Brought up in a home where love's replaced by pain
And when he's on his own he's sure to do the same
Expressing his feelings not with love but with his fists
The pattern of hurting began generations before – Like Father, Like Son; Exodus

I have long since come to believe that people never mean half of what they say, and that it is best to disregard their talk and judge only their actions. – The Long Loneliness, Dorothy Day

Nothing is easier than to denounce the evildoer; nothing is more difficult than to understand him. – Fyodor Dostoevsky

We choose evil for the good we see in it. - Aristotle

katelynn179

Thank you Katelynn! Reading reviews always make me happy :D

I'll try an update as often as possible! I'm glad you're enjoying the story!

Asta Marionette

Asta, I think you may have pretty good precognition skills :P

Stabbing Roddy in the neck with a rusty spoon sounds good, and painful. He always preferred the use of rusty knives on Anne, so I think it's be good revenge on him.

As for Cissy, she's happy for now...But wait until she finds out her husband wants to marry Anne .

He old jealousies MAY get to her.

SUPERNATURAL QUEEN 4 LIFE

I didn't wait as long this time! A bit more than a week. Hopefully that was soon enough. But, I can't always promise I'll be able to do that. I just really like updating my stories consistently, or I just lose interest in them.

I've always liked Anne and Lucius together :D

And personally, I think he can make her SO much happier than Rodolphus can. But, keep in mind, they have a lot of planning and strategizing to do before they can get married! Keep your fingers crossed!

Author's Note: Alexander is back! And creepier than ever! Rabastan and Regulus will also be in the story :) A little bit (but not that much) of Anne and Lucius romance in this chapter as well as the birth of a new Lestrange! Enjoy!

Rosalie L.

'Don't go, Lucius.' Anne said, pouting. 'Stay with me.'

Lucius leaned down to kiss Anne. 'I have to go back to my wife.'

'I'm your wife, too.' Anne said, grinning. 'So you have to stay with me because you want a very happy wife.'

'You're almost my wife and you have somewhere to be too, don't you?' Lucius asked. 'Didn't you say Alexander was coming home today?'

'Yes, and didn't you promise me you'd be there?' Anne asked. 'He needs some family around. I can't just have Serena and me be the only ones welcoming him home.'

'I will be there for dinner, as I said before.' Lucius promised. 'With the rest of my family, but welcoming Alexander home right now is something you should be doing with Serena.'

'I know, there's just not much I could do for him.' Anne said, sadly. 'I'm still a stranger to him.'

'Where's Rodolphus, anyways? Shouldn't he be welcoming home his son?' Lucius asked. 'After all, he did bring him home for you.'

'I doubt that's why he did it.' Anne said, shrugging. 'I'm sure it benefits him in some way.'

Lucius tilted his head to the side. 'I don't buy your act.'

'What act?' Anne questioned.

'That you care nothing for Rodolphus.' Lucius said. 'Granted, you may hate him with every fibre of your being, but he's Rodolphus.'

'And so?' Anne asked, indifferently.

'He's your first love, first everything, and the father of your children.' Lucius listed. 'Would you like me to continue?'

'Are you having second thoughts?' Anne asked.

'I'm not.' Lucius said. 'But I don't need you to turn on me.'

'This is going to nowhere unless we trust each other.' Anne said. 'I pick you, Lucius. I finally pick you.'

'And when the time comes, will you watch me kill him?' Lucius asked.

'When the time comes, will you actually be able to kill him?' Anne questioned.

'It's kill or be killed.' Lucius said, simply.

'The same goes for me.' Anne stated. 'It's always been that way for me. The only difference is you are finally fighting for me.

Lucius smiled at her, but got serious again in an instant.

'Don't let Rodolphus catch on.' Lucius reminded Anne. 'Act as if you love him as you always did.'

'He won't even notice the difference.' Anne promised, distantly.

'I must go now.' Lucius said, pulling himself away from Anne.

'Wish me luck!' Anne exclaimed.

'He's your son, you don't need luck.' Lucius smirked.

'My son, huh?' Anne asked, smiling.

'I'll give you the world, Anne.' Lucius said simply, before leaving the room.

Anne continued to smile to herself.

'Mistress Anne!' Serena called from downstairs.

Anne jumped slightly, not realizing her daughter was awake.

