Love's Willing Prey - A Dark Stranger
Chapter Three--A Dark Stranger
Narcissa hurried home last night, eager to sleep and put the taxing experience at the pub behind her. Severus’ sudden arrival - and request - had been particularly unexpected. Now that it was morning and Narcissa had a massive headache, rather than a bottle in her hand, she was fairly sure that she didn’t want to visit Severus today after all. As she tried to sit up, the heavy pounding feeling in her head became more pronounced--the familiar symptoms of hangover.
She shut her eyes tightly against the irksome sunlight, trying to remember her dreams. Usually Narcissa had not so much dreams as nightmares, but she could hardly remember them by morning. Today, however, she had a lingering feeling that her dreams had been uncommonly pleasant. She buried her head under the blankets and tried to go back to sleep, but it was no good. As idle thoughts tumbled over each other in her aggrieved mind, Narcissa found herself thinking of Severus.
He had always been difficult to understand, and Narcissa's feelings toward him persistently defied logic or reason. If she was honest with herself, she had been startled at the unfamiliar emotions that were stirred by his presence last night. She hadn’t been that close to Severus in a very long time.
Narcissa was in her sixth year at Hogwarts when she first noticed Severus--a thin, dark-haired fifth year who hung around her cousin Regulus, and barely ever took his nose out of his books except to stare at her. Narcissa had enjoyed the attention, and almost unconsciously, began to act differently whenever he was around. She would linger in the library to watch him; she would meet his stares whenever she thought no one was looking, and then smirk to herself when he’d hurriedly look away.
Narcissa found herself thinking of the Yuletide Celebration at Hogwarts that year, where she first met a dark stranger. She tucked her throbbing head under the covers to block out the light, and her thoughts merged almost imperceptibly back into sleep...
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Narcissa recalled the evening’s dull prospect of dancing and a banquet; these formalities had never been overly important or enjoyable to her. She was sitting disinterestedly on the sidelines when her date came over to her, with two of her friends and her sister Bellatrix in tow.
“Hello, Rodolphus,” Narcissa said, somewhat irritably.
“See?” Rodolphus said teasingly. “She’s already cross with me, aren't you, Narcissa?”
Narcissa looked up to smile at him, but before she could protest, her sister interrupted.
“Of course she’s not cross! You’re not upset at all, are you, Cissy?” Bellatrix asked, but didn’t wait for an answer. “Nah, she just doesn’t care for dancing much.” She nodded to Rodolphus. “You won’t mind if I steal him from you, right?” Bellatrix smiled broadly, and Narcissa merely shrugged and tried not to look as disinterested as she felt.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Rodolphus asked, his eyes flickering back to Bellatrix.
“No, not at all. Really....go ahead.”
Truth be told, it was not so much dancing that Narcissa didn’t care for, but Rodolphus.
Bellatrix gave her a wink as she pulled her sister’s date onto the dance floor, both of them laughing and breathless with excitement. Narcissa watched them sulkily, and wondered why she found virtually every boy at Hogwarts to be unappealing. It wasn’t that she found them unattractive; Narcissa could have chosen anyone to go to the Yuletide Celebration with. Rodolphus Lestrange was indeed a catch, but when Narcissa really thought about it, she wondered whether Rodolphus wasn’t simply interested in her because of her noble family lineage. At any rate, he was undeniably having a good time out there with her sister...
Quite unexpectedly, she felt a long-fingered hand place itself on her bare shoulder--she drew breath sharply as a smooth, deep voice purred in her ear, “If you’re bored, you are welcome to meet me outside--I‘ll be waiting.”
No sooner had Narcissa caught her breath and turned around then the stranger was gone. She thought she caught a glimpse of a black cloak hem fluttering around the corner, but as she blinked even that disappeared. Narcissa looked around curiously, but no one else in the Great Hall seemed to have noticed anything out of the ordinary. Her heart started pounding as she contemplated what to do.
