Tempted by Fate: A Serpent's Requiem

Lucius burst into the Slytherin Common Room, his wand pointed at Bellatrix as he stared her down. She just laughed at him before standing to her feet, approaching him slowly.

“No, you sit down now. I have some things I want to say to you dear old cousin.”

“Fine,” she mumbled, plopping back down onto the couch. “What did I do this time?”

“Molly.”

“What about her?” she huffed.

“I don’t know what you and Cissy think you are doing but it needs to stop.”

“Look Lucy, we’re not doing anything really bad to her,” she said grinning.

“I don’t care. From now on, when you do something hurtful to her you are crossing me and cousin it will not be wise of you to keep this behavior up. I swear to you…I’ll break every bone in your body if you ever lay hands on her again.”

“But Lucius…” she stammered horrified but he cut her off.

“You heard me. I’m warning you. Just back off. I don’t really understand why you treat her like shit anyway. What has she ever done to you to make you hate her so?”

“She exists.” Lucius looked up to see Cissy coming down the stairs from the girl’s dorm. She took a seat next to Bella and they both burst into giggles.

“So…you dislike her because she exists? And I thought I was cruel,” Lucius replied lowering his wand.

“Well I’m sorry cousin but it’s a girl thing. You’ll never understand. I tell you what, if it makes you feel any better we promise not to lay a hand on her ever again.”

“Hand as in wand too?” Bella and Cissy cut each other wavered looks but Lucius stood over them glaring angrily.

“Uh…yeah. Sure,” Bella mumbled. “So…I guess this means Molly is your…?”

“It doesn’t matter what she is to me. She’s just a friend and just like I take care of you two, I am taking care of her as well but don’t misunderstand me. I will curse you just like I would anybody else who lays a hand on her. Got it?”

“Yeah, we got it,” they mumbled. Lucius bowed his head as he turned and started towards his room. When he entered the room, he quickly changed and got into bed. All his thoughts were of his beautiful red-headed princess as he drifted off to sleep.

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“You told them that?”

“Of course and I meant every word of it.”

“You’d break your own cousin’s arms or legs?” she asked incredulously.

“Sometimes I wish that I would have. Maybe things would have turned out differently,” he replied softly. Molly stood up from the table and began to clean up. With a few short waves of her wand, the table was cleared and the freshly washed dishes were putting themselves away neatly into proper cabinets. “Molly, let me help you with that.”

“No…I got it. You…you should probably get going now. I don’t want Arthur to find you here. I haven’t the strength to deal with the both you.”

“As you wish.” He stood to his feet and walked towards her. “Thank you for a wonderful breakfast Molly.”

“Uh…you’re…welcome,” she whispered. She would not meet his eyes and it intrigued him somewhat. It’s because she still loves me…she knows her eyes will give her away…

“Molly…Molly please look at me.” She raised her head only to meet his lips upon hers kissing her softly. He deepened the kiss pushing her back against the wall, running his hands down her sides.

“Lucy…no…we can’t…” He ignored her protests, bringing his lips towards her ear.

“Tell me you don’t want this,” he whispered. His lips found her neck nipping at it softly as his hands started a course up her thighs.

“I…” He pressed his body against hers, the bulge in his pants begging for freedom.

“You know what I want,” he whispered. “But I can’t take it unless you say the words that I need to hear. Tell me you want me.”

“I…Lucius please…you know I can’t…”

“Yes you can. You’ve done it before.”

“And it was a mistake!” she cried, pushing him away. “Now go. You’ve overstayed your welcome,” she stammered.

“I don’t think it was a mistake and I’m sure you don’t either. Nevertheless, I will honor your wishes even though your body is saying differently. Lately Ariana, you have been on my mind constantly. I am trying my best to resist the urges to come and see you but nothing is working. What if I can’t stop?”

“You can stop. Just try harder.”

“But I want you Molly. I want to take you with me and have my way with you.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“Maybe…but despite what you say you can never push me too far away. I’ll always care for you Molly more than you will ever know. Addio princess. Until we meet again.”

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“Hermione, help a guy out. Why is your potion pink and mine brown?” Ron hissed. He looked over at Harry’s cauldron but his was a brown color as well. Hermione rolled her eyes and peered over into Ron’s potion.

“That’s because both of you forgot to add…”

“Ms. Granger, am I going to have to separate you three lovebirds?” Hermione looked up at Snape, her eyes flashing with fury.

