The Dreadful Dinner Party - Part Two

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Severus had had one drink, and that would be it for the evening. It was going to be a long night. He already knew how prudent it was to exercise discipline and control – in all things. Something the young Black would have to learn the hard way, he mused, as he looked past Nagini to see Regulus throw back the rest of his drink. It wasn't pumpkin juice he was knocking back. Severus suspected Firewhisky. This wasn't good.

The Dark Mark embedded in Severus' left arm started to ache dully. He sighed, restless. The moment of the Dark Lord's arrival was drawing near.

While marking time and continuing to pay homage to Narcissa when expected to, Severus ruminated on how to initiate further conversation with Nagini, to somehow ask about Lester Qualmsick. He wanted to help her as best he could, but as yet could only speculate on why Qualmsick's presence bothered her, and his stomach lurched at the random possibilities. Qualmsick's public reputation ranged from ruthless to pristinely untouchable. Anyone going up against him at the Wizengamot was sure to lose, and rumour had it Qualmsick's private affairs were as clandestine and extreme as his public ones were flaunted and retaliatory.

More than that, Severus wanted to more know about Nagini, anything that he could build upon once they returned to Hogwarts. If he was to now keep an eye on her for Lucius, he'd have to be less conspicuous about it, avoid literally spying on her. He'd also have to take care to conceal his passing attraction to her. Perhaps more than passing attraction, for the more he observed her, the more keenly drawn to her he was. Severus liked the feeling that accompanied it, as well as musing over the possibilities were she to reciprocate his feelings on any level. But Nagini was quiet and preoccupied with her own thoughts.

So, until a more opportune situation presented itself, Severus took advantage of Nagini's proximity in order to study her more carefully. He closely observed the contours of her body, and the fluid gown caressed and flowed around her every curve.

Unfortunately, Bellatrix's raunchy remarks were carrying over, disturbing his train of thought. 'Not a pure one that is,' he heard Bellatrix saying.

Abruptly, with Bellatrix leaning heavily forward on his shoulder, the slightly pissed Regulus turned to Nagini and asked, "So you're a Metamorphmagus... How does that work? Can you change your thingy? Everything?"

Nagini frowned. She could smell the strong spirits on his breath and see the tell-tale, bleary-eyed look upon his face. He's drunk, she thought. Seeing Bellatrix whispering something into Regulus' ear, then cackling, thoroughly amusing herself, Nagini decided to just ignore his comment.

"And Quidditch? You any good on a broomstick? What's Durmstrang's team like?" continued Regulus in a belligerent tone.

"Quidditch?"

"Yeah, Quidditch!" Regulus boasted, "I'm Slytherin's Seeker!"

That didn't mean much to her, but it obviously did to Regulus. Nagini didn't know what to say. She really had no interest in Quidditch, but knew by the young man's sense of self-importance that being the Seeker was supposed to impress her.

Throwing a dark look at Severus, Regulus suddenly snarled, "Don't tell me, you're into Potions!"

"No. No – I don't care about Potions, either."

"Either?" he sneered. Then, looking past Nagini, Regulus barked decisively, "Sorry, mate, you lose, too!"

What did the git just say? Severus frowned, noting Regulus' pugnacious, inebriated state more than what he'd just spouted.

Nagini turned to see Severus' taciturn expression. She hadn't meant to offend him, or Regulus for that matter. But she was too distracted by Qualmsick to be able to focus on chit-chat. Wishing to explain herself a bit, Nagini offered, "Potions requires patient consistency and the utmost attention and care. One must have a consistent, stable environment to have effective results. I've never really stayed too long in one place to cultivate a proper garden of diverse herbs or collect and store ingredients, let alone undertake long-term brewing. I am fascinated by it; I just haven't been able to develop my skills enough."

"What are you good at?" Regulus pressed her rudely.

Nagini blinked, highly irritated by his unpleasant manner, and pointedly replied, "Transfiguration, alchemy, hexes... curses."

"Yeah, I bet you are..." A glint of excitement flashed in Regulus' eyes. He turned to Bellatrix, who now leaned forward eagerly, almost in his lap, and the two of them started snickering.

