Work Text:
January 1955
Ione Selwyn Malfoy was finally being laid to rest.
The weather was foul, unlike the expression on the faces of the ‘allies’ gathered around the burial site in ‘Malfoy Cemetery’.
Everyone was maintaining his stoic mask, looking solemn and indifferent, after all a pureblood was not allowed to exhibit emotions.
Abraxas stood in a corner alone, allowing no one to comfort him.
A Malfoy never shows weakness.
A Malfoy never asks for help.
A Malfoy is never anything but perfect.
The old druid garbed in pitch black robes stood at a respectable distance from the snowy marble tomb and performed the last ritual, praying to Mother Magic to have mercy on her child and give her eternal peace.
When he finished, everyone raised their wands and whispered ‘Lumos’.
Light filled the gloomy place and Abraxas closed his eyes for a heartbeat, he knew that he never loved her nor had he showed any soft emotion toward his deceased wife, but he wished with all his frozen heart that the light would guide Ione in her journey to the afterlife.
◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥
December 2000
Heather groaned and cursed Lucius Malfoy for the millionth time.
Earlier that day, Kingsley called and asked her to make a trip to Malfoy Manor.
It seemed dear Lucy didn’t learn anything from his previous trials.
The sneaky bastard was, once again, doing some shady work and arranging secret meetings with some Dark wizards.
Why was the Malfoy patriarch so hellbent on haunting her for life?
Even Draco redeemed himself and avoided trouble, working in The Department of Magical Games and Sports.
He got married last year and left his family’s ancestral home, starting a new life with Astoria Greengrass. She heard that his wife gave birth to a son not long ago.
So, why wouldn’t Malfoy Sr take his role as a grandfather seriously and stop causing trouble?
She sighed as she stood in front of the huge gates, leading to a place she had no desire to revisit.
She couldn’t forget what transpired between those elegant walls.
In fact, she couldn’t move on from what happened two years ago. All her friends carried on with their lives; taking jobs, getting married and having love interests.
Heather was still the same girl who vanquished Voldemort in May 1998, the sole thing that kept her going was her work and the only times she felt alive were when she was chasing criminals and Dark wizards and putting her life in peril.
That and her precious Teddy.
She tried going out with guys but her heart and mind were never there.
She couldn’t trust the guys she met and shake off the feeling that they were mostly after her fame or her fortune.
She couldn’t find the connection that Ron and Hermione or Neville and Hannah had.
So, she gave her all to her work, becoming the best auror in her department.
Heather shook herself of her thoughts and wondered what caused these strange things to come to the front of her mind.
Was it the memories buried deep between this wretched place’s stones?
‘’Stay focused, we don’t know what we’ll encounter inside,’’ she said to her companion.
Artair Burke nodded and looked around before standing by her side.
She flicked her wand and knocked on the doors.
A small, frightened house elf opened and asked her to wait till he called his master.
After a while, the house elf returned and accompanied them to Malfoy’s office.
She sighed, at least it wasn’t Voldemort’s throne room.
When Artair tried to follow, the doors shut suddenly, leaving her alone with the bastard.
Heather’s hackles rose, but she kept her cool. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of looking worried; she’d keep a level mind until she found out what was going on.
Malfor Sr gave her n once-over and sneered. ’’To what do I owe this pleasure, Potter? I thought I have seen the last of you two years ago.’’
She gave him a cold look. ’’Believe me the feeling is mutual. We come here today for business.’’
When his eyes narrowed, she elaborated. ’’We heard some disturbing information Malfoy. Thinking you’re better than everyone else, you’re breaking the conditions of your probation.’’
She took a small vial from her pocket.’’Because you can’t go out yet, I was asked by Minister Shacklebolt to perform the investigation here. I advise you to let my partner in, so we can do our work properly.’’
He ignored her demand and hissed.’’What’s the meaning of this? I won’t do anything you ask without my lawyer.”
She scoffed and took a step toward him. ’’Why? Do you have something to hide? If not let’s make this meeting as short as possible and try not to cross each other’s path again.’’
Malfoy‘s lips suddenly lifted in a cruel smile and he drawled.’’I knew they will send you. after all, who’s the best auror in the DMLE? I told you before that you’d better stop putting your nose where it doesn’t belong or you may one day face a tragic end, like your parents, but it seems you didn’t heed my warning. Typical Potter behaviour.’’
He advanced toward her and she could feel the tiny hairs on her neck rising, something was definitely wrong.
What was keeping Burke away? He should’ve blasted the doors by now.
He took a step closer, keeping his hand in his pocket. “Couldn’t you just die like a good girl and let everything unfold like it was supposed to? You destroyed everything, my master, my reputation, my family and my life. The Malfoy name is tarnished forever and my son doesn’t want to talk to me anymore. Even my wife betrayed me for you.’’
He took a wand -he wasn’t allowed to use- from his pocket and Heather directed hers toward his throat. ’’Take it down, I’m giving you this last chance for Draco and Narcissa since they’re family but don’t think I won’t hurt you.’’
His answer was another smirk.’’Do you think I care anymore? I waited two years for the chance to get you alone, to give you a little taste of what you made me go though.’’
Before she could utter any incantation, a ‘cutting hex’ caught her in the leg, she bit on her lower lip to stop the cry and raised her head, two men wearing death Eaters’ masks materialised suddenly and surrounded her from each side.
Malfoy was indeed ready for her, almost like he had known she was coming with little backup. She wondered if there was a mole in her department but shook herself out of her thoughts and pushed back the pain.
Her main goal was to get out as fast as possible and make sure that Burke was fine.
She flicked her wand at the guy on her left and muttered ‘Expelliarmus’, his wand flew toward her waiting hand and she didn’t lose a moment to whisper ‘Reducto’ toward his companion’s leg.
He fell down clutching his shattered knee.
But in her haste to eliminate the new arrivals, she forgot about the real danger.
She stiffened as she faced the dark look on Malfoy’s pointed face and didn’t have time to defend herself as his curse met her at point-blank.
She flew backward and hit the wall harshly. Shards of glass and wood flew toward her and the pain in her chest became unbearable.
She wheezed trying to stay conscious but it was a lost cause. The last thing she saw before her lids dropped was the questioning pale grey eyes of the painting she just crushed into.
◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥
Same day 1955
Abraxas watched the proceeding of the Wizengamot session with a blank face.
His fellow Lords argued back and forth about every new law and he didn’t have patience for them anymore. His son was sick and he had, once again, to leave him alone in the care of the house elves.
He was thankful for the little creatures but things had been difficult for the past months.
His heart broke every time he remembered that his Lucius would never know the warm hug of his mother; he was deprived of it since birth.
Even though feelings meant weakness in their world, he knew that his child was too young and still needed care and….love.
He wasn’t definitely the one to provide those things.
He sighed in relief as the Chief Warlock stood and the session was closed.
Orion Black, his best friend and old housemate looked at him worriedly but he just lifted an eyebrow and said calmly.’’I’m fine, Orion. Lucius is coming out with a cold and I didn’t have a good sleep yesterday.’’
Orion looked unconvinced and Abraxas fought the urge to stomp his feet like an angry child and scream: of course, he wasn’t fine. He was a widower, saddled with an infant at the age of twenty-two.
He didn’t want to get married in the first place, but his father forced him and choose the bride: the perfect wife for the perfect heir.
He felt sorry for Ione, she tried her best to love and care for him but he wasn’t there.
Something was lacking, not a single tingle in his magic.
And then his wife lost her life while giving birth, leaving him with another responsibility he didn’t ask for.
