This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by J.K. Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros. Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Hello readers! Welcome to my first LM/NM fic. I read a fic of these two and fell in love with the pairing so much that I had an incredible urge to write one of my own. This is set right after they graduated Hogwarts. I had a lot of fun writing this fic and I hope you enjoy it.
Read & Review!
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"Welcome home, darling." Camellia Malfoy greeted her husband, Lucuis Malfoy.
Lucius answered his wife with a slight nod as he handed his cloak to the House elf and continued toward his private chambers for a bath.
Camellia sighed contently, her husband had finally returned home after being gone for what felt like an eternity to her. He was away on a business tripordered by Lord Voldemort, which was supposed to be finished in less than a week. But as his owls said; there were many complications and it was taking longer than expected. She was devastated by this but understood that Lucius had to work. She didn't press him to return as she wanted; instead she wished him well and reminded him to not forget to wear a cloak, since she heard that the weather in France had worsened. She could not help but smile when she saw Lucius enter the manor. He was wearing a cloak as she had advised him.
Camellia sat in her seat as she waited for Lucius to finish his bath and join her at the dinner table. After receiving his owl, indicating that he was returning home, Camellia quickly made preparations. She supervised the House elves in preparing Lucius' rooms, new clothing, and his favorite dishes were set upon the table.
"You've grown thin." Lucius said as he took his seat.
"I haven't had much of an appetite." Camellia informed him with a warm smile.
"You're paler."
"I've lost reasons to leave the manor."
"Even so, you look stunning."
Camellia's eyes lit up at his compliment.
"Thank you." She said shyly. "You look handsome as well. Are the new robes comfortable?"
One would think that after being together for as long as they did, his wife would learn to stop being shy around him. They were only married for three months, but knew each other ever since he was seven and she was six.
"Yes, they are." Lucius said as he noted with a glance that she hardly touched her plate and her cheeks were red now. He sipped his wine to wash down his meal and took her shaking hand into his. "Are you unwell?" he asked, examining her trembling hand.
"Oh," Camellia gasped at his touch. "It's all right. I'm...nervous. I have not seen you in so long...I've missed you."
"I apologize for my absence and for my behavior as well." he said, kissing her hand, "From now on; I'll make sure I finish my work in a timely manner and tend to you as I should."
Camellia felt her heart race by hearing his words and she blushed. In the last few days before his departure, Lucius had been so cold with her that she feared that he had lost his love for her after being together for so long. Their marriage was arranged for them at a very young age. Over the years they were made to stay together and learn everything they could about their future other half. During their Hogwarts days, Camellia never even spoke to other boys in fear that it would upset Lucius. As for Lucius, he hardly took a second glance at other girls because they simply weren't worth his time. At least that was what she thought.
The rest of dinner continued with an assortment of small talk. One would think that after being separated for two weeks, it would make them have more to say. Lucius made it very clear to his wife that he never wished to speak of the acts his dark lord had ordered him to do. She was to never mention a word of the nature of his "business trip" to anyone. If she was ever asked of Lucius' whereabouts by the wizards and witches at the social functions she was attending; she was to say, "As a wife, it was not my place to venture into Lucius' business dealings." And no one would question her any further.
After they were finished with diner, the couple retired to the master bedroom where they laid together and peacefully enjoyed each other's company.
"What is it?" she curiously inquired, noticing that he was gazing at the faded scar on his arm.
"Nothing," Lucius breathed, "I was just thinking of how sharp your teeth were back then."
Camellia blushed as she giggled, gently she stroked his scar. "You should have asked to borrow Cissy nicely, instead of trying to steal her."
Lucius gazed at the porcelain doll, Cissy, standing on the vanity on the other side of the room. Narcissa or Cissy stood regally on the vanity in her red velvet ballroom gown with gold trimmings and black laces. The doll's stilled blonde curled hair framed her delicate, soft features that were hand crafted by a skilled artist. He recalled being amazed by the small figure the moment he laid eyes on it and was enchanted by the little witch the doll was modeled after. Well, that was until the she bit him.