"Did you curse him when his back was turned? Like a coward? Or face on?" lashed out Bellatrix.

"Who?" asked Nagini, flustered.

"The Durmstrang git you offed!" Bellatrix shrieked.

Nagini blanched. She grabbed the edge of the table to brace herself, suddenly feeling dizzy.

Bellatrix and Regulus laughed crudely, enjoying Nagini's shock. In their cavorting, Regulus clumsily knocked over Nagini's wine glass, causing her to jump back in her seat.

Her napkin fell off her lap, and as she bent to retrieve it, Nagini felt her face come in contact with that of another: Severus had instinctively reached down to retrieve her napkin for her at the same time. Nagini gasped softly, tilting her head ever so slightly; she met those fathomless, onyx orbs and froze. But this time, she didn't mind his gaze; Nagini could have lost herself in his – another time, another place. He's so... She felt his black hair brush along the nape of her neck. She slowly inhaled his soft, musky scent, and their lips almost brushed together.

"I wouldn't start anything with him," came a piercing taunt, "even 'accidentally on purpose'."

Nagini swiftly sat up straight, turning to Bellatrix.

"Regardless of what he's been telling you, he's not very nice." Bellatrix cocked her head knowingly at Severus. "You're not a very nice boy, are you, Sevy?"

Nagini couldn't look at Severus; she felt her cheeks burning red. She hadn't meant to set him up to be targeted by the despicable, jibing Bellatrix.

"Tell the pretty girl! Tell her what you'll be doing tonight," goaded Bellatrix.

Severus' face turned ashen. The Dark Mark started to pulsate more intensely. Burning. Even Regulus had fallen quiet. Severus couldn't look at Nagini or retort back to Bellatrix.

Nagini could only stare straight ahead, which brought her back to looking into Lester Qualmsick's eyes. The last thing she wanted.

"The music!" exclaimed Narcissa. "Finally, Lucius!"

Lucius rose in eagerness, his napkin falling to the floor, and he attentively guided Narcissa up, leading her towards the ballroom. Their actions signalled the end of dinner and caused the guests to trickle away from the table, little by little.

Severus had risen and silently held his arm out to Nagini to guide her to the grand ballroom. She let Severus escort her. Bellatrix's comments left her confused and at a loss as to what to say. What was that all about? Should I ask him what she meant? Her desire for the evening to end became almost overwhelming. I need to find Abraxas... I want to go back to my room.

As they entered the ballroom, she felt overwhelming sympathy for Severus. Why is Bellatrix so... mean to him? Is she just drunk, or is there something more going on this evening? It's already quite late. What else can there be, other than dancing? It's only dancing, you vicious cow – other than being obligatory, what is so terrible about that?

Lucius and Narcissa had already started to waltz, Rodolphus and Bellatrix joining them shortly afterwards, followed by Regina Lestrange and Abraxas Malfoy, Orion and Walburga Black, Cygnus and Druscilla Black, and several other older wizards and witches. As yet more couples moved out to join the flow on the dance floor, Regulus Black was shoved in front of Nagini by Mulciber and Nott.

"Blacks and Malfoys go well together. Let's do it," Regulus blurted out. Mulciber and Nott snickered and taunted, "Dance with her now; maybe she'll show how she can change her thingy for you later."

Not wanting to be the butt of more of their jokes, and wary of Regulus' intentions, she declined his offer.

"No one says 'no' to me! C'mon now..." Regulus stepped forward unsteadily, attempting to take her hand.

Moving away from his grasp, she declined him with more firmness, "I'm sorry, but I don't dance."

"You don't dance? Who cares?" blurted out Regulus. "It doesn't matter – we have to do it!"

He seized her about the waist and clumsily pulled her onto the dance floor.

An invisible electrical spark shot out from Nagini's palms, making Regulus cry out in pain. He had momentarily loosened his grasp, but at this he re-doubled his efforts, clutching Nagini tightly to him and whispering fiercely in her ear, "Just do it! Please! For God's sake, please, please..."