He loved his child and would destroy whoever tried to touch a hair on his head.
He just felt like his life was meaningless, so bland, so…..lacking.
Clearing his throat lightly, he turned toward his friend.’’I have to leave but let’s meet sometime and have a talk; I have some business to discuss with you.’’
Orion opened his mouth to object and then nodded reluctantly.
Abraxas made his way to the fireplace regally nodding at various Lords and ministry workers; he reached his destination and tossed a handful of powder into the flames ‘Malfoy Manor.’
Tinky greeted him and took his Wizengamot robes away.
‘’How is Lucius?” he asked worriedly.
‘’He’s sleeping Master, I gave him the potion the Healer brought yesterday and he’s faring better.’’
He sighed. ’’Good work Tinky, don’t leave his side and when he wakes up, do call for me.’’
The house elf’s eyes shined with happiness at the compliment and she popped away to do his bidding.
Abraxas headed toward his office, intending to finish some work and have a mega pint of firewhisky, maybe it would help with his troubles.
The moment he closed the door, he felt turbulence in the air. He stiffened and flicked his wrist, gripping his wand tightly.
He took careful steps inside and almost staggered as he caught sight of a woman lying beside his desk, under the potion cabinet.
She was wearing auror red robes. Her long black hair was disheveled and hiding her face.
He drew closer to the stranger, but she didn’t move.
Crouching to her level, he moved his hand carefully and shook her shoulder.
He heard a soft moan, throwing caution to the wind; he turned her on her back.
Her hair fell to the sides, giving him a clear view of her face. She was a beautiful young woman with aristocratic features, a Black?
But how? He knew every Black woman of his age.
He murmured ‘Enervate’ and stood up, taking a few steps back.
The woman took a deep breath then her eyelids fluttered.
Suddenly he was pierced by angry, glowing emerald-green eyes.
She growled ‘’Malfoy!’’ and Abraxas tilted his head to the side.
What in Salazar’s name was going on?
◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥
Heather groaned as she woke up. The wound on her chest was aching like hell and her head was throbbing.
She definitely needed to eliminate Lucius Abraxas Malfoy once and for all, she didn’t care anymore, the bastard just asked for it.
Opening her eyes slowly, she took a look around and stiffened.
She was still in his office; where was he?
She moved her fingers slowly so as not to alert him and touched the tip of her wand. Sighing in delight, she gripped it tight and turned toward her nemesis.
The moment she met his blank face, she couldn’t hold her temper anymore. ’’Malfoy!’’ she growled.
If he wanted a fight, she would gladly give it to him, but on her terms this time.
She tried to move and her injured leg protested.
Keeping her foe on eye level, she raised her wand.’’Drop your wand Malfoy or I’ll make you do it. You’ll pay for this, I’ll see you thrown in Azkaban for your crimes.’’
The bastard’s eyes narrowed and he asked calmly. ’’Who are you?’’
Harriet opened her mouth: 'the nerve of this man!'
She was about to utter the darkest curse she knew and throw caution to the wind when she noticed something strange.
The man standing over her was not Lucius Malfoy.
He shared many similarities with the coward but he was….different.
His eyes were lighter and didn’t hold the malice she was used to.
She concentrated on his face and her headache became worse.
While he looked like Lucius and Draco, he was definitely someone else.
A distant cousin perhaps?
His expression was as imperturbable as a statue. She couldn’t read anything from his stoic face.
But it was impossible not to notice how very good-looking he was, tall and elegantly lean, with white-blond hair, clear, fair complexion, and thick brows set at a slightly diabolical slant.
If she was to judge his features individually she would have expected him to be attractive, like all the Malfoy males. But somehow when it was all put together, his looks were even more striking and interesting in a way she’d remember far longer than what she would’ve liked.
‘’Who are you?’’ she retorted.
The stranger’s eyes hardened and he drawled in a semi-familiar way.’’I asked you first, and in case you haven’t notice, you are on my property.’’
Heather fought the urge to roll her eyes but knew that if she wanted to get anything from him, she had to cooperate. ’’I’m Heather Potter.’’
Her eyes widened as she remembered something weird, very weird.
Every wizard and his mother knew ‘The Girl Who Lived’. So how came he didn’t recognize her?
She looked at him waiting for a reaction but he merely gazed at her with suspicion.
‘’Potter? I know every Potter in Britain but I’ve never seen you before. I never heard that they had a woman in your age and an auror at that.’’
She licked her lips, getting more anxious.’’Please, tell me who are you.’’
He kept his silence for a moment, then stated proudly. ’’I am Lord Abraxas Alcaeus Malfoy.’’
Heather’s heartbeat skyrocketed and she felt dizzy. ’’Abraxas as in …..Lucius Malfoy’s father?”
The moment she uttered the bastard’s name, Abraxas Malfoy rose to his full height and hissed. ’’How do you know my son? Who are you and who sent you here?’’
She tried to stand up and take a seat before she started-or at least tried to- explain this nightmare, but her leg was killing her.
As she looked down, she winced. Her robes were soaked in blood and she knew that the cut was deeper than she thought.
She directed her wand toward her leg and felt rather than saw the wand directed at her heart.
After she muttered a quick ‘healing charm’, she stood up and faced her unwanted host.
‘’Lord Malfoy, I think we need to talk.’’
His eyes raved her frame then he pierced her with his hard gaze. ’’Well, I’m free this afternoon. After you, Miss Potter.
◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥
Feeling as if he were waking from a dream, Abraxas fumbled to set himself to rights, smoothing his robes and trying to look nonchalant.
‘’You made my headache worse.’’ She accused vehemently, clutching her temples tightly.
He looked at her and saw the sheen of perspiration on her forehead.
He really wanted to offer reassurance, but trying to think after what he saw in her mind was like wading through a pool of honey.
By any standards, Abraxas was considered an arrogant, selfish man. He knew that.
But perfection required too much effort. He was brusque and short-tempered with people who wasted his time and didn’t see things his way.
Their society, their magic, the Olde Ways were everything to him.
He spared no time for friends, allies or whatever they called themselves unless they pertained to his gain.
It was his duty, his legacy to protect his brethren and make sure that wizards and witches were safe at all times.
Many considered him prejudiced and accused him of hating muggles and muggleborns, they didn’t take the time to understand his reasons.
He didn’t hate them, he hated the danger they presented to the core of their world.
Instead of adopting their lifestyle and abiding by Mother Magic’s laws, many muggleborns revolted against their ways and tried to bring changes that might destroy everything.
What he saw in Heather’s mind was his worst nightmare.
Not only was his family destroyed, but their entire world too.
The war between the prejudiced Lights and Darks that would start in a few years was something that exceeded all his fears.
He knew Tom Riddle; after all, they spent seven years together.
After graduation, the mysterious guy disappeared, he heard from some acquaintances that he was travelling around.
Why would he fellow someone like that, he couldn’t understand.
He used to respect the guy for his brilliance but something dark always lurked behind his sweet smiles and Abraxas never really warmed to him.
Furthermore, Malfoys were leaders not followers, so what happened to him then to his son to make their end so…..unsatisfactory?
He looked at Heather Potter and wondered again how could a small woman hold so much power, so much courage, so much…..goodness.
He saw it all in her mind; her pitiful childhood, her danger-filled school years, her struggles with the horcrux and finally her sacrifice.
This woman was exceptional.
How could his son and grandson cause her so much pain? Wouldn't he teach them well in the future?
Malfoys valued power above all and this woman was the strongest person he had ever met.
