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colorsunimaginable · 23 days ago

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the spare // chapter sixty-nine // death eater ! tom hiddleston oc x plus size ofc - voldemort wins au

story summary:

While on a mission to avenge the death of her best friend, Ilvermorny graduate Melisa Alder finds herself in the middle of the fight to defeat Voldemort. Upon capture after the Dark Lord's triumph, she's being sold at an auction with other muggle borns and blood traitors. Her only hope is also her only bidder - the tall, dark, and handsome Thomus Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy's younger half-brother. Is he just another Death Eater or is he hiding more than just his face beneath the mask? Will she realize her true potential to be one of the resistance's greatest weapons?

*a Voldemort Wins AU with Tom Hiddleston cast as an OC x a plus size protagonist* *takes place in The Auction universe by Lovesbitca8*

words for this chapter: 4.6k warnings for this chapter: p in v

banners by @cafekitsune

MASTERLIST

Chapter Sixty-Nine:

The closet is dark, but there’s just enough light reflecting from the floor to ceiling mirror. I can see the white of Rodolphus’ eyes as they grow in shock.

Then he grins.

“Well, well, well. Hello there, pet.” His wand presses into my cheek and my grip on the knife tightens, the sharp edge digging into his throat. The smug look on his face sours as his smile dips and his eyes narrow. “How did he do it?”

“How did he do it?” I growl. “You mean how did I ?”

“Get away from her,” Thomus snarls, popping in from around the edge of the door.

Rodolphus doesn’t move, but I ease the knife back a little. The movement draws Thomus’ eyes and he gapes at me.

“ Alder ,” he hisses. “What in Merlin’s name are you doing?”

“Back up,” I bark at both of them. I don’t like being cornered like this. Thomus glares, but listens, backing out of Rodolphus’ way when he finally moves. I follow, keeping the blade within stabbing distance. Out in the room, Thomus snatches Rodolphus’ wand from his grip, keeping his own pointed at him.

I twist the knife, turning the pointy end to press up under his jaw. “Tell me how to break the curse.”

Thomus is standing just beyond Rodolphus’ shoulder, his expression hard as he shakes his head, warning me not to continue. Rageful frustration boils and bursts from my chest. “What other option is there!? One misfired spell and I’m right back to where I was - or worse ?”

“You’re scared ,” Rodolphus purrs, not bothering to hide his satisfaction. “As you should be, Mudblood. Whatever it is you’ve done, it won’t be enough.”

I fight to keep my lower lip from trembling, but I twist my knife, pressing upwards. He looks me dead on and doesn’t flinch when his skin punctures from the pressure. A line of dark blood trickles down his neck, staining his white collar.

“He’s not going to tell you,” Thomus says calmly, putting his hand on my raised arm. My gaze bounces from one man to the other before I latch onto Thomus’ eyes. They’re firm, indicating his emotions are under control, fully masked.

Meanwhile, I’m the complete opposite. My throat is tight and I know if I try to speak, my voice will wobble and I won’t be able to hold the tears back. Swallowing audibly, I start lowering the knife.

Rodolphus chooses that moment to snicker. “That’s right, dog, listen to your master.”

Now that makes me snap. The rage in me spikes so strong, he’s lucky I only stun him. His knees give out from under him and he crumples to the floor. The decision was impulsive, but not one I regret.

“I was under the impression that your magic was keeping the curse contained. Is that not true?” he asks.

I take a few deep breaths, feeling a little better with Rodolphus knocked out. “It is,” I reply slowly, matching his tone. Finding it hard to meet his eyes, I inspect the skull handle of the knife in my hands. “But one day it might not be.”

He steps forward, cupping my cheek, and forcing eye contact. “I promise to find a solution. This won’t be forever.”

“Okay,” I whisper. My heart believes him, trusts him. I step back and look down at Rodolphus. “What’re we going to do now?”

Thomus sighs loudly and crouches down. “It’ll have to be something terribly clever or I’m knee deep in a pond of shit.”

An unexpected giggle escapes as I crouch down by the pile of broken lenses and bent metal that remains of my glasses. “You mean knee deep up shit creek?”

“Isn’t that what I said?”

“Close.” My hand hovers over the pile as I try to keep a straight face and murmur. “ Oculus Reparo .”

A white light flashes over my glasses as the pieces come back together again. When I put them on, Thomus is still kneeling by Rodolphus, poking through his pockets.

“Do you rummage through pockets often?” I ask, a bit surprised. So far he’s pulled out a flask, a few galleons, mints, and a folded handkerchief.

Thomus shrugs. “Easy to get information without so much as a word spoken.”

“Hm… Fair enough,” I sift through the small pile of things and pause at the heaviness of the handkerchief. Hoping not to find any boogers in there, I use only the tips of my fingers to shake it around. Thankfully, no boogers, but something golden and shiny with a distinct hourglass shape clatters to the floor.

“Is that a bloody Time-Turner?” Thomus says with disbelief. “What’s he doing with that?”

I gasp. “This solves our problem, doesn’t it?” I ask excitedly. “We only need to go back to the last couple of minutes before he knocks. We just have to be ready.”

Thomus takes a sniff of whatever’s in the flask, raising a brow at me before taking a sip. “Ready with what?” he asks. “We were kind of in the middle of something there, if you care to recall.”

As I scramble for something clever to say, I glance up at him to find his eyes trailing down my body. I’d get to be right in the middle of that again? I swear my clit throbs at the thought.

I clear my throat and change the subject. “Maybe you came up here because you were feeling sick? Drank too much? Does that sound plausible?” My hand stretches out toward the bottle of champagne he’d brought in earlier and it drifts soundlessly over the floor to me. I use magic to uncork it before taking a long sip. I pass it over to him as I continue to speak. “Because I’m thinking, you’re already gonna be sweaty and red-faced anyway, you know? And you might as well actually drink, it’ll make it more believable.”

“Right,” he nods after a moment’s consideration. He brings the bottle to his lips. “And where will you be?”

“Disillusioned. It’s what I should have done the first time,” I admit. “Have you used a Time-Turner before?”

“Only a few times. Yourself?”

I shake my head. “Never.”

He points his wand at Rodolphus’ wound and heals it, scourgifying his collar too. “Then we’ll need to be extra careful.”

After a surprisingly quick discussion, we agree on what needs to stay the same and what needs to change. We ready the scene and get into position. From Thomus’ explanation, if we’re relatively in the same spot, doing the same thing as our past selves at the time we’re traveling to, we should morph into our past selves.

“How much time do you think you’ll need before he knocks?” I ask, holding the turner up close to get a better look at the fine sands.

Thomus sits on the window seat, loosening his tie and shrugging off his jacket again. I’ve remained in my leggings and hoodie, having skipped the outfit change to save time. I run my hands over the sides of his face, fingers threading into his hair. His hands find my hips and he guides me closer in between his knees. His hands travel under the hoodie, roughly grabbing my breasts and squeezing. His fingers on my nipples are oh, so soft though.

“You’re sure we’re not gonna forget the first time around?” I ask, hearing the nervousness in my voice.

“Darling, if we do, I’ll have no problem recreating that experience with you,” he promises.

His reassurance makes me feel better and I let my mouth find his. He kisses me like it’s the first time he’s done so all night. His tongue traces and savors the taste of my lips. I quickly become lost in the gentleness, my head beginning to swim with desire for him all over again.

His hands on my hips urge me to turn around, reminding me of our mission. When I hear the soft clicks of his belt being undone, I quickly thumb my pants and undies to my knees. His fingers spread across the curve of my butt, his palm caressing. I plant my hands on his thighs, just above his knees and push my hips backward.

Thomus chuckles and shoves the hem of my hoodie further up my waist, humming his approval. “Look at you, so needy, already?”

I bite my lip and silently laugh. My eyes are closed, trying to focus on how I feel. Every measured breath, the ache in my thighs, the thick head of his cock as it easily slides past my still-slick lips.