'I'm coming!' Anne yelled back.

She speedily changed out of her nightwear, before making her way downstairs to her daughter.

'Was that Uncle Lucius?' Serena asked. 'Is Draco and Adhara here too?'

Anne shook her head. 'No, Lucius just came by to confirm that he'll be coming for dinner.'

Serena grinned. 'For Alexander's return? Are Mother and Father going to be back by then?'

'If Bellatrix drops by, then she drops by but your father made it clear to me that he won't be home for your brother's return.' Anne said, coolly. 'But love, don't worry, he'll still have family around.'

'I guess.' Serena sulked. 'I just thought they'd be here.'

'Well I'll be here and Lucius will be here too.' Anne said, brightly. 'We'll make sure Alexander feels right at home.'

'He will.' Serena said. 'Because like usual, Father isn't around.'

Anne frowned and opened her mouth to speak, when the doorbell rang.

'Just in time for breakfast.' Serena stated.

Anne grinned. Her son was home.

'Come on, Serena, let's go!' Anne exclaimed.

But Serena was already thinking ahead of her and dashed out of the room, excitedly.

Anne laughed and ran to catch up wither daughter.

'Master Alexander.' The doorman declared, before leaving.

Alexander looked briefly at Anne and then Serena proceeded to tackle him in a hug.

'Serena, let go!' Alexander hissed. 'What's wrong with you?'

'I missed you.' Serena said, hurt.

Alexander just smirked in reply. 'Where's father?'

'He had business to attend you.' Anne said.

'Dark Lord's work?' Alexander asked.

'Yes, or else he would've been here.' Anne lied.

Serena frowned at Anne's lie.

'But for dinner, Lucius and his family are coming over.' Anne said, smiling.

Alexander shrugged. 'Whatever.'

'Well how was Greece?' Anne asked.

'Great, where are the servants? Is my stuff supposed to lie here?' Alexander asked.

'They'll get your stuff soon. We're about to sit down for breakfast – '

'I'm not hungry. I already ate.' Alexander interjected. 'I'm going to my room.'

'You just got back!' Serena exclaimed.

'And I'm tired.' Alexander snapped. 'Leave me alone, Serena.'

'Are you kidding me, Alexander?' Serena exclaimed, angrily.

Alexander rolled his eyes and headed up stairs without another word.

'Hey, Sweetie, don't worry, it's okay.' Anne said, to the teary eyed Serena. 'Look, I'll go talk to him.'

'No, I don't care!' Serena said, stubbornly. 'Let him stay in his room all day! I don't want to talk to him!'

Serena proceeded to storm away from Anne.

Anne sighed, wishing Lucius had stuck around.

Nonetheless, she headed upstairs, to have a word with her son.

'I thought you were tired.' Anne said, entering Alexander's room to find him reading a book.

'And I thought my father's whore knew to knock on my door and wait for permission, before entering.' Alexander retorted.

'Hey, I'm not the one who sent you to Greece and neither is Serena!' Anne said. 'And despite what your father has misled you to believe, I am your mother so you can stop referring to me as a whore. If anything, your father is a rapist, who gave me no choice in this matter.'

'You left me!' Alexander yelled. 'Nothing will ever fucking change that!'

'I left you to protect you from all of this!' Anne exclaimed. 'It was the hardest thing I ever had to do, Alexander! I couldn't let that monster get his hands on you!'

'He's my father!' Alexander yelled. 'Why don't you fucking get that? I believe in everything he does.'

'Stop swearing! You're ten years old, Alexander.' Anne sighed, calming down. 'I know he's your father.'

'He sent me away for my own good, but you left me.' Alexander said. 'Maybe Father did treat you horribly, but from what I heard, you're just as awful as any of them. At least Father always made his intentions clear, he always wanted you. You just betrayed him.'

'Hate me all you want, Alexander. It's just your father's doing.' Anne said. 'But why in Merlin's name are you being so awful to Serena? From what I heard, Serena was all you had growing up.'

'That's not true, I had Draco too.' Alexander said, shrugging.

'Alexander, she's your little sister and she adores you.' Anne said. 'She's missed you so much. I can't even begin to explain how much she's been looking forward to your return.'

Alexander smirked. 'I love her, Anne. No worries about that. But I'm her brother.'

