Disclaimer: I do not own Shakespeare's works or 10 Things I Hate About You. Please don't sue me, blah blah blah.
AN: Usually I have Author Notes at the end of a chapter, but it's also in the front this time because I feel the need to apologize for my long absence. I went on holiday in Taiwan so was unable to access a computer and post. But never fear! I have returned and shall serve my apology with a brand new chapter.
Chapter Three:
The note card fluttered to the floor. Bellatrix swiped it up again quickly, hoping no one had noticed. After a day of contemplating, it had become creased beyond repair. She closed her eyes and sighed. There was no delaying the truth. She reached for the paper and ink. Suddenly, the common room door swung open and Narcissa stepped inside. All eyes swiveled to her before politely swiveling back again. Bellatrix tapped her quill against her chin before her younger sister bounced into the empty seat beside her.
"So, big sis, how are things going for you?"
Bellatrix didn't bother looking at her. "It's the same as usual."
Narcissa raised her eyebrows and opened her mouth to say something. However, before she could utter a sound, the door swung open once more, revealing Evan Rosier. Narcissa seemed to have forgotten what she was about to say as she gazed dreamily towards the handsome boy weaving his way towards her. "Narcissa, how lovely that Fate allowed us to meet here today!" Narcissa blushed faintly and looked away. Their moment was sharply interrupted by an annoyed voice.
"It's the Slytherin common room, Rosier. Seeing as we are all Slytherins, I don't find it especially surprising that you would find her here."
Evan switched his gaze to the dark figure scribbling slowly onto a yellowed piece of parchment. "It's good to see you too, Bellatrix."
Bellatrix snorted. "Rosier, I see you everyday. We're in mostly the same classes."
At this point, Narcissa nudged her sister urgently. "Bella! Stop acting so rude!"
Unconcerned, Bellatrix continued scribbling on her parchment. Evan looked slightly irritated. Turning to Narcissa, he fixed a roguish smile on his face. "Well, Narcissa, I'll see you around." Narcissa nodded painfully at him, waiting for him to retreat before whirling around to glare at her sister. "Bella! Just what were you doing? Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was?" At this, Bellatrix finally stopped her writing and faced her sister. A serious expression crossed her visage.
"Cissy, stay away from Evan Rosier. Trust me, he's bad news."
Narcissa sniffed and tossed her golden head. "He's a perfectly nice boy, Bella. He's handsome, and charming, and rich, and of noble blood. What more could you ask for?" Bellatrix gently reached out and grasped Narcissa's hands with her own. "Cissy, that's just what's on the outside. He seems that way with all his conquests. You're too naïve. You don't know half of what he's like. Please, stay away from him. I'm trying to protect you."
Narcissa shook away Bellatrix's hands and stood up angrily. "What right do you have to want to protect me? You're not Mother! Mother died ages ago! Anyway, even if I really liked someone, I couldn't date them anyway! It's all your fault! Yours and Father's and that stupid rule about you dating first! Look at you! Look at the disgusting way you dress and your disgusting hair! Who in their right mind would want you?"
The common room was silent, every pair of eyes unmoving from the sisters. Bellatrix gracefully gathered her things and made to leave. Narcissa seemed to realize how far she'd gone. "Bella. Bella, please. Bella, I'm sorry. Don't go. I'm sorry! I was just really angry and-" She clutched at Bellatrix's sleeve, trails of tears trickling down her cheeks. Bellatrix pulled away and strode towards the dorms, leaving her sister crying softly by herself beside the fire.
(o) - O - (o)
"Severus! Severus! Wait up!"
Severus turned around to see his best friend panting heavily and supporting himself against the side of the building. He sighed and walked over. "What happened now, Lucius? You look like you've just ran a mile." Lucius lowered himself to the ground carefully. "You walk surprisingly fast for your stature."
Severus grinned. "Most people think so too." Looking around, he faced his friend again. "What is it now? Can we please go to the common room first instead of loitering here? You look rather bizarre. Besides, it's not extremely clean here." Lucius nodded and allowed Severus to pull him to his feet. "Severus, I tell you, so many things have happened to me today. I'm still reeling from it all."
"Well, why don't you stay quiet until we reach the common room. I don't feel like multitasking much right now."
Used to his cold barbed jabs, Lucius overlooked Severus' rudeness. They stopped in front of the common room and pushed open the door. Inside, it was eerily quiet. Most people seemed almost… scared to talk. Curiosity overwhelming him, Lucius approached a nearby first-year and asked him. "Excuse me, but what happened here exactly?" The first-year gave him a quick glance. "There's been some drama going on today. Narcissa Black had a bit of a disagreement with her sister over Evan Rosier. Anyway, now Bellatrix has taken to her room. We're afraid she might be angry so no one dares make loud sounds in case she unleashes her fury."
