momentum
Their Hogwarts class finally graduates one sweltering summer day. Daniel Humphrey, first Slytherin muggleborn in centuries, gives the valedictory address.
There is grudging respect from some of their housemates, but by then, most have already pledged themselves to the Dark Lord’s cause.
Humphrey, then, is seen as an anomaly, rather than the norm.
Blair sometimes wishes she were still that narrow-minded. It seems easier than her current, precarious occupation.
She congratulates him after his speech.
Dan eyes her coolly. “Thank you, Heiress Black,” he says. He gives her a slight bow, just as is proper, just as is she used to needle him to do, amidst their lovers’ tiffs.
He turns away before she can say anything else.
-
A few other things of note happen that year. The first is the wedding of Narcissa Black to Lucius Malfoy.
It is a monumental affair, obviously. Narcissa is resplendent in her white robe, glittering from head to toe in diamonds. Uncle Cygnus and Aunt Druella spare no expense for their youngest daughter’s wedding, considering that their unhinged eldest eloped in secret and their second child betrayed them to take up with a muggleborn.
For the first time, Blair is grateful that she is Marked because her parents do not preoccupy themselves with finding her a suitable match.
“You will have your pick of suitors when this is all over,” Walburga says, almost giddily. “When we’ve rid ourselves of filthy mudbloods and half-breeds, the Dark Lord will give you a most appropriate man.”
She stops to think. “Why, he might even take you as a bride!”
Blair shudders to think of herself in the Dark Lord’s bed. Besides, she rather thinks Bella has beaten her to it, her marriage to Rudolphus Lestrange notwithstanding.
She watches the happy couple. Cissa looks overwhelmed with joy. Even Lucius seems to be riding a high. They only have eyes for each other, foregoing pureblood protocol, for once.
Blair smiles. This is all she wants for her darling Cissa.
-
Another thing of note that occurs is her encounter with Lily Evans.
She, Antonin Dolohov, and Evan Mulciber are sent to one of the Order strongholds that they discover, to see if they can find anything of note. Either Lily is incredibly impulsive or Dumbledore is barmier than they thought because it is only Evans who guards the property.
Lily Evans dispatches herself admirably.
For a considerable amount of time, she is able to dart in between hideaways in a terrain full of trees and send curses at Blair and the others. She is also, generally, able to avoid the curses they fire back, but of course, Blair does not even aim to injure.
Eventually, though, Lily grows tired. Blair wills herself to think. She has to act fast because Dolohov is adept at sniffing out weakness.
Eventually, she moves to a clearing where she is in hearing range of Lily. “When I give you the signal, go,” she hisses at the redhead. Blair moves away before Antonin and Evan can see her. Lily has to trust her.
Almost imperceptibly, Lily nods.
Blair moves closer to her two companions. She looks Lily in the eye, and mouths, “Now.”
Blair scatters the Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder she carries with her at all times. She is sure that Dolohov and Mulciber will not recognize the substance because it is one that is not yet imported to Britain.
Lily Evans quickly aims a stunning spell at the two men, pretends to aim at Blair, for good measure, and apparates with a loud crack.
They cannot access the stronghold without the physical signature of an Order member present.
When they return, the Dark Lord is displeased and punishes them with a Cruciatus.