He realized that, like a peach, the soft bloom of Heather potter’s exterior concealed a hard, tough core—which made him like her all the better.
They would have done well together, a voice whispered in his mind.
Pity he was almost fifty years her senior.
But then, Mother Magic wasn’t so merciless, she gave him another chance to protect his family and their world from the danger called Voldemort, she sent him a gift he would not refuse; it was an opportunity that wouldn’t come again for a long time, if at all.
Finally, his frozen heart started to beat again; he found his purpose, the goal that would make his existence meaningful.
For the first time since he could remember, Abraxas actually felt something: excitement.
‘’I think I know the curse Lucius hit you with, to think that he would dare… It’s a ‘’Dispiriting curse’’, it’s supposed to make you feel the pain of your soul’s disintegration. It seems you being the Mistress of Death protected you, since nothing but Death can take your soul. I don’t really understand how you traveled back but it may be your magic’s reaction. You may have wanted to go back in time and make things right, only to do so, you traveled forty five years back.’’
Heather paled considerably and stuttered:’’You mean I did this? Do you think there’s a way to go back? I can’t leave my life and my friends and…Teddy!’’
Abraxas picked his words carefully, not wanting to deal with a panicked Potter:’’From what I know it may be really hard for you to go back.’’ When she paled further and her hair started to float around her heart shaped face, he hurried to add:’’But I’ll use all my resources to look into this matter. I can’t thank you enough for the information you gave me today, you may have unintentionally prevented a war. I give you my word as a Malfoy to give you all the help that I can.’’
She heaved a sigh and he carried on, wanting to calm her more, he wasn’t equipped to deal with unstable witches:’’In the meanwhile, take the chance to explore this world, you may find things that you’ll appreciate. For example…I can help you meet your grandparents.’’
He smiled faintly as her eyes widened.
°• ♔ •°
The following weeks were hectic to say the least.
Abraxas couldn’t remember the last time he felt so alive, so full with enthusiasm.
For the first time in forever he had a purpose, something that made his heart beat wildly.
The next morning after Heather -for an unknown reason- landed in his home, he took her to Gringotts to take a blood test and forge an identity for her.
Gornuk, the Malfoy goblin greeted them in his office.
“What can I do for you Lord Malfoy?’’
“I want my friend here to take a blood test. We’re not sure which ladyships she inherited. Can you do it now? For the right price of course.’’
Gornuk took a long look at Heather before he gave a toothy smile:’’And I suppose you want to keep this meeting a secret too?’’
Abraxas’ answer was a sharp nod.
Heather gulped before she took the blade offered by the Malfoy accountant.
‘’Just three drops, miss.’’
She nicked her forefinger and let her blood drop on the enchanted parchment.
Gornuk took it hurriedly and muttered something in Gobbledegook.
The piece of parchment glowed before the wretched creature read it.
Even though goblins were renewed warriors and hated any exhibition of feelings, his accountant couldn’t hide the widening of his beady eyes before he masked it.
“Well?” Abraxas drawled impatiently.
“This is unexpected. Here take a look Lord Malfoy.’’
Heather cleared her throat and he gave her the results:’’After you of course.’’
She took it and he noticed the shaking of her hands.
After a moment, she raised her head and said hoarsely:’’This…this is …I lost the last thing that linked me to them.’’
Abraxas took the parchment softly and his breath hitched.
‘Lady Heather Liliana Peverell’ was written in bold letters, she was Lady Peverell.
How could this be? He knew that the Potters were the descendants of Ignotus Peverell but Charles was the current Lord Potter, logically he should be…
He looked at her forehead, where a faint scar remained.
Of course she was Lady Peverell, after all she was the Mistress of Death, the sole holder of the three priceless gifts.
He said in a calm voice, hiding the storm playing in his mind:’’Make sure that everything is on order for Lady Peverell’s vaults. I want to make the announcement that the Peverell seat will finally have a holder in the next Wizengamot session.’’
“But I…’’ She tried to protest, but Abraxas shook his head:’’This is your chance to have your revenge and make a change. Why won’t you take the gift?’’
“You know why. I can’t commit to this while..’’
He took her hand in his, startling both of them since he never broke protocols:’’Take it easy, one day at a time. I didn’t forget my promise to help you look for a way. We don’t know how much time it may take so let’s do our best in the meanwhile.’’
Heather stared him for a moment, and he could almost see the wheels turning behind her beautiful eyes.
“Alright, your plan has merit. But where do we start?”
He nodded, feeling a rush of affection for the young woman.
He knew that what she was facing would break any proud wizard, but here she was sitting calmly and discussing an unknown future in an unknown era.
He gave her a rare smile:’’Did you forget who I am? I am a Malfoy, the best planners you can meet.’’
She rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath:’’At least you didn’t bring your father in this. Thank Merlin for small mercies.’’
◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥
”Look at you, all innocent and cute. Nobody will believe that you’d grow up to be a nasty man hated by most. But don’t worry, little Luce, I’ll make sure that you won’t end up like that.’’
Lucius shrieked and patted her cheeks and Heather flicked his button noise.
“Yeah? Listen to Auntie Heather. You’ll grow up to be a kind, gentle man. You’ll befriend muggleborns and Weasleys and giants, you…’’
“I think you’re ruining my heir Lady Peverell.’’ An amused voice cut her fun.
“Abraxas.” Heather managed to say, grimly aware that she’d been caught at a disadvantage. She was embarrassed to have him see her there with baby Lucius, when she should have been busy with trying to find a way back. “I wasn’t aware that you are back. I wouldn’t deprive you of your time alone with him.” She broke off, cursing herself silently for sounding like a blithering idiot.
But there was no mockery or disapproval in Abraxas’ gaze as he approached.
He was smiling as if he was glad to see her.
Lucius raised his hands for his father and Abraxas took him gently in his arms, kissing his forehead.
Heather felt something twitch in her chest, but like the previous times, she squashed it.
Her life had always been weird but the previous weeks made a laugh of her Hogwarts’ years.
After she took her Peverell ladyship, Abraxas invited her to stay in his manor till they solved her time travel problem and ended Riddle for good.
She was reluctant at first, his house held so many dark memories but he insisted.
She accepted.
What she didn’t predict was to feel safe in her old nemesis’ home.
Abraxas gave her quarters in the north wing, the furthest from Voldemort’ future rooms, the house elves treated her kindly and she met an unexpected surprise.
Little Lucius.
Who would’ve thought that the awful man used to be this angelic baby? She spent evenings with him, telling him stories about Hogwarts and adventures and mystic creatures.
She loved the way his innocent eyes followed her and her heart melted every time he refused to leave her arms.
“Tinky, take Lucius for his nap. I have business to discuss with Lady Peverell.”
“As you wish Master.’’
Heather followed Abraxas to his office, dreading what he had to say. She took the seat he offered and waited for him to start.
She blinked in surprise as she beheld the elegant invitation he gave her.
Slowly she opened the piece of parchment and her brows furrowed in confusion:’’This is an invitation to a ball.’’
Abraxas smirked:’’Yes. I’ll be holding it in Malfoy Manor this weekend.’’ His expression darkened as he continued:’’Tom Riddle is back in England and we both know what he’ll be doing soon. I want to keep him close.’’
Heather’s blood ran cold but he shook his head and smile viciously:’’From what I saw in your memories, he only has four Horcruxes now, the diary, the Gaunt ring, the Hufflepuff cup and the Slytherin locket.’’
Heather nodded and he carried on:’’We now the location of two of them but we can’t destroy them yet. He’s so paranoid and I’m sure he’ll visit them soon to make sure that they’re still safe. We have to know where he hides the other two first.’’
