Tempted by Fate: A Serpent's Requiem

Sunday came and went for the Hogwarts students as Monday morning seemed to come too quickly. As usual, Hermione, Ron, and Harry all had the same classes with the exception of the three extra classes that Hermione were taking.

“My God woman, how the hell are you going to get to all your classes?! You have three classes that meet at the same time!”

“Oh stop it Ronald. I’ll manage,” she huffed. Harry and Ron exchanged curious looks as they headed towards their first class of the day—Defense Against the Dark Arts with the newly hired professor R.J. Lupin. They all assembled into the dank looking room and were surprised that the Slytherins were not in there.

“Oh yeah. Professor McGonagall had a talk with the headmaster. She seems to think that a class of this caliber would not go very well if two rival houses are taking it together. I’m thinking she was concerned about you Harry,” Hermione noted. Harry just rolled his eyes. No need to worry about me.

“Alright class. Settle down.” They all looked up as Professor Lupin filed into the room.

“Hey, there are no desks. What are we supposed…?”

“You’re right Mr. Weasley. We won’t need them today. I thought the first lesson deems a more hands on approach.” Everyone in the class seemed to think this was great…everyone except Hermione who folded her arms across her chest and sulked. There was a loud rumble in the classroom which made everyone jump.

“Um…professor…what’s in the…?”

“It’s a Boggart Mr. Potter. That’s today’s lesson.” Professor Lupin went on to explain what a Boggart is and the charm to use against it. He then had everyone file into a line and try it out but when it was Harry’s turn he ended class. Hermione shot Harry a curious look.Why would he…? Then it dawned on her. It was because Lupin wouldn’t have wanted a replica of Lord Voldemort entering the room. The thought made her laugh as they all filed out of class and headed over to their next class.

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Severus sat down in one of the green recliners then took out a sheet of parchment going over the names of the students that would be in his next period class.

“What did I do to deserve this torcher?” he asked dryly.

“Severus no need to sound so glum.” He raised an eyebrow at the fiery head of Gryffindor House as she swept by him taking a seat in the blue recliner across from him. She took a sip of what looked like pumpkin juice but Severus knew better.

“I suppose you have a better idea for an outlet to relieve myself of such misery?” Minerva shot him a knowing glare before returning to her drink.

“For your information Severus, I am not a big drunk. However, if you had to deal with a bunch of irritating first years first thing in the morning you’d reduce yourself to drinking too!” she replied calmly.

“If you say so Minerva. Nocens indulgeo es peior quam nullus.”

“How witty Severus.” Snape looked up to see Albus hovering over him. He nodded curtly at the headmaster as he too swept by taking a seat on the couch next to Minerva.

“Such is the nature of men that howsoever they may acknowledge many others to be more witty, or more eloquent, or more learned; yet they will hardly believe there be many so wise as themselves.” Dumbledore raised an eyebrow over his half mooned spectacles before shaking his head. That Severus…

“What do we owe the pleasure Albus?” Snape asked. He folded his parchment and slipped it into a side pocket of his robe.

“Well, I have a bit of news about Sirius. It seems that he has been spotted near Hogsmead recently.” Minerva practically choked on her pumpkin juice at this bit of info. The horrified look on her face would have brought Snape to tears from excessive laughter had he been the laughing kind.

“Does the Prophet have any proof headmaster? As we all know, the profit isn’t the most reliable at times of fright.”

“That was my first thought as well Severus but even so I don’t think we should take the news lightly. If he was in fact spotted near Hogsmead then that could only mean one thing: he’s making his move towards the boy.”

“And that’s a bad thing?” Snape asked, his hands parting to indicate his unconcern.

“Severus you will do right by that boy today or…”

“Or what Minerva? You know just as well as I do that Potter is a pompous celebrity that frets about the school because he’s the boy who lived. He gets his way all the time but not from me. Not now not ever,” Snape snapped.

“Now, now Severus listen. I’m not trying to make you be nice to the boy. In fact, I think it’s best that you treat him like you do all the others.”

“Cruelty is one of the worst punishments,” Minerva scoffed.

“Inhumanitas est ut inhumanitas does Minerva,” he said casually. He picked up a copy of the Prophet and began reading the headlines. On the front page was a picture of Madam Malkin’s robe shop and there were several ministry workers questioning nearby consumers.

“Can I see that when you’re done using it Professor?” Snape tossed the paper aside and stared up at the man looming over him; his tired expression having no effect on the potions master whatsoever.

“What do you need to see this for?” he asked motioning towards the paper. “I’m sure you already know what’s been going on. In fact, I’m sure you could tip the ministry on Black’s whereabouts being that the two of you are so close,” he snidded.

