Disclaimer: Harry Potter is the creation of J.K. Rowling, not mine.
Summary: They had destroyed his Bella.
Author's notes: Written in early August, for doujinshi Parental Guidance, vol. 6. Dedicated to the Lucius and Bellatrix in the Order of Phoenix film, because they're awesome :D
Shadow
by monitor screen
-o-
He looked down at the pitiable form at his feet, at the hesitate smile on macabre features, and could not stop the rush of nostalgia coming forth.
Bella had changed. Not in terms of her devotedness to him; he would never doubt that in a thousand years. But Azkaban had changed her.
Gone was the girl robust and free, with stars in her eyes and a shine in her signature Black hair. Her cheeks now hollowed, her figure wasted; no amount of poise could hide the skittishness years with Dementors brought.
They had destroyed his Bella. His eager, enthusiastic little Bella. There was a driven craze in her now, a pain in her slow grins. His Bella was brave, to plough on despite everything happened to her. But he had heard her anguish in the nights, seen her shaking wrist by day. He knew she was not the same.
That was why he liked setting her with Lucius. Free of charge, Lucius had preciously not changed over the years. It was a rare treat and a relish to see Lucius prancing around in his customary haughtiness. And at Lucius's side, Bella was almost her old self again.
They worked well together. Lucius would never let Bella go too far, and Bella would not mind doing what Lucius was too self-conscious to. It was like that New Year's Ball, over two decades ago, when the two of them had danced together. Graceful and radiant, the pride of the Malfoys and Blacks had been the epitome of what magical purity represented.
Lucius was still the very prime of wizards; but Bella's glory had diminished. He knew she liked to pretend otherwise, and had indulged her on many occasions. But even his dear Bella could not be allowed out of line. Discipline was crucial.
He tossed her one last Crucio, and left her to Lucius. Perhaps, the next time he saw Bella, everything would be alright again.
-o-