"You were unladylike." Lucius teased her, taking his eyes from the doll and then glanced at the mark on his arm, "I thought you were going to tear my arm off..."
Camellia smiled as the memories resurfaced. It was through that bloody incident that began their relationship.
"Lucius." she said softly, "there's something you should know."
"What?" Lucius turned to her. By the sound of her voice, he knew that she was upset about something.
"I...I..." Camilla murmured. "I'm thinking of redecorating the guestrooms."
Lucius gazed down at his wife. "Very well." he said, pulling her closer and falling asleep.
Camellia lay in the comfort of her husband's embrace, trying to find the sleep she had lost. During Lucius' absence, Camellia was informed by her family Healer that she was suffering from a heart condition. Fortunately, the ailment was discovered in its early stages. She could be cured of this illness as long as she kept drinking her potion regularly and not exhausted herself. She should be fine.
He needn't know.She told herself. It would only worry him.He was stressed enough from workas it is.
She studied her at husband's face and kissed him. She was over joyed with his return. She thought that after they got married they would spend more time together.
As days went by, Camellia noticed that Lucius was acting cold and impassive to her once again. And once again she dismissed it as stress from his upcoming work. But Camellia knew, deep in her heart that something was wrong, terribly wrong. A feeling of dread was overtaking her thoughts and dreams. It was the same awful feelings she had building inside of her during her parent's cold war in the manor, and it heighten the day before they announced their divorce. She fainted then, and was bedridden for weeks with a high fever. Confined to her bed, Camellia wasn't in attendance to her parent's messy division of their properties. Her mother was considerate enough to not leave the manor until she was well and fit, and not spoken a word of the divorce to her, which Camellia found comforting and was happy to know that her mother loved her and always well.
"He's got a mistress, you know." Bellatrix informed Camellia while they finished their daily brunch.
Bellatrix had been debating over when she would inform her younger sister of this information. After careful consideration and for the good of her own health, Bellatrix decided to tell Camellia after brunch rather than before. She told Camellia after because if she told her before, she would no doubt loss her apatite for the rest of the day by the sight of Camellia's pathetic tear stained face and her feeble attempts to deny her husband's infidelity.
"Who?" Camellia asked.
"Lucius." Bellatrix told her bluntly.
"Pardon me?"
"Lucius Malfoy," Bellatrix lazily repeated, "your husband.He's having an affair with some whore he met in France."
"Are you certain of your accusation?" Camellia inquired.
Camellia denied all rumors of Lucius' adulterous behavior whenever witches she knew came to her with their so-called good intentions. She truly did not believe Lucius would hurt her in such a way. Lucius loves her. He would never do that to her, never. But this was her elder sister...and Bella had never lied to her.
"Yes. Rodolphus told me."
"Rodolphus?" Camellia repeated, slowly sipping her tea.
Bellatrix narrowed her eyes at her sister. The tone Camellia used in saying her husband's name indicated that she thought the idea was preposterous.
"Yes, Rodolphus." Bellatrix stated. "He returned home drunk, babbling about some contest they had - I could barely understand what he was saying - but I got the truth out of him after he sobered up." she grinned.
"What did you do to him?" Camellia blurted out before she could stop herself.
By the growing grin on her face, Camellia knew Bellatrix probably did something horrible to him, but the curiosity was killing her.
"NO! Don't tell me - I - I don't want to know." She said, shaking her head and drinking more of her tea.
"Ohhhh...too bad." Bellatrix teased, "The knowledge would absolutelyaid you in your current situation."
Camellia blushed. "No." She said firmly. "And I am not having a situation as you say. Lucius loves me and he will notdo that to me."
"Suit yourself..."
"The contest." Camellia reminded her. "You said Rodolphus was babbling about a contest."
"Yes, that." Bellatrix said with disinterest, enjoying watching Camellia squirm in her seat. "Are you certain you want me to tell you? Since you are soooo sure of Lucius' faithfulness."
"Yes, I am." Camellia stood her ground, "Stop with your childish behavior and tell me of this false accusationRodolphus is making and I will clear it."
"All right." Bellatrix paused for only a second. "They were having a fucking contest."