She gulped and averted her gaze:’’You’ll befriend him to gain his trust. You wish that he’ll give you the diary.’’
His impassive answer came quickly:’’Yes.’’
She averted her gaze not wanting to let him see her worry:’’But Abraxas, you know how dangerous this may be. When you reviewed my memories you were stunned that you followed him in the first place. Something is suspicious; maybe he gave you a loyalty potion or hit you with an obscure spell. Are you sure this won’t happen again?’’
What she didn’t say was ‘how would I carry on if past repeated itself? What would become of Lucius and me?’
Abraxas’ eyes softened:’’Don’t worry. I’ll take all the needed precautions to avoid being enslaved again.’’
She blushed faintly and he smirked, how could someone so cold, so detached be so perceptive of others' feelings and thoughts.
‘’And I prepared a surprise I know you’ll appreciate. In the meanwhile, I suggest you go to your room and try the outfit I brought for you.’’
Heather opened her mouth to protest but he cut her again:’’I know that you’re wealthy but let me take care of you, at least this once. This ball will be your introduction to our society, you must look your best.’’
Heather tilted her head looking for answer in his pale eyes, she didn’t like the glint she saw there at all.
Oh Merlin!
°• ♔ •°
With the exception of a few guests Heather knew from her timeline such as Orion Black and Corvus Lestrange, it was an aristocratic crowd.
That meant the conversation consisted of subjects she wouldn’t give a rat’s arse about: expensive goblin made jewelry, Elven wine, distinguished ancestors.
No one at the gathering discussed business, politics, or anything else Heather might have found interesting.
She smoothed her ball gown feeling out of place and kept in the shadows waiting for Abraxas to come back.
She remembered the moment she saw the gifts he prepared for her, the gown was gorgeous; made of the finest peach silk she had ever touched.
She was sure that it cost a fortune.
He provided assorted silk heels she spent the last days learning how to walk in.
What melted her heart was the priceless pearl necklace he gave her earlier this day.
She tried to protest but he insisted that a lady of her caliber couldn’t leave her neck bare.
Tinky and Minky helped her with the gown and styled her hair, and for the first time she felt really beautiful.
Looking around, she wanted to catch Abraxas before the first dance started but what she saw made her see red.
The gorgeous Lady Fawley, he introduced her to earlier, was clutching his arm and laughing seductively.
Abraxas didn’t seem to mind at all.
Wasn’t he obsessed with protocols and hated public displays of affection the most?
Gathering her skirts in her hands, she headed toward the marble stairs.
Her feet were killing her and she didn’t feel like spending another minute in the company of those peacocks.
She didn’t care anymore what surprise he had in mind for her, he probably forgot about her existence altogether.
“Bother.” She muttered as she stumbled on her feet. “I wish I didn’t wear those blasted heels.” She took them off and sighed as blood rushed into her abused toes.
“Change into another pair then.” An amused voice suggested.
Turning around, she came face to face with Abraxas. She tried to calm her beating heart but it was a lost cause.
His face, brooding and saturnine in the shadows, could have belonged to some god in a realm from Olympus.
Powerful, secretive, enigmatic.
His eyes softened with a tenderness she knew somehow was reserved for her alone.
“Not with these blisters. I want to heal my feet and go to bed.” She frowned down at her bare toes peeking from beneath the hems of her skirts. “You should find Lady Fawley and ask her for a waltz.”
She heard his smothered laugh. “Are you jealous?”
“Of course not.” she said stiffly, drawing her feet back. “No, not at all. I have no claim on your attention. In fact, I’m glad you became friends with her.”
“You are?”
She forced herself to reply honestly. “Well, not especially glad, but I don’t mind if you like her. It’s only …”
Abraxas gave her a questioning glance.
“Why won’t you be truly friends with me? I feel like you’re holding back every time we’re together.” To Heather’s chagrin, the question came out plaintive, almost childish.
She looked down and rearranged the folds of her skirts, fidgeting with the crystal beads.
“Heather.” He murmured, but she refused to look at him.
One of his hands came to the side of her face to angle it upward. It was the first time he’d ever touched her consciously.
His fingers were strong but gentle, slightly cool against her hot cheek, and it felt so amazingly good that she trembled.
She couldn’t move or speak, only stared up into his lean, beautiful face. A trick of moonlight had turned his grey eyes iridescent.
“That you’d even ask …” His thumb brushed over her skin in a slow stroke, and her breath stopped and started too fast, sounding like a tiny hiccup.
There was no mistaking the experience in his touch, sending pleasure-chills down the back of her neck and all along her spine. “Do you really want to be friends?” His voice had softened into dark velvet.
“Yes.” she managed to say.
“No, you don’t.” In the electric silence, he drew closer, his face right over hers, and her heart thundered as she felt the warm waft of his breath against her chin.
His other hand came to the back of her neck in a light clasp.
He was going to kiss her, she thought, her stomach tightening with excitement, her hands fluttering between their bodies like panicked moths.
Heather had been kissed before, during stolen moments in her dates. Surreptitious and hasty kisses, each lasting no longer than a heartbeat.
But no guy had ever touched her like this, his fingertips gently exploring the curve of her cheek and jaw.
She began to feel unsteady, unfamiliar sensations coursing through her bloodstream, and she welcomed the support of his arm sliding around her.
His lips looked firm and smooth as they hovered close to hers.
To her dismay, however, the expected kiss didn’t happen.
“Heather,” he murmured, “in the past I’ve made more than a few witches unhappy. Never intentionally. But for some reason I’m not eager to dwell on, I don’t want to do that to you.”
“One kiss won’t change anything.” She protested, and flushed as she realized how brazen that sounded.
Abraxas smiled faintly then said huskily:’’Let’s dance.’’
He took her back to the dance floor and she didn’t pay any attention to the couples floating around.
Her insides were in a tumult, like birds darting and crisscrossing in flight.
She reached out with a tremor in her fingers, and he pulled her up firmly. He caught her in a waltz, his right hand pressed to the center of her back.
Automatically her left hand settled on his shoulder, her arm resting gently along his.
He held her closely, their hips slightly offset, so his first forward step would slide precisely between her feet.
As he moved forward, the pressure at her back eased, and he steered her into the first turn.
He was very good at this, his body a perfectly supportive frame, his signals so explicit she could follow without effort.
It also helped that the shoulders of his white coat weren’t padded, so she could feel the flex of muscle at the beginning of each rotation.
Too soon, the dance ended and Heather was barely able to catcher breath.
Abraxas offered his arm and she took it gratefully:‘’I invited some people I want you to meet.’’
Heather furrowed her eyebrows and followed him.
Her heart almost left her chest when he stopped of front of a regal, young couple.
The man was familiar, way too familiar.
She knew his dark wild hair and hazel eyes very well.
The woman…her breath hitched and she griped his arm tighter wobbling on her feet.
The woman had her face bar the eyes, while she inherited Lily Evans Potter’s emerald green eyes, her grandmother; Dorea Black Potter had her family’s customary dark grey eyes.
Abraxas tried to cut the awkward silence:’’Lady Potter, Lord Potter, allow me to introduce who I believe is your distant cousin, Lady Heather Liliana Peverell.’’
Charlus’ eyes narrowed but Dorea nudged him and he smiled:’’Peverell? I heard that the seat was claimed. I won’t lie; I’ve always believed that I’m the only remaining descendant. Well…it seems I’m not the one carrying that heavy burden anymore. Pleasure to meet you Lady Peverell.’’
