Dolasitas

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Lexy woke the next morning with her head pounding, and became painfully aware that she was in the grip of her first hangover. Her stomach churning, she tentatively rolled onto her side and saw a potion sat on her bedside table, a note affixed to it. Wincing, she took hold of it, and realised it was from Lucius. “Lexy,” she read, “I have no doubt that you will find yourself in need of this potion when you wake; it is an instant hangover cure. I was awake long after you fell asleep, so I very much doubt that I will wake before you. Explore the manor if you wish, and I will come to find you when I do wake. Lucius.”

She seized the potion thankfully and swallowed it down in one gulp, her head clearing instantly. As it did so, her memories of the previous evening flooded back to her and her headache instantly returned. She flushed as recollections of her words and actions came into her mind, horrified that just a few glasses of wine could have made her lose her inhibitions so thoroughly. She had been so entirely out of character… Suddenly, she remembered what she had asked of Lucius, and gasped out loud.

She furrowed her brow as the conclusion to the scene played out in her head, and she relived Lucius refusing to take her virginity in such a way. Reflecting in this way, it was easy to see the torment and conflict on his face as he wrenched himself away from her body, and to say she was surprised would be an understatement. Lucius had made it more than plain how much he desired her, and for him to turn her down showed that he had a great deal of respect for her. Quietly, she exited the bedroom with a lot to think about.

Her first stop was the nursery, where Will was just beginning to stir in his sleep. She settled in the nursing chair and watched him for a few minutes until he sleepily opened his eyes. Lexy lifted him onto her hips, easily adjusting to the weight, and kissed the top of his head. “Morning baby,” she said. “Did you sleep okay?”

Will nodded. “Breakfast?” he asked hopefully.

“I’m sure we can rustle something up,” she replied, leaving the nursery and heading towards the large dining room on the ground floor. As she approached the door, a house elf scurried in front of her.

“Is mistress ready for breakfast?” he asked her excitedly.

She smiled. “Please. Also something for my younger brother, if it isn’t too much hassle.”

“Never too much hassle to serve, miss. Take seat, and we will bring food in soon for you.” Lexy carried Will in, and was pleased to see a raised chair at the table ready for him, which she settled him in before taking the seat next to him. No sooner had she sat down than four elves came running, their arms full of food. Lexy and Will soon devoured the food presented to him, and the elves scurried away beaming.

Lexy beckoned over the elf who had greeted them in the hallway. “What is your name, elf?” she asked kindly.

“Mobby, mistress,” the elf replied, bobbing anxiously on his feet.

“Thank you then, Mobby, that was a wonderful breakfast. Could I possibly trouble you for a few minutes longer?”

“No trouble, miss!” Mobby replied, affronted.

“Of course,” she said with a smile. “In that case, I was rather hoping that you could tell me if there is a piano in the house that I could practice on until the master awakes.”

“Certainly, mistress, follow Mobby and he will take you there now.” Lexy beamed delightedly, lifted Will out of his chair and followed the house elf to a large room on the first floor. “This is the music room,” Mobby said with a deep bow, gesturing around. Lexy gaped. The room was filled with every instrument imaginable.

“It is perfect, Mobby,” she said in awe. “One last thing… could you bring some toys here for Will? I think I will be a little pre-occupied whilst in here,” Lexy asked, already moving towards the grand piano and lovingly caressing it. She didn’t hear his reply as she sat down and tentatively struck a key, shivering as the rich sound filled the room.

With a satisfied sigh, her hands began to move over the instrument in the way they were so well accustomed to, and her mind began to wander. Lexy had been playing the piano since she was Will’s age; her great-grandmother, a French lady, had insisted on teaching her, and she had turned out to be a natural. When Marie had died a year before the final battle, Lexy had neglected the piano, finding it too painful. Now, however, the music soothed and comforted her. Her mind turned to the events of the previous evening, and the tempo of the music increased as images flashed into her head of Lucius straddling her in their bed, his eyes dark and intense. Lexy’s breath hitched slightly as the vivid feelings caused by Lucius’ ministrations reawakened inside her, only softening when she recalled him pulling herself away from her. It was clear that he had been furious when he sat on the edge of the bed, and Lexy hoped desperately that he would be in a better mood when he awoke. Despite herself, she had greatly enjoyed their evening in the restaurant, and was thankful that they had found it so simple to keep each other entertained. Biting her lip worriedly, she immersed herself in the music again, allowing it to fill her mind.

She was so absorbed that she did not hear Lucius enter the room and cross it to stand behind, watching her hands fly across the piano. He rarely came to the music room these days, and was surprised to hear the strains of the piano floating into the corridor as he descended through the manor in search of Lexy. Quietly, he had opened the door and seen Lexy, her eyes closed as she teased the grand piano back into life. She was evidently relaxing, and he did not interrupt her until she had finished the song. “That was beautiful,” he said softly, laying a hand on her shoulder.

Lexy turned her head slowly. “Thank you.” She hesitated before speaking again. “Lucius, I apologise for my behaviour last night – I should have realised how the wine was affecting me and restrained myself rather than putting you in an awkward position.”