There was a horrid desperation in his plea. Fear. Panic. Regulus was terrified. Of whom? Of Mulciber and Nott? "I'm sorry; help me, please, please, just this one dance." He gave a cowering look over towards one of the older couples dancing. It was his parents, Orion and Walburga, who, in turn, were scrutinising Regulus.

In their frozen stance, Nagini's thoughts raced while her anger pulsed at being brutally groped, but suddenly something about his erratic behaviour, one moment belligerent, the next pitiful, softened her. He was young and drunk and obviously petrified of his parents, and something about how pathetic he looked, whether from the drink or his deflated ego, caused her to say, "All right, all right; just loosen your grip; you're hurting me."

Relaxing his hold immediately, Regulus, barely coherent, whispered, "Sorry, so sorry... thank you, thank you..."

They proceeded to move around the room awkwardly, in jerking, clumsy movements, partially shuffling – by the end of the number, Nagini wasn't sure whose feet had been stepped on the most; but hers definitely hurt. She just wanted to sit down and wait for the first interlude when she could ask Abraxas to be excused for the rest of the evening.

She had had enough of this miserable day.

Relief washed over her as Regulus tottered back over to Mulciber and Nott, only to turn into dismay when she saw Rodolphus Lestrange start to walk towards her. Turning quickly, she smacked straight into someone. It was Severus. He spoke before she could say anything, but instead of talking to her, he directed his comment over her shoulder.

"I believe the next dance is mine."

"Shall we?" asked Severus, neutrally peering into Nagini's eyes. She gulped, speechless, nodding in agreement.

Placing one hand firmly on her waist and assertively cupping her palm with his other, he ignored Nagini's embarrassed mumblings, attentively initiating and taking control of their movement as the second number began.

Nagini was making excuses. "I'm not a dancer... Don't know how to dance properly... formally... since I was a small child...''

Barely registering her comments, Severus gave a final decisive look back over to Rodolphus, now with a gushing Guinevere Rockwood in his arms; Rodolphus' cool exterior flinched at catching Severus' pointed glance. That's right, Lestrange, stay away, thought Severus, glowering at Rodolphus.

Severus then turned his full attention to Nagini; she was moving in an unsure manner. "The key is to let me lead; you need only focus your energy in an anti-clockwise, triangular movement. Give over to me. I'll guide you. Small movements. Slowly. Trust me."

At the last instruction, Severus' throat constricted slightly, Nagini having given him such an odd, vulnerable look. I feel... "That's it. It's all in the fluidity, elongation and one flowing force – you control the air; we control it, together..."

As she followed his whispered, but distinct, instructions, Nagini couldn't help but look Severus directly in the eyes. Again. Those dark, unfathomable eyes. She felt his energy surround her and had to give herself over to his guidance. Trust him. Let him touch her. Nagini gasped softly at the realisation that she was enjoying a pleasure previously unknown to her: his touch, the swaying movement, Severus' enveloping energy. It feels so... Again, she was lost, but peacefully so; in the movement, she forgot everything around her, only the syncopated rhythm and movement, twirling and swirling, not knowing where her body ended and Severus' began; they were one; in sync, in breathing, in body and mind, in movement... peacefully lost on a plateau of soft murmurings.

Ceasing his susurration, Severus felt her heat... her searing gaze; she was completely absorbed in him; the realisation and the intensity of it caused a faint thrill to go through him.

Nagini felt a tremble go through Severus and into her; she felt light-headed. Nearly swooning, she grasped tightly onto his chest and gasped softly as his muscular hands contracted tightly around her body in response, supporting her steadfastly.

This is insanity. Delirious, wonderful insanity... They both gazed at one another, enraptured, lost in the thought. What are you – Who are you... What is happening...?

If nothing else, she's a Malfoy... Severus reminded himself. She's... but she feels... incredible. In that very moment, he wanted more. He could feel her body responding to him, yielding. The scent of cinnamon delicately fragranced her, along with her own soft, feminine scent, arousing him. With each movement in his arms, his senses were further ensnared by her. With guarded, measured pleasure, Severus kept his gaze on Nagini's golden eyes, reassuring and guiding her, beckoning her attention, feeling her enraptured absorption in him.