I take a sharp, full breath to speak, but I still sound breathless. “More like impatient.”

True to my word, I rock my hips back and he glides home in one go. The forceful, delicious impact of my body on his makes him release a deep groan. His fingers dig into my hips painfully, pulling me to him still. Short, desperate moans escape my throat as I adjust to his size and the tight fit. My thighs are already burning from this position and from earlier, but his cock just feels so fucking good. The muscles in his thighs flex beneath my hands as he grinds against my ass.

Before we get carried away, I fumble for the Time-Turner hanging from its long chain around my neck. I twist my torso, slinging the chain around his neck too.

His breath is on the edge of running away from him as he speaks. “Give the gear a half turn forward and a quarter turn back. That should put us where we need to be.”

I nod, unable to stop moving my hips as I turn the knob the specific way Thomus instructed. The moment I’m done, I hear the rapid ticking of a clock and gears turning as the hourglass begins to spin.

We watch the room as time reverses. I see ourselves crouched over Rodolphus before he’s on his feet, backing up towards the hallway door. I see Past-Thomus undress and see myself backing out of the closet stark naked. At that sight, I quickly avert my gaze back to Thomus.

All too soon, our past and present selves join at the same place on the window seat. Our positions are different, but the act is the same. I refocus on rocking my body and feeling every drag of his cock in my pussy.

I can tell the exact moment when our past and present realign themselves. My pussy is pulsing and suddenly much wetter. My body feels like I’ve been getting thoroughly fucked for a bit longer than it does two breaths ago. The pleasure flowing through me skyrockets right to the beginnings of a mind-numbing orgasm.

Thomus shudders behind me, releasing a guttural groan, having landed in the same predicament. Then without any warning, his hands are shoving me forward and pulling me back, fucking me like he just can’t help himself. His hips are somehow jerking up, too, making his cock hit just the right spot. My eyes roll into the back of my head as my orgasm takes over my body. I push him as deep as he can go, feeling my pussy squeeze and contract around his big cock.

“ Merlin’s beard ,” he hisses low as he cums, fingers digging bruises into my hips. His hips are twitching underneath me, shoving his spasming cock in and out the tiniest bit, milking every last ounce of pleasure from my cunt.

“Oh my god,” I say when I can breathe again.

Thomus lets out another tortured groan as I force myself to stand. His dick slips out with an audibly wet plop and I can’t hold back a shaky laugh at his words, shimmying up my pants on wobbly legs.

Pants on, I grab the champagne and shove it towards him. “Drink up.”

He stands, redoing his belt. He’d already opted to take his suit jacket off. I reach out to unbutton the top of his shirt, then up further to ruffle his hair a little. He takes the bottle from me and chugs just as Rodolphus announces his arrival with his fist against the back of the door.

Of course we’d been expecting it, so this time we don’t immediately jump into panic mode. Thomus takes his time drinking, unbothered by the persistent asshole at the door. My eyes bounce around nervously, and I wave my hand towards the bathroom, making sure it’s lit as if he were just in there.

“Thomus!” Rodolphus barks. “Where’ve you been? I’ve been sent to fetch your ungrateful ass.”

Thomus pauses to burp before taking one last swig, then starts for the door. I grab the front of his shirt and plant a kiss on his cheek. He gives me one in return before I step back and Disillusion myself against the wall.

Thomus opens the door just enough for his body to be shown. He slumps against the frame, and I can hear the faux exhaustion in his voice. “What do you want?”

Rodolphus’ words repeat. “You missed your brother’s toast. How could you have - “

“Not that it’s any of your bloody business,” Thomus interrupts, “but I’ve been quite unwell this evening.” He fakes a gag, but it sounds pretty convincing to me.

“You can’t be serious,” Rodolphus scoffs. “Do you honestly expect me to believe - “

“Believe what you wish,” Thomus interrupts.

The door Thomus is propping open jolts suddenly, but he’s quick to grab it and prevent it from opening more. “Is she in there?”

“Who?”

“You bloody know who.”

“Seeing as how it’s my bedroom in my family estate, the contents of it are none of your business,” Thomus says pointedly. “Don’t you have anything better to do on New Year’s Eve?”

“This isn’t the first event you’ve mysteriously disappeared from,” Rodolphus says. “Forgive me for wanting to know my wife’s whereabouts.”

“I don’t care about your wife’s whereabouts,” Thomus seethes. “My only concern is that she isn’t here.”

“That’s a first -”

“I retreated to my own toilet to vomit, and the evidence should still be there, Lestrange, if you so desire to look.”

“Ugh,” Rodolphus scoffs angrily. “You’re revolting. Your mudblood’s really rubbing off on you.”

“If that was your only reason to disturb me - “

“Yaxley wants you to join us,” Rodolphus says. “In that little drawing room off the stairs.”

I can see Thomus’ stance reluctantly shift as he straightens. His elbow pops in and out of view as he finger-combs his hair again.

“If I must,” Thomus growls, then he steps out, shutting the door behind him.

I breathe a sigh of relief and sag against the wall. Thank god that’s over. We got everything done in time.

In … time.

With horror, I look down and see the Time-Turner still dangling from my neck.

Oh my fucking god, how the fuck could I forget?! I mean, since we rewound time, does that mean he has another copy of this Time-Turner and we have this one for free?

I don’t even want a Time-Turner. It’s too tempting of a problem solver. I’ve gotta put it back in Rodolphus’ pocket.

Keeping my Disillusionment charm up, I creep open the door. Thomus and Rodolphus are hardly down the hall, so I open and close the door slowly so as to not make any noise. I’m still in my socks, so I quickly and, more importantly, quietly glide down the hard wood floors after them. The good thing about the Disillusionment charm is that as long as no one’s looking for you or really at you, you’re practically invisible. Especially if you’re really good at it - which I am.

By the top of the stairs, we aren’t alone anymore. Thomus had stopped for some reason and I guess it’s because he sees his brother. I hear a man call out, “Lucius! Come join us. We were just discussing Geneva.”

Thomus peeks over the railing as he continues down. Lucius replies, “Of course. Give me a moment to put my pet to bed.” My eyes immediately start looking for a place to tuck myself in and hide.

“Bring her,” the other man continues. “I was just about to come looking for you as well. We have the other one in here too. And see? Here comes Rodolphus with your brother.”

Oh my god, the other one ? What the fuck does that mean? Hermione wasn’t the only Lot allowed to come?

Thomus and Rodolphus have disappeared from sight, so I creep forward until I’m able to see heads below. Yaxley is standing next to the stairs, looking up at the pair descending them. Between their bodies, I see Lucius’ blond head, Hermione’s curls and twinkling jewelry.

Lucius still hesitates, even as they move to accommodate Thomus and Rodolphus. Yaxley gets impatient. “Don’t be stingy. Your guests want to see the finest horses in the show.” He smirks. “Maybe we’ll let them wrestle.”

“Just for a few minutes, I suppose,” Lucius stiffly replies.

No more words are said as they all shuffle into the small sitting room below the stairs. I move down the stairs so quickly I’m practically flying - well, falling. But I’m holding onto the railing for dear life, just trying to get to that door before it closes.

The feat proves impossible though, because that’s exactly what it does. And now I’m fucking stuck in the main hall. I can clearly see the couple hundred people still partying in the ballroom. Back to my last plan, which was looking for a place to hide.

There’s a promising spot across the room by the windows. I beeline for the dark curtains, swiftly turning into them. Tucked away, I’ll still be able to see when they open the door.

I stand there long enough for my feet and thighs to ache, and for at least ten songs to go by, until finally someone opens the door. It’s Lucius and Hermione. He’s taking her back to her room, and thank fuck he doesn’t close the door.

I dart to it, but then slowly inch my way in. My eyes bore into all the faces I can see, making sure no one is looking at me. Thomus is just lowering into a chair near the front of the room and Rodolphus is deeper in, sitting on the armrest of his brother’s chair. I crouch walk to Thomus’ chair, hiding between the back of it and a liquor cart.