Narcissa hadn't a clue who that could have been, and following a faceless stranger out into the evening solitude didn’t seem very prudent. The Wizarding world was at war, after all, and the students were constantly reminded that danger could be lurking anywhere. Her skin still tingled where the stranger’s cool fingers had rested only moments before. Narcissa reasoned that Hogwarts was quite safe from the war, and surely no harm could come from a brief walk in the moonlight. After a few seconds of deliberation, she quietly slipped out of the Great Hall and headed towards the weathered oak doors of Hogwarts castle, her cheeks flushed with anticipation.
She eased the door open just wide enough to slip out and looked around curiously, but the courtyard seemed deserted. Narcissa shivered as a cool breeze blew over the grounds. She began walking slowly down one of the many cobbled garden paths, and the cold night air began to make her skin prickle uncomfortably. She was starting to wonder whether someone hadn’t been simply playing a joke on her.
Narcissa suddenly heard his voice again, as she felt something deliciously warm and thick wrap around her.
“You shouldn’t come outside in this chill without a cloak.”
A thrill of foreboding came over her as she took in the stranger’s appearance for the first time--he was tall, dressed all in black with a heavy, hooded cloak. She could hardly discern his facial features in the dim moonlight, but he swiftly took her trembling hand in his and pressed it to his lips. In spite of wanting to be cautious, Narcissa found herself transported by his chivalry; she felt any fears she had been entertaining leave her.
“Thank you...” she murmured, as she clutched the cloak he had given her more tightly around her shoulders.
“Shall we walk?” asked the stranger, and proffered his arm, which Narcissa took tentatively.
“Ah, I’m Narcissa, by the way, Narcissa Black.”
“I know,” said the stranger simply, in that deep, slow voice. She watched as the slightest of smirks played around his mouth. “I’ve known who you are for some time,” the stranger continued, “and I couldn’t help noticing how utterly dejected you looked in there--lonely, almost.”
Narcissa was nearly mesmerized by his voice, but at this, she felt slightly offended.
“I wasn’t lonely. I--I had a date tonight....and...how do you know who I am?” she demanded haughtily.
Ignoring her query completely, he softly said, “Yes, but sometimes we feel most alone in the midst of our friends.”
She knew instinctively that he hadn’t meant any harm, but those words stung. Narcissa was momentarily silenced--it was almost as if he had read her mind. Narcissa was indeed popular, but she had never felt any deep connection with her so-called friends. Moreover, when he had come to fetch her from the Great Hall, hadn’t she just been thinking about how most of the boys at Hogwarts weren’t able to hold her interest? She did consider Rodolphus to be just a friend, but she didn’t recall telling anyone that, including Rodolphus.
Before she could think of anything to say, she realized that the stranger had stopped walking along the path curved away from the side of the castle, and was now leading her wordlessly through a slight break in the camellia bushes. Narcissa was surprised to find a small alcove beyond them that was almost completely obscured by an old arbor of Wisteria. The arbor was bare in this season, but it was so overgrown that even the moonlight had trouble penetrating the bare vines overhead. The heavy scent of the camellia blossoms perfumed the air here, giving this little hideaway an almost ethereal quality.
Narcissa realized that she could still hear the music playing in the Great Hall--
...with every step I take the less I know myself
every vow I break on my way towards your heart
countless times I've prayed for forgiveness
but gods just laugh at my face...
“So far as I know, only the fairies know of this place,” the stranger said quietly, watching Narcissa take in the hidden beauty around them, his eyes flashing from the shadows of his hood. “I found it in first year, but I hadn’t thought of a good use for it until tonight.” Narcissa looked back at the stranger, thoroughly impressed.
He offered an outstretched hand and inquired, “Would you care to dance?”
Narcissa took his hand delicately, as if she was a little girl pretending to be a princess again. He drew her closer and they began to dance slowly, gracefully, by the dappled light of the moon. She was surprised at his eagerness to dance (unlike most of the boys she knew), and was dually impressed with his skill.
...and this path remains
leading me into solitude's arms
I see through the darkness
my way back home
the journey seems endless
but I'll carry on...