'So what?' Anne asked. 'James and I always got along perfectly!'

'What?' Alexander asked, confused.

Anne laughed, without any humour, however. 'James Potter is my cousin. I grew up with him, he was like a brother to me.'

'I'm related to the Potters?' Alexander asked, in shock.

Anne nodded and then Alexander flew into a blind rage.

'I'VE GOT HALF BLOODDED COUSINS?' Alexander yelled, angrily. 'You stupid fucking whore! Why are you such a traitor!'

'Alexander!' Anne chided. 'Come on, that's enough! James is the greatest brother anyone could ask for!'

Alexander shook his head. 'Bloodtraitor.'

Anne smirked. 'Bloodtraitor's son.'

'Something's different about you.' Alexander stated.

Anne shrugged. 'Same with you. Now, will you promise to be a better brother to Serena?'

'It's what I've intended to do all along.' Alexander said.

Anne grinned at her soon, completely misinterpreting what he meant.

'MISTRESS ANNE! GUESTS ARE ARRIVING!' Serena yelled form downstairs.

Anne faintly heard Alexander yelling something as well.

'Guys, I'm coming!' Anne yelled back, quieter.

She knew if Rodolphus were here, he wouldn't appreciate their form of communication. But he wasn't, so Anne couldn't care less.

She observed herself once in the mirror, before heading downstairs to greet her guests. She was looking forward to seeing Lucius again, even if she had just seen him in the morning.

They still had a lot of planning left to do, but for now, she wanted to enjoy dinner with her family.

When Anne finally reached the bottom of her stairs, she was surprised to see that it was Lucius or his family that Serena had been referring to.

'Rabastan.' Anne greeted, in surprise.

'Mistress Anne.' Rabastan greeted. 'I came to welcome home Alexander.'

'Well, at least one Lestrange is doing it, even if it's the wrong one.' Anne said, rudely.

'Chloe would've been here but – '

'She wouldn't be welcome to the family dinner.' Anne stated.

'I didn't come here to fight.' Rabastan said. 'I came for my family.'

'Your family's with that pregnant harlot.' Anne said.

Serena and Alexander stared in amusement at the conversation.

'I'm marrying her, Mistress Anne.' Rabastan said. 'I'd appreciate it if you showed my fiancé some respect.'

'Respect? The only reason she's with you is because you're a Lestrange! She wants your money and prestige!' Anne exclaimed.

'What world do you live in, Anne? That's what Pureblood marriages are all about!' Rabastan said. 'The point of marriage is the coming together between two respectable families, to create a union!'

'If that were true, I would've been married to Sirius!' Anne exclaimed.

'Or someone else.' Came a drawling voice.

'Or someone else.' Anne agreed, staring into Lucius's eyes.

Lucius store his eyes away from Anne.

'Alexander, welcome home.' Lucius said, formally.

'Glad to be home.' Alexander said. 'Thank you.'

This was all too formal for Anne's liking.

'Tell me, how'd you enjoy Greece?' Lucius asked.

'Quite memorable. Their magic is extraordinary.' Alexander said, with a slight smirk. 'I learned more than I expected to.'

'I think I'd like to see what you mean.' Lucius said. 'Would you care to demonstrate?'

'Later.' Anne cut in. 'There'll be plenty of time for that some other day. He just got home.'

'Yes, Lucius, give the boy a break.' Narcissa added. 'I'm sure he's just looking forward to the nice dinner Anne has worked so hard on.'

'There are house elves for a reason.' Rabastan interjected.

'You didn't tell me he was coming.' Lucius said, before adding. 'Haven't seen you in a while, Rabastan.'

'I've been taking care of Chloe.' Rabastan said. 'But I thought I'd be here to welcome my nephew home.'

'I felt the same way.' Lucius said, coldly.

'Except he's actually my nephew.' Rabastan said, smirking.

'Rabastan, I never even invited you here, so don't go around causing trouble!' Anne said, angrily.

'Okay...I don't know what's going on with all of you.' Narcissa said, confused. 'But I, for one, am ecstatic to see you, Rabastan!'

Narcissa finished off by hugging Rabastan, exclaiming about how much she's missed him.

Anne stared at them both with a little jealously. Rabastan and Narcissa had been in her year, and they were all very close. While she's been gone for the past decade, it seems Rabastan and Narcissa's still remained as close as ever.

