. “I have important business that concerns Lucius’ involvement and must be dealt with most carefully.”

Lucius Malfoy nodded his head and looked into the eye slits of Lord Voldemorts. “Yes, my lord.”

Lord Voldemort scanned Lucius' reaction thoughtfully and began to tap his fingers on the mahogany table. The response Lucius gave was deemed adequate as he could not find any signs of treachery. Lord Voldemort reached into a pocket of his robe and pulled out his wand. At the sight of the wand on the table, Draco’s complexion grew paler as he gulped air quickly. Lexie, who noticed this, raised her eyebrow in an attempt to control his reactions. But the Dark Lord reached into his pocket once more and pulled a brown leather journal and set it on the table. The journal seemed outdated with the corners curving upward and the pages as brown as coffee. Lexie spotted an engraving on it that seemed rusty and she could barely make out the penny coloured writing. She noticed the spaces between them and judged that there were three names.

“I need you to make sure Harry Potter gets this. It is very important to my plans and I need it in his possession.” He ran his viper tongue over his lips. “Can you do it for me, Lucius?”

Lucius Malfoy nodded his head and tried to speak as clearly as he could without his voice quivering. “Y-yes, my lord,” he said. “I will be more than delighted to serve your needs.”

Lord Voldemort’s serpentine features stretched into a smile exposing his sharp pointed yellow teeth.It was not Lucius’ response that had cheered him tremendously but rather the idea of his plan being executed. “If you succeed, you will be rewarded tremendously,” he said with a smile. “But if you fail, Lucius,” he reached for the wand on the table and held it pointing toward the pale blonde man; “You will be punished and Abel will have to take matters into his own hands.”

Lucius nodded. “I understand, my lord. I will not let you down.”

The Dark Lord was now pleased with what he was hearing. He pushed his chair up and elegantly slithered out of his seat. He cleared his throat and his whispery timbre sounded throughout the room. “As always, it has been a pleasure. The Malfoys are the most generous to their lord.” He smiled once again, however the evil wizard’s smile never reached his eyes. It was merely an expression that occurred on his serpentine face, a formulated habit that he only ever performed when he was pleased with himself. It may have seemed as if Lucius’s agreeableness was what caused the cheerful emotion to sprout, but Lord Voldemort did not work that way, neither did his mind. He turned to Lexie’s father and spoke once more.

“Abel, I trust you will make sure Lucius succeeds,” he said as he turned to the dark man next to him. Abel Rosier nodded and agreed. “I will leave this here, make sure to get it to Potter before the middle of their first term.” With that being said, he turned around, his long black robes trailing behind him and went into the fireplace. Within seconds he was gone, and the air was restored in the Malfoy Manor. As it seemed to have vanished with the overwhelming presence of the Dark Lord.

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

Their summer ended with their Hogwarts letters arriving, informing them of the books and materials they need for their second year. Draco and Lexie were beyond happy at the thought of returning to Hogwarts, as their summer had not been eventful. Lexie had started to serve the role of a house-elf. Abel expected Lexie to wait on her mother hand and foot making sure she got everything she wanted. On top of making sure Alyona was alright, Lexie had taken on the responsibilities of changing Anton’s nappies and checking up on him every 30 minutes when Alyona wasn't with him. “You're going to be a mother soon.” Alyona would say. “How else will you learn to take care of children when the elves are busy!”

Lexie knew this was complete codswallop as she knew she could buy and pay enough house-elves with her inheritance to work in all areas of her future manor simultaneously. However, the young girl was not looking forward to arguing because the school year was only days away as it approached rapidly and she did not want to leave on a bad note.

The following few days were filled with great news upon their trip to Diagon Alley. Draco and Lexie had gotten all their materials and had discovered that famous author Gilderoy Lockhart was going to be their new Defence Against Dark Arts Teacher. The pair shared many laughs at this news, mainly imagining Professor Snape’s reaction. However, their trip was also proven to be a successful venture not only on the part that they got all their materials but because of the fact that they had run into Harry Potter accompanied by the Weasleys. And Lucius Malfoy, a cunning and mischievous man, had seen the golden opportunity dangling in front of him and had not resisted in sinking his teeth in it.; Lucius Malfoy successfully accomplished the Dark Lord’s task. However, it had not been in the way it was originally planned.

The man with the long blonde hair added a twist to the Dark Lord’s plan in order to ensure its success.Tom Marvolo Riddle’s diary was now in the possession of Ginevra Weasley, who would soon unknowingly doom Harry Potter.