Narcissa’s mind was buzzing with curiosity; this boy - no, this man - was unlike any of the others at Hogwarts. She rested her head on his shoulder, taking in the delicious musky scent that seemed to linger about him, and wondered who he could possibly be. He had said he knew her...and yet, Narcissa felt quite sure she didn’t know any boys at Hogwarts who would even notice that she was bored at a school celebration, much less go to such great lengths to rescue her away--or be able to dazzle her like this.
...amidst all the tears there's a smile
that all angels greet with an envious song
one look into stranger's eyes
and I know where I belong...
As the song came to an end, the couple seemed unwilling to stop dancing, although their movements had devolved to little more than a gentle, rhythmic sway. The stranger let go first, and immediately sank into a bow before her.
“Thank you for the dance,” he purred, and Narcissa merely nodded in agreement. He motioned towards a roughly carved stone bench at the far end of the alcove that she had not noticed before.
The chill in the night air was increasing now. Narcissa noticed thin silvery clouds pass over the waxing moon; she shivered as she leaned into the dark stranger, seeking warmth. He held out his hand as if to say “after you,” and Narcissa sat down, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Normally she had no trouble talking to anyone; why was she having such trouble finding her voice now?
The stranger made to pull her cloak tighter, but then he shifted closer and slid his arm around her waist. Naricssa felt a shiver run through her that had nothing to do with the night air.
This had gone on long enough--she had to know who he was.
“You know, sir,” she said in a mock-serious tone to hide her nervousness, “you still haven’t told me your name.” On a sudden playful inspiration, she added, “Why don’t you...let me pull back your hood?”
Almost compulsively, the stranger pulled away from her, his eyes averted from her gaze.
“Are you not enjoying yourself?” the stranger intoned curtly.
Narcissa was hurt; what had she done to upset him? “Oh, no - I mean, yes - yes I’m....I’m having a wonderful time with you tonight,” she finished with some difficulty.
“Then trust me,” he avowed, “and you need never be lonely again.”
Whatever Narcissa had expected him to say, she was unprepared for a such a grand pronouncement as this. He swiftly turned to face her, and for the first time their eyes locked in the dappled silver moonlight. There was a fleeting moment of deliberation on his part before he leaned in and kissed her.
Wait, I know those black eyes! Narcissa thought suddenly, but then she found herself quite distracted by his kiss. It wasn’t her first kiss, but it was the most tender, passionate one she had ever known.
At first, Narcissa was startled by this sudden advance, but instead of pulling away she deepened the kiss, enjoying the unfamiliar taste of his lips. Almost instinctively, her hands pulled out from under the warmth of her borrowed cloak, and she reached out to touch his face. He tensed slightly, but instead of taking off his hood, Narcissa slipped her hands under it, respecting his apparent wishes. He had long sleek hair that was hidden from view by his cloak, and she wound her fingers into it tenderly. She felt his chest rise as he took a breath, and he pulled her closer. Those long stealthy fingers that had earlier given her chills were now expertly tracing a path across her collarbone.
Narcissa’s mind was alive with thoughts...this man wasn’t a stranger after all, for she was sure she’d seen those chilling black eyes before. His almost imperceptible smirk was strangely familiar as well...but who could it be? As they sat there under the moonlight, the warmth of their closeness protected against the piercing winter cold. Their kisses became more passionate and hungry, and the curious (if reckless) thought occurred to Narcissa that she didn’t really mind not knowing. This man was amazing, and nothing else could possibly matter beyond this moment...
Narcissa was still enjoying herself immensely when, suddenly, applause could be heard rising from the Great Hall, and the couple reluctantly broke apart. The Yuletide Celebration was coming to a close. The Headmaster would give a short speech, and Narcissa knew that her friends and sister would comment on her conspicuous absence if she didn’t return very soon.
Before Narcissa had realized he’d moved, she felt his arm snake around her again, this time from behind, and his deep voice purred into her ear.
“Don’t forget about tonight.”
“I won’t,” she breathed.
Narcissa was still contemplating the exquisite feel of his warm breath on her neck when she realized he had gone. She looked all around curiously for a clue as to who the man might be, but there wasn’t a trace. She was alone in the night’s solitude, wrapped in a stranger’s cloak.
A/N: Lyrics to "The Path" written by Ville Valo for HIM, from the album Love Metal.
