Well, I don't have writer's block for this story, but I can't for the life of me figure out what to do with Hunted...(co-write). Argh. I'm on like Chapter 27 of Prisoner. XD Anyway, do enjoy!
Trixie Black Lestrange
The next evening found Andromeda and Rabastan in the sitting room with the rest of their family, Dora playing on the floor near her Aunt Bella as her baby sister sat on her grandmother's lap. Rabastan had his arms wrapped around Andromeda, her head leaning back against his shoulder as she watched her daughters proudly. She could see that the two girls were happy, and smiled as Rabastan hugged her slightly, kissing her head gently.
Bellatrix looked up from a piece of parchment, then said, "Oh, Dromeda, you didn't see the invitation. Mrs Malfoy invites us to tea." She grinned at Andromeda's immediate smile. "This Saturday. It'll just be the three of us."
"Perfect," Andromeda smiled, feeling her husband's hand on her hip. "Are the boys visiting at the same time?"
"Boys?" Rodolphus scoffed, and Dora looked up.
"Boys!" she grinned, pointing at him and Rabastan. "You and Dad!"
"The right kind of boys," Andromeda sighed, shaking her head slightly.
Rabastan smiled at Nymphadora. "Yes, Dora. And I believe Rodolphus and I are meeting Lucius and others somewhere else, so you won't be bothered with our business, Dromeda. I know you don't like Marshall."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "You could have persuaded Father against him."
"I did," Andromeda replied dully. "I persuaded him against me."
"Is it true that you have been behind some decisions handed down from the House of Black?" Rodolphus asked, leaning forward slightly.
"Of course not," Andromeda answered scornfully. "I have no place with such things."
Rodolphus looked at Bellatrix accusingly, and the black-haired witch rolled her eyes. "Well, she doesn't now, but she did. She could always convince Father of almost anything. She was his favourite."
Andromeda looked back at Dora, chewing her lip to make sure she didn't speak too soon. "I...did what I could to be everything he wanted me to be...the perfect daughter. I wasn't perfect, but I looked it, and he would listen to me more because of it. But that doesn't mean that I had any sway over him at all. If he ever seemed to be influenced by me, it was because he decided it was more beneficial to do something how I saw it." She shook her head as she looked to her sister and Rodolphus. "I am nothing to him anymore, and as far as I am concerned, it was all a waste."
"Mum," Dora complained, toddling up to her and placing a hand on her knee. "I'm hungry!"
"Well, come on," Andromeda said to the child, moving to get up. "I'll get you a snack."
"Have a house elf bring it to her," Rabastan said quietly, restraining her from getting off the couch.
A thought of ridicule, then slight nervousness, then anger, then fear crossed her mind, and Andromeda didn't move for a few seconds, Dora pouting up at her. "Rab," Andromeda bit her lip as she turned to look at him, "Dora shouldn't eat in here, should she?"
He looked at her solemnly, and got to his feet, drawing his wife up with him. "Of course not," he said. "We'll go together. I daresay I could snack a little too."
"Yes!" Dora grinned at him, holding out her arms to be picked up. "Snack!"
"Dora," Rabastan said, his face breaking into a small smile as he lifted her into his arms, "you're such a sweet child."
"Don't forget," Rodolphus smirked at his brother, and Rabastan's face suddenly turned angry, the younger man striding out of the room with Nymphadora as Andromeda hurried to follow.
"What did he mean?" Andromeda asked her husband as they walked toward the kitchen.
Rabastan sighed as he looked at her for a moment. "Just to remind of the truth. And his threats if all doesn't go as planned. But I love you, and I adore you—" he kissed Dora's bright pink curls.
Dora giggled. "Love you too!" she grinned.
He placed Dora in her seat at the small table in their kitchen, ordering an elf to bring her and him something. "Hungry, Andromeda?" he asked her.
"No," she answered. "I'd spoil my dinner if I ate now."
"You're so good," Rabastan chuckled, leaning over to kiss her cheek. "Sit down with us, won't you?"