“And where’s your Lot this evening, Thomus?” Nott Sr.’s old, scratchy voice skitters from another chair. “Why isn’t she being trotted out as part of the Malfoy parade?”

My poor thighs can’t handle crouching anymore, so I kneel next to the wall, my face by Thomus’ shoulder. At Nott’s question, I look up at Thomus for his response.

Dolohov snickers. “Because that one’s not a trophy, is she?”

Rabastan smiles after his drink. “You got that right, mate.”

“Can you believe what Witch Weekly wrote about her?” Mulciber jumps in. “There’s no way a mudblood did all that.”

A few voice their agreements and laugh, because it’s just so funny I guess. Then Thomus’ soft, sure voice silences them. “Yes, I believe it. Why don’t you?”

The question’s aimed at Mulciber, who looks taken aback by it. He smiles in disbelief and his eyes bounce around the room. “Because it’s obvious, isn’t it? A girl like her, beating all those Purebloods, it’s got to be fake. The tournament was stolen from them by a bloody charlatan.”

“Mulciber,” Thomus says, sounding vaguely concerned at this man’s answer. “There’s thousands of eye-witnesses, first-hand photos, and official documentation of her achievements in those tournaments, and you believe they’re fake?”

All eyes swivel to Mulciber like the camera’s just zoomed in on his face. The embarrassment easily gets to him, because his face turns pink and he responds with anger. “Oh, right, like you’ve seen all this evidence.”

Surprisingly, Rodolphus is the first to Thomus’ defense. “The twat’s a bloody journalist,” he says, sounding appalled at his fellow Death Eater’s stupidity.

“So?”

“So yes, I’ve done plenty of proper research on her,” Thomus replies, a hard edge to his voice. “Is it really that hard to believe what they say is true?”

“Alright, fine, if she’s this big shot mudblood , what’s she doing with you then?” Rabastan asks.

Before Thomus can even respond, Avery, who’s standing by the fireplace with Ginny tucked into his side, shoots out, “Would you ever consider selling her?”

“Why would you buy her ?” Mulciber asks, visibly disgusted. “You’ve already got the second most expensive cunt of the lot!”

“You should know by now that we all have different tastes, Mulciber,” Avery says, clearly referencing something. “Sometimes my pet is a bit too… fragile, if you catch my meaning.”

God, why are all of these men such sadistic fucks ? I’m glad I’m hidden so I can hide the disgust on my face.

“She isn’t on the market,” Thomus states, almost angrily. “I’m very aware of the value of my property and she’s worth far more than you think.”

Avery gives him a dubious look. “Surely it can’t be all that large of a sum. She isn’t even a virgin anymore.”

“You got that right,” Dolohov snickers. “Verified that myself.”

“And it was never any secret,” Rodolphus slides in.

A lot of them kinda laugh at that. Not Thomus, though. Rodolphus winks at him from across the room, and Thomus’ hands clench tightly in his lap. Being this close to him means I can hear the deep, steadying breath he takes.

Avery heartily chuckles. “Well, it all feels the same in the dark. Doesn’t it, Thomus?”

“I… have to disagree,” Thomus says without the same humor. “With this war, all the long hours and hard days, a soft body to come home to is a welcoming respite.”

His honest confession silences the room before Dolohov cracks a joke. “Well, I need a nice tighter ass than that fat cow’s got.”

“Young man, watch your tongue!” one of the portraits hisses. Looks like one of Thomus’ grandmothers.

Some snicker at the scolding, but Yaxley’s authoritative voice from the end of the couch speaks above it. “Did you hear they’re demanding her release?”

They’re what? My eyes widen and the vibe of the room suddenly turns serious at the question.

“Yes, I’ve heard,” Thomus answers.

“Who’s demanding her release?” Rodolphus asks.

“ Witch Weekly and their American associates The Witch’s Voice ,” Yaxley says. “Whether or not the mudblood actually possesses this preternatural wandless magical ability doesn’t matter - they certainly believe it. Of course her release is out of the question. She needs to remain under lock and key, not with the rebels fighting against us.” He looks around the room, meeting everyone’s eyes, settling on Thomus’ last. “How much of a threat do you believe she poses?”

“She does not pose a threat while she’s in my custody,” Thomus replies. “I’ve gone to great personal lengths to ensure that.”

My chest is painfully tight, an ache growing there at his words. What’s he talking about?

“Excellent,” Yaxley says. “Expect the Dark Lord to demand an audience with you soon within the new year.”

“Yes, sir,” Thomus replies.

Yaxley stands, buttoning his jacket. “Now, I will rejoin my wife and daughter in the ballroom as I encourage you all to as well.”

Thus begins everyone’s exit. They mill about, taking their time, chatting over nothing that I really care about. Thomus doesn’t move immediately and I take this opportunity to place my hand on his forearm resting on the chair. Tension springs to his muscles at my touch and I slide my hand down to his. He subtly glances down at his hand to watch me slip the Time-Turner into it. I get on one knee, lifting my lips to his ear.

“Put this back in his pocket,” I whisper. “I’m gonna wait here until the coast is clear.”

I slink back into my corner, watching as he drops his chin, not looking in my direction. Rodolphus has already left the room, so I know Thomus is gonna have to follow him. Which he does when he realizes the few remaining in the room aren’t planning to leave yet.

Of the three that remain, Mulciber and Rabastan say a few things I can’t hear before they’re snickering amongst themselves. Nott Sir. is passed out in his chair. The other two slowly make their way to the door, their conversation growing louder.

“Did you hear back from Montague’s uncle in France?” Mulciber asks.

Rabastan sighs heavily. “No, so that means there's another defector for Thomus to find.”

“I can’t believe the boy would leave, especially with his father’s health.”

They pause by the door. Rabastan scans the hallway and double checks that Nott is sleeping.

“Thomus is supposedly the last person to have seen him,” Rabastan says, “but you didn’t hear that from me.”

Mulciber agrees to keep quiet as they finally leave the room.

I’m frozen while my brain struggles to process all of this new information until Nott’s snore reminds me my exit window is closing. Without being seen, I slip back upstairs to Thomus’ room.

~*~

I finally pass out for a bit after crawling into bed for the millionth time tonight. It’s still dark when he returns. When he sees that I’m awake, he gives me a gentle smile and kisses my forehead.

My heart thuds heavily in my chest, very awake now that I’m swooning over forehead kisses.

He pulls back the covers and I open my arms to him. He crawls right in, his head on my chest and my arms around his shoulders.

“How’d it go?” I ask. “With Rodolphus?”

“Bit underwhelming,” he answers. His voice is a little muffled because his face is half-buried in my boob. “I just waited until he was drunk enough. Didn’t take long.”

“That’s a relief,” I sigh.

“What’s a relief is you not being seen,” he says, sounding irritated and impressed. “Had you been there the entire time?”

“I only came in when your brother and Hermione left.”

He exhales heavily and his head shakes a bit. “I’m sorry you had to hear all of that.”

I think for a second, then I chuckle. “I’ve definitely said way worse to myself, don’t worry. They can say all they want, but I did get absolutely railed tonight, so…”

His shoulders shake under my hands with silent laughter. “Yes, that’s true,” he says after he can take a breath. “I’m surprised you haven’t any questions regarding the articles about you.”

“The ones demanding my release?”

“Yes.”

“Well, isn’t it up to you? It’s not like the cops can come and take me away, right?”

His arms tighten over mine, his leg hiking over my thigh. “No one can take you from me,” he says darkly. “I won’t let them.”

I’m stunned by the intensity of his words. New year, new Thomus, I guess. My fingers start to comb through his hair, which does its job to calm both him and me.

Tonight’s been a big night for us. The whole thing with Rodolphus, the meeting, and let's not forget he more or less admitted to having feelings for me, to caring about me more than he should.