Dorea glared at her husband, but when she turned towards her, her smile was radiant:’’What my dear husband failed to say more elegantly is welcome to the family Lady Peverell. We all know that the House seat would only accept its rightful owner.’’ Her eyes slid to her forefinger undoubtedly looking for the Lady ring, but Heather didn’t have it, not yet.
She bowed slightly:’’The pleasure is all mine and I give you permission to use my first name.’’
Charlus sighed and rolled his eyes:’’Thank Godric, it would’ve been weird to adress you as Lady all the time, you being younger and all.’’
Dorea stepped on his foot and he winced:’’We’ll be happy to welcome you in our home soon Heather, I think we have much to discuss.’’ Heather nodded eagerly but her grandmother kept studying her face:’’I just can’t stop noticing that you seem…familiar.”
She stiffened, but Abraxas –once again- came to the rescue:’’Her mother was distantly related to the Blacks, that’s why you may find some similar facial features.’’
Dorea didn’t seem convinced, but she nodded anyway.
‘’I’ll visit you soon. I spent all my life alone since my parents died. It’s so exciting to find out that I have a…family in England.’’
She wanted to sob, to gather her kin in her arms and never let go but Abraxas steadied her.
Dorea eyes softened and she said gently:’’You’re not alone, not anymore. We’re here for you.”
Charlus would’ve said something but he was interrupted as a new tension filled the air.
Abraxas’ arm stiffened beneath her fingers and when she turned, Heather was confronted by the sight of a young Tom Marvolo Riddle.
She wasn’t definitely ready for this.
◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥
Abraxas took the seat behind his desk and noticed the way Riddle’s eyes hardened.
If the bastard thought that he would let him do as he liked in his family home, he was out of his mind.
He ignored the daggers sent his way from Corvus Lestrange and Alphard Back’s eyes and smiled sweetly at them.
“Take your seats.”
Riddle took the chair in the middle and he noticed the way the majority waited for him to sit first..
Orion looked at him questioningly but he gave him a furtive head shake.
Riddle looked around smugly then drawled:’’My friends, I’m glad we’re all gathered here tonight. It’s been some years since we graduated but we’re finally here. I have a proposition for you, something that will give a new meaning to your lives.’’
Abraxas wanted to snort but kept his impassive expression.
‘’We’re the elite, the leaders of this society and it’s our duty to bring order again.’’ Riddle looked around, probably delighted that he managed to gather the heads of the most powerful families in one sitting, Malfoy, Black, Lestrange, Goyle, Crabbe, Dolohov, Yaxley, Avery and Gibbon.
‘’This world is not ours anymore, it’s infected with impure magic. The problem was before our eyes for too long but we didn’t have the courage to eliminate it for good. Let’s bring our world back to its previous glory and take our places as the ‘best’ seriously. Mother Magic bestowed this gift upon us and we shall thank her back by eradicating the filth.’’
He looked at him and Orion:’’Lord Malfoy I’m grateful for your hospitality and since your manor is the biggest, I ask you kindly to allow us to hold our meetings here.’’
Abraxas’ lord ring vibrated and he fought the urge to hold the bastard at wand end.
He was infusing his voice with dark magic. This wasn’t a simple request; he was putting him under a strange form of ‘Imperius’.
Of course Riddle knew that he wasn’t a brainless fool like most of the gathered lords, a Malfoy never follows, they lead.
Orion stiffened, his friend must have received the warning, too.
He nodded:’’Of course my friend and you don’t have to call me Lord Malfoy, it’s Abraxas to you.’’
Riddle’s smile was all teeth and Abraxas promised inwardly:’I’ll make you regret the day you thought that you could boss me around you filthy vermin.’
°• ♔ •°
Orion picked his firewhisky and took a sip:”This is far more dangerous that what I thought. The bastard basically infiltrated the Wizengamot. I can’t trust anyone anymore, thankfully you warned me to put the new protective charms in my ring.’’
Abraxas nodded:’’Don’t worry, it’s only a matter of time before we locate the two items, then we’ll make him rue the day he thought he can order us around.’’
He told his best friend the abbreviated version of the truth; he hid the fact that Heather was a time traveler. Orion thought that she was a strong seer.
He knew that if he wanted to kill the bastard he needed allies, Orion was his first choice but he knew who he’d seek next.
‘’Did you see the way Alphard and Corvus followed him like domesticated crups? I’ve always known that they’re bigoted fools but to think… I understand now from where Walburga got her twisted ideals.”
“You wife is totally mad, don’t blame it on her brother. I can’t understand why you love her so much.’’ Abraxas drawled sarcastically.
A strange glint entered Orion’s stormy eyes and his lips lifted in a mischievous smile:’’What about you? I’ve seen the way you look at the mysterious Lady Peverell. I’ve never seen you treat a witch the way you treat her.”
Abraxas strengthened his masks:’’You know that I need a wife; I can’t raise Lucius by myself. A mistress or a fling is a temporary solution to a long-term problem. A wife is more...convenient, and produces legitimate heirs, not bastards. Moreover, Heather would be the kind of wife I would actually want to spend my life with.” As Abraxas read the sarcasm in Orion’s expression, he added quickly, “All I’m saying is I’m taking my time to become acquainted with her and I think she’s willing. If it turns out she’d rather not have me, I’ll keep my distance.”
Orion snorted:’’I’ve know you since we were toddlers and I’m telling you; you’re bewitched my friend.’’
Abraxas ignored him and looked into the blazing flames trying to ignore the excitement this discussion brought.
To have Heather by his side forever, to have more children with her…
°• ♔ •°
After Orion left, he headed toward his wing. He stopped as he found the object of his obsession waiting for him.
She was leaning against the wall arms crossed and eyes looking heavenward.
Moonlight and shadows were playing a game of hide and seek on her aristocratic face and Abraxas felt all restraint leave his iron clad control.
“Were you waiting for me?’’
She turned abruptly and looked him up and down as if to make sure that he was unharmed.
‘’Lucius is sleeping in his room and I wanted to know how it went with Riddle.”
He took a step closer and his eyes didn’t stray from her face:’’I’m fine, thank you for worrying about me.’’ He felt elated as he noticed her pink cheeks:’’Everything is going according to plan. Soon enough I’ll have what I want.’’
"Because a Malfoy always gets what he wants…” She exclaimed breathlessly.
He was now standing in front of her, only a hair strand separated their bodies.
“Yes, always.”
Abraxas felt the yielding pliancy of her body, he took an unsettled breath.
His intent gaze slid to her mouth. A new tension invaded the muscles of his arms and chest, as if he were struggling with an impulse too powerful to resist.
Heather must have seen the moment he broke, when he wanted her too much for anything else to matter.
His head lowered, his mouth finding hers, and she closed her eyes at the careful, enticing pressure.
Gently his hand came up to cradle the back of her head, his mouth moving over hers with erotic lightness … moment after moment … breath after breath.
Warmth spread inside him, as if his bloodstream had been filled with sparks.
A faint moan escaped her as his lips broke from hers, straying down to her throat.
The shaven bristle of his cheek left red marks as he nuzzled into the soft skin.
He worked his way down her neck, seeking the frantic throb of her pulse.
His hard palms slid up and down her bare arms, soothing gooseflesh, while his teeth closed gently against the tender muscle of her shoulder.
The tip of his tongue touched her lightly, as if he were tasting expensive Elven wine.
Disoriented, robbed of equilibrium, she sank against him, her head tipping back against his supportive arm.
His mouth returned to hers with full, warm pressure, coaxing her to open for him.