'Are we going to eat dinner, or what?' Serena asked, bored.

'Yes, of course we are.' Anne said, forcing a smile. 'I'll just ask the house elves to makes some room for Rabastan.'

Anne left to go into the kitchen.

'Rabastan, a word?' Lucius asked.

'Lucius, come on.' Narcissa said.

Lucius ignored his wife and Rabastan willing followed Lucius into the next room.

'So what'd I miss?' Alexander asked, looking quite fascinated.

Draco began to tell Alexander every bit of news and gossip that Alexander has missed during his time in Greece. Eventually, Serena joined in as well, and Adhara was left gaping at all of them, trying to follow along.

When Anne returned and saw that both Lucius and Rabastan were gone. She looked to Narcissa for an explanation.

'Lucius wanted to speak with him.' Narcissa sighed. 'I don't know what's gotten into him.'

Anne shrugged. 'That's what Rabastan gets for gate crashing.'

'Come on, why are you guys fighting?' Narcissa asked, frowning.

Anne merely shrugged. 'We just are.'

'Alexander!' Serena screamed.

Narcissa and Anne turned just in time to see Alexander point his wand at Serena.

'HEY!' Anne screamed.

Narcissa whipped out her own wand, and conjured a shield, before Alexander's curse could hit Serena.

Upon hearing the screams from the other room, Rabastan and Lucius both came running in.

'What's wrong?' Lucius asked.

'Alexander was just – '

'Nothing is wrong!' Anne interrupted. 'Dinner's ready, that's all.'

'Anne!' Narcissa exclaimed.

'He's my son.' Anne whispered to Narcissa. 'Let me deal with him.'

Narcissa shook her head at Anne and followed everyone else as they all began to take their seats. Lucius gave Anne a quizzical look, but left things be.

'What's wrong with you?' Anne asked Alexander, pulling him aside. 'You're cursing your sister?'

Alexander shrugged. 'Can I eat, Anne? I'm really hungry.'

Anne sighed. 'Alexander – '

'We can talk later, I promise.' Alexander said, before adding, 'Please?'

Anne agreed, reluctantly, and joined everyone else for dinner.

'So, you wanna tell me what's Lucius got against me?' Rabastan asked, after dinner.

'Besides the fact that you're a gigantic dick?' Anne retorted.

'Why? Has Lucius got a small one?' Rabastan shot back.

Anne glared at him. 'You know what? You came, and you saw Alexander, so now you can leave. I don't want you here.'

'Defensive.' Rabastan stated. 'Last I heard, Lucius held you prisoner.'

Anne grimaced at the memory. 'It doesn't matter.'

'You forgive that but not me?' Rabastan asked.

'Glad you understand.' Anne said, turning away.

Rabastan grabbed onto her. 'Don't be like that. Who else have you got if you haven't got me?'

'I don't know what's wrong with all of you guys! You think you can just fuck me over and then come back when you want to?' Anne asked. 'I was honestly worried about you! You're miserable Rabastan, so forgive me for fucking caring!'

Rabastan grinned at her. 'You haven't got any faith in me there, Lestrange.'

Anne froze. 'Don't call me that.'

'It was just a joke.' Rabastan said. 'You do remember it's your last name though, right?'

Anne shook her head. 'I want nothing to do with you or your brother.'

'Mistress Anne, what's on your mind?' Rabastan asked. 'You seem so different.'

'Don't call me that either.' Anne snapped.

'Serena does it.' Rabastan stated, simply.

'Go away Rabastan.' Anne said.

'Not until you forgive me.' Rabastan said.

'I'll get Lucius to throw you out if I have to.' Anne warned.

Rabastan smirked. 'I can take him.'

Anne couldn't help but laugh. 'Go away, I hate you.'

'Yet, you're smiling. Am I getting through to you?' Rabastan prodded.

'No!' Anne laughed again. 'Stop touching me, go away!'

Rabastan grinned and took full advantage of his situation.

In the next room, Lucius and Narcissa stopped mid-conversation, as they clearly heard Anne giggling.

'I believe they made up.' Narcissa said, happily.

Beside her, Lucius sighed, disappointed in Anne.