Andromeda sat down next to her husband, giving Dora her snack as Rabastan distracted the child by playing with his own food. "Rabastan," Andromeda sighed as Dora giggled, trying to copy her father.
Rabastan winked at his wife before continuing to play with Nymphadora. Andromeda didn't say anything more for a while, waiting until Rabastan finally turned to his food, to lean into his side. He took a few moments, then set his plate aside and slipped his arms around his wife, gently pressing his lips to her neck. "I love you."
A slight smile came to her lips, and his heart leapt for joy at this, Rabastan hugging her carefully as he wondered what he should do next. It was just then that Dora decided she didn't want to be in her chair anymore and nearly shoved her plate off the small tray. Andromeda leapt up to save it just in time, lifting Dora down from the chair as she scolded her.
"Mum, carry me," Dora pouted, grasping as high on her mother's dress as she could reach.
Rabastan lifted Dora into his arms without a word, the girl protesting slightly until he hushed her. Andromeda held back a sigh. She knew he still wanted her to take it easy before of Athena's difficult birth, but she wanted to do the best she could for her daughter. After all, she could just put a Weightless Charm on her, though Rabastan would probably freak out if he saw her carry her toddler around.
"Let's go find your sister," Rabastan told Dora. "Then we can go play for a bit, okay?"
"Yeah!" Dora grinned, looking to her mother before holding out her hand. "Come on, Mum!"
Andromeda smiled, linking her arm in her husband's as he walked down the hall, Dora in his arms. It didn't take long to retrieve her baby girl from Meira, the older witch looking straight into her eyes as she handed the child over. "Thank you for taking care of her," Andromeda said properly, hiding how awkward she felt. She left the room, cradling baby Athena as she walked beside Rabastan.
He looked at her sideways, and she bit her lip slightly. "Is your mother upset with me?" she asked finally.
"I don't think so," Rabastan frowned. "Why would you think that?"
"The way she looks at me now," Andromeda sighed, walking into the playroom. "Like I've done something wrong."
"Well, I honestly didn't notice," he told her. "Rod's the mama's boy, not me. But if it was anything, I bet she's worried about you. Worried about you having another child, and all sorts of things like that."
Andromeda looked down at her dark-haired, blue-eyed daughter and held the child closer, closing her eyes. I've done my best, she thought, her heart aching. All I can do is try again. I am not a failure. I will not fail my husband's house again.
She nearly yelled in shock as she felt Rabastan's arms slip around her and their daughter. Her heart raced as he embraced her, kissing the top of her head. "Dromeda," he murmured, realising her depth of emotion, "I love you, you know. No matter what others think."
She sniffed, going to speak until Athena reached out toward her face and cooed softly. Andromeda teared up, leaning down to kiss her daughter's tiny fingers. "I love you, baby," she whispered.
"Mummy, why are you sad?" Dora asked, watching her mother thoughtfully.
"You'll know when you're older," Andromeda said, brushing away her telltale tears. She felt Rabastan's hand on her back, gently massaging her, and sighed in relief, shifting Athena in her arms.
Dora turned to her toys, and Rabastan waved his left hand, placing a mat down on the floor. "Let's let Athena lie down for a moment," he said. "You and I can sit down as well."
Andromeda sat down and lay Athena on her stomach on the mat, surprised as Rabastan drew her to lie against him, her head pillowed on his chest. She slipped her arms around him, pleased as he proceeded to rub her back soothingly. She sighed, snuggling against her husband as she watched their baby girl look toward them curiously. Reaching out a hand, she let Athena grab onto her finger, grinning at and talking to the child.
"She's beautiful," Rabastan murmured. "Just like her mother."
"Rabastan," she said softly, lifting her head to look up at him. "I—" She was distracted by the kind expression on his face and drew a soft breath, leaning up to kiss his lips. She felt him pull her closer, Rabastan sitting up more as he deepened their kiss.
"I love you," he groaned after a few minutes had passed of their heated passion.
Andromeda smirked breathlessly, looking up at her husband from her new position on her back. "I know," she whispered, reaching for him. He drew a sharp breath and moved quickly so that she could only wrap her arms around him, but she pouted up at him in disappointment.
