White Flower; Black Dragon

The Black Dragon



“So I ran faster
But it caught me here
Yes my loyalties turned….”

The iron gates of the gloomy looking retreat were closed. The creaking door as it opened and closed, and the windows which slammed shut with every eerie howl of wind. The infamous pub was recognized for its sadistic and cruel rituals, which between those ghostly bloodstained and obsolescent walls occurred. The sunlight was blocked from all directions, nothing but dripping candles hung in broken crystal chandeliers, sparkling in the haunting glow of the surrounding room.

However, inside cackling voices, grunts of men and growls of sexual desires were audible from outside. Unworldly lingering orbs hung around the area, surrounding it as though guarding something sacrehe ohe only link to the spiritual world – nothing holy lingered here.

A group of men had wandered into the vicinity, their black robes billowing, rippling in the suffocated wind. Their faces scarred and unkind, showing the hardness of persona acquired through years of ill-treatment. One of them turned to another, and pointing his wand with a distant and malicious scowl, cast the killing Unforgivable.

The rest of the group stared with open eyes, unaware that this would happen. Then with a few more flicks, and green flashes, all the men but one stood standing … were no longer amongst the living.

A silky chuckle escaped the murders lips.

Their was an aroma in the air, a pungent aroma of blood, a metallic smell, something that reminded you of the blade of a knife, but more gut-wrenching. It was an oxymoron of its own. An aroma of blood…

“Do you think it’s safe?” Came an uttered few words from a nearby tree.

“Let us hope so, Lupin.” Replied the deep and velvety tone from the one man standing. He slipped his wand back into his robes, and eyed the tree in waiting.

“You’re simply brilliant when it comes to slaying a group of four men…” the wolf chuckled.

“It was no trouble at all, Lupin.”

“Very well…” A man ped ped out of the shadows, wearing royal blue robes. “I still don’t trust this place, they’re not going to help us find her, you know.”

“I’ll consider all means if it will help me find her.”

“The Headmaster disagreed with this, you can’t go against him… you know you can’t, you don’t have it in you.”

“Let me prove you wrong Lupin.”

The iron gates were wrenched open. Both men crept passed the gates, the man in royal blue silently cautious behind the unafraid wizard.

The sound of crashing china and breaking glass came ringing through the air. Both of them cringed as a large plate came flying out the window, slicing through the air, almost smacking the tree a few meters away from them.

“You can’t honestly say we are going to go in there?”

“Yes we are, Lupin.”

“I can’t.”

The man leading turned with a snap around to the other man, his expression most bitter and cold blooded. There was much he wanted to do to that bastard who let him down already. It was thanks to him that the woman he loved was not saved.

“God save me from hurting you at this moment,” he hissed, “Don’t push it Lupin, thanks to you she’s still missing, and I have no choice but to drag you along and help me find her.”

The other man blinked a couple of times.

“Can’t we go during the day?”

“Is the little wolf afraid of getting hurt?” He mocked.

“No.” Retorted the other.

“So if you are not afraid, get in!” He barked.

There was no more talk from both sides. They silently stepped up the creaked steps, their footsteps sounding heavily on the hard-wood floor. The man leading took hold of the dragon’s chain and banged loudly on the door.

“All that silence only to be loud?” Interrupted the other

“Shut up Lupin!” was the reply.

He stood quietly by the other man, curiously looking around in a slightly alarmed manner. The door suddenly creaked open, a small quivering figure answered the door, both Lupin and Snape watched wearily as the stout little man narrowed his eyes at them, his teeth were yellow, his face greasy and unwashed – Lupin took a step back, “Hello good sirs.” Stated the little man. “Or if you are up to any good!” he chuckled and snickered at the both of them.

“Be quiet…” muttered Snape silkily. “We’ve come to have a drink – nothing that involves your midnight fancies.”

“Then why not the Hogs Head?” Blinked the small man. “This place is … different to most places.”

“We gathered.” Snape said coolly.

“Right, right…” Muttered the little man. “Well, if you do want to come in, wearing robes other than black are not allowed.”

“Why is that?” asked Lupin.

“They tend to get feisty in there with those who look different.” The little man eyed Lupin.

Lupin glared at him and wrapped hises tes tighter around himself. He glanced at Snape, hoping for a sign he was not going to spend the rest of the evening outside.

“Ugh, fine!” Spat Snape as he unhooked his cloak from his shoulders, and chucked it at Lupin.

“Err… thanks.” Uttered Lupin, who quite surprised that Snape, would give up his divine black cloak for such a ridiculous cause.

“Consider this another favour Lupin.”

Lupin slipped Snape’s cloak on uneasily. The atmosphere wasn’t friendly as the howling sound of the wind sent shivers down both their backs. Entering the pub, Lupin’s face turned a chalky white; he had been on missions like this, but never this risky. Snape’s expression however was stern, placid and as usual, reserved. They were blending in quite well, at first, and as they went deeper, the tension and uneasiness seeped into their bones.

Men passed by, occasionally a woman barely dressed, running with her torn clothes clenched in her hands, sweeping about her naked legs. It was something that appealed to Snape’s senses; however, Lupin was becoming rapidly uncomfortable in his surroundings. A man brushed past them both, and suddenly, Snape froze and turned his head slightly, malevolent eyes flashing dangerously in the direction of the black sweeping robes. Lupin also turned when he found Snape’s presence and attention no longer in the direction they were heading.

“” Mu” Muttered Snape, his breath ragged and brutal.

“Him who?” said Lupin frightfully.

“The one disappearing into the backrooms,” said Snape, clenching his teeth.

“Err…” Lupin’s eyes darted.

“Stay here Lupin…” Lupin glared at Snape.

“No fucking way!” Lupin protested.