A few minutes later, Anne and Rabastan entered the room, both grinning, looking as if they've never had a single argument in their lives.

'Where are the children?' Anne asked.

'They're upstairs.' Narcissa said. 'No doubt eagerly waiting to see what Alexander learned in Greece.'

'God, I used to love Greece!' Anne sighed, sadly.

'What about Spain?' Rabastan asked, cocking his head to the side.

Anne blushed and mumbled an apology.

'Spain?' Narcissa questioned.

'It's where Anne was hiding, before she got to Greece. She attacked me and snapped my wand in half.' Rabastan said.

'Wait you found Anne?' Narcissa exclaimed, before turning to Lucius. 'And you knew?'

'I got the best of him.' Anne grinned.

'You got lucky.' Rabastan shrugged. 'I wouldn't look so smug, after all, you got caught by Evan.'

Anne wrinkled her nose. 'Bloody git.'

'I don't mean to intrude in your reminiscing, but shouldn't one of us go check on the children?' Lucius asked.

Narcissa, Lucius and Rabastan all looked towards Anne.

'Hey! Why me?' Anne asked, offended.

'Why, Mistress, I haven't got any idea why we would choose you.' Rabastan said, rolling his eyes.

'Oh, alright.' Anne grumbled. 'But I thought I mind remind you guys that I'm the only one here without a wand!'

She stared directly at Lucius as she said this.

Lucius merely gave her a small smile, letting Anne know they would discuss the matter later.

This was good enough for Anne and she headed upstairs, to Serena's playroom, where she assumed the children would be. She was about half right.

'Where are Serena and Alexander?' Anne asked, with a frown.

She would have understood if the boys were in one room and the girls were in another, however, she didn't see why each sibling with stick together, without their cousins.

Draco stared at Anne, uneasily.

'I'm not going to hurt you, Draco.' Anne said, softly. 'I'm sorry for what I did before. I wasn't myself.'

'I know...Father told me.' Draco said, uncertainly.

'I promise you, I will never do anything to harm you.' Anne said. 'I love both your parents too much to ever upset them like that.'

Draco just nodded. He still hadn't forgotten what it was liked to be smashed against the mirror.

'He's mad at Serena.' Adhara finally said.

'Who's mad at Serena?' Anne questioned.

It was Draco who spoke next.

'We were just playing when Alexander and Serena got into an argument.' Draco informed Anne. 'He pulled her away from us after that.'

Serena didn't like the sound of that.

'Why didn't you call anyone?' Anne asked.

'I don't know...Alexander said not to.' Draco admitted. 'They're probably just arguing some more.'

'Probably.' Anne replied, but she left to find her children, nonetheless.

Anne wandered around Lestrange Manor, trying to figure out where her children would be. She checked Serena's room, Alexander's room and even Alexander's playroom. When she still didn't find them, she checked every single door one by one.

However, it wasn't until she got to her own room, did she find them.

It was the last place Anne would've looked. They weren't allowed in her room, and it was a strange place for them to be anyways.

As soon as Anne opened the door, she found Serena screaming and crying.

'Alexander, get off her!' Anne screamed.

She ran to her son, trying to pull him away from the bloody and sobbing Serena.

'Alexander, stop it!' Anne screamed even louder. 'You're hurting her! LET GO!'

Alexander gave up on trying to hurt Serena and pointed his wand at Anne.

'It's not my job to hurt you, but if I have to, I will.' Alexander stated, threateningly. 'Now go!'

'Get out of here!' Anne exclaimed, before trying to get to Serena.

'Cruc – '

'Protego!'

Anne's heart was racing and she turned to the doorway to see Lucius, wand raised. She then, stared at her son in shock.

'Who taught you the Unforgivables?' Anne asked, with horror.

'Come with me, Alexander.' Lucius ordered.

'Lucius, no!' Anne exclaimed, angrily. 'Don't you dare do anything to him!'

'I suggest you take care of your daughter!' Lucius replied. 'Saying you're their mother is one thing, acting like their mother is another. You obviously cannot handle your son but do something at least, and tend to Serena.'

'You take care of Serena!' Anne exclaimed. 'I can't heal her!'

'And Alexander?' Lucius questioned.

'Give me a wand.' Anne ordered.

'Here.' Alexander said, throwing his to Anne. 'Happy?'