The problem is that I want it so… so bad. The whole thing with Rodolphus could've went much worse if he didn't trust me to handle myself. He went to so much trouble to sneak me in here to be able to kiss me for New Years. He even defended me in front of a roomful of his peers and superiors. Like, how else am I supposed to feel? How am I not supposed to want more when I've been gifted a taste of what I've always wanted? This has to be the universe's form of punishing me.

For now, I kiss his temple and drape my arms over his shoulders to hold him tighter, dreading the day I can't.

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colorsunimaginable · 10 months ago

Text

the spare // chapter sixty-seven // death eater ! tom hiddleston oc x plus size ofc - voldemort wins au

story summary:

*a Voldemort Wins AU with Tom Hiddleston cast as an OC x a plus size protagonist* *takes place in The Auction universe by Lovesbitca8*

words for this chapter: 8k warnings for this chapter: drinking, a wee bit of p in v

CHAPTER MASTERLIST

my lovely beta reader 💕 banner credit @cafekitsune

Chapter Sixty-Seven:

It’s the day after Christmas and I spend it overthinking, worried about this ‘gathering’ at Cliveden. To distract myself, I fiddle around with the new camera Thomus bought me.

And I might have taken a few… dozen pictures of him.

Okay, that might be an exaggeration, but regardless I now have images of him sitting at the kitchen table with a book, typing away at his desk on the typewriter, and even one I convinced him to take with me in the reflection of the bathroom mirror.

“I think I’m… nervous,” I say as we’re getting ready to leave.

Thomus finishes adjusting the collar of his cloak around the collar of his sweater and gives me a curious look. “You likely have more in common with them than I do.”

I shift on my feet, clutching the Tupperware full of cookies tighter. “I highly doubt that. Ever since you told me about this party, all I can think about is the time you spanked me in front of them.” A satisfied smile spreads across his face as he chuckles and pulls a forest green knit scarf from beneath his cloak. “Are we all just supposed to pretend like that never happened?” He steps closer and loops the scarf around my neck, eyes focused on the task. “Are you even listening?”

“Of course.” His eyes snap up to mine as he flips one end of the scarf over my shoulder and the other down my front. “You have nothing to worry about.”

I release a strained groan and fidget with my Ilvermorny Christmas sweater, pulling the hem further down around my hips. “Let’s just go.”

We Apparate straight there and I’m gonna be honest, I have no idea what to expect. The few parties Jacob Astor has hosted that I’ve witnessed have varied wildly. From a super serious Death Eater meeting about human trafficking to dancing with Thomus while high on a lust potion - you never really know. Not to mention, the usual crowd has been an unfortunate audience to my most embarrassing moments in the last six months.

I shudder out of my thoughts while we trek to the large hosting room. The smell hits me first, cinnamon and oranges, and then I register the song playing gently from the corner of the room, Bing Crosby’s White Christmas . An Elf snaps away our outerwear as we approach the open doors.

The room is absolutely decked out . Floating candles light the room, hovering just under the high ceiling. Fake snow drifts down from a dim grey sky, fresh holly on every sconce. In the center of the room against the windows is a massive tree, covered in tinsel and twinkling lights. The grand fireplace is crackling with a delicious smelling fire. We walk closer to the tree, where people are gathered around on couches and chairs, and I can make out what lights the top of the tree... A bright, glowing Deathly Hallows mark.

Well, that’s fucking weird.

I don’t have time to think on it further before Jacob Astor is standing before us. He looks as dashing as ever and not so surprised that I’m not currently blind. He smiles at both Thomus and me, and I wish I could tell if he’s being sincere.

“Glad you guys could make it,” Jake says cheerfully as he shakes Thomus’ hand, but he’s looking at me.

Thomus smiles in return, looking more relaxed than he usually does when we’re out. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

As they exchange a few more pleasantries, my eyes wander beyond Jake, trying to see if there’s any familiar faces. I clock Kyle sitting near Will when Jake says something that recaptures my attention. “I see you had your very own Christmas miracle.”

Thomus’ arm slides around my waist. “Yes, I had some very good luck.”

I don’t miss the double meaning to his words. I wanna remark about how his good luck was really my hard work, but I bite my tongue and force a shy smile as Jake turns to shake my hand as well.

Jake gestures to a food and drinks table set up along a wall. “Help yourselves. I think Will’s trying to start up some drinking games here in a minute.”

I start walking toward the table before Thomus, mostly because I’m eager to exchange this box of cookies for something with alcohol in it. Towards the desert section, I glance back over my shoulder to make sure no one but Thomus is watching me slide trays aside, making enough room for my offering.

Finally with free hands, I scooch next to Thomus standing by the drinks.

“Can I pour you anything?” he asks me.

My eyes scan the bottles, then point to the one I want. “Yeah, can I get orange juice with Malibu?”

He reaches for the white bottle I pointed to and pours a double into the iced glass he’s holding. “Coconut rum?” he questions as he’s reaching for the pitcher of orange liquid.

“It’s my go-to,” I say as I grab a coffee straw, taking the glass and stirring it once it’s full. I take a sip and it’s just right. He’s busy pouring his own glass of whiskey, but I offer him the straw anyway. “Wanna try?”

I briefly pull his eyes away from pouring as he leans down to wrap his lips around the straw. There’s just something about seeing his jaw flex like that that has me pinching myself.

“Well, it’s certainly a combination of flavors,” he says after swallowing.

I snort and forget what I’m about to say when I feel an arm brush my other shoulder. When I see who it is, I relax. “Oh, hi.”

Will’s eyes immediately find the box that doesn’t match the rest of the dishes and nabs one of the bright red cookies. “Oh, hi,” he teases after he takes a bite. His face is sans beard and rocking a stache now. “You guys ready to get trashed?”

“What’re we playing?” I ask, taking a few big pulls of my drink.

“Anything,” Will answers immediately. He pulls out his wand and summons a tray pre-loaded with tiny cauldrons just big enough for shots. A bottle of firewhiskey floats from the collection before us and starts filling the cauldrons. “Got nothin’ but a good time on the agenda.”

“Can we play Thunderstruck?” I ask.

Will beams. “Fuck yeah we can play Thunderstruck.”

As Thomus and I follow Will back to where everyone else is gathered, Thomus leans in. “Should I know what that is?”

I can’t help but smile. “Oh, you’ll find out.”

There’s an empty loveseat Thomus pulls me onto. He tucks his arm around my waist again as he settles back, practically tucking me into his side.

As Will passes out the shot cauldrons, I can finally sneak a peek at who’s actually here. Kyle and Will - and obviously Jake. That Roosevelt guy is here, too, but I forget his first name. There’s a pretty blond woman talking to Jake that I don’t recognize and… oh, that’s it. Small group, I see. Which I will admit I’m glad for.

I take the first shot that Will offers me and I down it immediately before putting it back and grabbing another one. I haven’t really eaten much today, so the alcohol hits my stomach like a warm blast.

“Alright, I wanna make a toast,” Jake announces, standing with his shot held out towards the blond next to him. “Firstly, to my sister, Diana, for the last minute decorating.”

“Well, you obviously weren’t going to do it,” Diana says with a laugh.

“Exactly,” he says. “And then to all of you - for making this past year as successful as it has been.”

For one blissful moment I had allowed myself to forget why I was here, why they’ve had such a successful year. It takes .2 seconds for the anxious pit in my chest to grow twice its size. I’m the first one to finish my shot and then sip heavily on my cocktail to wash the taste down.

“Alright, the first game we’re playing is Thunderstruck, so everyone top off their drinks,” Will says, heading over to where the Christmas music’s playing from.

Since mine is already more than halfway gone, I shoot to my feet to fill it back up. I’m not the first one to the drinks table because Kyle is there ladeling in some kind of fizzing purple punch.

“Want one?” Kyle asks as I glance over my shoulder at Thomus, who briefly looked at me before turning to greet Diana.

“Yes, please,” I reply. “Two actually.”

“This your doing or his?” he asks, his voice low. By this he doesn’t even have to clarify - I just know.

I look up at him and shrug with one shoulder. “Mine.”

