Later that evening, I was in the Slytherin common room, buried in the latest text on dark curses, when Cindy sauntered over, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Adrian," she began, her tone playful, "we're going to Carl Buck's rave tonight. You in?"
I didn't even look up from my book. "Not interested."
Cindy's expression didn't falter. She slid into the seat opposite me, leaning forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Come on, Adrian. It'll be fun. You can't bury yourself in books all the time."
I turned a page, keeping my face impassive. "I said no."
She sighed dramatically, tapping her fingers on the table. "You know, you're starting to sound like an old man. Live a little, yeah?"
I finally looked up, meeting her gaze with a cold stare. "What part of 'no' don't you understand, Cindy?"
Undeterred, she leaned even closer, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Look, it's not just about the party. There's talk that some of the new students might be useful... in our line of work. It's an opportunity to expand our network."
I considered her words for a moment. She wasn't wrong. The party could be a chance to recruit, to gather intel, to solidify our standing. But I wasn't about to let her know she was getting to me.
I leaned back, my eyes narrowing. "Fine," I said, my voice flat. "I'll go. But if this turns out to be a waste of my time, you'll have hard time inviting me to any other party."
Cindy's face lit up with a triumphant smile. "You won't regret it, Adrian. Trust me."
I closed my book with a snap, rising from my seat. "We'll see about that."
As we left the common room, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Parties were distractions, noise and chaos that I had little patience for. But if Cindy was right, if there were potential assets to be gained, it might just be worth the trouble.
We made our way through the winding corridors of Hogwarts, the castle's ancient walls seeming to close in around us. Cindy chatted excitedly about the night's plans, but I barely heard her, my mind already racing with possibilities.
****
When I finally showed up at Carl Buck's rave, the place was already throbbing with loud music and wild energy. The Buck Villa was an opulent mansion, sprawled out with rooms that seemed to go on forever. With Mr. and Mrs. Buck off gallivanting in Africa, their spoiled son had taken full advantage of their absence. The scene was typical: sweaty bodies, flashing lights, and the unmistakable scent of smoke and alcohol hanging thick in the air.
I made my way through the throng of students, scanning the crowd. There, at a table in the corner, sat Cindy. She looked bored, tapping her fingers against her drink, while Chris was a complete mess. His head was down on the table, passed out or near enough, utterly wasted.
I slipped into the seat next to Cindy, ignoring the curious glances from the surrounding partygoers. "Enjoying yourself?" I asked, my tone dripping with sarcasm.
Cindy looked up, a relieved smile spreading across her face. "Adrian, you made it. I was beginning to think you'd bailed."
I shrugged, leaning back in my chair. "You dragged me here. Figured I'd at least see what the fuss was about."
She glanced at Chris, shaking her head. "Idiot couldn't handle his drinks. He's been out for nearly an hour."
I eyed Chris's slumped form, a mixture of disgust and amusement bubbling up inside me. "Typical. Can't say I'm surprised."
Cindy leaned in, her voice low so only I could hear. "So, there are a few people here you should meet. Potential recruits. But with Chris like this, it's a bit of a challenge."
I smirked, scanning the room again. "Leave Chris to his nap. Point them out to me."
She nodded subtly towards a group across the room. "Over there. See the guy in the leather jacket? That's Oliver Parker. He's got a knack for potions. And the girl with the green streak in her hair? That's Ruby Owens. She's sharp, knows her way around hexes."
I sized them up from a distance, already calculating how best to approach. "Alright. I'll handle it."
Before I could move, Cindy grabbed my arm, her grip surprisingly strong. "Adrian, just... try not to scare them off. We need allies, not more enemies."
I raised an eyebrow, amused. "I know what I'm doing, Cindy."
She let go, watching me with a mix of hope and trepidation. "Just remember, we're in this together."
I stood up, smoothing down my shirt, and gave her a cold smile. "Of course. Now, let's get to work."
Making my way through the crowd, I approached Oliver first. The trick was to balance intimidation with a hint of camaraderie, to make them see the benefits of being on my side. As I got closer, I could see he was already half-drunk, but his eyes were sharp, taking in everything around him.
"Oliver, right?" I said, casually slipping into the conversation. "Heard you are or at least wish to be the top dog in the business of potions... the special kind." I Never heard that, just using flattery and now I have fear mongering up my sleeve "But can't because of that new guy they call..."
He looked up, eyes narrowing. "James Fucking Martin"
"Adrian Lanceworth," I introduced smoothly. "I've got a proposition for you."
