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october 1995
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"𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚕"
𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚎𝚡𝚊𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐
The following days turned into weeks and October was nearing its end. The weather was gloomier than in months but Violetta didn't mind that. She liked the gloominess and the feeling it gave her ― a feeling of new things coming.
She would often sit in her favourite chair in the Manor's library and stare out from the enormous windows and watch how the rain washed over the grounds of her home. She would imagine herself attending another meeting, feeling the power and greatness.
Violetta could tell that her parents weren't happy with her thoughts ― and for the first time in her life, she thought of her parents as quite hypocritical people. They loathed muggles more than anyone Violetta has ever met (excluding her grandparents) but yet, they didn't want their children to take any part of the Dark Lord's plans.
Regulus kept telling his sister that it's because their parents fear for their safety which was true, of course but Violetta just couldn't really see the danger so clearly. If anything, it made her want it even more.
To avoid the worried gazes of her family, Violetta spent as much time as possible with Fleur. They would sneak out from Fleur's little room in the depth of night to spend time outside ― Diagon Alley was pretty much empty during the night hours. While Violetta was sneaking out to be alone with Fleur, she was also sneaking out from home. She would dutifully go to bed around ten and wait until she knew her parents were gone to their wing of the manor before she took her leave to Leaky Cauldron.
She didn't talk about Death Eaters with Fleur ― the French witch wasn't interested in them and Violetta also knew that she must have her prejudice against them.
"Your mother is to have my head if she finds out you're with me," chuckled Fleur who was nestling closer to Violetta.
"Then it's a good thing my mother is fast asleep at home," said Violetta and glanced at the clock. "Although I should get going. It's a Saturday which means tea with Druella. Mum tends to wake up earlier since she's too anxious to sleep."
Fleur turned to look at the clock as well. "But it's not even seven o'clock."
Violetta smirked and leaned to kiss Fleur. "Which means that I have about an hour before my parents wake up," she said while leaving the bed.
"Besides, don't you have to go to work?" Asked Violetta.
"Yes but not yet."
She walked over to Fleur's dresser and took her shirt from top of it. She then turned to look at Fleur again who was nearly pouting at her sudden leave.
"You said it yourself. My mother is to have your head if she knows I'm with you, and we don't want that now, do we?" Said Violetta innocently. "I happen to like your head where it is, at its place."
"You Malfoys are so bloody annoying," sighed Fleur rather dramatically.
"And you French are so dramatic."
Fleur gasped. "Oh we are not. And if we are, then you are no better."
"Oh please, Malfoys aren't..." started Violetta but couldn't even bother to argue with the matter.
The truth was, Malfoys were very dramatic and since Violetta was half Black as well ― she was the queen of drama.
"Fine, I'm a little dramatic but nothing compared to my mother if she finds out that I've been sleeping here for the past week. I love her to death but she's a tiny bit overprotective," said Violetta.
"And she hates me," reminded Fleur.
Violetta rolled her eyes. "Well you were the reason why I was in a coma for a month."
"Well it isn't like I wanted that to happen," pouted Fleur and once Violetta was close enough to her and the bed, she grabbed Violetta's arm and pulled her back to bed.
"No, I really have to go..." groaned Violetta but she didn't mind the small kisses Fleur was placing on her shoulder. "Fleur, I have to go unless you want to lose your head."
Fleur retrieved ― very reluctantly. "I swear your parents are really killing this."
"I know," sighed Violetta and although she was now free from Fleur's arms, she didn't leave. Instead, she leaned to kiss the blonde woman next to her.
"But it's better than them killing you," muttered Violetta when she pulled away from Fleur.
She looked deep into Fleur's blue eyes that sparkled something so new and yet exciting for Violetta. She didn't want to admit it but maybe it was the danger that excited her so much ― she knew that the second Abraxas finds out, he will kick her out of the Manor faster than she can say obliviate.
"I can take my chances," smirked Fleur.
"Well, I prefer you alive."
Fleur rolled her eyes. "Then you better get going because I am not kidding, the look your mother gave me that one day could have killed me."
"Mmm forbidden love. How exciting," grinned Violetta.
While Violetta wasn't familiar with muggle literature, Fleur was and she immediately thought of Romeo and Juliet. A story of young and forbidden love, and as beautiful and thrilling it might sound ― no one survived the story.
Fleur made the thought leave her head and instead she smiled at Violetta's innocent remark.
"You know what, I'll stay," said Violetta suddenly.
"But your parents..." reminded Fleur carefully ― although she didn't mind spending more time with Violetta.
The Malfoy girl shrugged. "I am of age, they shouldn't be so attached."
"If you are sure," said Fleur, still doubtful.
"What are they going to do about it? Give me another lecture about safety? Or how their world will collapse if something happens to me, or to my brothers," said Violetta almost sarcastically.
Fleur sometimes forgot that Violetta was indeed a Malfoy ― and a very stubborn and spoiled one. She was sure that Violetta has never taken responsibility for her actions and the only 'punishment' she has ever received wasn't more than a half a day in her room.
If even that.