Camellia's face flushed as she gasped at the use of such a vulgar term. "Pardon me?"
"A fucking contest." Bellatrix repeated as if she was telling her something of a simple nature, "After the mission - which they finished in the first week they were gone - they got drunk at a pub and somehow they ended up in a brothel - a whorehouse -" she answered Camellia's inquisitive eyes.
"A what?" Camellia, being raised by an over-protective father, never acknowledged such words. It was until Bellatrix told her of their meaning then she would know.
"A place where men or women - go to, to pay to have sex with skilled strangers."
Camellia inwardly cringed. She had more questions for Bellatrix but decided that it was best she remained silent.
"Anyways, the fucking contest began."
Camellia blushed again.
"They were testing who had the most endurance." Bellatrix raised her cup, "Congratulations, Lucius preformed was applauding." She said, sipping her cup and spiting it out when she saw Camellia gashed her chest as she fell off her chair.
"Cissy!" Bellatrix exclaimed, running to her sister's side.
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"YOU'RE DYING AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME!" Bellatrix shouted accusingly at her sister.
"Bellatrix, will you calm down." said Irma Black, their aunt and the family healer, suggested.
"I'm not speaking to you. I'm speaking to my sister." She turned to Camilla. "Cissy!"
"Bella..." Camellia panted, "I...am...not dying..."
"I said there was a slightchance that the illness is fatal, but we can cure her of it." Irma repeated what she had told Bellatrix earlier. "As long as she continues to drink her potion and not exhausted herself. By the way, could you tell me what triggered your illness?"
"I don't remember. Bella?" Camellia turned to her sister. She honestly could not recall anything.
The last thing she remembers was that she was having brunch with Bellatrix. Bellatrix was trying to tell her something but she didn't know what.
Bellatrix was stunned. The truth of her cheating husband shocked her sister enough to make her faint and force her to forget the memory.
"I told her what whorehouses were. In great detail." said Bellatrix.
Irma gasped, "How could you tell her of such - such places?"
Bellatrix shrugged. "What? I told her what fuckmeant -"
Camellia quickly covered her ears in order to prevent herself from hearing Bellatrix speak anymore.
"-and she didn't faint then. Though, she didspit out her pumpkin juice."
"Bellatrix Black!" Irma exclaimed.
"Sorry, auntie, it's Lestrange now." She corrected her, crossing her arms and sticking her nose up.
"You should not have told your sister of those...those places!"
"Why? What are you going to do?" Bellatrix challenged her, "Tell daddy on me? Honesty, one would think you would learn new tricks by now. Then again you were a Ravenclaw."
"Why you little -"
"Stop!" Camellia interrupted the argument. "Aunt Irma, well you please give me and Bella some time alone."
Irma complied with her niece's wish and took her leave, ignoring Bellatrix, who was sticking her tongue out at her. Camellia would have cautioned her about being disrespectful to their elders, but knew that she would keep doing it anyways.
Bellatrix took a deep breath and sat down, then asked her sister ever so nicely, "When did this illness start?"
"Some...time during last week." Camellia replied weakly.
"I see." Bellatrix said, closing her eyes. "Days before the symptoms began to showed, did anything happened? Did you receive anything from anyone?"
"No." Camellia answered and thought it over. "Well…"
"Yes?" Bellatrix curiously inquired.
"Lucius did send me this necklace." Camellia held up the chain around her neck for Bellatrix to see.
Dangling from the chain was a silver heart with the curving of a smaller heart on the top left corner with an arrow cutting through it. Bellatrix held the heart on the palm of her hand and examined it.
"Was there a note attached to it?"
"No." Camellia said, shaking her head.
"Then how did you know it was from Lucius?"
"It was wrapped around his monogrammed handkerchief."
"Let me see."
"Dobby," Camellia called, "would you bring me the black box on the vanity."
Bellatrix examined the box that the House elf presented it to her. She looked at Camellia's necklace then ripped it off her, tossing it inside the box.
Camellia's eyes widened as she rubbed the spot where the necklace snapped off. "Is something wrong?"