“Hmph,” he grunts unhappily. He finishes filling the first glass and then starts the second.

“What, don’t believe me?” I ask, taking a sip of the punch. Elderberry and something that tastes like Aloe juice.

“I believe you,” he says quickly. “Now it’s just my turn to hold up my end of the bargain.”

I sigh heavily. “You haven’t figured out how to get me away from Thomus yet, have you?”

“Well, I have a few ideas, but I don’t think you’re going to like them.”

“Such as?”

Before he can answer, we get called back to the group to start the song. I’m supposed to hide the fact that I have my magic, so with both hands I carefully cradle my half drink plus the two new ones back to the loveseat. Thomus is still chatting with Diana, a conversation I’ve completely tuned out, so I just slide our drinks onto the coffee table in front of us.

“Melisa, can you explain the rules?” Will asks.

I’m a bit taken aback by the use of my whole first name - especially being pronounced correctly - instead of my last. Everyone’s eyes are on me now, so I take a deep breath before spilling the details. “Okay so, we go in a circle and every time the song says ‘thunder’, one person drinks until they say ‘thunder’ again, and then the next person starts and so on and so forth, does that make sense?”

“I’ll start!” Will says before pressing play and jogging over. He comes to sit on the armrest of our loveseat.

The first few thunders come in quick succession, so once Will goes, I go, and then Thomus. The thunders go around the circle a few times before the first long stretch lands on Thomus, who has to finish his whiskey, and with some encouragement, grabs the punch I push towards him. With the circle being small, by the time the song’s over, everyone has finished their drinks.

“Now that we’ve all settled in,” Will jokes, “the next game we’re playing is called Captain.” He sets the music back to Christmas music and turns the volume down to a background level. “Usually, it’s played with a pirate's hat or a sailors hat, but since it’s Christmas - “ he waves his wand and a Santa hat appears on Diana’s head, much to her delight “ - this is what we’ve got. Does everyone know how to play?”

I shake my head, noticing the alcohol has started to loosen my limbs. I’d finished my cocktail during the game and have started on the punch - which I swear keeps refilling itself.

Diana rubs her hands together conspiratorially and leans forward over Thomus to explain. “Whoever has the hat gets to pick someone to do a dare. If they do the dare, then we all take a shot and they get the hat, but if they don’t then they’re out of the game. Last person in the game wins.”

I smile at her. “Please don’t pick me first.”

She laughs. “Don’t worry, I got my eyes on someone else.” She jerks her chin towards Jake, who immediately dons this ‘oh shit’ face. She leans back, crossing her arms with a shit eating grin.

“Why’s it called Captain?” I ask. “Just because of the hat?”

“Whenever someone gets the hat, we’re supposed to say ‘Aye, Aye Captain’,” Thomus explains for me, his face leaning in close.

I immediately giggle. “Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?”

He runs his hand down my thigh and tilts his head in confusion. “What?”

I shift in my seat, getting closer to him so our thighs touch. “Nevermind.”

“Aye, aye Captain!” Roosevelt and Will shout.

Diana taps her chin like she’s still considering. “Hmm, dear brother, what shall I make you do?” Then she grins. “I dare you to take your socks off with your teeth and wear them tucked into your collar for the rest of the game.”

My head quickly swivels to where Jake is sitting to get his reaction and he does not disappoint. His face scrunches up in disgust as he slouches in his seat, already toeing off his nice shoes.

“Hopefully those aren’t the ones you were wearing yesterday,” Will laughs. “Or are they?”

“Shut your trap, Hoffman,” Jake grumbles.

We all wait with baited breath as he grabs his calf to pull his foot closer to his face. He quickly traps the sock between his bared teeth and pulls. It slips off and he does the same to the other one before tucking them both into his collar.

He grins triumphantly and quickly summons house slippers for his bare feet. “Ha!” he says. “Drink up, assholes.”

We all take our drinks as the Santa hat gets transferred to Jake.

“Aye, Aye Captain!” we all shout.

His eyes jump from person to person, and he’s quick to settle on Kyle, who clearly isn’t paying attention.

Kyle’s sole focus is on Thomus, blatantly staring at him with something akin to determination and consideration.

The look quickly disperses as my stare gives Jake’s intention away and Kyle’s expression neutralizes.

“Kyle,” Jake says. “I dare you to serenade the person to your right.”

Kyle sighs dramatically, rubbing his hand down his face. “I’m not nearly drunk enough for this.”

Nevertheless, he swiftly gets down on his knees in front of Diana, a hand clutched over his heart. As he’s clearly about to break out in song, I briefly wonder if he’ll have a decent singing voice, and I find out soon enough as he belts out the easily recognizable first notes to All I Want for Christmas is You . His voice is off-pitch and scratchy, and I genuinely can’t tell if he’s being bad on purpose or not. Everyone starts laughing and I can’t help but join in.

When he gets to the end of the first verse, he takes Diana’s hand and gives the back of it an exaggerated kiss. We give him a round of applause as he takes his seat. Jake gives Kyle the hat while we take our drink for the round.

It doesn’t surprise me that Kyle chooses Thomus, I only worry what he’ll make him do. He’s looking around, trying to come up with an idea until his eyes land on Thomus’ drink in his hand.

“Malfoy, I triple doxy dare you to… finish yours and Alder’s drinks in one go.”

Thomus scoffs. “And here I thought you were going to pick something difficult.” He quickly finishes the rest of his punch in a few gulps before trading glasses with me. “Tada,” he proudly announces after easily downing the rest of mine, then he stands holding our four empty glasses by the rim in one hand. “Drink up.”

As Thomus goes across the room to refill our punch, Kyle leans forward, staring at me intently.

“We need to get him drunk,” he hisses low.

I blink at him in surprise, then jump my gaze first to Thomus’ back and then to the rest of the group. No one seems as surprised as I am. Even Roosevelt, who I overheard someone refer to him as Eric, doesn’t bat an eye. Is everyone in on this plot?

“That’s your plan?” Will asks incredulously.

“It’s the start of one,” Kyle answers. “Get him so drunk he passes out and she can just… leave.”

“Just leave ?” I ask. I look to the windows, searching for that shimmer from the magical barrier from before. “What about -”

“The tattoo doesn’t work here,” Jake quickly adds. “And there aren't any additional wards to trap you here.”

Everyone is looking at me, waiting for my response. My heart has leapt to my throat to block any logistical questions I have before Thomus swoops back into his seat.

“What’s that look for?” Thomus asks me. I quickly snatch the glass he hands me to swallow my thrumming heart back into my chest.

Diana jumps in for my rescue. “I was just telling her about my ex.”

“Oh Merlin,” Thomus groans, slumping back against the loveseat. “It’s not a story about me, is it?”

What? Jesus fuck, these people keep smacking bludgers at me one after another.

I try not to react outwardly to the news that Diana and Thomus used to date, even if this news is just as jarring as the imminent plan for my escape from him. I focus on her, really taking in what she looks like. Extremely tall and willowy with big round hazel eyes and a cupid’s bow mouth. Jealousy flares up inside because I can’t help but compare us. Her thighs combined are the size of just one of mine.

She flips her long dirty blond hair over her shoulder and crosses her legs, perching an elbow on the armrest of her chair. “No, but I ought to, shouldn’t I?”

“Definitely not,” Thomus says, quickly sitting forward with a hand outstretched towards Kyle. “Pass me the hat.” He settles the white faux fur rim of the Santa hat over his dark curls.

“Aye aye, Captain!” they all shout. I’m too anxious and fixate my eyes on my drink, still fizzing on the coffee table in front of me. My mind is racing with all that could potentially happen. Where would I go? How long could I hide? Could I be summoned back because of the tattoo? If the idea is to get me close to Voldemort, wouldn’t fleeing just put a target on my back? I wonder if I’d be able to get a message to Hermione about -

Thomus’ hand brushes down my arm. “Melisa?”

My eyes snap to his, focused on me, and I swallow around nothing. “Yeah? Sorry.”