"You two, hello!" a voice called to them. "It's the last set before the interlude; must change partners," sang out Narcissa.

"Finally." Lucius couldn't restrain himself from nuzzling Narcissa's sculptured neck, whispering, "After this, I'll have you all to myself for a few minutes."

Narcissa beamed enticingly at Lucius. "Yes, I've been longing for..." she coquettishly smiled, "you to show me some of your family's... treasures." They were both almost giddy; grinning broadly; their hormones seemed to be getting the better of them.

The last number started; impatiently, Lucius sulked, "Oh gods, one more bloody dance. Nagini, shall we? Want to avoid Walburga as much as possible."

"You can run, Lucius, but you won't be able to hide from Aunty. She's got her eye on you," teased Narcissa.

Lucius groaned. "Don't you dare set me up with Auntie Walburga," he whispered, and then he let his kiss just below her ear linger an effective extra second. "I'll never forgive you, you torturous minx."

"Then you'll have to..." she whispered something in Lucius' ear that caused him to let out a soft groan. The evening's festivities and atmosphere had put both Lucius and Narcissa in thoroughly randy states of being.

As Lucius and Narcissa paired off with Nagini and Severus, respectively, Narcissa gushed teasingly, "Oh, Severus! I just love the green – what do you think, Nagini? Isn't our Severus more captivating with a hint of colour? Sorry to make you jealous, but it's intended just for me!"

Severus had charmed his inner waistcoat a deep forest green, unassumingly tinted, but effective enough to obviously fulfil Narcissa's request for him to wear a touch of colour. And just a hint of colour was exactly what he'd done; enough of a gesture, but not to overdo it.

Severus was pleased that Narcissa was pleased by it. And Lucius took note of this.

"It's not Nagini's jealousy you should worry about, Cissy, " Lucius started to point out, miffed, but Narcissa and Severus were now already three couples away in their waltzing.

Feeling uncertain of Lucius' tone, Nagini tried to point out the obvious. "It's so nice," she commented shyly.

"Mmmn?" Lucius mumbled distractedly, not really paying attention to what she said, but rather trying to trail Narcissa and Severus on the dance floor.

"Narcissa. I can tell you're sincerely fond of one another. That you love her."

Lucius' head snapped back to give Nagini his full attention. "What did you say?"

Nagini faltered momentarily in responding. "You love her... You love one another... It's just very ... nice."

Lucius looked back, catching sight of Narcissa, and watched her undulating, graceful form in Severus' arms. They were quite the couple, both so elegant in their smooth glides. Severus remained expertly accommodating, guiding Narcissa skilfully through the now up-tempo waltz.

"She's mine!" Lucius whispered fiercely. Looking back to Nagini, he stated, "Mine and mine alone. It's a fact, not a sentiment."

"Oh, Lucius..." Nagini couldn't help herself, her cousin had a thoroughly parsimonious streak in him, but she wanted to ease, at least, his jealousy a bit by helping him see the truth of the matter. "It's all right to admit your feelings about her. I mean, you're marrying each other. It's normal that you have, um, affection for her."

"I have an entitlement, a pureblood obligation to her," informed Lucius, but catching Nagini's dismayed frown, he admitted, "and yes, it is nicer that we appreciate each other as we do."

Lucius looked unfocusedly over the crowd, vaguely searching for someone. As if quoting from a distant memory, Lucius remarked, "But it has nothing to do with that filthy Muggle weakness."

"You mean 'love'?"

He laughed, sardonically amused at her naiveté. "I knew it," he muttered to himself. "Pray, enlighten me, Nagini. Define it. Tell me what it is."

"Love? I don't know, Lucius," she replied exasperated, knowing he was trying to turn the table on her.

"You don't know?" Lucius was highly amused. "And you dare preach to me about it?"

"You... you care for her; you... admire her..."

"Care for her? Admire her? How could one not – look at her! The perfect image of all that we hold pure. Narcissa Black Malfoy will be the mother of my heir. Perfection." He inhaled deeply, thoroughly satisfied. He adamantly revered Narcissa. "You wouldn't understand," he smirked.