"Yes. Something is terribly wrong!" Bellatrix replied, before she stormed out of the room, box in hand.
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"YOU BASTARD!" Bellatrix shouted as slapped Lucius.
Lucius didn't see the witch's hand, but felt its sting. He caught himself before the impact made him fall. Before he was able to ask what the slap was for, he was hit with a curse.
"CRUCIO!" Bellatrix screamed as she pulled her wand out and pointed it at Lucius.
After a few minutes, Bellatrix released him from the curse.
"WHO IS SHE? WHAT'S YOUR WHORE'S NAME! GIVE ME HER NAME!" She demanded, "I'LL KILL YOU! THEN I'LL KILL HER!"
"What is going on?" Camellia asked, entering the study, "Lucius!"
Bellatrix caught Camellia before she could run to her husband's side. "Don't touch him! He doesn't deserve you!"
"Bella...what - what are you -" Camellia fainted before she could finish her sentence and fell to the floor.
"Camellia!" said Bellatrix and Lucius at once.
Lucius tried to reach for his wife but his vengeful sister-in-law roughly pulled Camellia back by the arm and pointed her wand at his neck. She stomped on him for good measures and said.
"Stay away from my sister!"
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"Bella?" Rodolphus said cautiously. He entered the guest room to see what his wife was up to, after a House elf informed him that the mistress was dragging her sister around and throwing her on the bed.
Bellatrix just finished putting the covers over Camellia when she heard her husband's voice. She dashed to the door and slapped him across the face.
"Ouch!" Rodolphus exclaimed, holding his burning cheek, "What was thatfor?"
"Who is she?"
"Who?" Rodolphus asked.
"The whore!"
"What! Love you're the only witch for me!" He quickly said, "All those whores meant nothing! Nothing!"
Bellatrix slapped him once again, "Not any of your lowly whores! Lucius'! Who's the whore he's fucking!"
"Lucius?" Rodolphus repeated for reassurance.
"Yes, Lucius!" Bellatrix said, pulling him by the collar. "Tell me now!"
"I don't know." He told her, honestly.
Bellatrix pulled out her wand.
"I was drunk and passed out! Remember!" He shouted as he cowered on the floor.
"Then we'll just have to makeyou remember." She said, raising her wand.
"RABASTAN!" He said in desperation, "He knows! He's got high tolerance - probably saw her!"
Bellatrix released her husband.
"Guard her while I'm gone. Hex Lucius on sight." She said before she disapparated.
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Lucius groaned as he rose from his bed. After being battered by Bellatrix, he lost consciousness. The House elves took him to his bed room. Fortunately, Irma had not left the manor. She tended to his wounds until he was better.
"You need to rest." Irma told him.
"How long was I asleep?" Lucius asked.
"Almost a week. That was one nasty curse and the beating." Irma huffed. "That girl has always been vicious."
"If only that bitch wasn't Camellia's sister, I swear I would -"
"Excuse me?"
Lucius shut his mouth in consideration of her presence.
"She is a bitch yes but still my niece." Irma reminded him. "But I suppose you have an excuse."
After clearing Lucius of all injuries, Irma returned home. She would come when she was called and did what she had too. She would leave as soon as possible, since she was the type of person who disliked getting involved in other people's marital matters. While he was resting, Dobby informed his master about Severus Snape asking to see him. Lucius allowed him entry, seeing if he could get some information on his missing wife from him.
"What is your purpose for this visit?" Lucius asked.
"You should know." Severus countered.
"That's just it. I don't."
Severus stared at Lucius, "You mean to tell me that you don't know that Bellatrix attacked me a few days ago - like a bitch from hell - demanding to know the names of all the witches you've ever shagged."
"Pardon me, I didn't know. I was bedridden for almost a week, and just recovered recently from said witch's violent attack."
"You think you had it bad. You should have seen what she did to Crabbe and Goyle. They're in St. Mungos as we speak, under intensive care."
Lucius pressed his thin lips together. Bellatrix appeared to be out for vengeance and he had no idea why or what he did to warrant this.
"What did you do to Camellia?" Severus asked.