Lucius looked towards Alexander, with an unreadable expression.

'Help her, Lucius.' Anne said, before pulling Alexander out of the room.

'I liked dinner.' Alexander said, as they reached his room. 'You're actually a good cook, though I don't see the point of cooking when other people could do it.'

'Do you expect to charm your way out of trouble?' Anne asked, closing the door behind her.

'I can't get into trouble with anyone except for Father.' Alexander stated. 'No one else, even Uncle Lucius, can lay a hand on me. Father will kill them for doing so.'

'Actually, if I hadn't intervened, Lucius definitely would've hurt you!' Anne exclaimed. 'What in Merlin's name were you doing to her, Alexander? Do you know what that looked like?'

'Yes, I know what it looked like but it's okay.' Alexander said, casually.

'It's okay!' Anne asked, in disbelief. 'What's the matter with you?'

'You're so pretty, Anne. And so is she.' Alexander said, simply. 'Father thinks the same thing, you know.'

'Alexander if you ever hurt her again – '

'I have to hurt her.' Alexander said. 'You're supposed to hurt people you love, it's how they learn. She's my sister, she's family, I love her.'

'You don't hurt people you love!' Anne exclaimed. 'And especially not like that! I don't know what you learned in Greece – '

'Father taught me everything!' Alexander said, annoyed. 'I wasn't in Greece, I was close by. He came to see me every day. He taught me things, he trained me.'

Anne felt her blood freeze. 'Your father...Rodolphus taught you all of this?'

Alexander nodded his head. 'Yes, and I'm so glad he did it.'

'You can never do that again, Alexander. You can never even think about doing that!' Anne exclaimed, frantically.

'Anne, I know she's young but – '

'SHE'S YOUR SISTER!' Anne finally screamed. 'How could you? I'm never going to let you or your father hurt her!'

Anne ran out of Alexander's room, but not before locking it behind her. She didn't believe that Alexander would follow her but didn't want to risk it anyways.

'Anne, you wanna tell me what's going on?' Lucius asked, as she ran towards him.

She stared at Serena, before hugging her.

'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Serena.' Anne said, crying.

Lucius watched on awkwardly, with a frown on his face.

'Momma, don't leave me alone with him.' Serena sobbed.

'I won't. I won't let anyone hurt you, I promise.' Anne said. 'Lucius promises too, right?'

Lucius nodded his head. 'Serena, I won't let anyone hurt you.'

'Lucius, you have to take her.' Anne said, suddenly. 'She can't stay her. I can't protect her with Alexander here.'

'What is going on?' Lucius asked.

Anne couldn't bring herself to say it.

Serena wasn't sure what happened in the first place.

'Later, please?' Anne pleaded, tears still streaming down her face.

'Would you like me to speak to Alexander?' Lucius asked.

'No. It's not your problem. Just help me protect Serena.' Anne begged.

'Anne – '

'Lucius, please just go.' Anne said.

Lucius nodded. 'Come on, child, stop crying. I'll take you home and you can stay up all night with Draco and Adhara. In the morning, Narcissa can take you shopping, you can play all day. Doesn't that sound nice?'

It seemed amazing to Serena, but it still took her quite a long time to stop crying. When she did, Lucius took Serena out of the room, after making it clear to Anne that he'd be back soon to get some answers.

Anne remained in her room but a few minutes after Lucius left. She had no doubt that he went to get his children and left with Narcissa. Alexander was still locked in his room, and Anne knew she couldn't leave him there, but she didn't feel as though she could let him out either.

After a lot of self conflict, Anne headed downstairs, to find Rabastan still present.

'Oh, I forgot you were here.' Anne said. 'I'm sorry. I've been up there for so long.'

It's quite alight.' Rabastan said. 'Do you want to tell me what all the yelling was about? You were up there for a long time. I heard Serena screaming and you screaming and the next thing I know, Lucius is taking my niece to his mansion.'

Anne was trembling. 'I don't know what to do. He's evil, pure evil.'

'Who is?' Rabastan asked.

'Your brother.' Anne whispered. 'What's he doing?'

'What happened?' Rabastan asked. 'Anne, it's okay. Just calm down. What did Rodolphus do?'

Anne stared at Rabastan, wondering if she could trust him.