And Fleur was rather sure that any punishment Violetta has had, were given to her by her grandparents. While Fleur has only met Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy once, and the setting wasn't exactly pleasant, she could tell that the two would do nothing for their children.
"All right then," said Fleur, her smile spreading. "What do you want to do?"
"I like this," sighed Violetta, and wrapped her arms around Fleur's slender waist. "And this," she said, placing a kiss on Fleur's neck, and then another one and another one.
"I won't argue," chuckled Fleur.
Violetta grinned and kept going for a while until a knock on the door stopped her. She quickly pulled away from Fleur and in the process, fell off of the bed.
"Shit," she muttered while Fleur scrambled from the bed while Violetta hid herself under the bed.
Fleur looked over her shoulder to make sure Violetta was out of sight ― the last thing they needed was for someone to find Violetta Malfoy in Fleur's room. The French witch gathered herself, trying to look unbothered and opened the door.
The sigh of relief caught Violetta's attention and she peeked from under the bed, sighing as well.
"You gave us a freaking heart attack," groaned Violetta and Vivian Gold grinned at her best friend.
"I missed you too," she said and once Violetta was free from the floor, they greeted us with a strong embrace.
Vivian's been visiting her father's family in Germany for the past few months.
"Hi Fleur," said Vivian once she and Violetta had broken their embrace.
Violetta knew she was lucky to have a friend like Vivian. She never judged her, never questioned her and let her be who she was. Gabriel was the same ― supportive and understanding ― and Violetta knew she couldn't handle life without them. They were her safety net when it came to things like her relationship.
"Hello Vivian," smiled Fleur, her hand finding Violetta's.
Vivian Gold chuckled lightly ― the fact that her best friend was in a relationship with a girl didn't really surprise her. While Vivian herself has fell for several handsome boys during her life, Violetta hasn't and there was obviously a reason.
Violetta's parents were clueless of their daughter's sexual orientation ― this didn't surprise Vivian either. While she was a pureblood just like the Malfoys, her family was more modern, so to speak. They agreed with pureblood beliefs ― they thought of them to be better than half-bloods and so on ― but they weren't as old fashioned.
The thought of a woman being with a woman or a man being with a man didn't really strike them.
"I really hate to break this party," said Vivian with a tiny smirk. "But I have to steal Lettie."
Violetta frowned a little. "Care to tell me more?"
"Noup," grinned Vivian.
"You should go," said Fleur and Violetta turned to look at her. "I have basically stolen you and you haven't had time to be with your friends."
"Well, one of them has been gone for a few months now," said Violetta, glancing at Vivian who rolled her eyes at her. "But fine. Then I can actually tell my parents that I've been with Vivi and Gabe."
Fleur smiled softly and leaned closer to Violetta, giving her a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Have fun," she said to her.
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Violetta's fun with her friends ended quite quickly when she received a word from her that she's needed. Her first thought was that someone had found out about her and Fleur ― this was nowadays the thing she feared the most but when she arrived home, she was greeted by Abraxas.
Lucius and Narcissa have tried their very best to avoid any contact with Abraxas ― his last visit ended up with him striking his granddaughter ― but when he invited himself to the Manor, there was nothing left to do.
"I heard a rumour," said Abraxas, glaring at Violetta who was seated between her parents. "About your daughter."
Violetta wasn't really paying any attention to Abraxas but when he said this, her heart stopped. She has wondered if Abraxas has people who are looking after her ― not in a loving way of course ― but to see who she's with and where she spends her time.
"What about?" Asked Lucius while Violetta held her breath.
"Macnair mentioned that Violetta was very impressive," said Abraxas as he walked around the drawing room. "Regulus too but Violetta made quite the impression."
Narcissa gave a thin lipped smile, trying her best to ignore that Death Eaters have been impressed with her precious girl. She has always known that Violetta was too much of a Malfoy and a Black for her own good.
Violetta exhaled her anxiety and fear once Abraxas spoke ― the man didn't know about Fleur. Abraxas' news was actually rather pleasing, and he has never given her any good news. She felt important now that she was being recognized by people whose opinions matter.
By people who weren't her family or friends.
"Well? Aren't you two glad that the girl is of some use?" Snorted Abraxas smugly. "She's clearly not getting married any time soon so what is the point...."
"Careful," warned Lucius who was only mere minutes away from throwing his father out of the Manor.
"But now that she's been favoured by the Dark Lord..." Abraxas started but was immediately stopped by Narcissa.
"Don't you even think about it," she said and even Violetta was surprised to hear how threatening her mother's voice sounded.
But she wasn't happy about how her parents were making decisions for her. She loves them ― a lot ― but she was seventeen after all, almost eighteen and yet her parents spoke for her. Feeling a little courageous, Violetta chose to speak for herself.
"Can I have a word in this?" She asked, glancing at her parents.
"That isn't necessary, sweetie," said Narcissa, fear taking over her since she was aware of her daughter's interest towards the Dark Lord.
"Daddy," said Violetta and turned to look at her father.