Narcissa hurried home last night, eager to sleep and put the taxing experience at the pub behind her. Severus’ sudden arrival - and request - had been particularly unexpected. Now that it was morning and Narcissa had a massive headache, rather than a bottle in her hand, she was fairly sure that she didn’t want to visit Severus today after all. As she tried to sit up, the heavy pounding feeling in her head became more pronounced--the familiar symptoms of hangover.
She shut her eyes tightly against the irksome sunlight, trying to remember her dreams. Usually Narcissa had not so much dreams as nightmares, but she could hardly remember them by morning. Today, however, she had a lingering feeling that her dreams had been uncommonly pleasant. She buried her head under the blankets and tried to go back to sleep, but it was no good. As idle thoughts tumbled over each other in her aggrieved mind, Narcissa found herself thinking of Severus.
He had always been difficult to understand, and Narcissa's feelings toward him persistently defied logic or reason. If she was honest with herself, she had been startled at the unfamiliar emotions that were stirred by his presence last night. She hadn’t been that close to Severus in a very long time.
Narcissa was in her sixth year at Hogwarts when she first noticed Severus--a thin, dark-haired fifth year who hung around her cousin Regulus, and barely ever took his nose out of his books except to stare at her. Narcissa had enjoyed the attention, and almost unconsciously, began to act differently whenever he was around. She would linger in the library to watch him; she would meet his stares whenever she thought no one was looking, and then smirk to herself when he’d hurriedly look away.
Narcissa found herself thinking of the Yuletide Celebration at Hogwarts that year, where she first met a dark stranger. She tucked her throbbing head under the covers to block out the light, and her thoughts merged almost imperceptibly back into sleep...
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Narcissa recalled the evening’s dull prospect of dancing and a banquet; these formalities had never been overly important or enjoyable to her. She was sitting disinterestedly on the sidelines when her date came over to her, with two of her friends and her sister Bellatrix in tow.
“Hello, Rodolphus,” Narcissa said, somewhat irritably.
“See?” Rodolphus said teasingly. “She’s already cross with me, aren't you, Narcissa?”
Narcissa looked up to smile at him, but before she could protest, her sister interrupted.
“Of course she’s not cross! You’re not upset at all, are you, Cissy?” Bellatrix asked, but didn’t wait for an answer. “Nah, she just doesn’t care for dancing much.” She nodded to Rodolphus. “You won’t mind if I steal him from you, right?” Bellatrix smiled broadly, and Narcissa merely shrugged and tried not to look as disinterested as she felt.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Rodolphus asked, his eyes flickering back to Bellatrix.
“No, not at all. Really....go ahead.”
Truth be told, it was not so much dancing that Narcissa didn’t care for, but Rodolphus.
Bellatrix gave her a wink as she pulled her sister’s date onto the dance floor, both of them laughing and breathless with excitement. Narcissa watched them sulkily, and wondered why she found virtually every boy at Hogwarts to be unappealing. It wasn’t that she found them unattractive; Narcissa could have chosen anyone to go to the Yuletide Celebration with. Rodolphus Lestrange was indeed a catch, but when Narcissa really thought about it, she wondered whether Rodolphus wasn’t simply interested in her because of her noble family lineage. At any rate, he was undeniably having a good time out there with her sister...
Quite unexpectedly, she felt a long-fingered hand place itself on her bare shoulder--she drew breath sharply as a smooth, deep voice purred in her ear, “If you’re bored, you are welcome to meet me outside--I‘ll be waiting.”
No sooner had Narcissa caught her breath and turned around then the stranger was gone. She thought she caught a glimpse of a black cloak hem fluttering around the corner, but as she blinked even that disappeared. Narcissa looked around curiously, but no one else in the Great Hall seemed to have noticed anything out of the ordinary. Her heart started pounding as she contemplated what to do.