Rabastan groaned, pressing his face into her neck. "You're too much," he whispered, finally looking up at her after a moment. "I'm glad you're mine, Dromeda."
She looked up into his face, her mouth slightly open. "Rab..." she began, but didn't know what to say. Andromeda couldn't explain how perfect it felt to lie there in his embrace and hear him speak kind, loving words to her. She tried to say something, then stopped, then merely hugged him tighter, closer.
"I love you," he said softly, touching his lips to her cheek.
"Mmm," Andromeda sighed.
Rabastan rolled off of her, pulling her into his arms. "We're a lot better now than we first were," he said.
Andromeda closed her eyes, trying not to let the pain of her memories ruin the moment. "Please," she breathed. "Don't talk of it. Rabastan, please!" She gripped one hand onto the back of his robes, cringing inwardly as she tried to distract herself.
He cradled her in his arms, glancing to the side at their baby girl. "Dromeda..." Rabastan sighed softly as he pulled her close, stroking her hair. "I'm sorry for what I've done," he murmured, his face against her hair. "I—I almost wish I could undo it. But I would always choose you: I love you."
She reached up, gripping his hair gently to make him look up at her. "I—I know," she whispered. "And I wish—but it hurts too much—" the witch buried her face in his shoulder. "I want the pain to go away. I want us to be okay. I want to be happy—but it hurts terribly." She clung to him tightly, swallowing hard to keep her tears back. "Rabastan...I'm sorry."
"Andromeda," the man murmured, palming her head to his chest. "I cannot blame you for any pain or anger you feel toward me. I—I—"
"Stop," Andromeda sniffed. "Rab—shh." She nestled closer to him. "You are my husband. I...am yours, to follow you, and stand by you." She drew a steadying breath, then lifted her hand to touch his face. "I am your wife, Rabastan. I have been properly taught to carry out the traditions and duties befitting a witch in a great House, and I will—I will fulfil them. Not because I love you, no. But because I promised, and because I would curse myself to have failed one of the great Houses. Our noble House of Lestrange."
He stared at her for a few moments, then nodded once. "You're the best witch I ever could have chosen, Andromeda," he said softly. "Thank you."
Andromeda nodded once as well, then reached over, gathering Athena into her arms and getting to her feet. "Dinner is soon," she said, looking down at her baby girl. "Let me feed our daughter, and then I will join you."
Rabastan slowly stood from the floor, watching his wife and little girl. He was about to speak when he saw that Andromeda's attention was drawn elsewhere. Turning, he saw Andromeda's little girl staring at the two of them, her eyes wide and curious, her hair turquoise.
When Dora saw the two looking at her, she looked up at them and asked, "Are you happy now, Mum?"
Andromeda managed a small smile. "Oh, Dora," she said, a huff of laughter escaping her. "I'm better now."
Dora tilted her head slightly. "Good," she said firmly, the ends of her hair turning pink. "Dad, are you happy?"
"Why are you asking us that, Dora?" Rabastan said softly, looking down at her.
"Mummy cries," Dora said, frowning as her hair turned black. "She...was sad." Dora struggled to find words. "Da...I made her sad. You made her sad. But she's better."
Andromeda stared down at the girl, surprised at her words, but Rabastan nodded at the child. "I was mean to your mother, Dora," he said quietly. "I hurt her. I hurt her terribly, Dora. I was the one that made her sad, not you. Your mum—she loves you. And I love you too. And I love her." He looked down for a moment, a look of great conflict on his face, before he turned and walked to the door. "Dromeda—I'll see you at dinner."
A small smile settled onto her lips. "See you, Rabastan."
Bellatrix and Andromeda appeared before the grand gates of Malfoy Manor, both slightly excited to be visiting their sister in her home. Andromeda shivered slightly at the disturbance she could feel in the wards, quickly approaching the doors to touch the inner wards when the door cracked open, then swung wide. "Sisters," Narcissa smirked.