“Severus please. I’m in no mood to listen to you and Lupin’s childish…”

“It’s quite alright Minerva. We all know that Severus just can’t get over the fact that he wasn’t welcome in our group so long ago.” At this remark, Snape stood to his feet and was now toe to toe with Lupin. His hand was shaking violently, the urge to withdraw his wand nagging at him like a woodpecker to a tree.

“I couldn’t imagine my younger self lowering thy standards just to be part of a lowly group of individuals headed by those pompous jerks who called themselves James and Sirius Black,” he said through gritted teeth. Lupin’s eyes flashed with anger and for a few short seconds Snape had the distinct feeling that he were about to come face to face with a werewolf but the brief moment of worry vanished for he knew Remus wasn’t as stupid as he looked.

“SIT DOWN! THE BOTH OF YOU NOW!” Minerva spat. Snape cast her a bored and unconcerned look as he strolled towards the door.

“Sorry Minerva, but I have class now. I’ll try to be nice to the Potter boy however, I can’t make any promises. After all, I am, as you call it stupid and bardus est ut bardus does.”

“Severus!”

“The silent dog is the first to bite,” he mumbled.

Without a hint of a smile, Snape exited the room leaving a furious Minerva to her pumpkin juice.

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“Hermione I can’t believe you walked out on Professor Trelawney! What the hell were you thinking?” Ron asked incredulously.

“She’s a right old fraud! I am not going to just sit there and subject myself to such nonsense,” she snapped. They were now sitting in the common room working on homework.

“Well…you know Hermione…she did…I mean, Wormtail…”

“That’s just one prediction you idiot! Probably the only thing she’d predicted since she’s been a so-called psychic!”

“Hey, whoa…don’t get flippy with me. I was just…Aw forget it!” Ron muttered. They all went back to working silently when Ginny came running through the portrait hole. She was wearing the biggest grin they’d ever seen. She motioned for Hermione to come with her to the back of the common room so that they could talk. Hermione followed her leaving the boys behind with curious looks on their faces.

“What’s going on Ginny? I’ve never seen you this…happy before.”

“It’s Dean. He and I are official!”

“That’s great! But…I thought…”

“Uh…well we were always official but a while ago we made it really official,” she reminisced.

“Uh…you didn’t…”

“No, we haven’t done anything of that sort but we kissed…and it was great! Last year he was a terrible kisser but it seems he got some sort of confidence boost this past summer.”

“I am so happy for you!”

“Yeah…thanks but I also have some news for you.”

“What news?”

“Well apparently Malfoy is wasting no time telling everyone how Ron left you out to dry and now the whole lot of ‘em are talking about it.”

“Oh bother,” she groaned. “That Malfoy is such a prick!”

“Oh but it gets better. He seems to think that you have a thing for him now.”

“WHAT?!?!”

“Quiet down! I don’t want Ron and Harry to hear. You know how they make such a fuss about everything. Anyway, that part isn’t all that serious. Malfoy hasn’t told anyone this bit of info. I overheard him telling Crabbe and that other creep he hangs out with about this while Dean an I were in the broom closet,” she replied.

“Thanks for the heads up Ginny.” Hermione pursed her lips as she glanced up at the clock. “Oh bother, we have Potions now…with the Slytherins no less…damn,” she muttered.

“Well, you’ll be alright. You know how Harry and Ron are. Anyway, I gotta go meet Dean. Later.” Hermione watched her good friend run off before crossing the room again.

“Alright guys. You know where we have to go now.” Harry and Ron both groaned as they gathered their things and headed out the room towards the dungeons.

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Arthur closed the door to his cramped up office and sat down at his desk. He went through all the mail—nothing but bills and complaints—and then proceeded to read the Prophet. As usual, there was more junk about Sirius Black and how they, the Ministry, were making progress in finding him. Biggest crop of lies ever told. We’re no closer to finding Black than solving the mystery of Black Death. He sighed as he tossed the paper aside and then folded his arms across his chest. Leaning back in his old straight chair she started thinking about his wife and how stressed out she looked when he left home that morning. I wonder…what could possibly have her so spooked?

“MR. WEASLEY, THE MINISTER WISHES TO SEE YOU FOR A FEW SIR.” Arthur frowned at the intercom. What does he want with me? Arthur fixed his robe, casually brushing away the wrinkles. After taking a deep breath he headed out the door to find the minister.

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Molly washed her hands and prepared breakfast. Since Arthur had already left, she decided to fix her a full breakfast. After all, even though he was away that did not necessarily mean she had to eat lightly. In mere minutes she had successfully whipped up a full course breakfast that included grits and eggs, bacon, French toast drizzled in strawberry sauce with some fresh coffee to help wash it down. Still wearing her nightgown, she sat down at the table, said grace and picked up her fork readying to taste the yumminess of her hard magic when she heard a loud pop behind her in the kitchen.

