Rodolphus Lestrange

I've never enjoyed parties and I've always despised my social obligations. The Black's Midsummer party is no exception. It's not that I'm awkward or anti-social, it's just that, if I had a choice, I would definitely be somewhere- anywhere -else. Since I don't have a choice, I mingle, almost effortlessly disguising my resentment and networking like I was trained to.

I have a theory that social events are actually bearable if you have someone on your arm suffering along with you. My brother Rabastan is a good example of that, he's currently courting the eldest Black daughter, Bellatrix. Of course, "courting" might not be the most appropriate word. "Stalking" is more accurate, perhaps even "sleeping with." I doubt marriage is in either of their plans despite the matchmaking of her parents and ours.

I dismiss that thought process with a sigh and remind myself of the two areas to avoid: the drink table and the ballroom. Alcohol is much too tempting now and an awkward dance with some utter stranger is never appealing no matter how much I drink.

There isn't much else to do though, so I find myself wandering away from the main group of people and almost aimlessly down another hallway. I find myself in front of the library and decide that must have been a subconscious but deliberate move. The door is slightly open so I see no reason why I can't go in. Just to look around and get away from the party, just for a few minutes.

"Are you hiding too?"

The voice startles me but I keep my expression calm and turn to face its owner. "Not hiding exactly." I clarify. 'Hiding' sounds pathetic. I'm escaping. "Just looking around the library." Now that I certainly sound better, I actually look at the girl.

I've seen her at parties and school before but never actually spoken to her. She seems to be for a younger and less dark version of Bellatrix. Her hair is an almond color instead of her sister's ebony but her eyes are the same grayish black and, at first glance, she could be mistaken for Bellatrix. My observation complete, I verbally identify her, "Andromeda Black."

She giggles softly but nods. "And you're one of the Lestrange boys, aren't you? Rabastan?"

"Rodolphus," I correct firmly. Bastan and I are eleven months apart but everyone thinks we're twins. Anyone who actually gets to know us will see that our alarmingly different personalities should be enough difference despite our similar appearances.

"Sorry," she recoils from my annoyance. "I know how that is, everyone thinks I'm Bella. Anyway, I really am hiding. I'd appreciate if you didn't tell anyone you saw me here. It's around this time everyone gets drunk and so boldly annoying. One of my uncles tired to kiss me at Bella's last birthday party."

My eyes widen in shock despite her matter-of-fact tone. Knowing her family, it shouldn't be a surprise. I don't have a chance to reply though because the library door opens again and Andromeda disappears behind one of the bookcases. I sigh and face the newcomers. Bellatrix is with Rabastan's best friend Antonin Dolohov, side by side so it's not clear who's idea it was to come in here.

"Lestrange!" Bellatrix snaps, spotting me. "Dol and I have been looking everywhere for you… I'm bored!" She steps closer to me and raises her hands. She playfully slaps them against my chest like she thinks her boredom is my fault.

Dolohov sniggers for some unclear reason. Perhaps because she called him Dol? I ignore him and demand, "You think your amusement is my responsibility?" That makes no sense at all. I barely know her outside of the four classes we have together.

Bellatrix giggles. "Entertain me, you always do."

I'm about to protest when Dolohov interjects, "You're drunk, Black."

"Am not," she pouts, grabbing my arm and shaking it demandingly. "Tell him… tell him I'm not drunk, Bastan."

I roll my eyes and tug my arm out of her hold. I don't care that this is her parent's party. I lose patience and snap. "Either you are drunk, Bellatrix, or you're incredibly stupid… I'm Rodolphus."

Bellatrix looks livid at that just for a moment but then her features soften. She smirks like she thinks I'm joking. "Don't be an idiot, Lestrange. I know who you are." Before I can stop her, she leaps forward and forces her lips against mine. I'm in shock so I don't push her away immediately but that contact sobers her up almost immediately anyway.

She steps backward with her eyes and mouth open wide in surprise. "That didn't happen," she manages finally.

"I'm not gonna say a word about it to anyone," I assure her. Saying 'Bellatrix Black got drunk and kissed me because she thought I was my brother' would embarrass me even more than her.

"No. You're not just going to keep it secret, Lestrange." She steps forward again, this time with a threatening expression in her eyes. "It never happened. I can erase it from your memory if you refuse to accept that."

"Fine," I growl resentfully.

"Good. Now where is your darling brother?" The way she giggles makes me doubt her sobriety. I shrug and she asks if I've seen her sister. I glance contemplatively for a moment at the bookcase I know Andromeda's hiding behind before I shake my head. "Tell her I'm looking for her then."

I nod to acknowledge the order then turn away. I glance over a few titles on the bookshelf, waiting for her and Dolohov to leave. When they finally do, I shake my head in disapproval and sigh, "Unbelievable!"

(A/N: I think I like this version of Rod better than my others. Notice the nicknames, it's important when they start using them. It'll take a few chapters to get moving but I think you'll like what I have planned. Bella fans, I apologize for that horrible first impression. You'll see why it was necessary later. REVIEWS?)