Snippet #1311357

Five... four... three... two... one...

Lucius smiled as the hour completed itself, the melodic chimes from a nearby grandfather clock heralding Natasha's return.  As the ethereal light from the portkey faded, the dark wizard could see that his assassin had succeeded in her task. 

She stood up, still gripping the boy's arm, and tossed the glass ball at Lucius while holding Dimitri firmly at her side, "Merry Christmas, Lucius." She said with a half a smile, auburn hair curling around her face as she used her free hand to brush sand from her long pale legs.

Smiling, Lucius raised his hand and efortlessly caught the trinket between two spindly fingers.  A wave of his wand transfigured the sphere into an ornate silver key.  "And a happy New Year, no?" he replied as he deposited the key in Natasha's hand.  "West wing, third door on the right.  I believe if you look there you'll find a rather generous holiday bonus.  Unless, of course," he added with a smirk, "you want to help with the interrogations downstairs first."

Without listening for a response, Lucius turned to the little boy, who by now was trembling feom head to toe with fear.  "You must be him," the sinister man sneered, a cruel smile plastered on his face.  "You'll do." 

Sparing no pity on the terrified child, Lucius snatched the bou's wrist and yanked him down the hallway that lead towards the dungeons.