He gives me a sly smile. “It’s your turn.”

“Alright,” I sigh, making a face. “Lay it on me.”

He takes a deep breath and I expect it to be something genuinely challenging, but in all honesty it’s a bit underwhelming. “I dare you to sing the alphabet… backwards.”

I snort. “Jokes on you because I was taught that in the second grade.”

“Oh, I’m sure,” he grins. “Let’s hear it, then.”

Looking at him, I feel less nervous about making a fool of myself in front of everyone else. So I start to sing, keeping my eyes on him or on his person, because after a few moments the prolonged eye contact makes my face heat.

Even after I’m finished with the letters, I keep going with the end of the song. “ Now we know our ZYXs’, next time we will go to Texas. ”

Will laughs. “Why the fuck are we going to Texas?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. Ask Mr. Morley.”

“Who the fuck is that?”

“My elementary school music teacher,” I reply smoothly. “Now drink the fuck up.”

Jake is the first to finish his drink, so he stands to get a refill. “We should play something else. All our dares suck, no ones gotten out yet.”

“I’ve got a good one,” I say quickly. I’d taken a drink, too, because why not? Who wants to make hard decisions sober?

I pluck the Santa hat off Thomus’ head and slip it over mine. “You ready, Will?”

Will squares his shoulders, facing me dead on, expression serious. “Born ready.”

“I dare you to recite a poem - any poem, but you -” I start to blow a raspberry with my tongue in between every word “- have to talk like this.”

Will snickers. “You got that from Spongebob.”

“So what if I did? You still gotta do it,” I smile. “And I don’t think I heard my ‘aye aye, Captain’.”

Jake and Kyle are the only ones who don’t say it. Kyle is lost in his thoughts if his dead eye stare at his drink is evidence enough, and Jake is too far away at the food and drinks table to care.

It’s hard to keep the grin off my face as Will complies with my dare. “ Mosquito lands on my cheek. I try to slap her, but I just slap me. ” He finishes by standing with a bow.

“That’s it?” Diana protests. “It was so short.”

“It’s a haiku,” Thomus explains. “A type of Japanese poem.”

“Oh, yeah that’s right,” she says. “Do you still work for the Daily Prophet? Or has that taken a backseat for… other things?”

“A bit of both, really,” he sighs. “The Dark Lord hasn’t required much of me lately, so I’ve been helping Barnabas Cuffe with editing. In addition to helping my sister-in-law with the New Year’s Eve Gala she’s hosting.”

“Speaking of,” Jake says, rejoining the group, “why weren’t we invited?” It’s obvious he’s not really offended, just genuinely curious.

Thomus sighs and speaks with a hint of resentment. “Only the Sacred Twenty-Eight and whoever’s crawled up through the Dark Lord’s ranks, I’m afraid. Not even the Lots are allowed to be present.”

“Well, if you’re free, Melisa,” Diana says, speaking to me. “You’re welcome to come to a New Years Eve party here. It would just be us and a few of my girlfriends from Oxford.”

I’m genuinely shocked and flattered that this goddess is inviting me to a party, but I know that this has to be a backup plan for escape if tonight doesn’t go as Kyle wants it. I don’t even get a chance to respond because Thomus puts a possessive hand on my leg, wedging his long fingers into the tight space between my thighs.

“Unfortunately, that’s not possible,” Thomus says, speaking for me with a tone of finality, and doesn’t even bother to explain why.

She peers at us curiously for a moment before realization dawns. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I totally forgot.”

The tray with all our mini shot cauldrons fill back up as Thomus just gives a silent nod of acknowledgement.

We play another couple rounds of Captain before all the drinks finally start to do their job and loosen everyone up. I know I’m starting to feel it, especially when I stand to go find a bathroom.

Thomus insists on accompanying me, especially when I steer towards the bathroom down by the kitchens. He takes me back out to the lobby, showing me where the bathrooms are there. Secretly, I’m glad, because I don’t think I’d be able to make it up and down all those stairs without tripping at least once. I don’t think Thomus would either, based on how many times he bumps into me.

He even follows me into the women’s bathroom, insisting that it doesn’t matter since we’re the only ones in there.

“I didn’t realize how clingy you were,” I tease, saddling my way into one of the stalls to do my business.

He slides into the one next to me. “Oh, poppycock. I’m just being a gentleman and making sure you don’t fall in.”

My laugh is sharp and loud in the echoey bathroom. “That actually happened to me when I was in preschool. The seat wasn’t down so my butt got all wet and I just sat there waiting to be rescued by a teacher.”

I hear his warm chuckle. “How old were you?”

“Four,” I say as I finish and leave the stall to wash my hands. He joins me a moment later, still chuckling to himself. “What?”

He shakes his head absently. “Nothing, you’re just… adorable.”

I snort as I reach for a paper towel. “Right.”

He dries his hands too and quickly reaches for me as I try to pass him to the door. He leans back against the counter, a hand on my hip and one on my cheek, pulling me towards him. I don’t resist and lean into him, our lips quickly meeting. My arms snake around his waist, wanting a hug at the same time, because it strikes me that if I leave tonight… this could be it.

I still have a million doubts and questions that need answered, but right now… right now he wants me and I need to bask in it for as long as I can, while I still have the chance.

I deepen the kiss and I boldly slip one of my hands to the front of his jeans. He’s already semi-hard, but at my touch, he groans and bites my lip.

“You want to do this here?” he asks, his voice husky.

I nod, my other hand coming around to undo his pants and slip my hand inside. “I want you so bad.”

He drags kisses along my jaw and down my neck. “It’ll have to be quick.”

“And hard,” I breathe, practically panting with want already.

Determination in his movements now, he flips us around until my fupa is pressed against the sink counter and he’s grinding against my ass. He moves my hair away from my neck, sensually kissing the soft spot below my ear. Over my sweater his hands slowly grope down from my chest, then my stomach and the fleshy “handles”, as he’s called them before, where my fupa meets my hips.

I push my ass back against him. “I thought you said we had to be quick.”

He bites my neck, wringing a moan from me. “Patience,” he warns.

One hand lets go of my handle and slips underneath to firmly cup the junction between my legs. I sigh heavily and whine, rocking my hips, increasing the pressure on my clit.

“Fuck,” he groans out. Finally he hooks his fingers into my waistband and yanks my pants and undies down to my knees. I push my ass out towards him when he takes a step back to pull his cock out. He moans when his tip pushes through my lips, feeling how wet I am. Then he doesn’t waste a second longer and slides home.

I cry out, biting my lip in an attempt to keep it muffled. I plant my hands on the smooth cold counter and immediately start rocking back and forth, desperately impatient. With a hand on the center of my back, he pushes me forward while snapping his hips to my ass, seamlessly sliding into the pace I’d set. Quick staccato slapping echoes around the room as he thrusts hard and deep. My eyes roll back into my head, hardly aware of the noises I’m making because I’m too busy losing my mind to the pleasure.

He slows all too soon, pulling me back up to attach his mouth to my neck again. My back bends to accommodate him, and while still keeping him buried to the hilt, my chest juts out. He takes advantage of the position and pushes my sweater up until his fingers find the band of my bra and he pushes that up too. My heavy breasts fall into his hands and he groans, pinching my nipples, and fucking into me with slow, but hard thrusts.

My eyes flutter open briefly, a sudden urge to see. He’s fucked me in front of a mirror before, but he hasn’t done it since I’ve gotten my sight back. Admittedly, I have a bit of an out of body experience, looking at what’s happening instead of feeling it. I hate what I look like, of course. Sometimes in my head I look different than I really do and seeing myself in the mirror can be pretty jarring.

But then I look at Thomus’ face. He’s so… wrapped up in me, hands full, mind clearly numb with ecstasy.

I close my eyes again, grimacing, swallowing down the sudden onslaught of longing and loss. It’s probably all the alcohol, but tears fill my vision because I just can’t bear losing this. I quickly blink them away, avoiding looking in the mirror again.