"Nothing." Lucius answered, his voice tightened. "Why? What have you heard?" He demanded, trying not to sound desperate.
"From the information I gathered, you tried to kill Camellia with a cursed necklace so you could run off and marry your mistress."
"I did no such thing!" Lucius shouted, standing up. "I love her!"
He was furious that anyone would even dare think of such a thing. Yes, he had affairs but he never held any woman above Camellia. She waswife, his best friend, his everything.
"Where is Camellia? I need to speak to her."
"Bellatrix's has her locked in her manor." Severus thought about it for a moment and said, "You should go see her before it is too late."
"What do you mean?"
"The curse can still take effect even though they took it off her."
"Take me to her!"
"Are you insane? Bellatrix will kill you. She will kill me. Someone tried to murder her sister. Do you honestly think she would let this go?"
Lucius didn't listen. He apparated to the gates of Lestrange manor to demand his wife and was greeted with a curse. He dodged it and pulled his wand out. "Where is Camellia?"
"Out." Rabastan answered, "Stupefy!"
Lucius managed to dodge this as well. He could not fight back because the gates of the Lestrange manor were enchanted to reflect anything thrown at it from outside, with twice the force.
"Let me in!"
"Personally, I have nothing against you, Lucius." Rabastan smirked, indicating that him that he was enjoy this, "Bella's orders, 'Hex on sight.'"
"Lucius!" Camellia called, running to the gates, bared foot and with a cloak over her nightdress. "Rabastan! Stop!"
Rabastan ignored the witch and continued to send hexes at Lucius. Camellia grabbed Rabastan arm, but he roughly pulled away from her. It caused her to fall and faint.
"Look what you've done!" Rabastan told Lucius. "Bella's going hex me when she gets back." He picked Camellia up and carried her back to the manor, leaving Lucius outside of the gates.
"Camellia!" Lucius shouted after them.
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Rabastan laid Camellia on the bed. He paused for a moment to admire her beauty. Though she was sick, with her blonde hair untamed and pale skin, Camellia was still a sight to behold. Inching toward her face, he pressed his lips on hers. Camellia picked up vase and him on the head as hard as she could while he was distracted.
"Agh!"
Pushing his unconscious body off her, Camellia grabbed her cloak and made her way to the gates.
"Lucius." Camellia said.
Opening the gates doors, she embraced him and together they apparated home.
"I thought I was never going to see you again." Lucius muttered, kissing Camellia.
"No...Never..." Camilla said as her vision faded into darkness.
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"How is she?" Lucius asked Irma.
"Better than before."
"Lucius?"
Lucius rushed to Camellia's side and took her hands into his.
"Hold me."
Lucius climbed on to the bed and held her close. Irma left the two alone.
"Cissy...I want Cissy too." Said Camellia.
Having no desire to leave his wife, Lucius summoned a House elf to get the doll for her. Camellia held Cissy in one arm and Lucius in the other.
"I miss you." Camellia said to Cissy. "Please stay." She said to the both of them.
"I and Cissy will always stay with you." he told her softly.
"No." She slowly shook her head. "Stay."
Lucius held Camellia as she fell asleep in his arms. When he discovers who this to her he will personally killed them before Bellatrix even gets a chance. During the next few days, Camellia's health was beginning to show signs of improvement. There was color on her face and there had been no sign of a vengeful Bellatrix attacking the manor.
Camellia lay in bed as Lucius fed her porridge.
"You received a message, mistress." Dobby said as he placed a large envelop on the night stand.
"You can look at it later, after you've finished your breakfast." said Lucius.
Camellia left the envelop where it was. When they were done with breakfast, Lucius went to the closet to find something suitable for Camellia to wear. That was when Camellia remembered the envelop. She picked it up and opened it. Her blue eyes widen as she stared at the moving aviators in the photo.
"Camellia." Lucius turned to find her asleep again.
Letting her sleep, Lucius placed the dress back in the closet and went to his wife. On the bed, he found a pile of photos of himself and the rest of the Death Eaters at the brothel. Lucius slowly stepped back and stared in horror at Camellia's still form.