I understand more than you'll ever know, Lucius, thought Nagini, but replied, "You're right. I wouldn't." Wanting to support a lighter mood, she teased, "I'm not male."

He snorted in amusement, "No. No, you're not. That's very clear. Speaking of which..." Lucius gave a knowing glance around. "Yes... What to do about you?" Smirking good-naturedly, he remarked, "Look at all those randy buggers..."

"Lucius!" exclaimed Nagini, shocked, but she couldn't help giggling.

Lucius had seemed to regain his naughty sense of humour. "Hmmn... He's engaged as well, but it doesn't stop him from rutting around when he can... Rodolphus..."

"Lucius, don't please – I'm not interested. Besides, he's vile."

Lucius smiled coolly at her clear disgust of Lestrange. Then, he let her in on a little secret, "Good," he whispered. "Glad we are of the same mind; you'll be safer that way, not being a gullible ninny to his, um, charms... Well, then, let us see... Ah! He's slightly younger than you, highly irritating, but very promising – Blacks and Malfoys do seem to go together well – the youngest Black, Regulus."

"The Quidditch player?"

Lucius guffawed. "Yes, the Quidditch player; although his true skills will soon be put to better use..."

Over their partner's shoulders, Nagini and Severus' eyes caught each others across the dance floor. An awkward sensation came over Nagini whilst holding Severus' gaze; she recalled his touch, the precise pressure of his fingertips on her lower back, effortlessly guiding her.

As well as the sweet, lingering languor associated with dancing with him, she was still warm with the memory of Severus and his attentive touch.

Lucius, noticing her attention caught by someone else, swivelled her around in one elegant movement to see the object of her attention. "Ah, Snape." A slight frown appeared on Lucius' features. Feeling a disapproving guardedness from Lucius regarding the tall, dark wizard and wanting to divert attention from him, Nagini insisted, "Lucius, Lucius, I'm not interested in anyone – I'm not like that."

Lucius stilled them to a slow pace and took in her earnest look. "No. No you're not 'like that', are you? You are an odd one... Why am I not surprised?" he sighed quizzically. "Well, there's no rush. You're a Malfoy; we'll make them all grovel at your feet before allowing one of them to kiss your big toe. The randy buggers...'' he mumbled in his distraction, giving a furtive glance to Narcissa, his thoughts wandering. "Although, it's not your toe Rodolphus wants to kiss..."

The music stopped. The first set had ended, to be followed by an indefinite interlude. With all the guests well-fed, the loosening up and true festive mingling of the evening commenced. Trays of cordials and all other imaginable spirits appeared, the guests swarming around trays and then spreading out throughout the room on cushioned settees or around banqueted tables. The background music played on, unobtrusively underscoring the festive roar of delighted socialising.

Lucius escorted Nagini a few steps towards a settee in a corner. "Just wait here; don't go anywhere – I'll return soon."

In the tousling, mingling of guests, Lucius quickly turned to catch and swoop Narcissa away from Severus; simultaneously, Regulus appeared and urgently grabbed Severus. He ushered him to a nearby group of males, who were arguing urgently in harsh, fierce tones.

Nagini backed away to the empty settee, relieved to distance herself from them as well as give her feet a rest. She sat and scanned the room. Where has Abraxas disappeared to? He was just on the dance floor... Oh well, I'll rest and wait for him to reappear... Through the chaotic intermingling, she saw Lucius and Narcissa sneak out of the room. She smiled, liking their covert determination to be together privately; somehow, the idea of Lucius and Narcissa doing anything without their parents' knowledge lifted her spirits in the oppressive room.

I don't think they'll be back any time soon... As she sat musing, Dobby appeared beside her with a tray of elf-wine. "Would Mistress care for more?"

She was thirsty, but not for the elf-wine. "I'll have to decline, Dobby. I can't afford to fall asleep quite yet."

"Oh no, Mistress Nagini. This wine won't relax anyone, but it will keep them awake." Dobby winked knowingly.

Nagini smiled incredulously at him. Oh gods, were the house-elves spiking all the drinks with stimulants?

"Dobby, don't tell me you put something in it?"