I don’t want to ruin the moment, so I start pushing back against him again, urging him to pick up the pace.

He obliges me for a few moments until he slows to a stop. He’s still panting and holding me against him before he sighs heavily.

“Darling, you feel amazing, but I don’t think I can finish,” he murmurs hesitantly, sounding regretful.

I nod, sniffling. “It’s okay, we can stop.”

He pulls out and I swiftly right myself, pants back over my hips, bra holding what it should, sweater in the right place. It’s only then that I look in the mirror again. Luckily he didn’t bite me too hard, so there’s no hickey to cover up. I just wet my fingers and run them through my hair before flipping it back over. Leaning close to the mirror, I check that my makeup is still good.

“Were you crying?” he asks point blank, staring at me in the mirror.

“No,” I lie, but I feel a river about to gush out of my nose, so I quickly snag a paper towel and blow into it. “I just had to sneeze real bad and didn’t wanna ruin the moment.”

Fully dressed again, he slides a hand down my butt, gripping it appreciatively. “I’d be happy to help you finish,” he suggests.

I shake my head. “No, it’s okay,” I say, forcing a reassuring smile on my face. I rock up onto the balls of my feet to plant a quick kiss on his cheek. “Still scratched that itch and felt amazing.”

He takes my hand, pulling me to the door. “Then let’s get back. Hopefully they won’t give us too much grief for taking so long.” He smirks down at me and winks. Actually winks . It's such a quick thing, but it makes my heart contract in my chest with the need to be wrapped up in him again.

God I’m so fucked.

~*~

As predicted, when we return Will and Jake are quick to wolf whistle. They’re over by the music and Thomus joins them while I sink into his seat next to Diana. My face has got to be as red as my sweater, but Diana doesn’t comment on it. She just hands me a full shot cauldron with an understanding look. Grateful, I take the shot. Getting dicked down sobered me a bit more than I wanted.

Eric is busy scribbling away in a little notebook and next to him is Kyle and his stupid judgmental face.

I ignore him and focus on Diana. “So what did you study at Oxford?”

“I studied Art History,” she says, “but I didn’t get, like, a degree or anything. I just wanted to know a little more about the art I was seeing in the museums here.”

“That’s one thing I haven’t done since I’ve gotten to England,” I say. “I used to love going to museums.”

She tilts her head, looking curious. “Were you meant to stay long?”

I shrug. “I had an internship at the Daily Prophet, which I’d been hoping would lead to a full time position at some point.”

“Oh, so you worked with Thomus then?” she asks. “You knew him… before.”

“No, actually,” I say, reaching over for my punch. “I… He wasn’t around all that much while I was there.”

“What gives with the Deathly Hallows mark on the tree?” Kyle asks out of the blue. “You know it’s just a story, right?”

Diana, who’s clearly much more sober than Kyle is right now, looks at him without mirth. “It’s very real.”

I nod along, knowing all too well the truth behind the Deathly Hallows.

“Grindelwald murdered a lot of our family with the Elder Wand,” Diana continues. “Not to mention, I’ve seen invisibility cloaks with my own eyes.” She grimaces. “And yes, I know what I just said is an oxymoron.”

With another pull of my drink, I feel gutsy enough to ask something that’s been on my mind for a while. I lean closer to her and lower my voice. “So… has your brother… always been… “ I sigh. I feel silly saying ‘on our side’, but how else can I put it? “I don't know, I guess I'm asking about allegiances.”

Kyle gives me an ‘are you serious’ look. “Of course he’s been in on it,” he says, as if it should’ve been obvious.

“The entire time?” I ask skeptically, distinctly remembering how not nice he was when we met the night Montague got beat the fuck up by Thomus.

“He’s playing the long game,” Diana explains. “Jake’s very good at wasting The Great Order’s time.”

Her eyes are on the three men in the corner and I turn to look just as the three of them take a shot. “Does Thomus know?” I ask, my voice low.

“Thomus is under the impression that Jake just has reservations about certain things,” she says.

“Participating without actually participating,” I surmise.

She nods. “Exactly.” Her gaze is drawn to Eric, and she stares at him for a moment before she asks, “What happened to your hand, Eric?”

Eric looks up, seeming to have forgotten where he was. He looks around and finds the three of us looking at him. Then the question seems to sink in and he looks down at his hand. Bandages wrap around his palm and twist up his two middle fingers.

“Oh, I uh, had a bit of an accident a few days ago,” he says. “Working on the…“ He eyes me for a second before looking back at Diana. “On the thing.”

“You don’t have to speak in code,” Kyle says to him. “She can handle a few more secrets.”

I nod in agreement, though really it has nothing to do with how good I am at keeping secrets. I’m just too nosey for my own good.

“Right, sure, yeah,” Eric says. He looks down at his notebook. “I’m having a bit of a timing issue. I think I’ve got the explosive strong enough, but it seems the stronger it gets, the less time I have before it goes off.”

I quickly glance back at Thomus, catching him downing another shot, before turning back and whispering, “You’re building a bomb?”

He nods. “Something powerful enough to break through Anti-Apparition wards.”

My eyes widen. “That’s a thing?”

The corners of his mouth turn up in an amused grin. “I’m definitely trying to make it one.”

“Do you have the recipe?” I ask, a bit eager. “I’ve had a similar issue with magical film developer. I might be able to help.”

“Yeah, here.” He flips through a couple pages until he lands on a spread that’s definitely got more use than the rest, then passes it to me.

As I scan the page, I see that a few of the core ingredients are the same, just how they’re incorporated is slightly different. The measurements are also scaled down for testing purposes.

“If this were to scale, how much willow root would you add?” I ask.

“The entire root, but I chop it up.”

“If you grind it down into a powder and then weigh it, it’s easier to be more precise with the amount you add,” I explain, not looking up from the page. “And you’re not adding nearly enough bursting mushroom powder.”

When I look up, Eric’s head is tilted, his eyes unfocused, his mind clearly running away from him with this new information. “Interesting,” he says.

“Magical film developing potion always implodes on itself. It’s just a fact. But I’ve made it so much that I can time it down to the second it’ll implode,” I explain. “Would you… want me to write the recipe down for you? Then you can compare.”

He blinks back into focus, nodding eagerly. “Yes, please do. Here.” He passes me his pen and I quickly jot down my recipe on the next available page in his book.

By the time I’m done, the music gets turned up, and the three in the corner start making their way over to us. I toss down the rest of my drink before reaching for Thomus’, but Kyle stops me.

“Don’t,” he warns.

I quickly put two and two together. “What did you put in here?” I demand with a hushed voice.

“Relax,” he says, standing. “It’s just something to speed things up.”

Completely oblivious, Thomus plops right down next to me, swinging his arm around my shoulders.

“Is that mine?” he asks, not bothering to wait for my response before he grabs his drink and chugs it. He audibly plonks the glass onto the coffee table and turns to me, grinning mischievously from ear to ear, looking like he has a dirty secret he can’t wait to share with me. I return his smile with a hesitant one of my own.

He leans close to speak in my ear, though he’s not exactly quiet. “Have I told you how beautiful you are?”

My face immediately flushes because everyone heard that. I look around in panic to find everyone staring at us, too. Their expressions aren’t of disgust, though, just surprise.

“Oh my god,” I say, covering my face with my hands. I shoot to my feet. “I need a drink.”

As I speed away, I hear Thomus ask, “What did I say?”

I glance over my shoulder to see Diana covering her mouth in a fit of giggles and Jake shakes his head. “Dude.”

I’m munching on one of my red cookies when Thomus comes up behind me, his hand drifting down my back to settle on my waist. “What’s the matter?” he asks.

“Nothing. You just -” I glance up at him, noting his dilated pupils and flushed cheeks. “I guess I’ve just never seen you so relaxed. Especially around other people. And we’re acting like we’re…” My heart’s thundering in my chest as I force the last few words out. “Like we’re a couple.”