Behind him, Severus snickered softly. Lucius turned to look at him. Immediately, Severus stifled his laughter. "Nothing, nothing."
They strode over to some available seats and propped themselves upon them. "So, Lucy" said Severus. Lucius flinched at the girly abbreviation of his name. "Severus, please don't call me that." Ignoring him, Severus continued. "You said you encountered many exploits today. Care to share them?" Lucius leaned back in his chair, enjoying the warmth of the fire spreading through his body.
"Well, first of all, I bunked a class just to wait for Narcissa Black." Severus coughed. "You bunked a class just for a girl?" Nodding miserably, Lucius continued. "At least something came out of it. I caught up with Narcissa as she came out of her class. I think I made an impression."
"Please tell me it was because you were irresistibly charming and not because she thought you acted like a toad."
"Actually, I'm not sure. I didn't act too pathetic, but I can't say I was oozing charisma. All the same, I managed to extract a meeting from her. She said to meet her at the start of lunch tomorrow. I only have five minutes."
Severus patted his shoulder. "Well, it wasn't too bad. I'm sure you could have done much worse."
"There's more. After that, I got lost."
Severus gave him a look. "Sometimes I don't know why I retain your acquaintance."
"It was an accident! Hogwarts is really big and you know I just got here."
Reluctantly, Severus let it go.
"Well, I ran into Rodolphus Lestrange."
At this, Severus' eyes expanded slightly. "Rodolphus Lestrange? THE Rodolphus Lestrange? What happened?"
"I knocked over a pyramid of books he was building… But are you sure all those rumors about him are true? I mean, I thought he was pretty nice."
Severus spluttered. "NICE? Believe me, Rodolphus is far from nice."
(o) - O - (o)
Dear Father,
All is well here. I am upholding our beliefs with honor and am making you proud. School is coming along splendidly. Apart from a rather big-headed professor by the name of Vervara, I am enjoying my classes. Andromeda seems the same as usual. I don't worry about her much. It's Narcissa I'm concerned about.
She seems to be spending a large amount of time with Evan Rosier. I trust you have not forgotten that name. I attempted to warn her, but she grew quite agitated. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to talk to her.
I also have some important news for you. A few days prior, I received a note card. If you do not know the significance of this, let me inform you. This is a personal invitation from the Dark Lord to join his league of loyal followers. It is a true privilege and I would be proud to partake in this worthy cause. I have considered it quite carefully and am sure this is what I want. I just hope you can wish me happiness and understand.
I'm looking forward to receiving your reply.
Your daughter,
Bellatrix Black.
Bellatrix scanned the letter carefully, checking that the handwriting was adequate and there were no errors. Satisfied with her findings, she attached it to the owl's leg and bade him farewell. Then, she gathered her cloak and stepped carefully down from the owlery. The steps were slightly slippery and she found a fear of tripping in an ungainly fashion. As she neared the bottom, she relaxed. But she relaxed too soon, because before she knew it, she was sliding against the slick steps. Bracing herself, she closed her eyes tightly. But when she opened her eyes, she was not sprawled painfully against the floor, but caught just in time in a pair of arms.
Realizing her predicament, Bellatrix quickly stood up and brushed herself off, turning to thank her savior. But she turned around to meet the eyes of a smirking Rodolphus Lestrange.
"Well, Black. It looks like I just saved you from a horrible injury. How are you to thank me?"
Bellatrix huffed. "Ingrates like you deserve no thanks. However, because I am a noble lady that recognizes manners, thank you. Now, kindly excuse me."
As she swirled her way out of the dimly lit corridor, Rodolphus Lestrange stared after her, a small smile flickering on his face.
(o) - O - (o)
The lunch bell rang and as per usual, the students all scrambled out of the classrooms as if their lives depended on it. Normally, Lucius would wait quietly until the crowds had dispersed somewhat, but today was different. He had only five minutes to get to the library before Narcissa withdrew his chance. He lunged for his bag. His things were packed and ready long ago. Like lightning, he was raced out the door and along the corridors. Panting, he glanced at his watch. There were still two minutes to spare. He smiled and shot through the library doors triumphantly. However, he was only rewarded with Madam Pince, the grouchy librarian, glaring at him disapprovingly and shushing him.
He mumbled his apologies and scanned the library for any sight of Narcissa's golden locks. After thoroughly combing the whole revenue, he admitted to himself that she had not yet arrived. However, she was already eight minutes late. Calming himself down a bit, he settled into a chair to wait.