“Arthur, you’re home…early,” she said calmly, dropping her fork in her plate. A pair of hands grasped her neck lightly caressing it; using their thumbs to caress that place behind her ears as well. After enjoying the sensation for a few moments, Molly came to realize that the cool hands caressing her neck could not possibly belong to her husband.

“Lucius?”

“Buongiorno Ariana.” Molly abruptly stood to her feet and whipped around to face him. He bowed gracefully before sweeping around her and taking a place at the table. He waved his wand producing another plate out of thin air and then it began to fill itself with food that Molly had cooked. Molly just stood their furious with him. How dare he just show up here with no warning or anything! Is he mad??

“Come now Molly and have a seat. You were about to enjoy a very precarious meal so please don’t let me keep you from enjoying it.”

“How dare you,” she whispered frowning at him. “What makes you think you can just show up here anytime you get ready? For all you know Arthur could have…”

“My dear Ariana…”

“Molly!” she snapped.

“My dear Molly, I just saw your husband moments ago at the ministry. Needless to say he looked very…um…busy,” he replied choosing his words carefully. He did not wish to anger Molly. That wasn’t his purpose for showing up. He merely wished to spend some time with his fiery red-headed friend with no exchange of words. That was already going to be a battle seeing as he felt no need to send an owl ahead of time. My mistake he mused. He looked up to see Molly still standing at a distance glowering at him. He sighed as he stood up and made his way towards her. She was still dressed in her night clothes but there was something very familiar about the gown. He stared at her trying to figure out why it was so familiar but then it hit him.

“Lucius please. You shouldn’t be here,” she pleaded softly. He propped his cane on the wall next to him and then cupped Molly’s face into his hands. She turned her head in an attempt to break away but he turned it back forcing her to look him in the eye.

“Molly, you know I would never intentionally do anything to jeopardize your marriage to Arthur. I thought you knew me better than that.”

“I…well I just…” She tried to find a comeback to justify her wanting him to leave but she could not. His icy stare was having the same effect that it had on her years ago. The twinkle in his eyes was so familiar and as she continued to stare she was reminded of how caring he could be. She didn’t even realize that his hands were no longer cupping her face. They were now trailing a path up her arms and to her shoulders. It was when the robe hit the floor and the cool breeze entering the kitchen through a window chilled her body that she realized what was happening.

“Lucius I won’t…” she said forcefully but was silenced by his lips touching hers. His cool tongue entering her mouth with such a force that she had to comply. He deepened the kiss forcing her back against the sink, his hands tugging playfully at the sheer nightie.

“Lucy…” she moaned when his lips left hers and started trailing kisses on her neck. What am I…?

“Lucius please!” she cried pushing him away from her. She turned to face the sink, the tears surfacing under her eyelids. I can’t believe I let this happen…

“Molly…the reason I came by today was…it was because of the date…today’s date is September 11. Does that ring a bell?” he asked softly. Molly just stood their sobbing. She was in no mood to think right now. The fact that she had just cheated on her husband was clouding her thoughts. She felt a pair of hands wrap themselves around her waist, covering her back with their body.

“Lucius you really should go now,” she replied faintly.

“But you haven’t answered my question,” he whispered planting a kiss on her cheek.

“I don’t…I can’t think right now!” she snapped. “Let me go…”

“Today…a few years ago today was the day I asked you to be my date for the Fall Festival. You said no of course, but I was persistent and eventually you agreed. Don’t you remember what happened that day at the dance Molly?”

“Of course I do! That bitch Narcissa had the nerve to lock me in a broom closet fearing that her Lucifer might become attached to me,” she spat.

“And would you not agree that she had good reason?”

“Are you condoning such behavior?” She had quickly turned around now looking him square in the eye. He smirked causing her to roll her eyes. “Such arrogance.”

“But you love me for it.”

“I do NOT love…”

“Oh really?” he asked stepping closer to her. He took one hand and made way to plant a kiss on the back of it but she snatched it away just as quickly.

“What are you playing at Lucius? You have your own family and a wife who loves you very much. Go home.”

“I’m sure she does and I love her as well but that doesn’t change the way I feel about you. Come Molly. Let us enjoy our breakfast together. After we’re done eating I shall be on my way. I give you my word.” Seething she threw her hands up in defeat and allowed him to lead her back to the table. He seated her first and then himself as they enjoyed a quiet breakfast together.

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Molly awakened from her slumber earlier than usual. She was anxious to try out her new shampoos and body washes. She made way to the restroom careful not to wake her roommates and started the shower. About 45 minutes later she emerged from the shower smelling strongly of rosemary and cherry blossom. She smiled to herself as she quickly dressed and headed out the room. For once she was excited about going to breakfast.

Molly entered the Great Hall and to her surprise no one said anything to her. In fact, it was as though she didn’t exist. Good. She walked past the Slytherin table nervously awaiting the usual jeers and snide remarks but instead she got a reaction that was quite surprising.