He turns to face me and leans a hip on the table. “You’re right, it is a bit out of our usual routine,” he admits, his expression serious. “I apologize if I’ve made you uncomfortable.”

I sigh and shrug a shoulder. “No more than you usually do.” I put my hand over his where it rests on the table, pushing the tips of my fingers against his knuckles. “And I don’t hate… this, how it feels, you know? It’s just hard to pair it with everything else,” I say. “If that makes sense.”

He nods slowly, looking down at our hands. “This is all new for me, if you can believe it,” he says softly. “I just wanted you to enjoy yourself.”

I bump his hip with mine. “Hey, we fucked in the bathroom. I’d say I'm having a decent time.”

He snickers and leans in to kiss my cheek. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

I don’t know how to respond to that, based on tonight’s agenda, but luckily Will calls us over from a card table Jake summoned to play Exploding Snap.

~*~

A little while later we’re all sitting around the card table. I’ve elected not to play since I don’t have my wand and technically Thomus doesn’t know that they know I have my magic.

Throughout the game, Thomus gets noticeably drunker than everyone else, despite only sipping his drink. During one round while waiting for his turn, I guess all the drinks and whatever Kyle spiked his drink with, finally catch up with him. He passes out with his head propped in one hand and the other loosely clutching his cards.

When they notice, the room goes silent except for the Christmas music still playing. Kyle slowly reaches over and shakes Thomus’ shoulder, making his head fall right onto the table with an ominous thunk that does not match the vibe of McCartney’s Wonderful Christmastime .

I stare at his face, overwhelmingly anxious about his well-being, when an uncharacteristic snore breaks through the silence between songs.

“Finally,” Jake sighs, tossing his cards onto the table and running a hand over his face. “You sure about this, Kyle? There’s no turning back from this.”

Kyle stands, pulling out his wand. “Trust me. This is the only way.’

“What happens now?” I ask.

Kyle moves Thomus’ unconscious form into the air where he hovers with his arms and head dangling.

But he doesn’t answer me.

“ Kyle ,” I press, “what happens now?”

“Now, we put him to bed and by the time he wakes in the morning, you’ll be long gone,” he answers, moving with Thomus towards the stairs on the other side of the room.

I stand too, quickly following him to demand answers. “Where, exactly, will I be?”

“That’s up to you,” he answers casually. “You can probably get away with hiding here in this massive fucking house until he leaves.”

“What, you think he’s just gonna accept that I’m gone?” I ask. “No questions asked?”

“Yeah, we’ll just tell him you must’ve left in the middle of the night or something. What room am I putting him in, Jake?”

We’ve gotten to the stairs and it’s only then I realize everyone has followed us, with Will right behind me.

“Three doors down from the top of the stairs,” Jake answers. “On the left.”

I realize it’s the same room he put us in before and my face heats at the memory of being bound to the wall and fingered within an inch of my life. We get into the room and I rush forward to pull the velvety soft duvet back from the pillows. Kyle gently lowers him and I make sure he’s settled properly to avoid potentially choking on his own vomit in his sleep.

“What now?” I ask, pulling off Thomus’ shoes and tucking his legs under the blankets before pulling up the unfitted sheet to his chest.

“Merlin,” Kyle exclaims. “Will you quit it?”

I cross my arms over my chest. “ No , I won’t,” I say tightly. “We need this figured out before there’s no going back.”

“Fine,” he says, mimicking my stance and leaning against the wall. “What’re you so worried about?”

I take a deep breath, trying to speak calmly. “What makes you so sure he’s not going to find me?”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s literally the Death Eater’s best tracker.”

“He hasn’t found George Weasley,” Will says.

“I’ve no fucking idea how George has managed to avoid getting caught by anyone , given how much of a high profile he has, but there’s no way I could do the same and be close to Voldemort like you want. A missing Lot? The Death Eaters are gonna go apeshit.”

“What about that Lot that escaped early on? Killed her owner and everything,” Kyle says.

“I’m pretty positive she’s straight up left the country,” I say, talking with my hands. “And I don’t think any of us are on board with killing him.”

Kyle nearly rolls his eyes. “I never said we had to kill him,” he says. “You’re here, out of your wards. There’s no need.”

“Okay, well me leaving the country is the exact opposite of what we want,” I say and start to pace. “How long would I be hiding?”

“I don’t know,” Kyle answers, shrugging. “Could be months.”

“Great, so you’re just gonna come get me when it’s time to, what, attack Hogwarts? Do you really think there’s gonna be another fight there? Or are we waiting for him to make an appearance somewhere?”

“I’ve heard he’s pretty reclusive right now, actually,” Will pipes in. “He hardly leaves the school.”

“Great!” I exclaim with fake enthusiasm. “So I’ll just camp out in the Forbidden Forest, then? Take my chances at running into Dementors, Death Eaters, centaurs, fuckin’ giant spiders , for fucks’ sake?”

“Girl’s got a point, Kyle,” Jake says, shoving his hands in his pockets and leaning against the ornate bed post.

“Well, what else is she going to do? She’s useless to The True Order just playing house with a Malfoy,” Kyle says.

“Hey, I’ve done stuff,” I protest. “I’ve passed important notes to the Order, hidden a fugitive right under Thomus’ nose, and it was me who got the word to that safehouse that it was going to be raided.”

“ What ?!” Jake looks at me absolutely stunned. “That was you?”

“Yes! Who else in that room from the meeting would’ve tipped them off?” I ask. “ And I’ve managed to become immune to that scary as shit magic suppression potion. Have you ever taken that shit? It’s utterly terrifying to not have your magic.” I stop my pacing and look around at all of them. “To be completely at the mercy of someone who couldn’t give a shit whether you lived or died? We’ve all been sterilized and raped and branded as property. ”

I pull my left sleeve up, bearing the tattoo and the scars Bellatrix left me. Diana’s visibly horrified and everyone else just looks mildly uncomfortable. “And these are just the scars I’m willing to show you.”

I force myself to calm down, breathing deep in through my nose and out my mouth. “I’m not going to jump headfirst into a plan held together with Spellotape and superglue,” I say after a moment. “Thomus trusts you guys. Aren’t you his best friend, Jake? Are you really gonna break his trust by losing something he obviously has put a lot of time and effort into keeping alive?”

Kyle is glaring hard at the carpet and Jake's intense focus jumps between me and Thomus.

Jake exhales heavily. “She’s right.”

My shoulder’s sag with relief. “Thank you.”

“We have to think of a legitimate way to get you away from him,” Diana says. “Do you think he’d ever… let you go?”

I frown. “Like… set me free?”

She nods. “Then maybe you could get scooped up by another Death Eater or something, someone who works more closely with You-Know-Who or who’d… loan you, I guess.”

I turn around to gaze at Thomus, sleeping soundly, and recall every possessive look or grab he’s given me. “No,” I say softly. “There’s no way he’d let me go willingly.”

Kyle snorts. “Yeah I second that. The asshole nearly slits my throat if I even talk to her when he’s not around.”

“Even if I could convince him somehow,” I say, “it wouldn’t matter what he wanted. I know he’d use the Death Eaters as an excuse. He couldn’t pretend I was gone if someone saw me. The Malfoy’s reputation and the trust the Dark Lord has in them would be put in jeopardy. There’s no way he’d risk the lives of his family.”

“Is there anybody that out ranks him?” Will asks. “Someone who could make that choice for him.”

“I’m not sure, really,” I admit. “I’m sure there is, but I don’t know who. Someone older, like his brother maybe?”

“We just need a reason for them to take you from him,” Jake explains. “Like a change of… ownership.”

“Who, though?” I ask. “And why?”

“Probably best if that’s something for us to figure out,” Kyle says pointedly. “Just in case.”

I sigh heavily and start heading towards the door. “Whatever. All I care about is that it’s legit, okay? Something that’s not gonna get any of us killed.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Will agrees, stepping out of my way. “Where’re you going?”

“To stand outside and pretend that I’m free.”

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