"Master wishes that all have a good time." The elf grinned broadly.

"It's a very sad day indeed when a witch such as yourself has only a filthy house-elf for company." It was Rodolphus Lestrange. "Scuttle along, you! Back to your work!" Rodolphus commanded the elf nastily, making a kicking motion at the little creature as he passed.

Rodolphus boldly sat himself down beside Nagini.

For some reason, Nagini unconsciously spotted Severus. Even though he was in profile, he saw her situation; Severus tried to keep them within his peripheral view, in between paying attention to others in the rowdy circle. He winced at seeing Rodolphus' audacity in sitting so determinedly beside Nagini and started towards them; but, at that very moment, Macnair grabbed him and pulled him away towards some other commotion further into the crowd.

She could feel Rodolphus' oppressive presence besides her but refused to acknowledge him, to chat with him – Nagini couldn't do it; she had an unexplainable aversion to him.

Rodolphus knew he was forcing his company upon her, and that she didn't like it. Or him. It amused him.

"Look around you; what do you see? All Purebloods," the smooth silky voice of Rodolphus pointed out. "Except for the occasional charity case. It takes a narcissistic bore to tolerate a parasitical one," observed Rodolphus caustically. "Snape – the one you're staring at – is a parasitical bore. Snape is Narcissa's charity case. A Half-blood." His jaws clenched. "You see? We all make exceptions; beyond our control, like all scintillating obsessions. Compulsive pleasures. One comes to understand these things, you see. I've come to understand this about myself."

Nagini felt the slightest trace of fingertips on her lower back.

She swivelled and snapped at Rodolphus. "Don't touch me!"

Rodolphus eyes widened for a second. But then, slowly, they narrowed, boring into her. With a cool, cruel smile dawning on his chiselled features, he remarked, "You shouldn't be so cruel to me, Nagini Malfoy; you'll find you'll soon regret it. We'll be Slytherin housemates. Very soon."

Remembering Dumbledore's warning: ''No matter what is said or done to you between now and arriving at Hogwarts, keep calm, discipline yourself, control your anger. Do not provoke your uncle or those around him...''

She looked away, searching for someone she could go speak to, but she saw no one she knew. Severus had been absorbed into the crowd somewhere. Lucius was who knows where with Narcissa... She'd be so glad if she could finally find Abraxas somewhere.

"Yes... who can you run to? Who here has open, welcoming arms for you? Your uncle?" Rodolphus snorted. "Lucius and Narcissa? The sooner you're out of their lives, the better for them. Don't be fooled by Narcissa's niceties. She loves charity cases, but Snape's taken that spot already. Ah, dear mercenary Narcissa. Seems you're out of luck."

Nagini could feel Rodolphus stretching out his long muscular arm behind her on the back of the settee, half-encircling her; she was keenly aware of his body heat and the malign, virile radiance he gave forth. She was on the edge, ready to spring up, but knew he was ready to pounce as well. She had promised Abraxas she would not make a scene and promised Dumbledore that she would control herself, regardless of what someone said or did – but did it entail putting up with this?

"But I, on the other hand, am here, have gone out of my way to be by your side. You see, I know that I can help you... persuade others to include you... We know you're at least a half-blood, but that's not enough: someone must vouch for you; a pureblood must claim you..."

Nagini could feel his hot breath on her neck.

He whispered, "...mark you as their own, an equal, so to speak." He smirked. "Lucky for you, I'm more than willing and more than capable."

She could feel his fingers again on her lower back, but this time stroking her more resolutely, confidently claiming their privilege.

Don't let him unnerve you; you have to stay calm... Willing herself to play his game long enough to find an escape route, she forced a nonchalant smile and played for time, "Your fiancée wouldn't have a problem with your marking and claiming me?"

Hungrily taking her bait, Rodolphus professed, "Ah, Bella... So glad you remember her – she is one of a kind, isn't she? We have the most agreeable understanding of one another: each other's needs, passions, indulgences, darknesses... "

He had inched closer; Nagini, feeling his stifling heat, turned away.