“No…professor we’re not…”

“Then why do you feel it’s your divine duty to do his work for him?”

“Well…I was…just…”

“Don’t bother Ms. Granger. Ten points from Gryffindor. Maybe you’ll learn to do your own work Mr. Weasley and maybe Ms. Granger will learn to suppress her urges to divulge the information stored in her overcrowded cerebrum during my class time.”

“But professor I didn’t help them!” she said hotly. She was really starting to get ticked off and wanted nothing more than to let out her frustrations by tossing a cauldron aside Snape's head. Snape quickly turned and hurried back towards them, looming over their cauldrons, a wry smile crossing his face.

“Twenty points from Gryffindor,” he said softly. Draco and some of his friends started to roar with laughter but Snape ignored them. “You may not have helped him Ms. Granger but you cannot sit there and say that you weren’t about to. Anymore from you and I’ll see you in detention tonight.” Snape hurried off to the other side of the dungeon to examine other cauldrons. When he was well out of range, Hermione felt something hit her in the back of the head.

“Hey…what in the world…?” She looked behind to see Malfoy smirking at her. “Did you hit me?” she hissed.

“Yes but you didn’t see what it was.” She looked to what had unfolded into a small note. It read:

Ditch the dorks and come hang with a real man.

Hermione turned and glared angrily at him. She was about to ball up the letter when Ron reached over and snatched it out of her hand.

“Hey…Ron give that…” He read the letter then tossed it at Harry for him to read. Both guys turned and glared at Malfoy.

“What? Is there a price stamped to my forehead or are you two lusting after me too?” Draco said with smirk.

“You better lay off Hermione,” Ron growled.

“Or what? You didn’t want her which means she’s up for grabs loser.”

“As if Hermione would even dream of being associated with the likes of you,” Harry snided.

“You’re just mad because you can’t have her. Don’t wanna hurt poor Ronald’s feelings do we Potter?” he teased.

“Why you son of a…”

“I WISH YOU THREE WOULD STOP TALKING ABOUT ME LIKE I’M SOME SORT OF OBJECT!” she screamed.

“MS. GRANGER! WHAT IS THE MEANING…?”

“Never mind professor,” she mumbled. She emptied the contents of her cauldron into a beaker then packed her things to leave.

“Ms. Granger, we still have at least twenty minutes…”

“I’ll see you in detention professor. If I stay in here any longer I might be sick.” She cut Draco a look of pure disgust before storming out of the dungeons.

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Four hours later at the hour of nine, Hermione was making her way inside the cool dark dungeons of Hogwarts. Professor Snape was sitting behind his desk with his nose buried in some sort of book.

“Have a seat next to Malfoy Ms. Granger.”

“WHAT?!” She looked over to see Malfoy grinning at her. “Ugh…Professor, why exactly is Malfoy here? Not that you…but he is a member of your own House and I just…”

“Strange as it may seem Ms. Granger, I had no choice but to give him detention once he owned up to causing your sudden outburst in class today. Furthermore, I should give you another evening of detention since it would seem as though you are criticizing my judgment when it comes to judging the behavior of my students.”

“Well…I just…I mean…”

“SIT DOWN MS. GRANGER!” She rolled her eyes before taking her seat. She took out a piece of parchment and made ready to do some lines but Snape stopped her. “That won’t be necessary Ms. Granger. Since Mr. Malfoy is usually less than average when it comes to potions, I figured I’d let you unleash some of that knowledge that’s being suppressed and pass it on to Mr. Malfoy here.” He waved his wand and a list of potions ingredients and steps appeared on the board. “I’ll be back within the hour. I expect you two to be finished by then otherwise it will be another night of detention.” He grabbed his book off of his desk and swept past them out the dungeon door leaving Malfoy and Hermione behind.

“Alright you. Let’s get something straight—We’re going to finish this potion so we both can get on with our lives because quite frankly, I’d rather be doing lines for hours than stuck here with you.”

“That’s what you say Mudblood but pretty soon you’ll warm up to me.”

“Drop dead Draco and for your information calling me a Mudblood won’t get you any closer to me than Ronald asking me to do his work for him.” She opened her knapsack and started pulling out scissors among other things needed for the complicated potion that Snape left for them to do. She started cutting up the tea leaves while Malfoy just sat back and watched. After several minutes of this, Hermione grew annoyed with his presence. “You know Draco, if you’re not going to help then you might as well leave. I’m sure it will slip Snape’s mind and he won’t bother to give you another detention.”

