Shadows Fall

Shadows Fall

Chapter 8:Changed

As Snape and Layla walked slowly to the Dark Lord’s private dinning hall, Snape finally got the chance to notice Layla’s features more clearly. Even though she looked quite clean now, it seemed that the dried blood and dirt had been her only color, for she was as pale as a ghost now. In the horror of the cell, her long blonde had lost its glowing shine, but it now showed a glimmer of what it once was. Not only that but her already slender form was waning on looking ghastly thin. What caught Snape’s attention the most was Layla’s beautiful blue/grey eyes. They looked exactly as he had last seen them, full of fire and passion, but he could also see the hint of despair within them. The red silk dress is just the finishing touch, the ghost of a princess... At that thought a light laugh escaped Snape, causing a questionable glance from Layla.

I do believe Snape has finally cracked. When does he ever laugh?! Layla thought worriedly as she looked upon her former teacher, with questionable eyes. She wasn’t surprised when he just gave her that famous half smile of his, and the reminder of the walk was in utter silence. Corridor after corridor, turn after turn, they went until just when Layla swore she was going mad; they finally came upon a black door. Snape walked up to the door and spoke words unknown to Layla, until the door opened, and inside they went. Layla looked at the room in pure awe. While indeed she thought Voldemort to be a monster, he clearly was a monster with the greatest taste!

The room was lit with tons of candles floating about; the dinning table was made out of the same fine oak that was in the bedroom, and already a fine fire was going. The thing that caught Layla’s attention and somewhat excitement was the walls. The walls were Roman styled, but it wasn’t just the architecture, it was the design of the Roman gods that caught her full attention. Layla couldn’t help but shed a tiny smile at the fact that the gods, although everywhere about the room, that a certain one was positioned next to each other, to match with the chairs at the table. Above the head chair, was the mighty God Jupiter*. The chair to the right had the God Mercury*, and to the left of that was the Goddess Proserpina*. Next to her was Mars*, and across from him was the God Bacchus*. This is all too easy, Jupiter is clearly Voldemort, Mercury is Snape, and Proserpina is probably Bellatrix for she has that knack of killing so many people… Not quite sure if Mars is suppose to be Voldemort again, that one is tricky, but Bacchus is without a doubt Lucius Malfoy… How strange really that he would have muggle history right on his own walls. He must really think himself and those around him that divine. Layla gave out a bitter laugh, and then turned her head to the last remaining goddess. While Layla had very strong idea’s as to who everyone else was at these chairs, the one at the end, across from Jupiter, she had no clue. For the chair across from Jupiter belonged to who ever appeared to be the Goddess Juno*. Layla bit her lip nervously as her dream like vision came back to her. Lord and Lady Voldemort they had said… According to this room, there is indeed meant to be one... but it can’t possible be me can it? Layla’s anxiety only grew worse the more she thought about it the more it scared her.

Snape watched somewhat amused as Layla’s facial expressions changed so quickly. At first they had been happy, slowly going into confusion, anxiety, and now the slight look of fear was creeping their way onto her face. “Miss Blade you are indeed a most particular witch.” He said. Blue-grey eyes glared back at him evilly, but before she could utter a vocal response a chilling presence had suddenly entered the room. Layla watched as Snape bowed to an unseen person to her eyes, for whom ever it was she had her back to them. However, she had a sneaking suspicious of just who it was. Layla slowly turned around and what she saw made her nearly faint. In place of the snakelike creature she had seen two months before, stood the handsome man from her dreams. Lord Voldemort looked very pleased at the effect he was having on Layla, for he believed the transformation back into his physical body was what caused her to fear him. This can’t be happening! How can he possible be back in that form?! It’s impossible! Layla looked long at hard at Voldemort to make sure she wasn’t still dreaming, and instead she wasn’t causing her to shake. This means that was no dream earlier… it was indeed a vision!

Unknown to Layla, Voldemort had no idea of the vision she had witness not to long ago, and still continued to think that his new appearance frighten her so, which brought him utmost delight. Snape watched with amusement written all over his face. His Lord looked pleased over his effect on Layla, and she looked like she would collapse any second. Yes, this was a strange site, but it was a site that brought even the former Potions teacher to smile. A few minutes pasted until Layla finally regained her composure and her sharp tongue. “Why ever did you change your appearance my lord? The other suited you so much better,” she said icily. Voldemort’s eyes flashed red for a split second before an amused smile creped onto his lips. “My dear I am pleased to see that two months in that hell hole didn’t ruin that beautiful sharp tongue of yours. It is a pity though that Lucius has already soiled it.” This was indeed a fatal blow to Layla for at the mere mention of Lucius name, all the horrors of the past two months came back to her, causing her to revert back into her former hollow shell.

Voldemort noticed the change immediately, and a scowl started to form on his lips. Layla did indeed look like a ghost of a princess now, her face had lost its color completely, and her eyes where now completely dulled out. “Damn that useless Lucius! I didn’t realize he had such an affect on the bloody girl!” he yelled to Snape. “If you do forgive me my Lord, but he did torture and rape the girl… so it comes to no surprise that it would greatly affect her.” Snape said with a bow. Voldemort glared at Snape for a few seconds before walking over to Layla’s form. “It seems like we will have to postpone our little dinner my dear,” he said while stroking her hair. Voldemort nodded to Snape who took a hold of Layla’s arm and led her to the door. Voldemort could only smile evilly back. I have such plans for you and I, but they can wait… I am a patient man and I have all the time in the world…

Author’s Note: So ends another chapter! I hope everyone is enjoying this story so far. I am sorry that it has been taking me a while, but school has been keeping me very busy. Also I put stars next to each of the Roman god/goddess, so that you could refer down here, if you didn’t know what they ruled as.
Jupiter- King of the Gods.
Mercury- Messenger of the Gods, and bearer of souls to the underworld.
Proserpina- Queen of the Dead.
Mars- God of War.
Bacchus- God of wine and sensual pleasure.
Juno- Queen of the Gods.