"Malfoy," Andromeda answered, smirking at Narcissa's expression. "Oh, Cissy," she said, laughing with Bellatrix. "You should have seen your face!"
"You two didn't live apart long enough," Narcissa said decisively, turning away from them. "Come along then."
Bellatrix laughed, wrapping her arm around Narcissa when they caught up. "Narcissa, you're lovely," she said, kissing her sister's head.
Andromeda merely shook her head at the two, Narcissa pulling away from Bellatrix and hurrying on down the hall. "My dayroom," Narcissa said, motioning them to walk through the door ahead of her. "Take a seat."
Both older sisters sat down together, waiting until Narcissa sat down with them to begin their tea. "Anything interesting happen recently, Cissa?" Bellatrix asked, casually waving her hand to stir her tea.
Narcissa frowned at Bellatrix. "You know, Bella," she said sternly. "You do not need to be told."
"Cissy? What is it?" Andromeda asked softly. "Are you all right?"
"Oh, she's fine," Bellatrix said, rolling her eyes. "She's just worried because Lucius was injured on his last mission. He was too slow to get out of the way when the building caught fire and exploded. He'll be fine; she's just worried and wanted to talk to you about being the wife of a Death Eater. Not that you have any more experience."
Narcissa looked stricken, and Andromeda sighed. "Bella, why do you do these things to us? We're your sisters—at least, Narcissa is…." Andromeda shook her head slightly, then looked directly at Narcissa. "Don't worry, Cissa. She taunted me about my marriage, and about everything else as well. It's to be expected."
"Dromeda, don't be dramatic," Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "Cissy, I would never—Andromeda Black Lestrange, shut up."
Andromeda rolled her eyes at her older sister. "You're in Malfoy Manor, not Lestrange Manor, Bellatrix. Behave yourself."
Narcissa sighed, setting down her teacup. "Why can't we just be normal sisters?" she asked them.
Andromeda looked from Bella to Cissa for a moment. "Oh, I think we are," she nodded. "For the three of us."
Bellatrix smirked, then said, "We are. You know I have to irritate Lucius, Cissy."
"He is my husband!" Narcissa hissed. "I do not take kindly to that!"
"Well, our hostess is out of sorts," Bellatrix laughed. "Cissy, it's nothing against you. I just...need a little fun, that's all."
"You have Rodolphus," Andromeda told her. "He's great fun." Her face went bright red at Bellatrix's raised eyebrow.
"Oh, Dromeda," Bellatrix giggled, having to set her teacup down quickly. "You always say the most interesting things."
Her face still flaming, Andromeda focused on her drink, trying not to think of what spell she wanted to do to Bella. It wasn't too much later when Bellatrix leapt to her feet, breathing, "He calls. Sorry, Cissy. I'll see you later." Bellatrix dashed from the room, fleeing down the hall.
Narcissa looked sadly at Andromeda. "How do you get used to this?" she asked her. "You live in a house full of Death Eaters!"
"Well, Rabastan usually keeps Death Eater business to himself," Andromeda said softly. "And Rod and Bella tend to only talk either when they're drunk, arguing, or taunting me. You have to trust that your husband knows what he is doing and can take care of himself."
"You've always been so sure of yourself," Narcissa sighed. "I wish I was more like you."
"No, you don't," Andromeda answered. "You love Lucius, and he loves you. That is more important than most anything else. You do not want to be like me, believe me."
Narcissa gave her sister a careful look. "Does he still hurt you?"
Andromeda shook her head slightly. "I do what he wills," she said quietly. "I obey him. I still look out for the children, but Rabastan is my husband, and I—I must trust him."
"Dromeda—" Narcissa looked up so suddenly that Andromeda almost jumped up in alarm. "The brothers have left," she said to Andromeda. "I felt them leave through the wards. They were probably summoned as well."
"Good," Andromeda sighed. "Rodolphus won't have a good reason to beat Bella again tonight."
Narcissa stared at her sister, then turned away. "How did she end up like that, Andromeda? What happened?"