“I just figured we’d get done a whole lot quicker if I let you do all the work. I’m not good with all this potions crap. I’m experienced in another line of work. If you want I can show you what I mean. Don’t worry, I’ll do all the work,” he smirked.

“I’d rather not.” She put the rest of the ingredients into the cauldron then set the temperature just right. “Well, not that you care but this will be finished in the next fifteen minutes or so.”

“No, I don’t care at all. The longer it takes, the longer I have to watch you.”

“It’s impolite to stare.”

“I know, but when have you ever known me to be polite?”

“You’re right. I was giving you too much credit. But seriously, all of your staring is starting to weird me out. I don’t see you staring at Pansy all day?”

“That’s because I’d rather stare at you.”

“Don’t flatter me Malfoy. How can you insult me and then flatter me all in the same breath? It’s preposterous!”

“Just like this. You see Granger, I hate the fact that you are a Mudblood. It’s mainly because my mother hates Mudbloods but whatever. I also hate your know-it-all attitude and your goofy little boyfriends Potter and Weasel but you,” he scoffed raising an eyebrow, “I like the way you look…the way you dress…” He leaned over and sniffed her hair. “And I like the way you smell.”

“Oh give me a break! You are so…I don’t care what you like or don’t like about me. I still wouldn’t give you the time of day,” she huffed.

“Fine, but when Potter and Weasel can’t give you what you need, you can always come to me,” he teased.

“And why would I do that?”

“Because deep down you know you’re curious…and then there’s the fact that my grades suck ass but I know how to treat a woman. Just ask Pansy. Why do you think we were together for so long? She just couldn’t get enough of me.”

“Rubbish and you know it.”

“You won’t know if it’s rubbish or not unless you try me.”

“Tempting but no,” she replied. “Now put the rest of the potion in a bottle so we can get out of here.”

“Only if you’ll kiss me.”

“WHAT?!”

“You heard me.” She glared at him angrily as she started cleaning up their station herself.

“Malfoy, you have reached an all time low. And to think I thought it were impossible,” she snapped. Hermione emptied the last drop of potion in his beaker then gathered her things to leave. She walked over to Snape’s desk setting the beakers down but when she turned to leave, she bumped right into a towering Malfoy. “Draco get out of my way…”

“I will if you kiss me,” he said softly.

“No…but if you don’t move I’ll…”

“Curse me?” he smirked, holding up her wand.

“When did you…? Never mind. I don’t care…give it back you imbecile!”

“No…not until you give me what I want.”

“Go to hell Malfoy.”

“Oooo I love it when you get mad. Makes you look even more delicious,” he grinned.

“When I tell Harry and Ron, you’re going to be sorry.”

“Won Won? So you’re going to take all your problems to the man who kicked you to the curve? That makes a whole lot of sense Mudblood.” She just stood there staring at a blank spot on the wall.

“Just…mind your own business rich boy.”

“You forgot pretty.”

“I FORGOT ASSHOLE NOW GIVE ME MY…” He cut her off by covering her mouth with his own kissing her gently; his icy tongue exploring where he had been longing to explore since the term started. He pulled away seconds later and just stared at her. She did not say anything but only dropped her head as if ashamed of herself. He grabbed her hand, placing the wand in it before stepping away.

“Have a good night Mudblood. My bed won’t be right without you.” He grinned as he hurried out the dungeons leaving Hermione seething with anger.

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The next couple of weeks at Hogwarts were a drag, especially for Hermione. Every time she saw Draco, she could not help but to turn pink in the face and avoid his eyes. Although he never said anything to draw attention to her, she could still feel his eyes on her whenever they were in class and it was making her jumpy. Harry and Ron were typical clueless guys who just assumed that it was because of all the classes she was taking. While that was true, it was only a third of the reason. The other half involved a combination of wondering about Draco and the other about Ron. She still wasn’t completely over the rejection from Ron and when Draco kissed her, she felt like it was a betrayal to him. On top of that, she felt even guiltier because of Draco and Harry’s rivalry. If Harry were to find out about that kiss, not only would he try to kill Malfoy but he would probably disown her as a best friend.