'Nothing.' Anne lied. 'Alexander and Serena were just arguing. I let her go with Lucius because she was a bit upset.'

Rabastan was about to accuse Anne of lying, when they heard a pop.

'Rabastan!'

'Bellatrix.' Rabastan greeted.

'I haven't seen you in ages. How's Chloe?' Bellatrix asked. 'And what's wrong with her?'

Bellatrix pointed at a still shaking Anne.

'I don't know.' Rabastan said. 'She wouldn't tell me.'

'But I'll tell her.' Anne said. 'You have to leave, Rabastan.'

'What the fuck?' Rabastan asked. 'Are you insane? Since when have you gotten along with Lucius this well? Since when have you trusted Bellatrix more than me?'

'Will someone tell me what's going on?' Bellatrix asked, rolling her eyes.

'Rabastan, go away!' Anne said. 'I need to tell her!'

'You can tell me!' Rabastan insisted.

'I can't let this get out! Bellatrix is family, as much as I hate to admit it! She's Rodolphus's wife!' Anne exclaimed.

'I'm family too! I'm Rodolphus's brother!' Rabastan said, angrily. 'And if it's got to do with my niece and nephew then I have a right to know!'

'I forgot Alexander is back!' Bellatrix suddenly said. 'Wait, what happened to Serena and him?'

Rabastan and Bellatrix both began to talk at once, bombarding her with questions and yelling at her to tell them what happened.

Finally, Anne blurted out the truth.

Before any one of them could utter another word, two more pops filled the room.

Rodolphus stood grinning, with Theresa by his side, that is, until he noticed Anne, Bellatrix and Rabastan.

'Rabastan, it's good to see you.' Rodolphus said, completely ignoring Anne. 'I must – '

'I need to speak to you.' Bellatrix cut in. 'You can talk to your brother later.'

Rodolphus frowned at the urgency of Bellatrix's tone.

'Are you alright, love?' Rodolphus asked. 'Is something wrong?'

Rabastan held Anne back and silenced her before she had a chance to scream and attack him. He pulled Alexander's wand out of her hands.

Rodolphus pretended not to notice any of that.

'Can we go upstairs?' Bellatrix requested.

Rodolphus nodded and turned to Theresa with a grin. 'In the morning, you can meet my son. But for now, I'm afraid it's goodnight.'

Rodolphus then leaned down to kiss Theresa very passionately.

Rabastan shot a confused and questioning look at Anne, who was still silent, and still struggling against him.

He didn't let her go, until Theresa, Bellatrix and Rodolphus were out of sight.

'Look, there's no need for you to stay here tonight.' Rabastan said. 'Come home with me.'

Anne weighed her options. She could either put up with Rabastan's Fiancé, or her psychotic family.

She chose Rabastan.

She grabbed his arm and together, they apparated out of Lestrange Manor.

'He lifted the charms of you.' Rabastan said. 'You shouldn't be able to get out of the house.'

Anne already knew this and she knew there was a lot she had to tell Rabastan.

And a lot she wouldn't be able to tell him.

'Wake up, Anne! Wake up!' Rabastan exclaimed.

Anne opened her eyes, only to have cold water dumped on her face.

'HEY!' Anne screamed.

'You wouldn't wake up!' Rabastan exclaimed.

'I did! Then you dumped ice cold water on my face!' Anne screamed at him.

'Well, I'm sorry! Now, come on!' Rabastan yelled, drying Anne off with his wand.

He then proceeded to run out of the room, without any explanation.

'I swear if someone isn't attacking us right now, I'm gonna rip his head off.' Anne grumbled to herself.

She got out of the bed and headed to the doorway.

'God, where are you!' Anne screamed as she entered the hallway.

Rabastan screamed back a reply, but Anne couldn't understand what he said. She just followed the sound of his voice.

Anne paled when she finally found Rabastan.

She still heard screaming.

'Get in there!' Rabastan ordered.

Anne noted that he actually sounded childish.

'Is...that her?' Anne asked.

'She's having the baby.' Rabastan said. 'Now get it there!'

'What? No way! Call the healers!' Anne exclaimed.

'I did but she needs someone in there with her!' Rabastan yelled.

'Then you go in there!' Anne retorted. 'It's your baby!'