Andromeda didn't reply immediately. "They've both made life difficult for each other," she said finally. "And Bella can't have children. She lost two of them, and Rodolphus was livid. I think I told you that, didn't I? No?"
The blonde witch had her hand over her heart in horror at Andromeda's words. "She's lost two babies?" Narcissa whispered, horror in her eyes. "Oh, poor Bella!"
"She doesn't want sympathy," Andromeda muttered, looking down at her tea. "I've promised her that I would give the House of Lestrange its heir in return for her help protecting Dora. Rab and I...well—"
"There are potions," Narcissa whispered, looking into her sister's eyes. "Potions to make sure your next child is a male. I can get some for you if you want me to."
Andromeda bit her lip nervously. "It's too late for potions," she whispered. "I just hope I've got it right this time. I don't want to fail him again."
Narcissa reached over and grasped Andromeda's hand, the two sitting in silence for some time.
"Heeheehee!" Andromeda jumped in shock at the sound of her sister's thrilled laughter, getting to her feet and walking toward the entrance hall, leaving Dora and Athena with Lacey.
"Bella?" Andromeda asked, seeing the black-haired witch skip into the entrance hall merrily. "What are you so thrilled about?"
"Mission," Bellatrix giggled. "All targets: dead!" She cackled with laughter again, grabbing her sister and whirling her around the hall in a half-mad dance.
"St—stop!" Andromeda said, narrowly missing a sharp corner. "Bella, let go of me!" she cried, trying to pull away.
Bellatrix pouted, stepping back from the girl as Andromeda scrambled to remain on her feet. "You're no fun, Andy."
Andromeda glared at her. "Don't call me Andy!" she hissed. "And you could have hurt me!"
"If I wanted to hurt you, I'd use my wand," Bellatrix snapped, her hands on her hips. "Do you always have to be a spoilsport?"
"Why do you have to act like a mad thing all the time?!" Andromeda yelled back, her left arm wrapped around herself protectively.
Within seconds, she was facing Bella's outstretched wand, the witch glaring at her. "I am not insane," Bellatrix breathed. "I am NOT!" She practically screamed the last word, a jet of red light exploding from her wand.
Andromeda barely dived out of the way in time, crying out as she rolled to the side to escape the next spell. "No, Bellatrix!" she cried desperately. "Remember, you promised!"
"Promised what?" Bella yelled. "Promised not to hurt you if you bitched at me?"
"You said if I did my duty," Andromeda cried, shivering beside the table in the hall as she subtly reached for her wand, "that you would help me protect Dora!"
"Well, you haven't, have you?" Bella laughed, pointing her wand at Andromeda again. "And you're not Dora."
"Stop," Andromeda whispered. "Please, Bella. My baby."
Bellatrix froze, her eyes widening in shock. "You—already? Again?"
Andromeda cringed back against the wall. "Yes," she whispered. "Again."
Days later, Andromeda lay cradled in Rabastan's arms, a smile playing about her lips as she tried to work out a way to tell him of their second child. She couldn't help the slight fear she felt at the prospects of telling him, though she knew that he needed to be told. She needed this child to be her redemption, to be the heir that Rabastan so greatly desired. A slight shiver of fear went through her, though Rabastan's embrace remained gentle.
He pressed a soft kiss into her hair, then asked, "Are you all right?"
"Of course, Rab," she answered. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"I don't know," he shrugged. "I just wanted to make sure. You've been awfully tired the last few days. I think the children are taking a toll on you."
Definitely, Andromeda thought. Just not the children you're thinking of.
"I really am resting, I promise," Andromeda said with a small laugh, leaning in to give her husband a goodnight kiss. "Dear Rabastan. I am fine."
"Well, good," he said firmly. "I would hate for—ah!" He swore and grabbed his left arm, giving Andromeda an apologetic look before pulling away from her and jumping out of bed. "Sorry, Love," he told her quickly, grabbing his Death Eater robes and cloak. "I'll see you later. Don't wait up for me."
Andromeda nodded, her head sinking back down onto the pillows. Her news would have to wait until later.