Since it was Friday afternoon Hermione decided to go to the library to find something interesting to read hoping it would help ease the guilt. When she arrived at the library, she was surprised to see Malfoy and his bodyguards sitting at the front table. Oh gee…I better not stay. She turned around and headed back out the door. She was halfway up Gryffindor Tower when Draco called out to her.

“Hey Granger! No need to stop doing what you enjoy because I’m around.”

“What are you talking about Malfoy? I just…remembered I had to be somewhere,” she lied.

“Somewhere like your room huh? You’ve been avoiding me. I wonder why?” he teased. She stormed down the stairs toward him whipping out her wand. When she reached him, he raised his arms in the air teasingly and backed up against the wall. She pointed the wand at his stomach and just smiled.

“You know, I should make you eat slugs. I’m sure Ronald would appreciate it,” she said hotly. She ran the wand up and down his stomach, the wand tip glowing bright red.

“I bet he would but it doesn’t matter. If I get another kiss it will all be worth it in the morning.”

“I am NOT going to give you another kiss. And…wait a second…I never gave you a kiss. You kissed me and without permission no less. That was rude and vile and…and…”

“Yeah?”

“Just…just leave me alone or else I’ll have to curse you.”

“Do it.”

“What?”

“Curse me…if you can.”

“Don’t tempt me. As a prefect I could surely get away with it.” When she finally let her guard down, Draco grabbed both her arms and pushed her against the wall. He pinned her arms up high against the wall forcing her to drop her wand.

“I guess you won’t be cursing me,” he smirked.

“And I guess you’ll get detention for the rest of the term! LET ME GO! THIS IS…”

“It’s only rape when the victim refuses.” He brushed his lips against hers silencing her. He nipped at her lower lip smirking when she turned her head away. “If you would be still, I’d get my kiss and be on my way. Not my fault you dropped your wand. You should have cursed me when you had the chance…Mudblood.”

“Don’t call me…” He took the opportunity to slip his tongue in her mouth, taking the kiss to another level. She did not respond at first, but his cool tongue kept teasing her lips forcing her to comply. He softened the kiss, nipping at her upper lip before finally pulling away. He took a few steps backward waiting for her to pick up her wand and curse him to hell but to his surprise she did not. Not wanting to ruin the moment, he walked up to her pinning her body against the wall with his own. He leaned over and began to whisper in her ear.

“Don’t be mad at me Mudblood. I was only having a little fun. Besides, that kiss I stole the other day left both of us wanting more and I was only happy to oblige. See you around Mudblood.” He kissed her ear and started down the stairs.

Am I crazy? No…I’m not crazy, but…what is the deal with Draco? He definitely cannot be serious…can he? Hermione went straight to her room to lie down on the bed in order to think things through. The two Malfoy kisses were certainly puzzling and they were driving her mad. She and Ron were…well she wasn’t quite sure but the one time Ron had kissed her, it was rough and manly; not at all like the kisses from Draco. She was half expecting them to be rough and forced yet when he’d kissed her just then, it was as though he were kissing something so fragile and delicate. His kisses were soft and soothing, enough to make anyone crave more. I don’t want to kiss that vile creature

“Hey Hermione!” Hermione sat up quickly off her bed.

“Ginny! Uh…hey…what’s…what’s going on?” she stammered.

“Uh…nothing,” she answered slowly. “But I wish I knew what was up with you.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Well…you don’t seem quite yourself. It’s not like you to get so…worked up to the point where you’re all jumpy and whatnot. What’s going on with you? Are your classes getting to you…or is it something else?” she asked taking a seat at the foot of Hermione’s bed.

“Uh…classes are going…good. I’ve just…had a lot on my mind lately.”

“Oh…well…I think I know what’s bothering you.”

“What?” Her face immediately went pale and all sorts of thoughts began to crowd her mind. Oh no…She can’t possibly…He wouldn’t have told her…

“Harry. You’re worried that Sirius Black is going to get Harry. You shouldn’t worry so. My dad is doing everything he can at the Ministry to listen for news and such. Plus, there hasn’t been a sighting in weeks according to dad. He says the Prophet is making things up to make it look like they’re making progress when they really aren’t.”

“Oh…well…thanks Ginny. I’ll try not to worry so much then.”

“Good. Now come down to the common room. Harry and Ron really need to see you and I think you should see what Fred and George have concocted,” she grinned.

“Oh gosh.” Hermione followed her good friend down the stairs with no more thoughts of Draco.