She gasped at the stroke of his tongue, silky and intimate as he searched slowly, until a knot of pleasure formed at the pit of his belly.
Abraxas drew back enough to look down at her, his fingertips toying with the fine wisps of hair at the nape of her neck.
A shiver chased through her at the delicate caress and he noticed it right away.
‘’You know that I want you Heather, but not like this, not until you give me your all. I’ll never disrespect you so. The moment you make your decision, you know where to find me.’’
He pecked her faint scar and drew back.
Her eyelids fluttered as she met his gaze:’’I like you Abraxas, I like you very much. I’m just afraid. I’m losing myself every day and I’m not sure what I want anymore...’’
He caressed her jaw gently:’’It’s alright, we still have time.’’
She put her forehead on the crook of his neck and he whispered in her ear:’’By the way, you were gorgeous tonight. The moment I saw the gown, I pictured the way it would look on you, only the real thing exceeded my imagination.’’
He felt rather saw her smile as her lips caressed his fevered skin.
◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥
Heather enjoyed every moment she spent with her grandparents and tried to ignore what was brewing in the shadows.
Charlus and Dorea welcomed her like a member of their family and the part of her that had always wondered how it felt like to have a kin was finally satisfied.
Her mornings were either spent in the Wizengamot chambers or reading obscure books in the Malfoy library.
Her hope was dying every passing day and she didn’t even feel the loss she was expecting.
Slowly but steadily, she was forging a life for herself in this strange world and she couldn’t fathom the thought of going back and losing all what she had now; her grandparents, baby Lucius and…Abraxas.
She was tuned to his presence the entire time.
And all the while, she was painfully aware that none of this was remotely comparable to that evening, when Abraxas had waltzed her through shadows and light as if on fairy wings.
She had never experienced that kind of ease, almost a rapture of movement, before.
She never liked dances or stuffy gowns, but with him it was different.
Her body still remembered the touch of his hands, so capable and gentle, guiding her without push or pull.
So effortless.
She was trying so hard to feel something, anything, for what she lost; her friends, the Weasleys, little Teddy.
But she couldn’t. She missed them but not as much as she imagined she would miss what she had now.
It was all his fault.
She was playing with Lucius in the garden and waiting for Dorea to come back when she felt a new presence.
A familiar presence she hadn’t felt in a while.
‘’Charlus told me that you’d be here and I wanted to have a small talk with you, Lady Peverell.’’
Heather stiffened and held Lucius tighter.
Albus Dumbledore was standing next to her grandfather and smiling jovially.
Dorea come rushing:’’Here, let me take care of Lucius while you finish you business.’’
Heather gave him reluctantly and noticed the twinkling in her old headmaster’s blue eyes.
She followed them to the office and took a seat dreading what this meeting might bring.
‘’Dumbledore took his time studying her and Charlus gave her an apologetic smile.
‘’When I heard that the Peverell seat isn’t empty anymore, I had my suspicions. Everyone thought that Charlus was the last heir, him and another wizard…but that’s not our problem.’’
‘’You mean Tom Marvolo Riddle.’’ Heather cut him without thinking, she was sick of his secrets and word games.
His eyes widened but he nodded, looking at her with a new light in his eyes:’’Yes, he’s the third heir. I suppose you’re Antioch’s descendant?’’
She nodded not wanting to get into details, she knew how sly this man could be.
He smiled sadly and brought his wand out:’’This explains it then. The moment you came back, the wand stopped working for me. I think it recognizes its rightful owner.’’
She couldn’t believe her eyes as Dumbledore gave her the most coveted wand in existence:’’Here, this is yours.”
Heather took it and she felt the rush of power that ran through her bloodstream. She heard the wand’s whispers, telling her about old wars and battles and forgotten spells.
When she opened her eyes, her two companions were looking at her worriedly.
‘’It’s alright. It’s just...the wand…it talks too much.’’
Dumbledore grinned:’’I think it’s finally in the right hands. Please do take care of it.’’
She inclined her head and put the Death stick in her holster, next to her faithful Phoenix feather wand.
Charlus cleared his throat and looked stricken:’’I want to give you this, too.’’ He held the Invisibility Cloak and she gasped, without thinking twice she reached and snatched her beloved cloak, her partner in crime and the secret weapon that saved her life countless times.
The cloak glowed in her hands and she heard Charlus mutter:’’No doubt it wasn’t working for me anymore, too.’’
Dumbledore chuckled softly and gazed at her:’’I’m sure you know the meaning of this. The Hallows are seeking their Mistress, only one item and …’’
“And I’ll be what I was always meant to be.’’ The words left her mouth without thinking and her eyes widened at the strange voice coming from her throat.
Dumbledore and Charlus looked shaken but the headmaster regained his composure first.
He stood up but Heather asked before he could get away:’’Did Riddle come to you asking for a job in Hogwarts?”
He seemed to weigh his options but he answered anyway:’’No, Not yet.’’
She sighed, so he didn’t create the fifth horcrux yet, thank Merlin.
‘’Can you please inform me if he does? I’ll be really grateful if you do.’’
Dumbledore fixed her with an unblinking stare, all traces of joviality leaving his kind eyes:’’Are you going after him, Lady Peverell?’’
No need to hide it, since the bloody bastard always knew everything:’’Yes, he’s mine to hunt since the day he killed my parents.’’
Dumbledore seemed sad as he said:’’I really hope that you can enjoy life and forget about revenge. To carry such a heavy burden at your young age…’’
‘’You know who I am, what I am. If anyone can do this, it’s going to be me.’’ She hardened her voice.
She had always been a soldier, the best. How could he doubt her when he was the one who put her in the cross fire first?
He nodded:’’I’ll send a message if he comes to me.’’
After he closed the door after him, Charlus looked at her with determination filling his hazel eyes:’’I don’t care about what you said, what I know is that you’re my cousin, my only one and it’s my duty to help in whatever crazy thing you’re planning. Tell me everything Heather.’’
Her legs carried her without her consent and she threw herself in the arms of her beloved grandfather, letting the tears she was keeping for months free.
‘’Thank you, thank you for being here.’’ She sobbed on his shoulder and he hugged her tightly.
◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥
Abraxas checked the wards twice and touched his forearms making sure that his wands were secured in their holsters.
Orion was talking to Charlus and he noticed his rigid posture.
Finally their wait brought fruits; Riddle gave him the diary and ‘ordered’ him to put it in his vault for safekeeping.
And after months of looking for the last horcrux, they located it. It was in Corvus Lestrange’s vault.
Orion, being the sneaky bastard that he was, secured a betrothal contract between baby Bellatrix and bay Rodolphus.
A contract he had no intention of respecting.
Corvus jumped at the occasion of having this honour and being Bellatrix' House Lord and benefactor, Orion gained access to the Lestrange vault.
Heather made a trip to Hogwarts and together with Dumbledore and Charlus took care of the Beast roaming free in the pipes and brought a vial of Basilisk venom.
They gathered the four items together and infused them with the strongest poison known on earth.
The four soul shards were destroyed for good and Heather finally got her birthright: her family ring.
They returned the Cup and the Locket to Dumbledore since they belonged in Hogwarts, next to Gryffindor’s sword.
He sent his child to Potter Manor after Charlus reinforced the wards.
Abraxas, Heather, Orion and Charlus waited patiently for Riddle to answer the invitation, the bait was too good to ignore.
The wards wavered and Abraxas nodded at his companions.
He took a moment to look into Heather’s emerald eyes and she gave him a resolved nod.