He held up a hand. “Lexy, my princess, you have no need to apologise. You were quite the little temptress last night, admittedly, but the fault lies partially with me. I am the experienced one of us, and I should not have supplied you with such an amount of wine,” he said, feigning regret. “Besides, I believe I took advantage of you somewhat. I simply could not wholly resist your beauty when it was displayed in front of me that way.” Lucius struggled to hide his lascivious smirk as he remembered Lexy led on his bed in all her glory, clearly desiring him.

She coloured prettily. “The way I was acting, Lucius, I would probably be feeling a little rejected today if you had not responded in some way,” Lexy responded honestly. “But I cannot thank you enough for the respect you showed me last night.”

“To say that it was my pleasure or that it was easy would both be lies. However, when I woke this morning I was glad that I had not relieved you of your virginity in such a way; not only for your sake, but my own as well. That is an experience that I am greatly looking forward to, and I wish to give it a great deal more time and thought than merely a drunken rut in a bed,” Lucius replied, raising his eyebrows. “Now, princess, do you have anything further to say to me before I take you to the dungeon?”

Lexy started. “Oh… I thought… I mean…” she slumped her shoulders dejectedly. Slowly, she closed the lid of the piano and rose.

He chuckled. “I have changed my mind, Lexy. I find it infinitely more preferable to have your constant company than to have you hidden from me. I denied myself enough pleasure last night, and see no reason to do so today. Some courtship we would have if I constantly kept you under lock and key…tempting as that idea may be. Perhaps we could play around a little with that idea at some other time?” Lucius slowly moistened his lips, and Lexy’s eyes widened. She was not entirely naïve, and was fully aware of what Lucius was intimating. This, she supposed, was part of the territory that came with being the wife of a Death Eater. Truth be told, she found that idea a little exciting, despite the fear. Lucius noted her dilated pupils, and he found it deeply amusing that his virginal ice princess was showing excitement at the idea of bondage. Perhaps she would turn out to be a much more willing participant in his games than Narcissa ever had been. “Resume playing the piano if you were enjoying it, Lexy. I will go and take breakfast and then rejoin you.” With a possessive kiss, Lucius left the room.


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The next two weeks seemed to fly past for Lexy. She was careful not to tempt Lucius past his limits, and he in return acted the part of a gentleman to perfection. They alternated their days between leisurely talking whilst exploring the manor and visiting places that Lexy had had no chance of going to before; Lucius was certainly providing her with an ideal courtship. She smiled as she remembered the evening they had spent in Paris just a few nights previously. They had walked along the River Seine, and Lucius had arranged for a string quartet to row down the river along side them. Lexy had no idea that a Death Eater could be as charming as Lucius had been that night. It had certainly been hard work to stay as detached from him as she wanted to remain; she supposed that she was merely flattered by the attention and devotion he was showing her, but Lexy was finding it strangely difficult to summon up the hatred and disgust that she had felt towards Lucius just weeks ago.

“Are you ready yet, princess?” Lucius called impatiently. “It is only the fitting after all; whatever you wear, you won’t be staying in for long.”

“Coming now, Lucius,” she replied, brushing her hair one final time before descending the stairs. Today was the fitting and rehearsal for the Snape wedding, and it would be the first time she saw Ginny since her induction into the Order. Lexy was desperately hoping that they would get a chance to talk in private.

Lucius smiled as she took his arm. “I would berate you further for delaying us, but you look so beautiful that I simply cannot bring myself to,” he said smoothly.

She smiled, but did not refute his compliment. “I simply like to make an effort,” she replied demurely. “Shall we go then, or are we to stand around here all day?” Lexy had a wicked glint in her eye as she uttered those words, and shrieked with laughter as Lucius swept her into his arms and threw her over his shoulder.

“You will pay for that, witch!” he said, attempting to sound threatening, but the playful twinkle in his eyes and the way he was licking his lips gave him away. Lucius marched to the fireplace, threw in the Floo powder and called, “Severus Snape’s office, Hogwarts!” Lexy’s eyes widened as she realised too late what he was doing as Lucius stepped into the Floo with her still slung over his shoulder.

Lucius stumbled slightly as he emerged in Snape’s office, but he did not relinquish his hold. Snape and Remus Lupin were already there, both clearly taken aback by the scene in front of them. “Good morning, gentleman,” Lucius said, his face straight.

Snape frowned disapprovingly, and Remus’ mouth was slightly agape. “Good day, Lucius, Miss Beaumont,” Snape replied brusquely.

“Professors,” Lexy said primly, despite her rather inelegant position.

Remus was the first to crack. “Lucius, is Miss Beaumont in some way unable to walk?” he demanded curiously. “Or is there some other explanation for her rather unorthodox position?”

“Lexy kept me waiting,” Lucius replied nonchalantly. “I did not have the patience to stand around all day, so I took the necessary action.”

By this point, Lexy was beginning to feel more than a little uncomfortable, and was keenly aware that her ass was sticking in the air in a way that was making the men in the room even more uncomfortable than she. “Lucius, may I go to find Ginny?” she asked meekly.