“Stay.” Snape whirled around, eyed Lupin with contempt, and Lupin immediately clenched his fists.

“Now look here! I’ve come with you this far, risked my life through the Forbidden Forest, and all for your precious ice queen – this is not on!” Lupin retorted with anger.

“Quiet Lupin, I will go without you then.” Snape spat.

Snape’s upper lip curled with detest and turned on his heel, striding off after the stranger, Lupin stared, and his expression littered with surprise and understanding. Soon Snape was out of sight as he fled into the barely torch-lit rooms, and as the clinks of glass on glass sounded, Lupin turned on his heel and swept away, Snape’s cloak hooked over his shoulder’s, billowing away, also out of sight, out of The Black Dragon.



* * *



Here alone again, Lupin far behind, my cloak still hooked over his narrow shoulders, and I felt rather bare – missing my closure. I however, was not deterred from my chosen path. I watched as the robes of them man in front of me disappeared into a closed room, alas; the smell of fresh air struck me. Turning the corner I too entered the room carefully, and to my surprise, I saw a small door open outside, into the backyard of The Black Dragon – silhouettes amongst the trees, no torches leading the way, but a small smoky texture in the air.

I moved out of the small door, and glided over to the trees, I cast a small silencing spell around me to ensure that the crunching of my boots would not be heard. I looked at the moonlit dirt beneath my feet, there were many tracks over twenty-five footprints here and there leading into the woods. I followed, unnoticed for now, and moving further in, I saw torches not too far away. A small chanting, quite familiar to me could be heard. It struck me, I was about to walk in on a Death Eater meeting, and by the sound of it, there was a fresh sacrifice. They uttered in ancient Latin small curses and myths to the oppressor of Merlin. Morgana’s presence was near; I could feel the chill of hatred and cruelty slow down my blood.

My fingers brushed against the trees, I approached the torches, further and further, until beside the roaring fire, blonde locks, white skin, heaving breasts and a small white nightdress clinging to her body lay Narcissa. I felt my blood freeze, I had entered their realm, and looking behind the tree, I saw her usually crimson lips pale and cracked, her blue eyes glassy with fear.
I had the urge to call out to her, to let her know I was there, in yet something bid me to do nothing and watch – there was nothing I could do for now. Her fingers shifted slightly over her stomach, the flames rising and rising as the chanting grew more powerful.

In front of the fire, two red eyes glowed, more deadly and heated with fury than the fire itself. The scaly gray skin of the Dark Lord stood out, his fingers clenched around a dagger. Beside him stood the one man I had the urge to crush with my hands, his black robes clung to him, the cloak fanning out around him. His blonde locks flitting in the wind, I could see through the slits of his mask the glittering blue eyes, cruelty dancing around him, poisoning his aura. My fists clenched with hatred, his eyes matching my own, however his were directed to the beaten half-alive woman who lay defenseless at the feat of the fire.

“My nostrils smell traitor.” A sudden hiss issued from the Dark Lord.

Momentarily I thought he was referring to Narcissa, until I realized that the dagger in my pocket was reflecting onto the tree across from me. My heart sank, and my eyes closed, not moving the dagger in case those keen red eyes saw the sudden change of scenery.

The chanting had suddenly stopped. The Dark Lord pointed in my direction. I could not see however him pointing at me, until a sudden clenching at my arms and wrists dragged me into view. There was a mock laughter amongst them when they sighted me, without my cloak, my robes dirty, and a wild look upon my usually stern face.

“Well well… if it isn’t the traitor.” The Dark Lord began. “Now he walks amongst us, trying to save his whore, or was it that he wanted to enjoy watching her demise?”

The two Death Eaters holding me back laughed as I pulled at the sudden chords binding both my hands together.

“Come a little closer LeStrange, Crouch, I want to get a better look of him,” said the Dark Lord chuckling to himself.

They shoveled me forwards, both those two foolish brutes. As they pushed me through their gaps in the circle, I passed by Narcissa, her eyes suddenly shifted, her nostrils lightly dilating, as if smelling my sudden presence. It was then that I had noticed the blood running down her legs; her white nightdress was drenched below her waistline. My mouth opened slightly, wanting to call out her name, try and bring her back to her sense.

I tried to keep an unnerving gaze on the Dark Lord. I was then pushed down onto my knees before the Dark Lord. I met his gaze, his reddened eyes boring into mine, challenging me to defy him. My hands were tied behind my back, and the rope began to rub against my skin painfully, I swallowed.

“Dare you look me in the eyes, Severus?”

My gaze hadn’t moved.
“Look away or I shall cut out your tongue with a blunt dagger! You are not worthy of my gaze, you are a traitor to our fold, and a fool for letting your weak heart get the better of you.”

I closed them, I turned my head slightly, and my eyes opened, just over the roaring fire I could make out Narcissa’s face. My eyes closed again, and I tried to picture myself somewhere else, with her, somewhere without these tyrants.

I turned towards Lucius, my eyes surveyed him, and he watched me back, his lips pursed and expressionless. I didn’t feel like the traitor anymore, I felt as though I were in the presence of traitors…

To be Continued...


Author\'s Notes: I know I haven\'t updated in ages. Now I\'ve got my head together, and am back into writing. I\'ve finally found the passion to complete this chapter, and I hope you like it. Please review because I really do enjoy hearing what you all have to say. There are two more chapters to go, so ladies and even some of you gents, it shouldn\'t be long until this fan fic is complete now that I\'m back in action. Regular updates and a Major Author\'s Notes section coming soon. I will discuss some key points and future events in this storyline for those who are looking forward to a SEQUEL.

The lyrics in the beginning of this chapter are by the lovely and original Tori Amos, which is a great song of hers called \"Precious Things\". ALSO a huge thanks to my classmate Chris who added a few things here and there to the beginning of this chapter.

- Lily