As I continued talking, laying out my offer, I couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction. Cindy might have dragged me here, but I was the one taking control. This rave, these potential recruits—they were all just pieces on my chessboard, ready to be moved at my command.
And I was more than ready to play the game.
I returned to the table where Cindy sat, leaving Oliver to mull over my proposition. Sliding into the seat next to her, I noted the way her eyes lit up with a mix of mischief and something more dangerous. Chris was still out cold, his snores barely audible over the thumping bass.
"How'd it go?" Cindy asked, her voice low and sultry.
"He's interested," I replied, leaning back and taking a sip from the drink she handed me. "Now we wait."
Cindy's gaze lingered on me, a smirk playing on her lips. "You know, Adrian, there's something different about you."
I raised an eyebrow, giving her a sidelong glance. "Is that so?"
She shifted closer, her hand brushing against my arm. "Yeah. You're not like the others. You've got this... presence. Like you could run this place if you wanted to."
"Maybe I could," I said, my tone casual but my eyes locking onto hers with intensity. "Maybe I already am."
Her laugh was low and throaty, a sound that sent a thrill through the crowded room. "I like that. The idea of you being the new boss. It suits you."
I watched her, my mind already dissecting her motives. "Flattery, Cindy? I thought you were better than that."
She shrugged, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on the table. "Not flattery. Just an observation. You've got the brains, the balls... and let's face it, the charm."
"Charm, huh?" I leaned in, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Is that what this is about?"
Her smile turned wicked. "Maybe. Or maybe I just know a good thing when I see it."
She moved closer, her body almost pressing against mine, her lips near my ear. "You know, there's a lot we could accomplish together. If you're up for it."
I could feel the heat of her breath on my skin, her words a seductive challenge. "And what exactly do you have in mind?"
She pulled back slightly, just enough to look me in the eyes. "Oh, I don't know. Taking over this school, for starters. Making sure everyone knows who's really in charge."
Her hand found mine under the table, her grip firm. "We could be unstoppable, Adrian. You and me."
I held her gaze, the air between us charged with unspoken promises and dark intentions. "Is that so?" I murmured.
"Absolutely," she replied, her voice a husky whisper. "And maybe, just maybe, a bit of fun along the way."
Cindy's hand slipped higher up my thigh, her touch deliberate and teasing. The music pounded around us, but all I could focus on was the dangerous glint in her eyes and the way her lips curved into a predatory smile.
"You know," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the din, "you and I, we could really make some noise together."
Her fingers traced a slow, tantalizing path, sending a jolt of heat through me. "You think so?" I replied, my tone cool and controlled, though my pulse quickened.
"I know so," she whispered, leaning in closer. Her breath was warm against my ear, her words a seductive promise. "With your brains and my... assets, we could rule this place."
Her lips brushed against my neck, a fleeting touch that made me clench my fists under the table. "Is that what you want, Cindy? Power?"
She chuckled softly, her mouth moving down to my collarbone. "Power, control, and a bit of fun. What's the point of ruling if you can't enjoy it?"
Her hand slid further up, and I grabbed her wrist, stopping her. Our eyes met, the challenge clear. "Careful, Cindy," I warned, my voice low and edged with a threat. "You might get more than you bargained for."
Her smile widened, daring me. "I certainly hope so."
With a swift motion, I pulled her onto my lap, her legs straddling me. Her eyes widened with surprise and excitement as I gripped her waist. "You like playing with fire, don't you?" I said, my voice a dangerous whisper.
"Maybe I just want to see you burn," she shot back, grinding against me.
I tightened my grip, my gaze locked on hers. "You're playing a risky game, Cindy. But I like it."
She leaned down, her lips inches from mine. "Then let's make it interesting," she whispered before capturing my mouth in a fierce, demanding kiss.
The kiss was a clash of power and desire, her hands tangling in my hair as mine roamed over her back. We broke apart, breathless, her eyes dark with lust and ambition. "Let's show them what we're made of," she said, her voice a sultry challenge.
I smirked, feeling the thrill of the game. "Oh, we will, Cindy. We definitely will."
Cindy pulled me towards the room next to the bathroom, her grip firm and urgent. "It's vacant," she whispered, her eyes glittering with intent. But just as we were about to slip inside, she glanced back at Chris, slumped over the table.
"Wait," she said, her voice slicing through the noise. "We need to bring Chris."
I raised an eyebrow, but didn't argue. She had a plan, and I was curious to see where this was going. I hoisted Chris over my shoulder with ease, his dead weight barely a challenge. We navigated through the throngs of students, laughter and music masking our purpose.