“Hey you! Hey…girl you look…”

“Hey! I saw her first you jerk!”

Molly just kept walking ignoring the guys. Wow. I am actually being noticed. Molly took her usual seat…alone at the Gryffindor table but for the first time in a long time she felt…normal and it was all thanks to her new friend? She still wasn’t sure how to describe Lucius Malfoy. On one hand he seemed like a nice enough guy, but on the other hand, he was friends with that Bellatrix Black and Narcissa—two of the most downright evilest of people. Molly couldn’t help but wonder why two individuals such as themselves could act so evil all the time. It was though the world was against them.

“Buongiorno Molly.” Molly jumped at the sound of the voice but could not help but to grin when she saw that it was Lucius.

“Um…good morning?”

“Correct. I have to say that you look very nice this morning. The color pink suits you. You should wear it more often.”

“I…thank you. You know,” she replied lowering her voice, “it’s only thanks to you that I have all this pink and I can’t thank you enough…”

“Oh don’t thank me. I’m not worthy of such thanks.” Molly blushed and turned away. What to say?

“So you’re probably wondering why I am sitting here at the Gryffindor table.” Molly frowned at her pumpkin juice but nodded.

“Now that you mention it, it is a little weird that you’re over here. I hear you Slytherins don’t sit over here because of your pureblood rules.”

“For the most part but remember what I told you two days ago. I’m not like other people.”

“Ah well that makes me feel a whole lot better,” she grinned. At that second, Lucius had the strongest urge kiss her rosy cheeks but somehow managed to suppress the urge. The new clothes actually brought out her beauty. She was wearing some tight fitting jeans and a pink v-neck tank with a lace collar. Her busy red hair was pinned up into a bouncy ponytail and she was wearing the necklace he gave her, the two serpents coiling around her neck like they were apart of her.

“Did you see the new bulletin that was posted last night? The one about the Fall Festival?” he asked a moment later.

“Um…no. I didn’t bother to look on my way down here. I was so caught up on making a good impression that I…”

“A good impression? Is your self-esteem really that low?” he asked softly. She glared at him angrily for a second but the anger didn’t suffice long. She looked into his eyes and could tell that he was genuinely concerned.

“I…I…don’t know.”

“Well, if it is then it is my duty as your rescuer to fix that.” She giggled when he puffed out his chest trying to act all macho. He was a rich pretty boy and macho did not become him at all. His long bleached blonde hair did not say macho at all she thought to herself. She poked him in the chest and he coughed.

“Oooo sorry. It’s just…you looked funny,” she laughed.

“Well I’m glad you think so. You smiled. I like it when you smile. Now on to more pressing matters. It would seem that this fall festival requires us students to bring a friend or a date. I for one think it positively erroneous that we have to do such a thing but whatever. It’s not my call. So Molly, will you do me the honor and accompany me as my friend to this Fall Festival?” Molly just stared at him unable to respond. No one had ever…then again she’d never had a boyfriend but it wasn’t as if it were a date or anything.

“I uh…I don’t know Lucius. It’s not really my…scene,” she lied. “Plus I have…”

“Nothing to wear? Yes you do. We took care of that last week. Remember I got you a dress and a dress robe. You can wear that to the dance. Now please say that you’ll come with?” He clasped her hand and kissed the top of it like a gentleman. He stared up at her, his eyes gleaming full of hope.

“How could I say no?” she sighed. Lucius grinned as he got up from the table.

“See you soon fidanzata.”

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AN: Okay. Finally finished with this chapter. I will pick up with the rest of Lucius' and Molly's Festival memory but like I said, I don't like making the chapters too long. I hope you are enjoying this. If not I suppose you ought to quit reading. LOL Let's see...a few things you might want to know.

Translations:

1. Nocens indulgeo es peior quam nullus---It's supposed to be latin for "Bad excuses are worse than none." I may have to change that later as I continue this tedious process of Latin translations and derivations.

2. Inhumanitas est ut inhumanitas----"Cruelty is as cruelty does". How Snapeish!

3. bardus est ut bardus-----"Stupid is as stupid does".

4. Quote: "Such is the nature of men that howsoever they may acknowledge many others to be more witty, or more eloquent, or more learned; yet they will hardly believe there be many so wise as themselves".-----Thomas Hobbs (One of my least favorite political thought peeps, however he was useful for something.) -shrugs-

5. Quote: "The silent dog is the first to bite."----It's a proverb from some site. If you want it I can give you all the addy.

6.Buongiorno-----In a nutshell means "Good morning" in Italian. If my translations are a bit off forgive me. I am using online dictionaries and some translators that may or may not always be 100 accurate. Go figure.

Well I really don't know when I'll be updating again. I have spun a web to an interesting tale that seems endless. I will work on it during my breaks if time permits but I have to take my time and research a few more things. In the meantime, read, review, uh...read some of my other stories. Laterz.