Chapter 2
The pale, winter sun was shining in the morning whilst frost had settled on the ground over night. Bellatrix opened her eyes and turned around in Rodolphus' arms so she was facing him. He looks so peaceful, she thought, and ever so carefully, she started to run her fingers softly over his face until she caught sight of the smile he was wearing. She withdrew her hand only for him to catch it in his and he pulled her closer where he gently kissed her forehead. Everything seemed so perfect, so right whilst lying there heart to heart but they both knew the struggle which was ahead of them. For today, they were going to ask their worst enemies for protection even though it could cost them their lives.
Eventually they both got up and dressed and then they made their way downstairs. The small table in the lounge had been set up for breakfast and they sat down. After a while of sitting in silence, Rodolphus finally spoke.
"Are you ok, Bell?" Such a small question seemed so hard for Bella to answer and yet she knew exactly how she felt.
"I'm fine, sort of" she replied whilst the house elves placed a wide range of food on the table. Suddenly, Bella didn't feel like eating anymore. She slowly ate an apple whilst Rodolphus had toast but neither of them spoke. They both had a thousand questions but they didn't want to ask the other in fear of worrying them.
Once breakfast was over, they decided it was time to go. They knew it would be dangerous flooing straight to Dumbledore's office but they had no other choice really. Bella could feel the butterflies going crazy in her stomach so Rodolphus, sensing her worry, went first. He stood in the fireplace and Bella watched has he disappeared. Slowly Bella stood in the fireplace and followed her husband to the last place on earth she really wanted to be.
Bella opened her eyes to find herself in the bright room which she recognised as the headmaster's office. The next thing she saw was Dumbledore and a teenage boy both pointing their wands at her and Rodolphus, who put his hand out for her to take. Rodolphus took her wand from her hand and dropped it on the floor along with his to prove they meant no harm.
"I'll kill you! I'll kill you for killing Sirius!" Bellatrix then realised who the teenager was. Of all the people who could have been in the office with Dumbledore, he had Harry Potter! Potter took a few steps forwards whilst Rodolphus held back a struggling Bellatrix who was trying to leave.
"Look, please, put down your wands down and hear what we've got to say! Please, I'm begging you!" Rodolphus said over all the shouting from Potter about how Bella was evil and Bella's screams of wanting to go. Dumbledore, who had been silent, put his hand up which caused both Potter and Bella to stop. He then turned and said to Rodolphus,
"Why have you come here? You know the danger so what is your reason for coming to me?" Potter, angrily turned away from them and looked out the window, Bella turned and buried herself in Rodolphus' arms, who gently held her whilst replying.
"I know what you think of us but you have to understand. We have made so many mistakes in our lives, the biggest was joining the Dark Lord, and we see that now. We are so sorry for everything wrong we have ever done but please, give us the chance to turn it all around. We wish to leave the Dark Lord but we can't do that without protection and we hope you will find it in your hearts to give us the chance to do what's right." Rodolphus spoke calmly and Dumbledore could see that he was telling the truth. Harry, however, did not believe any of it.
"She killed my godfather! Neville's parents! And thousands of others have suffered at her hands and I want revenge!" Dumbledore put a hand on his shoulder when he looked as if he was about to go forwards. Bellatrix turned in Rodolphus' arms to face Harry.
"I never meant to kill Sirius, Potter! I stunned him and didn't mean for him to fall through the veil but I couldn't stop it! Look, we aren't going to become the best of people over night but we can't go back to the Dark Lord. Please! "Bella begged whilst Rodolphus kept a firm grip on her arm so she didn't do anything she would regret. Harry was silent but he continued to glare. The glare only got stronger with what Dumbledore said next.
"I can see you are telling in the truth and it would be wrong of me to turn you away. I understand the risks which you have taken to come to me and I will offer you the protection you ask for. But please know, the minute you disobey the trust which I am giving you, the protection will be taken away." Bellatrix stood in shock, hardly believing what she had just heard whilst Rodolphus smiled, gratefully.
"Thank you so much! I promise we will not let you down" Rodolphus thanked and Bella finally managed a smile. Dumbledore nodded gently before handing Rodolphus a piece of paper and saying,
"On the piece of paper is the address to the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters which I am sure you will both be familiar with. Go home and pack all the essential belongings you will need and come to the headquarters tomorrow night at 7:00. Do not tell anybody what you are doing and once you know the address burn the piece of paper." Rodolphus and Bellatrix nodded to show they understood whilst Harry, who had by then had enough, stormed out of the office. Dumbledore watched Harry go before saying goodnight to Rodolphus and Bellatrix who thanked him and returned to their manor.
