A foul aggression beset the Malfoy couple. They glowered across from one another, separated by the ebony surface of their dining room table. Tension only built as they slowly picked at their meal, and it did not go without notice. It's heaviness of energy was even dwelling, in the parlor, where Bellatrix sat. And it seeped out from the dining room nearby.
No amount of firewhiskey could drown her out from it. The woman cringed in the leather chair, eyes set upon the roaring fireplace. Bellatrix was not impressed. Her knuckles clenched onto the glass in her hand. She was growing exhausted of hearing her sorry excuse of a brother in law shout and complain about her dear sister. Everything was heard crystal clear - the couple hadn't even considered a silencing charm this time while they fought.
On the edge of their hostility, baby Draco's cry grew louder, wailing throughout the great and hallow space. The startle caused a grating disturbance, which had Narcissa's nerves tense. She was quick to push out from the table and respond to her child. Drooling and weepy he demanded to be held at once.
"Oh, Draco. Hush now. Shush shush." She rocked gently in place, lulling him calm. Then, she caught sight of Lucius once again. He shoved another spoonful of soup into his mouth, holding his head tilt high up, like an irking bother was below him. "Narcissa I think the boy has had enough. Take him out now, would you?" He asked.
A sigh arose from Narcissa, and she argued, "He's your son too, Lucius, It's not like I'm the only parent in Draco's life."
Her husband was not pleased. His eyes bore into her with a scorning hold.
Nothing else was said before Narcissa was treading away from the scene. She sniffled, a dry sound, quiet enough so Lucius wouldn't hear. Her son was curled, rest against her chest and listening to the even drum of her heartbeat.
The opportunity of loneliness was taken at once. Lucius gathered himself together, along with his belongings. Tonight he'd need somewhere else to stay, and The Three Broomsticks would have to suffice. He disapparated with a crack. The maneuver left his robes unkept, he searched both pockets only to find himself without a wand. Weighing out chance it was decided he wouldn't need it; not here at least. This was his haven; it was the place he was promised to be waited upon with a smile. The man pushed through the doors with ease and a taught young woman ushered him in. Seating the man to a secluded bit away from commotion. "Firewhisky, would you bring me a bottle, Miss?" He ordered, coolly.
Meanwhile, in the den Narcissa rocked back and forth, hushing quietly to Draco while he toyed easily with locks of her hair. The two looked peaceful as ever, craning against each other. She kissed at his forehead, lips pressed soft against him.
Bella watched her rock the baby from the door. Head tilted to rest against the wooden frame. She watched with comfort in the sight of them dancing to the crackling fire. The witch couldn't help smiling. She plopped herself down aside Narcissa and Draco. Fingers dully traced the hem of her skirt.
"I haven't seen you like this in awhile, Cissy," Bellatrix said.
Narcissa's blank expression smoothed into one, more recognizable. "I haven't felt like this in awhile." She said.
Bellatrix nodded, and stepped one full stride closer.
Narcissa eyed her sister carefully in the warm fire-lit space. And then, she continued, "I love him, Bella. . .He's my husband. I love him."
Bellatrix eyes glanced upward in her annoyance. And she lazed her head into the palm of her hands. "Unfortunately," she groaned.
"Please don't do this now. . .Not now." Narcissa spoke.
"He doesn't deserve you, Cissy." Bellatrix sighed.
Then, the madam Malfoy scorned. "Who's to say what I deserve? You know I can see the matter clear for myself."
"And that gives you all the more reason to leave," Bellatrix stated.
Narcissa bit sharp, manicured nails into the flesh of her palms. "My relationship with him has nothing to do with you."
"Really now?" Bellatrix laughed with hysteria. "It has nothing to do with me?" She raised her head up, stiff. "This whole situation only involves two people? I'm stuck listening to everything you two shout, but it has nothing to do with me, really? Oh pity. My mistake."
Her grasp loosened. She couldn't find it in herself to look at her sister now. "I'm sorry. It wasn't meant to be like this."
Bellatrix shook her head. "Cissy, When is this ever going to end..."
Narcissa collapsed, falling full weight into the sofa. "He and I are married," she stated firm. "Understand this now, I can't just leave him. It's not that easy."
There was an unnerving silence when neither had a word to say. Bellatrix stood from her seat, and turned in Narcissa's direction. "Yeah?" She asked, cold, questioning. "What's stopping you?"
"What's stopping me?" Narcissa's grating voice churned. She didn't respond clear, only hugged her son close and wiped tears away.
Bellatrix raised a brow with curiosity. And Narcissa shrugged her aside. "I think it's time I put Draco to bed now."
"Just think about what I've said," She stood, heedful of her manner, and brushed past Narcissa. "My dearest, Cissy. Just think about what I've said."
Narcissa paused a moment with a look that was far away. She nodded her head stiffly. Almost a sad gesture.
Bellatrix combed a strand of platinum out of Narcissa's face. And kissed soft at her cheek. "You need some rest."
Now, she stood alone.
Something had to be done. She couldn't let her baby sister rest unsettled in such a marriage. It seemed ridiculous. And left her with a feeling, cringe-worthy.
She slipped her cloak over her body, and threw the hood in place. Her dagger tucked with ease into the side of one boot, ready for combat. Then, with a crack she dissaperated, intent on meeting up with a certain lowly wizard. Lucius was one of the most predictable of all, which truly made him an easy target. Out for a drink, alone. And after dinner. There's not wonder Bellatrix could find him so instantly.
Under the hood of her cloak, eyes dark as night bore into him. He cowered. Steps coincided backward as Bellatrix threatened into him. But then he made an effort to look gathered and held himself strong. His balance halted Bellatrix in place. She poked a long finger at his chest and sneered hatred, biting her teeth together.
"You're pathetic, Lucius." His brows raised, unexpected. But this behavior was known of the witch. Bellatrix was notorious.
He grasped tight at her arms to hold her away from reach. And chuckled. "You're causing a scene, Bella."
"I don't care if I'm causing a bloody scene!" Bellatrix growled. She forced him off and leered at his smug grin.
This only caused him to draw together his wit. He looked down upon her as he was taller. "Neither do I, if we're being honest. I find it entertaining."
"Are you trying to provoke me?" She breathed.
He merely shook his head. "I really don't need to try."
"Let's not forget you have that golden reputation to uphold."
Lucius didn't deny this, nor did he confirm. Instead his grin slowly faded. He reached one arm out to Bellatrix. "I think it's about time we have a little talk."
She continued to throw daggers with both eyes.
His free hand extended for the goblet beside him. "Outside." Lucius said, collectively. Bellatrix heaved a breath, and the two began to walk outside.
Nothing about the scene was delicate. Wind howled and cried torturous sounds over the Three Broomsticks. Both Lucius and Bellatrix felt it's chill. It formed around their bodies inches apart.
He glowered above the witch, edged into a cool facade. "You've never been particularly fond of me."
Bellatrix smirked amusement at this. And began to laugh. "That's an understatement. The day you were married to my sister I began to loathe you." She circled Lucius with her wand held tight in grasp. She jabbed the tip at his shoulder-blade and held it there still. Except for the low grunt his voice gave, he barely reacted.