Narcissa hadn't a clue who that could have been, and following a faceless stranger out into the evening solitude didn’t seem very prudent. The Wizarding world was at war, after all, and the students were constantly reminded that danger could be lurking anywhere. Her skin still tingled where the stranger’s cool fingers had rested only moments before. Narcissa reasoned that Hogwarts was quite safe from the war, and surely no harm could come from a brief walk in the moonlight. After a few seconds of deliberation, she quietly slipped out of the Great Hall and headed towards the weathered oak doors of Hogwarts castle, her cheeks flushed with anticipation.
She eased the door open just wide enough to slip out and looked around curiously, but the courtyard seemed deserted. Narcissa shivered as a cool breeze blew over the grounds. She began walking slowly down one of the many cobbled garden paths, and the cold night air began to make her skin prickle uncomfortably. She was starting to wonder whether someone hadn’t been simply playing a joke on her.
Narcissa suddenly heard his voice again, as she felt something deliciously warm and thick wrap around her.
“You shouldn’t come outside in this chill without a cloak.”
A thrill of foreboding came over her as she took in the stranger’s appearance for the first time--he was tall, dressed all in black with a heavy, hooded cloak. She could hardly discern his facial features in the dim moonlight, but he swiftly took her trembling hand in his and pressed it to his lips. In spite of wanting to be cautious, Narcissa found herself transported by his chivalry; she felt any fears she had been entertaining leave her.
“Thank you...” she murmured, as she clutched the cloak he had given her more tightly around her shoulders.
“Shall we walk?” asked the stranger, and proffered his arm, which Narcissa took tentatively.
“Ah, I’m Narcissa, by the way, Narcissa Black.”
“I know,” said the stranger simply, in that deep, slow voice. She watched as the slightest of smirks played around his mouth. “I’ve known who you are for some time,” the stranger continued, “and I couldn’t help noticing how utterly dejected you looked in there--lonely, almost.”
Narcissa was nearly mesmerized by his voice, but at this, she felt slightly offended.
“I wasn’t lonely. I--I had a date tonight....and...how do you know who I am?” she demanded haughtily.
Ignoring her query completely, he softly said, “Yes, but sometimes we feel most alone in the midst of our friends.”
She knew instinctively that he hadn’t meant any harm, but those words stung. Narcissa was momentarily silenced--it was almost as if he had read her mind. Narcissa was indeed popular, but she had never felt any deep connection with her so-called friends. Moreover, when he had come to fetch her from the Great Hall, hadn’t she just been thinking about how most of the boys at Hogwarts weren’t able to hold her interest? She did consider Rodolphus to be just a friend, but she didn’t recall telling anyone that, including Rodolphus.
Before she could think of anything to say, she realized that the stranger had stopped walking along the path curved away from the side of the castle, and was now leading her wordlessly through a slight break in the camellia bushes. Narcissa was surprised to find a small alcove beyond them that was almost completely obscured by an old arbor of Wisteria. The arbor was bare in this season, but it was so overgrown that even the moonlight had trouble penetrating the bare vines overhead. The heavy scent of the camellia blossoms perfumed the air here, giving this little hideaway an almost ethereal quality.
Narcissa realized that she could still hear the music playing in the Great Hall--
...with every step I take the less I know myself
every vow I break on my way towards your heart
countless times I've prayed for forgiveness
but gods just laugh at my face...
“So far as I know, only the fairies know of this place,” the stranger said quietly, watching Narcissa take in the hidden beauty around them, his eyes flashing from the shadows of his hood. “I found it in first year, but I hadn’t thought of a good use for it until tonight.” Narcissa looked back at the stranger, thoroughly impressed.
He offered an outstretched hand and inquired, “Would you care to dance?”
Narcissa took his hand delicately, as if she was a little girl pretending to be a princess again. He drew her closer and they began to dance slowly, gracefully, by the dappled light of the moon. She was surprised at his eagerness to dance (unlike most of the boys she knew), and was dually impressed with his skill.
...and this path remains
leading me into solitude's arms
I see through the darkness
my way back home
the journey seems endless
but I'll carry on...
Narcissa’s mind was buzzing with curiosity; this boy - no, this man - was unlike any of the others at Hogwarts. She rested her head on his shoulder, taking in the delicious musky scent that seemed to linger about him, and wondered who he could possibly be. He had said he knew her...and yet, Narcissa felt quite sure she didn’t know any boys at Hogwarts who would even notice that she was bored at a school celebration, much less go to such great lengths to rescue her away--or be able to dazzle her like this.