"For you... I'd make an exception. Other than Bella, it'll be our little secret, for now." He spoke in a low throaty voice. "I don't mind, Nagini. I don't mind that you're a fil...a half-blood. You're half-Malfoy, that's enough for me." He firmly pressed his hand on the fullness of her hip.

"Don't!" She shifted away from him. "Stop touching me."

Rodolphus's eyelashes flickered for a few seconds before he smiled to himself and settled back into the settee, languidly stretching his long limbs into repose. He coolly remarked, "I thought so."

Irritated beyond measure, Nagini snapped, "Thought what?" He didn't answer her. Just as she had the impulse to dash up, she felt his firm grip on her arm. She whipped around to slap him, but at the last second grabbed his left wrist, releasing a non-verbal, wandless stinging hex upon contact.

Rodolphus barely flinched.

Nagini was shocked; he should have jolted away, releasing her, but Rodolphus only gasped deeply, but maintained his grip, as if the hex had simply been absorbed by his left arm, powerlessly evaporating. A sinister leer spread across Rodolphus' face.

"You want to hex me, Malfoy? Hurt me?" He chuckled softly. "Well, you are full of surprises, aren't you? Lucky for you, I like my witches that way – a little dangerous; keeps me on my toes." His smile disappeared, replaced by a menacing snarl.

Nagini had underestimated Rodolphus' strength and powers. She'd have to use a more powerful spell if she wanted to force him to release her. For that she'd need her wand, and she'd surely cause an unforgiveable scene. She glanced around more frantically than before.

"Where do you hope to escape to? Look around you, Nagini. Who of those assembled would truly welcome you into their society? They'll tolerate you, because of Abraxas and Lucius. But do you know what they're thinking? What they're saying, whispering about you behind the Messrs. Malfoys' backs?" he sneered. "Behind your dear Uncle Abraxas' back?"

Of course she had noticed the furtive glances and excited whispering that had followed her all evening. Even now, as she slowly scanned the room, she could see guests dotted around the ballroom, openly staring at Nagini and Rodolphus askance before turning to their companions to speculate: squawked exclamations interspersed with callous laughter and pointed glances at Nagini when needing visual confirmation of the subject matter.

"Are they mocking you, one wonders?"

"I don't care," lied Nagini, her throat constricting.

"You should."

"Why?" she challenged him, attempting to forestall the tears beginning to well.

"Rodolphus, Nagini!" It was Abraxas, but he was not alone. Beside him, ostentatious and austere, was Lester Qualmsick.

Nagini's heart sank, and everything around her seemed to fade to black, except for the three wizards surrounding her.

"I need to steal my niece from you, Rodolphus; and your fiancée is eagerly searching for you."

"Well then," said Rodolphus, rising, "I must seek her out at once; Bellatrix has a very impatient disposition – doesn't like to be kept waiting." Whether Bella was truly searching for him, or not, didn't matter; it was understood immediately that Abraxas wished him to leave, so Rodolphus, well versed in the rules of the game, promptly complied.

"Impatience in a witch can be quite a satisfying experience – if used to one's advantage," confided Abraxas to Rodolphus.

The three wizards chuckled lewdly amongst themselves.

"Yes, sir." Rodolphus lowered his voice to a heated whisper. "I've been fortunate to have discovered that already. All the more reason to go to her as speedily as possible." With a quick nod, he left them, blending quickly into the other guests.

The two older wizards looked down at Nagini.

Abraxas broke the silence. "I'll leave the two of you to reacquaint yourselves with one another. You haven't changed your mind, then – this is your wish, Lester?"

"Yes, Abraxas, old friend. I'm quite set on my decision. You know me, when my mind's made up – it's made up. A deal is a deal; a bond is a bond," his voice dropped notably, "and a vow is a vow."

Nagini sat as if Petrified. She felt Qualmsick take up the seat Rodolphus vacated moments before.

Abraxas turned his back on them and walked a few feet away, joining the nearest cluster of guests.

Without knowing the reason, Nagini found herself deliberately left with Lester Qualmsick; she felt as caged as she had felt in the Ministry of Magic's cell.

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A/N: Greatest appreciation to betas Sempra and Agnus Castus!