Lucius was so surprised by her apparent penitence, he lowered her to the ground. “Go on then, pet.” He realised he had been deceived by the triumphant spark in her eyes as she sauntered off, and he chuckled loudly.

“Domestic life is treating the two of you well then?” Remus asked, anxious to ascertain how Lexy was being treated in Malfoy Manor.

Lucius smiled and sat down in the nearest straight-backed chair regally. “Very well, Lupin. I pride myself that I have made an excellent choice of wife. Lexy is beautiful, intelligent and talented. And of course, I have always preferred my women young. Her innocence is extremely appealing.”

“Surely you cannot be implying that you have not fucked her yet?” Snape asked incredulously.

Lucius’ face soured. “I have my reasons, Severus,” he replied sharply.

“If I were in your position, I doubt anything would prevent me from taking advantage of having a virgin in my bed,” Snape said, his eyes dark.

“How will I make her fall in love with me if I abuse her body?” Lucius snapped.

Snape and Remus looked at each other, both lost for words. Finally, Remus spoke up. “Since when have you wanted a witch to love you before you fucked her?”

“It is not as if there was any love in your marriage to Narcissa,” Snape pointed out.

“My victory will not be as complete if she does not love me. Can you see not it? The Beaumonts always refused to have any association with the Dark Lord. It would be the ultimate to have their precious daughter, born in the boom after his fall, to fall in love with and give herself entirely to the Dark Lord’s right hand man,” Lucius said smugly. “Besides, I have always enjoyed a challenge.”

His companions were speechless. When Snape broke the silence, he gave Lucius an admiring look. “Brilliant, Lucius. If you pull this off, I will have the utmost respect for you.”

Remus remained silent.


Lexy composed herself as she entered the Snape’s living quarters where Ginny was waiting for her. Ginny was sat by the bookcase, her face pale and resolute, and she rose to greet Lexy. “Thank you for coming, Lexy,” she said tiredly.

Lexy impulsively pulled her into an embrace. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Ginny. How have you been?”

Ginny smiled sadly. “Oh, you know… coping. At least this was my choice. Are you okay? Remus told me everything that’s happened to you.”

Lexy frowned. “To be honest, Ginny, it has been a lot easier than I anticipated. The first few days were difficult, but once we reached an understanding, Lucius has been nothing but gentlemanly. Sometimes, it is difficult to remember that I have forced into this, and he is nothing more than a scumbag Death Eater,” she replied slowly.

Ginny immediately became extremely agitated. “Lexy, you cannot lose focus. You must remember everything he has done! The man kidnapped you, for Circe’s sake.”

“If it hadn’t been him, it would have been someone else,” Lexy replied, her voice wavering.

“Do you have any idea of what Lucius has done?” Ginny demanded.

“He told me a little,” Lexy said in a small voice.

“No specifics, I am sure. Right, Lexy, I will lay it on the line for you. The Order knows Lucius to be personally responsible for the death of thirteen of its members, including my father and Remus’ fiancée, Nymphodora Tonks. Add to that the Muggles and Muggle borns he is known to have killed, and he is, we believe, the second most prolific murderer in the Death Eater ranks, only behind Bellatrix Lestrange.” Lexy paled, but Ginny ruthlessly continued, determined that her friend should know the truth about the man she was marrying. “Lucius has a penchant for torture and rape. Some of the Death Eaters merely cast the Avada Kedavra then leave, but Lucius seems determined to inflict the maximum suffering. We always knew when he was responsible for an attack, because any females in the house aged over thirteen would have been brutally sexually assaulted. Anyone else would have their chest slashed open, possibly by a family member under the Imperius curse, and then they would be Petrified to bleed to death.”

Lexy stared at the wall, unable to comprehend the scale of the atrocities that Lucius had committed. He had told her some of what he had done, granted, but to hear details like that had shaken her greatly. Blinking back a tear, she turned back to Ginny and smiled brightly. “So, where are the robes you want me to wear then?”

Ginny looked at her sorrowfully. “Lexy, I’m sorry to have to say it like that, but YOU HAVE TO KNOW. You must be constantly on your guard, and I cannot stress that enough. If you had any idea how worried Remus and I are about you…” she trailed off, seeing that she would not get a response from Lexy today. “Right, the robes then. I would like you in pale gold, if you have no objection,”…. Gladly putting the issue aside, the two young women moved on to the robes for tomorrow’s wedding.


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A/N Will Ginny's warning be enough to save Lexy, or has Lucius' plan already begun to work?

There is a hint to the upcoming plot in this chapter, albeit a very tiny one that probably won't become plain for another couple of chapters yet. Strangely, whilst picking a name for a foreign character yet to make their debut, I conjured up a name out of my bed, and took a leaf out of JKR's book and googled it first. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the stem of the word is, when translated into its proper language, a word that entirely summarises this character's significance to my plot. Startled me to say the least! This story is really beginning to come to life in my head, and I hope you're all enjoying reading it as much as I am writing it.