Riddle came swaggering and he fought the urge to laugh in the bastard’s face.
To think that the vermin wanted to enslave a Malfoy, the nerve of the bastard!
‘’Riddle, I’m glad you came.’’
Even if he was surprised at Heather and Charlus’ presence, he masked his feelings well:’’I can’t dwell when I know that you found the thing I was looking for.’’
He smirked:’’Of course my Lord.’’
Riddle’s eyes widened then narrowed and Heather advanced toward him:’’Why? Aren’t you Lord Voldemort? The mightiest Dark Lord known till now? Wait, that’s what you think Tom. Sadly you plans were aborted before they can flourish.’’
He gave her a nasty smile and hissed:’’Pleasure to finally make your acquaintance Lady Peverell. I heard that you came out of nowhere but what my spies failed to report was that you’re extremely bold. You dare talk to me in such manner? If you know who I am, why are you trying to anger me?’’
Charlus snorted:’’I’ve always know that you’re a deranged bastard. Damn, you’re worse than Arcturus and Walburga combined.’’
Orion cleared his throat and Charlus gave his ‘new’ friend a sheepish smile.
Riddle eyes became blood red and swiftly like a snake, he turned toward Abraxas:’’What’s the meaning of this? Do you betray your lord?’’
Anger filled his eyes and Abraxas felt the resentment he kept hidden for months getting free:’’How dare you try to enslave a Malfoy? To make me your lapdog? How could you filth!’’ He finished with a roar and flicked his wand toward his nemesis
Heather, Charlus and Orion followed suit and the fight started.
◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥
January 1956
‘’You’re so beautiful mistress.’’ Tinky looked at her in wonder and Heather smiled at the kind house elf.
“Thank you, dear.”
After she left, Heather took off the pins from the side twists of her hair, and removed the diamond tiara from her head.
As she set it on the dresser, a movement from the periphery of her vision caught her attention.
Abraxas came to stand at the doorway, his warm gaze taking her in.
A nervous thrill went through her and her fingers trembled a little as she combed them through her hair to search for any stray pins.
Although they’d been alone before, this was the first time they’d been alone as a bonded couple.
No clock to declaim each passing minute, no nosy cousins or crazy dark lords.
She was finally at peace with her life.
Her husband was a decidedly handsome man, he appeared taller than usual in the confines of the room. Light, coolly confident, and as unpredictable as a force of nature.
But she sensed a carefulness in his manner, a desire not to worry or frighten her, and that made her flush with pleasure.
“I haven’t thanked you yet for the tiara.” She said. “When I opened the box this morning, I nearly fell off my chair. It’s so beautiful.”
Abraxas came up behind her, his hands stroking her satin covered arms, his lips gentle as they brushed the rim of her ear.
“Would you like the rest of it?”
Her brows lifted in surprise as their gazes met in the vanity mirror:“There’s more?”
For answer, he went to the other dresser, picked up a flat mahogany box, and gave it to her.
Heather lifted the lid, her eyes widening as she saw more diamond hearts. “Earrings? This is so much, you’re spoiling me.”
She tried on the heart-shaped earrings, and shook her head a little to make them dance:“You’ve given me too many hearts.” She said with a grin, looking at her glittering reflection.
Abraxas turned her to face him, his hands moving lightly through her hair, letting the raven locks sift and spill through his fingers. “You deserve it all, you’re the only one who deserves my heart.”
She stood on her toes to kiss him, and he gathered her more securely against him.
He seemed to luxuriate in the kiss, wanting every detail of her taste, texture, scent.
Slowly his palm moved beneath the curtain of her hair and up her spine.
As the delicate tugging weights of the earrings dangled from her earlobes, a few diamond points lightly touched her neck and sent a shiver through her.
Turning her mouth from his, she said breathlessly:“I have a gift for you.”
“Do you?” His lips grazed the tender skin beneath her jaw.
“A small one.” she said ruefully. “I’m afraid it can’t compare to a suite of diamond jewelry.”
“Marrying me was the gift of a lifetime.” He said. “I don’t need anything else.”
“Nevertheless …” She went to the dresser, and pulled out a parchment tied with a green silk ribbon.
“Only if you agree.” She said, handing it to him.
Abraxas untied the ribbon and held up the parchment to look at it closely. “Are you sure?” His voice wavered for the first time since she met him.
“Yes, since I met him I considered him my own. Now, let’s make it official. I want to adopt Lucius so no one can refute my claim when he calls me Mother.’’
“Thank you.” He whispered hoarsely and she melted resting her head on his shoulder.
A hint of citrus cologne drifted to her nostrils.
It was a somewhat old-fashioned scent, very masculine and crisp. How unexpectedly traditional of him, she thought with a touch of private amusement.
A hush gathered around them, easy and relaxed.
Anticipation filled the spaces between her heartbeats. “Will you help me change out of my clothes?” she dared to ask.
He hesitated for a long moment before he flicked his wand and closed the curtains.
Her stomach suddenly felt light, as it did when she was doing crazy dips with her broom.
Pulling her hair over one shoulder, she waited for him to come up behind her.
The dress laced up the back with a decorative satin cord that finished in a bow at the bottom.
Gently he tugged at the bow. “You looked like a queen when you came into the gardens.” He said. “You took my breath away.”
After he untied the satin cord, he unfastened the buttons even more adeptly than Tinky.
As each button was undone, the satin bodice loosened and began to slip downward from the weight of the skirts.
Heather pulled her arms from the sleeves and let the heavy garment drop to the floor.
She turned to find his gaze drinking her in, every detail, from the ruffle trimming the top of her bra to her peach stockings.
“A reminder of our night.” She said as she saw him staring at the stockings for an extra moment.
He scooped her up, set her on the bed, and bent for a closer look at the stockings, which had been embroidered with silver thread and embellished with tiny crystals.
“They’re lovely.” He said.
She flexed her toes, which ached a little after the long, busy day. “I’m so glad to be off my feet.”
“I’m glad you’re off them too.” He said. “Although probably for different reasons.”
He reached around her to unhook her bra, and carefully lowered her to her back,
“I smell roses." He said, inhaling appreciatively. She blushed and he smiled.
He pushed away from her and stood to remove his coat, waistcoat, and neck cloth, then took up one of her feet and began to rub it.
She squirmed in surprised pleasure as his strong thumbs stroked her sensitive arches.
“Oh.” she moaned, lying back more heavily on the mattress as he gently kneaded up and down the sole of her foot, finding every sore, tender spot.
She began to dissolve in bliss as he wiggled her toes and pulled at them, one by one, through the silk of her stockings.
It felt nicer than she could have imagined, pleasure zinging up to all different parts of her body.
“No one’s ever rubbed my feet before. You’re so good at it. Don’t stop yet. You’re not going to stop, are you?”
“No.”
“And you’ll do the other foot?”
He laughed quietly. “Yes.”
As he found a particularly sensitive place, she writhed and purred, and stretched her arms over her head.
When her eyes opened, she followed the direction of Abraxs’ gaze, and realized he was looking at her soaked panties.
With a gasp, she quickly reached down to cover herself.
There was a flash of deviltry in his eyes:“Don’t hide it. Don’t hide from me.” He said gently.
It would have been literally impossible for a human being to blush any harder than Heather was at the moment.
While she dithered, he continued to rub her feet.
His thumbs worked up her arch in a ladder of pressures that sent tingles from her soles all the way up to the top of her spine.
Through heavy-lidded eyes, she watched the play of muted colours and shadows across Abraxas’ fair hair.