"Camellia?"
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The funeral consisted of wizards and witches, whispering gossiping about the true cause of Camellia Malfoy's death. It was a scandalous affair, rumors were spreading that Lucius killed her himself, others said he did it with his mistress, and others said she committed suicide because she had enough of his infidelity.
Lucius shut everything out as he stared down at his deceased wife. She's not dead...He kept telling himself, hoping this was all a bed dream. Married for less than a year, barely four months and he was a widower already. Lucius sighed as he thought back to thatmorning. He searched through his mind, trying to figure out who could have done this and only one name appeared in his mind. He kissed Camellia's head and went to see someone.
"Lucius!" The witch skipped across the room and embraced the wizard. "I missed you, love!" she said, showering him with kisses.
"Rachael." Lucius replied coldly.
Rachael Blanc was a witch Lucius met in France. He was quite taken with her and stayed in France with her for an extra week because there was something about her that stroke his interest. It was her warm smile that drew him to her. She had the same smile as Camellia and other distinctive similarities.
Rachael pulled away from him, her dark brown hair bouncing over her shoulders as her large blue eyes stared at him. He was stiff and impassive, not like the lively Lucius she knew.
"Lucius! What's the matter? Has something happened?" She asked.
"Yes." he said tightly, "Camellia is dead."
Rachael gasped. "Oh my! She was so young! But she did have poor health and -"
"It is you isn't it?" Lucius stated, bracing her shoulders, he pushed her against the wall and asked, "Why?"
"I - I don't know what you're talking about." Rachael stuttered.
"You sent her that cursed necklace, didn't you?"
"No I -"
"Don't deny it!" Lucius roared.
"It was the only way we could be together! That little prune was -"
Lucius slapped her before she could finish her sentence.
"Don't ever speak of my wifethat way!" Lucius said, coldly, as he drew out his wand.
After he took care of herLucius returned to his room and went in his bed. He took Camellia and laid her on his chest, holding Cissy in his other arm, while he stroked Camellia's blonde hair and breathed in her sent.
Lucius was ripped out of his thoughts when he saw Camellia walking through the path to the garden.
"Camellia." he whispered, about to follow her when he felt the end of a wand pressed on his neck.
"Murderer!" Bellatrix screamed. "Avada Keda -"
"Bella!" Andromeda shouted, grabbing her sister's arm and tried to pull her wand from her.
"Let go! HE KILLED HER! HIM AND HIS WHORE!"
The witches fell on to the ground and rolled on the grass.
Lucius didn't pay the sisters any attention. He was busy staring at the gardens, trying to find a trace of Camellia.
Not anymore. He thought bitterly.
Many times, now, he would see illusions of her. She would be walking in the gardens, sitting beside him at dinner, smiling at him, and telling him she loves him. He would reach out to touch her but she would disappear.
Lucius placed his hand on Camellia grave stone, and felt the smooth corners. In his arms he held Cissy, pressing her face on his chest. He did not want her to see what he had done to her mistress or she'll hate him too. He would have left her in his room, but at this moment he needed her more than ever.
"Bella, you'll get thrown in Azkaban!" Andromeda said as she struggled with Bellatrix.
"I don't care! HE KILLED HER!" Bellatrix screamed as she kicked Andromeda off her. "Cissy! Come! Help me kill him!" The dark witch shouted.
Finally noticing the porcelain doll in Lucius' arm, Bellatrix grabbed the doll from him. He managed to keep a hold on of Cissy's leg. He was violently pulled from his thoughts, when he felt the sudden action and held on to the doll as if it was his life line.
"Give her back! She's mine!" Lucius demanded, pulling the doll's leg.
"NO! She's not yours!" Bellatrix sneered, keeping her grip on the doll's arm.
"We're not children anymore. Please, stop." Andromeda pleaded with them.
"Give her back!" Lucius demanded.
"She's not yours!" Bellatrix shouted, "Cissy!" She said to a person behind Lucius.
"Please, return my doll to me."
That voice!
Lucius lost his grip on the doll's leg and slowly turned around.
"Camellia!"