Lucius knew his daughter was a smart witch and the fact that she was now addressing only him proved it. Lucius couldn't say no to his daughter.
"You are interested," said Abraxas, observing Violetta a little more carefully. "You are actually interested."
"So what if I am?" Violetta said rather loudly and for the first time in her life, she could see Abraxas giving her a look of approval.
Violetta knew it was only because of her interest towards the Dark Lord and his cause, but she was taking it all in. She never really realised how much she has wanted his approval ― or maybe it wasn't that she has always wanted it. But for Abraxas to look at her like she's something else than an accident that happened when her parents were having Regulus.
Abraxas has on several occasions commented something referring to this. How Regulus was the planned child and Violetta was the accident, but her parents always refer to her as their sweet surprise.
"She isn't," argued Narcissa, earning a disappointed look from her daughter. "You can be interested from afar," she continued, directing her words only for Violetta.
"I have always expected for Regulus to take it, which he will, but to have another one to be part of the greater good is just marvellous. I am pleased, Violetta," said Abraxas.
"The hell she is," barked Lucius, standing up and walking over to his father. "And neither is Regulus."
Violetta sighed heavily ― she knows she's lucky in many ways, one being that her parents love her and want to protect her ― but she didn't need protection.
"But I want to," she said and everyone snapped their heads towards Violetta. "I want to take the mark."
"No baby, you don't want to take it," sighed Narcissa, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Please, you don't want to."
There was real desperation in Narcissa's eyes. She knew what being a marked Death Eater meant ― she wasn't one but she's been married to one for a long time. She knew how they need to be careful not to let anyone see the mark, she knew that if someone is to see the mark, Azkaban is calling.
"I am almost eighteen. I can make my own decisions," said Violetta.
"Yes and you can make them but not this one," said Narcissa sternly.
"For Merlin's beard, let the girl be! If she wants to take the mark, then she shall take it!" Abraxas exclaimed. "I have already spoken to Regulus and he's all in as well and..."
Narcissa snapped her head towards her father-in-law. "You spoke to my son?!"
By now Lucius had walked over to a side table where he was keeping his fire-whiskey. He was about to pour himself some whiskey but when his father mentioned that he's already spoken to Regulus, he exploded.
He slammed his hands against the table, frighting everyone in the room.
"Out!" He yelled at Abraxas. "Leave this house immediately or I swear to Salazar you won't see tomorrow."
"It seems like I hit a weak spot," smirked Abraxas while holding his hands up. "I'll leave you to discuss this," he said and within seconds, he Apparated out of sight.
There was a moment of dead silence ― silence that hasn't reached the Manor in decades. Last time silence like this shadowed the family when Abraxas returned his granddaughter to his son and daughter-in-law. The new-parents didn't yell at him at first when he gave the baby back to them. Instead, they only stared at their daughter whom they thought they had lost when she was missing from her crib.
"I'll be fine," said Violetta when the silence became unbearable for her. "I'll be careful."
"Your safety won't be up to you," said Lucius with a heavy sigh. "He won't care."
"Did you honestly think that after raising me to believe in blood supremacy, I wouldn't want to be part of this?" Said Violetta, making her mother flinch. "Mama, please."
Narcissa shook her head. "I don't know. I guess I thought that this situation will never come. The Dark Lord had been gone for so long, we figured that he wasn't coming back," she explained quietly.
"But you believe in him?" Asked Violetta.
"We believe that our kind should be in charge of the world, yes but sweetie, the things you might have to do once taking the mark...." started Lucius carefully.
"I won't turn into aunt Bella," said Violetta sternly. "Nor will I get killed like Regulus did."
"Listen to me now," sighed Narcissa, taking Violetta's hands. "I am your mother and it is my job to make sure that this world is good for you to live in. It is not your job. It is not your job to take the mark, nor your brothers. Your father has it already, and if I must, then I will take it but..."
Violetta's eyes widened and she shook her head. "You are not taking it."
"Then why should you?" Asked Narcissa.
"Because... because I want to."
Lucius was half listening to his wife and daughter's argument. He knew that no matter what his wife says, Violetta will take the mark if she wants to. He didn't want her to take it either, he didn't want any of his children taking it because once you're marked, you belong to the Dark Lord. If you don't do as he says, bad things will happen.
Then there was that little voice in Lucius' head, telling him that because his daughter was so much like the people from her mother's side ― the chances of her turning into Bellatrix Lestrange or Regulus Black weren't invisible.
Violetta reminded Lucius of Regulus Black ― the young boy used to be very close with him especially when Regulus' own brother turned away from him. Young Regulus Black was ambitious, maybe too courageous for his own good and a firm believer of blood supremacy. And while all of those qualities were exactly what Lucius and Narcissa wished for their children to have ― the sudden return of the Dark Lord made them think otherwise.
"Mama, daddy," said Violetta, making Lucius abandon his thoughts. "I love you two very much, but you have to let me make my own decisions."
"Lettie..." started Lucius but was stopped by the girl.
"I have made my mind," she said, doing her best to ignore the tears in her mother's eyes.