Eventually his long-boned, eloquent hands slid up over her knees and beneath her legs.
He untied her peach lace garters and rolled her silk stockings down into neat circles.
After dropping them to the floor, he unfastened his shirt and discarded it, taking his time, letting her look her fill.
Still standing by the side of the bed, he reached out to gather her against his chest.
She shivered at the feel of being surrounded by so much bare skin, so much hardness:“Did you ever imagine we would be doing this?” she said in a wondering tone.
“My heart … I imagined it about ten seconds after we met, and I haven’t stopped since.”
A bashful grin tugged at her lips, and she dared to kiss his bare shoulder:“You hid it well, my love.”
He drew her heated face closer to his, and stroked the wild pulse in her throat with light fingertips.
His faint smile held a sensual edge that dismantled her thoughts completely:“We’ll go slowly. I know how to make it good for you. You’re going to leave this bed a happy woman, my woman.”
Abraxas’ head lowered and the light, erotic pressure of his mouth sent pleasure coursing through her.
Every time she thought the kiss would end, he found a new angle, a deeper taste.
Her body turned hot from the inside out, as if he were pouring sunlight into her.
Dazed with pleasure, Heather slid her arms around his neck.
Her fingers sank into the silky, long locks of his hair.
Her heartbeat hammered violently as he removed the rest of his clothes.
For the first time in her life, she beheld the sight of a totally naked man, aroused and ready to take her.
She couldn’t help staring at his erection, swollen to a prominent angle.
A brief grin crossed his face as he saw her expression. He was entirely comfortable in his nakedness, whereas she was a collection of inhibitions all held together with a blush.
Climbing into bed like a prowling cat, he lowered himself beside her, one leg settling between hers.
Taking her hand in a light hold, Abraxas guided it down to his groin. “You can touch me.” He encouraged, a new huskiness infusing his voice.
After she explored his body for a while, he slid lower down her body, his mouth browsing in lazy paths, brushing, tugging, licking, tormenting.
She struggled to breathe, her hands fluttering down to his blond head as the delicate but insistent exploration continued.
He found the entrance of her body with teasing wet strokes, the brush of his shaven beard prickly against the tender skin.
After she shuddered through her waves, he gathered her to his chest and whispered in her ear:’’My heart, will you let me inside you now? Will you become one with me?’’
She reached around his back, stroking the long plane of muscles. “I'm yours.”
Abraxas’ head lifted, and as he stared down at her, his breath shook a little.
She felt pressure centering against the vulnerable opening of her body, hard and yet so slow, easing forward by millimeters.
“Easy.” He whispered:“Try to open for me.”
Gently, repeatedly, his hips rocked forward, easing deeper into the tight clasp of untried muscles.
Despite her discomfort, she relished the signs of his pleasure, the erotic tension on his face, the heat-blurred gaze that, for once, had lost its alertness.
Eventually the careful progress halted, and he held still, fully buried inside her.
His mouth came to hers in a sweetly wanton kiss, until she began to feel not quite so lethargic, her nerves tingling with renewed excitement.
After they reached their peak together this time, he pressed a soft laugh against the side of her throat, and kissed her flushed skin. “My heart. You’re totally mine now, I’m never letting you go.”
Heather fought her dropping lids, but she managed to whisper:’’I prefer you like this.’’
Abraxas grinned mischievously:’’You mean so raffled, unkempt and ‘unMalfoy’?’’
“Yes. Because I know that I’m the only one allowed to see you in this state.’’
He hugged her tighter and kissed her head:’’Sleep, my love.”
°• ♔ •°
When she opened her eyes, she was in an endless white void. She managed to make the outline of the three figures heading her way.
Her eyes widened as she saw three men looking at her with happiness filling their green eyes, eyes so similar to hers.
‘’You did it Chosen one, you managed to collect the treasures and bring glory back to our family.’’ The taller of the three said.
‘’Of course she did it, she’s my flesh and blood and the only one worthy of the title.’’ The younger brother looked at her proudly and she fought her blush.
‘’Who are you?’’ She whispered hoarsely.
The man in the middle answered:’’We are your ancestors, the Peverell brothers.’’
When she wobbled on her feet he gave her a soft grin:’’For millennia our family suffered, we were hunted and killed. We hid, we traveled to the end of earth and back until we almost became extinct. But Death promised that there would come a day when our heir will come back and bring honour and glory to our House.’’
‘’I couldn’t have said it better if I wanted to Cadmus.’’ A new, scratchy voice interjected and Heather turned abruptly.
She came face to face with what could only be .. Death.
‘’So, it was all your doing?’’ She hissed forgetting about the brothers.
‘’Of course Peverell. You were slowly withering away and I couldn’t let anyone but me take my chosen. After Lucius killed you, I brought you where I know you can make things better for everyone concerned. I looked over you since your birth and I knew that one day I can count on you to carry on the legacy and protect my trinkets. Now you fulfilled your destiny, twice and you can rest. Enjoy your life, take care of your husband and raise the children you’ll have soon. Live, smile and forget all about the past. And don’t forget, protect my treasures till the time comes to pass them on.’’
A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips and a single tear slid down her cheek:’’Thank you, I’ll do as you asked.’’
The three brothers bowed to her and Death took a step closer and touched her scar:’’Till we meet again, Peverell.’’
◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥
Epilogue
Abraxas sighed as his wife and son played with the baby house elf.
Since Tinky gave birth to Dobby, Heather couldn’t contain her giddiness.
She showered the small creature with love and he didn’t have the heart to stop her.
Lucius followed suit, he was like a little puppy always following his 'Mother' and doing his best to make her happy.
A small smile tugged at his lips, finally he was living.
The ice that encased his heart for too long totally melted and he learned the meaning of words he had always thought foreign: Love. Happiness. Hope.
He muttered a small thanking prayer to Mother Magic for favouring him.
His wife took her role as Lady Peverell seriously, she was royalty among wizarding families and her word became law.
She brought many changes to their world and he knew that it wouldn’t stay the same when she was done with it.
Charlus, Dorea, Orion and Walburga visited frequently.
The moment Heather saw Orion’s wife rage filled her eyes, she took her for a ‘private’ word and since then, the nasty witch turned into a new leaf.
She and Dorea gave birth to two sons: Sirius and James and he couldn’t forget the happiness he saw in his beloved's eyes when she held her ‘father’ for the first time.
The Potters and the Blacks made her the godmother and she couldn’t become happier.
He knew that she’d protect the little hellhounds with her life.
Lucius couldn’t wait till they started playing with him.
He took a seat next to her and she settled her head on his shoulder.
He stayed still enjoying the serenity of the moment.
“You’re spoiling the little midget. I’m afraid we’re going to take orders from Dobby in no time, and not the other way around.’’ He teased her.
Heather chuckled, snuggling closer and hooking an arm with his:’’I can’t help it. I’ve always loved him but to see him so young, vulnerable and cute…. I can’t .‘’
He sighed:’’I told you before, you’re ruining my heir for good.’’
She softly took his hand in hers, fidgeting with his fingers.
After a moment she put it on her stomach and whispered:’’Your HEIRS will be just fine, believe me.’’
Abraxas blinked and looked down into the emeralds he cherished above all:’’You mean…’’
He couldn’t bring himself to continue.
“Yes, I did the spell this morning. Congratulations my love, your second son, Heir Peverell, is on the way.’’
Abraxas leaned over her, brushed his lips across hers, and moved lower to rest his head on her flat stomach:“I used to say that I don’t believe in miracles.” He said. “I take it back. You’re definitely my miracle.’’