100 | Criminally Chased

                                    

                                          

24th January 
1998.
As we dismount from our broomsticks, we touch down upon the rugged ground, the crunch of gravel beneath our feet breaking the stillness of the night. The air is crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and damp earth, a reminder of the trees and plants that surround this secluded estate. 
Immediately, I take a moment to brush off my beautiful black gown, which features a Queen Anne neckline, as the fabric shimmers subtly under the pale moonlight. The dress, with its intricate lace detailing and flowing silhouette, feels regal and enchanting, perfectly suited for this occasion, even though it felt like a nightmare to fly in such a long dress. 
I also adjust my delicate silver masquerade eye mask that has shifted down my face during our flight, its ornate filigree catching the light as I reposition it. The mask, adorned with tiny crystals that glimmer like stars, adds an air of mystery to my appearance, concealing my identity while enhancing the allure of the night.
Standing my broom upright, I take a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill my lungs. A sudden gust of wind brushes against my exposed neck, causing goosebumps to form on my skin since my hair is gathered in a nice updo, like it always is recently, in response to the Dark Lord's behaviour to constantly lecture me about every little thing possible.
I gaze at the estate that looms before us; it is a grand structure of dark stone and towering spires, standing like a sentinel against the night sky, its windows glowing with a warm, inviting light that contrasts sharply with the chill in the air. 
Ivy clings to the walls, twisting and curling as if trying to reclaim the building for nature, while gargoyles perch ominously on the ledges, reminding me of the ones at Hogwarts, but, only this time, their stone faces are truly frozen in time, and no magic enchants them. 
As I absorb the scene before me, a sense of eager anticipation envelops me, wrapping around me like a silken cloak. This masquerade ball stands apart from others; it is a gathering for Muggles, open to all without the barrier of an entry fee, a rare opportunity for mingling and revelry that transcends the usual constraints of our worlds, well, in my opinion anyway, for the Death Eaters see it much more differently. And although this is a grave mission, excitement seems to pulse with each of my heartbeats. 
All the Death Eaters from the manor are present, a formidable assembly of dark figures cloaked in elegance. The only notable absence is Selwyn, who has been cast aside by the Dark Lord due to his perceived weakness and severe injuries, left to languish behind in the manor like a discarded pawn. 
The rest of us, however, are a striking sight, perfectly dressed in our own black finery; the men have artfully combined their Death Eater robes with tailored suits, creating a look that is both sophisticated and intimidating. Meanwhile, Bellatrix, similar to me, dons a black gown that flows around her like a shadow, accentuating her fierce beauty and wild spirit.
I catch a glimpse of Bellatrix and Rowle exchanging knowing glances, their eyes alight with a dangerous blend of rapture and unmistakable evil intent, as if there is an unspoken bond of malevolence that just ties them together, before they don their full-face masquerade masks which closely resemble their Death Eater masks (serving as a precaution today for the older Death Eaters to avoid recognition by the non-Muggles at the ball). 
To tell the truth, nearly all of the Death Eaters in attendance exhibit eyes brimming with intensity, their gaze glistening in the dim light with a predatory shine that reveals an ingrained thirst for bloodshed and violence. But, Rockwood displays a diminished appetite for such desires, while Malfoy Jr shows no inclination whatsoever. 
All together, we proceed with our broomsticks in hand as our steps gently echo on the gravel pathway, until we arrive at the entrance, framed by oak doors, and that is when a smile immediately brightens my face.