Twenty minutes later, there was still no sign of Narcissa and Lucius was beginning to feel hungry. A small rumble from his stomach attracted another glare from Madam Pince. He bowed his head, patting his stomach and still searching for a certain Miss Black. Slowly, the wear of yesterday was catching up with him. As hard as he tried to resist it, Lucius felt his eyes drifting shut.
BRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!
Lucius fell off the chair. The bell had rang and students were fleeing once more to their next classes. Blearily, Lucius rubbed his eyes and sat up, blinking away the slumber from his mind. Then, it registered. Narcissa Black had just stood him up. A strong anger was now spiraling inside him. Who did this girl think she was? He was a Malfoy! He had given up much of his pride for her! How dare she just walk all over him! Reenergized, Lucius snatched up his bag and stormed purposefully through the library doors, intent on finding Miss Black and giving her a piece of his mind.
He marched his way through the bustle of Hogwarts before seeing her. By some heavenly stroke of luck, Narcissa Black was walking towards him. But she was not alone. She was accompanied by none other than Evan Rosier. With a twinge in his heart, Lucius realized how good they looked together. Narcissa was beautiful beyond thought and Evan cut a dashing figure in the afternoon sunlight. He had whispered something funny in her ear and had caused Narcissa to laugh profusely. They sauntered past Lucius without recognition. Narcissa didn't even turn her head or apologize!
Enraged, he chased after them. Evan had just uttered his goodbyes to Narcissa and was walking away, leaving a dreamy Narcissa sighing in his wake. Lucius tapped Narcissa's shoulder politely. She spun around. "Hello Miss Black. Do you remember me?" Narcissa stared blankly for a moment or two before gasping softly, covering her mouth with slender, pale fingertips. "Mr. Malfoy! I'm so sorry, I forgot all about you!"
"Yes, I thought so" said Lucius between gritted teeth. "I waited for you the whole lunchtime, Miss Black. I didn't even eat." Narcissa tucked a stray strand of gold behind her ear. "Really, I am sorry Mr. Malfoy. If your offer still stands, then I would very much like to have you as my tutor." Lucius looked at her. She seemed genuinely remorseful. Sensing the change in mood, Narcissa immediately started milking it for all it was worth. She untucked the strand of hair and curled it around a slim finger. "I can't apologize enough, Mr. Malfoy. If you're good enough to forgive me, I'd feel so much better."
Eyes fixated on the twined hair, Lucius nodded dumbly. Narcissa smiled. "Lovely. Meet me in the library after school today, then. I promise I won't be late. And you be a good boy and show up on time too." She flashed another alluring smile and swished her way back from whence she came. Lucius stood dazed, wondering once more at the strange effect this girl seemed to have on him. Then, he realized just how late he was for Charms.
Quickly, Lucius sprinted towards his classroom. He opened the door to see Professor Flitwick demonstrating what seemed like a rather complicated wand maneuver. Professor Flitwick stopped once he saw Lucius. "Ah! Mr. Malfoy! It's so good of you to join us!" Lucius gave a half-bow. "I'm so sorry, Sir. I lost track of time."
"Do not dawdle any more. Find your seat, please."
Gratefully, Lucius sank towards the nearest available space. As he settled down and unpacked the necessary books, he heard a familiar voice. "Remember me, little fellow?" Lucius stiffened. Slowly, he inched his head towards the voice.
It was Rodolphus Lestrange. He was actually smiling at Lucius.
"I didn't catch your first name last time, Malfoy. What is it?"
Lucius swallowed. "I'm Lucius."
"Pleased to meet you, Lucius. I didn't know we were in the same Charms class!"
"That's probably because you've never come to class before" muttered Lucius. Rodolphus broke out in laughter and clapped Lucius heartily on the back. "Well said, Malfoy. Well said. But I decided I was bored of stacking pyramids with my books and actually attended class today. It's been so long I was almost foreign to the feeling of learning. What a surprise it was to see you here, though."
By this time, Professor Flitwick had finally had enough of their conversation. It was hard to ignore Rodolphus Lestrange's voice, especially as he did not even attempt to lower it. "Boys, please pay attention. This is very important. It will most definitely be in your end of year exams." With that, he resumed his teaching and the boys submerged themselves in silence.
AN: Sorry! I couldn't resist adding a little Bella/Roddy moment at the owlery. And what do you think of Narcissa? Is she like Bianca at all? Lots of exciting things will occur in the next chapter. So, wait for that, I'll try to update soon. Leave a review! I say that every single chapter. I just really want to know what you think!