...amidst all the tears there's a smile
that all angels greet with an envious song
one look into stranger's eyes
and I know where I belong...
As the song came to an end, the couple seemed unwilling to stop dancing, although their movements had devolved to little more than a gentle, rhythmic sway. The stranger let go first, and immediately sank into a bow before her.
“Thank you for the dance,” he purred, and Narcissa merely nodded in agreement. He motioned towards a roughly carved stone bench at the far end of the alcove that she had not noticed before.
The chill in the night air was increasing now. Narcissa noticed thin silvery clouds pass over the waxing moon; she shivered as she leaned into the dark stranger, seeking warmth. He held out his hand as if to say “after you,” and Narcissa sat down, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Normally she had no trouble talking to anyone; why was she having such trouble finding her voice now?
The stranger made to pull her cloak tighter, but then he shifted closer and slid his arm around her waist. Naricssa felt a shiver run through her that had nothing to do with the night air.
This had gone on long enough--she had to know who he was.
“You know, sir,” she said in a mock-serious tone to hide her nervousness, “you still haven’t told me your name.” On a sudden playful inspiration, she added, “Why don’t you...let me pull back your hood?”
Almost compulsively, the stranger pulled away from her, his eyes averted from her gaze.
“Are you not enjoying yourself?” the stranger intoned curtly.
Narcissa was hurt; what had she done to upset him? “Oh, no - I mean, yes - yes I’m....I’m having a wonderful time with you tonight,” she finished with some difficulty.
“Then trust me,” he avowed, “and you need never be lonely again.”
Whatever Narcissa had expected him to say, she was unprepared for a such a grand pronouncement as this. He swiftly turned to face her, and for the first time their eyes locked in the dappled silver moonlight. There was a fleeting moment of deliberation on his part before he leaned in and kissed her.
Wait, I know those black eyes! Narcissa thought suddenly, but then she found herself quite distracted by his kiss. It wasn’t her first kiss, but it was the most tender, passionate one she had ever known.
At first, Narcissa was startled by this sudden advance, but instead of pulling away she deepened the kiss, enjoying the unfamiliar taste of his lips. Almost instinctively, her hands pulled out from under the warmth of her borrowed cloak, and she reached out to touch his face. He tensed slightly, but instead of taking off his hood, Narcissa slipped her hands under it, respecting his apparent wishes. He had long sleek hair that was hidden from view by his cloak, and she wound her fingers into it tenderly. She felt his chest rise as he took a breath, and he pulled her closer. Those long stealthy fingers that had earlier given her chills were now expertly tracing a path across her collarbone.
Narcissa’s mind was alive with thoughts...this man wasn’t a stranger after all, for she was sure she’d seen those chilling black eyes before. His almost imperceptible smirk was strangely familiar as well...but who could it be? As they sat there under the moonlight, the warmth of their closeness protected against the piercing winter cold. Their kisses became more passionate and hungry, and the curious (if reckless) thought occurred to Narcissa that she didn’t really mind not knowing. This man was amazing, and nothing else could possibly matter beyond this moment...
Narcissa was still enjoying herself immensely when, suddenly, applause could be heard rising from the Great Hall, and the couple reluctantly broke apart. The Yuletide Celebration was coming to a close. The Headmaster would give a short speech, and Narcissa knew that her friends and sister would comment on her conspicuous absence if she didn’t return very soon.
Before Narcissa had realized he’d moved, she felt his arm snake around her again, this time from behind, and his deep voice purred into her ear.
“Don’t forget about tonight.”
“I won’t,” she breathed.
Narcissa was still contemplating the exquisite feel of his warm breath on her neck when she realized he had gone. She looked all around curiously for a clue as to who the man might be, but there wasn’t a trace. She was alone in the night’s solitude, wrapped in a stranger’s cloak.
A/N: Lyrics to "The Path" written by Ville Valo for HIM, from the album Love Metal.