Shadows Fall

Shadows Fall

Chapter 7: A Vision Or A Dream?

Layla’s still formed twisted and turned in the bathtub as indescribable expressions flashed quickly on her face.

~Dream~

Thick fog surrounded Layla as she looked about curiously. “Where the hell am I?” she said out loud, but there was no one there to answer her. Figuring that she would get no answers if she continued just to stand there, Layla slowly started to walk, but then her walk quickly turned into a run for she had the strangest feeling that she was being followed. Suddenly footsteps could be heard slowly gaining up from behind. Layla dared not to look behind her and quickened her pace, but the foot steps where gaining speed. Layla finally just broke into a full on run, and kept running further and further into the fog.

Finally not being able to hear footsteps behind her, Layla stopped to take a breath. As her breathing slowly returned to normal she noticed that she could see a light up ahead. A small smile of relief washed over her face as she ran straight for the light. As she neared the light, a foreboding feeling surrounded her. Layla looked at the light that was shinning around a door. “I don’t think this is safe… maybe I should find another way out.” She turned to go, when suddenly she saw the figure coming fast to her. It had a black cloak surrounding its form, it’s face hidden. Layla didn’t know what she should do. That was until the figure suddenly pulled out its wand and aimed it at her.

Not even giving her a mind a chance to reason with her actions, Layla quickly dove for the door and opened it just in the nick of time for the as she turned the figure had reached the door but It was to late. Layla blinked around to get use to her surroundings, and what she saw shocked her. She was in a darkly lit room, with people all shrouded in black cloaks. They were all looking up at two empty chairs above, as if waiting for others to appear there. Layla stood completely still for several moments, but none of the hooded figures approached her. The door behind her suddenly opened, and as Layla turned she could only stare in awe. For there stood a handsome man in a black cloak, he had thick brown hair, pale skin, and had the most piercing eyes Layla had ever seen. The man looked down at her and gave a snake of a smile, to which Layla’s awe turned into fear. For only one man held that smile, Lord Voldemort.

Something was very wrong, aside from the fact that he suddenly reclaimed his human form, but that he was actually smiling at her! What troubled Layla even more was that he stretched out his hand for hers, still smiling. Layla just started at him, dumbfounded. The ones in the cloaks behind her, suddenly shouted,” Long live Lord and Lady Voldemort!” Layla’s eyes nearly popped out of her head at this statement. She couldn’t believe what they had just said! Just who exactly was this Lady Voldemort, for it couldn’t possible be me! She thought. Voldemort outstretched hand suddenly grabbed hers, and what seemed to be concern appeared on his features. “Are you alright? Is the child bothering you?” Layla nearly fainted at this remark. Child?! What the hell is he talking about? She thought angrily. To Layla’s horror as she looked down she found herself to be indeed pregnant. And that was when she let out a blood-curling scream.

Layla’s eyes snapped opened as she gasped for breath. Her entire body was shaking violently not only from the sudden coldness of the water, but for the dream as well. She pulled herself up to her knees and began to cry. What kind of vile dream was that?! Was this some trickery placed upon me? Or was this truly a vision of the future? Layla’s mind boggled with endless possibilities as to what the dream meant. I do hope that it was indeed a dream… wait what am I thinking? Of course it has to be! How could I ever imagine myself with that man… No! Not a man, that creature! Thinking that it was just a nightmare and nothing more, Layla got out of the cold bath. She grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her slender form, and then went into the bedroom.

I completely forgot to see if there were any clothes in this room. For I have no desire wearing what is left of my pervious ones. Layla walked up to the fine oak closest, and opened it slowly. She frowned as she looked inside the closest, for yes there were indeed clothes, but they were all dresses! They where beautiful dresses, but they still were dresses! Layla made it a habit to never wear them, for her family had tried to make her into the prim and proper lady that they wished her to be, but she just couldn’t stand it! Layla stared at the dresses, debating on whether she would or not. She gave out a loud sigh, and looked at the dresses with utmost distaste. “Well I’m afraid I don’t have much choice. Either I wear a dress or this towel, and I rather not wear the latter.” She spoke to no one but herself.

She looked at all the dresses with great care to pick out the one she mostly liked. Mostly all of them were black dresses, but she didn’t wish to wear his color. Finally spotting a red dress at the end she grabbed it, and started at it in awe. The material was made out of pure silk, it had a V shape in the front and back, with black streams for the shoulders, surrounding around the chest area, and it had it all around the bottom of the dress. A small smile appeared on Layla’s lips, for she did believe it was the lovelyiest dress she had ever seen. First thing first though, I need undergarments. Layla didn’t have to search long for the third drawer down contained what she needed. Quickly putting them on, she grabbed the dress from the bed and put it on with the utmost care.

Layla closed the closest and looked at herself in the mirror, she still had the small hint of a smile on her lips. It felts me perfectly! Almost like it was made especially for me… Layla tried to dismiss the thought, but it still worried her. As she was admiring her outfit, Layla failed to notice the door slowly opening. “My my what a most becoming dress.” A voice said. It startled Layla as she quickly turned only to face Severus Snape in the doorway. Layla’s eyes amity darkened at the sight of him. Snape wasn’t surprised at the suddenly cold vibes he was getting from his former student. He bowed slightly before rising up to speak, “Forgive me my lady. I suppose I should have knocked.” Layla could only let out a light laugh at his supposed apology.

Again Snape wasn’t surprise at Layla’s reaction, he merely continued on with his speech. “Lord Voldemort wishes for you to join him now to dinner. I am to escort you on the way… so that you don’t end up lost.” Layla let out another laugh, before eying him darkly. “You actually mean to say, you’re here to escort me to my doom, and so that I also don’t get any wild ideas and try to escape?” An amused smile appeared on Snape’s face as he looked at Layla. “Quiet my dear. Now shall we?” Layla gave him one more glare before walking out of the room. On the outside she looked composed and ready for anything thrown at her, but inside Layla was scared and screaming for her life. For she knew what lay ahead was most surly her doom.