'I can't go in there!' Rabastan said. 'It's not customary for Purebloods – '

'Oh, fuck that! I'm not going in there!' Anne said, stubbornly. 'Call Narcissa or Bellatrix!'

'There's no time!' Rabastan said, in a panic. 'GET IN THERE!'

'No, Rabastan, please don't make me!' Anne pleaded. 'Women giving birth scream, trust me, I know! And we already hate each other!'

'ANNE, GET IN THERE!' Rabastan roared.

When Anne protested further, Rabastan forcibly pushed her into the room, with a screaming Chloe and several healers.

'YOU?' Chloe screamed.

Anne forced a smile on her face. 'Yup! Me! Aren't you the luckiest person in the room?'

'Oh, shut the fuck up and make yourself useful, whore! Chloe screamed. 'DO SOMETHING!'

Anne shrugged. 'I had to go through even worse pains...twice, sohow about you suck it up and be grateful that I'm even here, bitch.' Anne replied.

The healer closest to Anne sighed is exasperation.

'Miss, would you hold her hand? Or soothe her, at least?' She requested.

Anne made her way to Chloe.

'Look, you detest me and I loathe you.' Anne said, taking Chloe's hand. 'But I love Rabastan and you two are a couple, so I'm going to bite my tongue and endure these next few hours with you. By the end, we'll still hate each other, but you're going to have a newfound respect for the woman who stayed with you during labour, holding you hand, got it?'

Chloe screamed but nodded her head nonetheless. It wasn't as if she had any other options.

Even being with a whore was better than being alone.

'Push!' Anne yelled. 'Okay breath, in and out, again and again. Now Push!'

This went on for longer than Anne would've liked. Chloe was constantly whining and screaming and not doing enough to bring her daughter into the world.

A maid was wiping sweat away from Chloe's face. Her strawberry blood hair was damp and her face was all blotchy.

'Come on, you're so close!' Anne exclaimed. 'Keep pushing!'

And finally, cries were heard.

Chloe gasped in relief and lay flat on her bed, trying to catch her breath. She let go of Anne's hand immediately.

'Miss Chloe, you have a beautiful, healthy baby girl.' One Healer said. 'Would you like to hold her?'

'No! Can't you see I'm exhausted! Give it to her!' Chloe snapped, pointing at Anne.

Anne stuttered but the Healer passed the baby to her anyways.

'Go present him to Master Lestrange.' One maid piped up.

Anne stared at the little girls in her arms in mesmerisation before coming to her senses. She headed outside slowly, with the now calm baby girl in her arms.

'Is that...?' Rabastan asked.

'Your daughter.' Anne whispered, softly.

Rabastan stared at her, and through half opened eyes, she stared back at him.

'Oh my goodness, is this her?' Came a woman's voice.

Anne turned slightly to see a tall and very beautiful light-haired brunette walking towards her.

'This is her.' Rabastan said, unable to tear his eyes away from his daughter.

'Would you like to hold her?' Anne asked.

'Heavens, no! Where's the governess?' The brunette asked.

'She's not coming in until next week.' Rabastan said.

'Oh, well, I suppose your servant can keep looking after her, can't you?' The brunette asked Anne.

Anne didn't know whether to be offended or to remain confused.

'This is Annabelle Lestrange.' Rabastan introduced.

'Oh!' The brunette exclaimed, her eyes widening in understanding. 'Silly me, I should've guessed that.'

There was a brief silence before Anne spoke up.

'She needs to be fed.' Anne said. 'Should I get her back to Chloe?'

The brunette laughed before realizing Anne was serious.

'Pureblood's don't do that.' Rabastan said, slowly. 'Anne, can you feed her?'

'Um, excuse me?' Anne asked.

'The house elves can get you some formula.' Rabastan told her.

'Rabastan, I can't – '

'Thanks, Anne. I'm going to check on Chloe.' Rabastan said.

The brunette gave Anne a forced smile before joining Rabastan in the room.

Anne stared at the girl in her arms. 'Well, I'm not going to leave you hungry and alone.'

Anne carried the newborn baby downstairs.

'You're so very small and beautiful.' Anne cooed..

She asked the house elves for some baby formula and sat down on the couches to feed Rabastan's daughter.

'I'm Anne.' She said to the baby. 'I'm sort of like your Aunt.'

She baby continued drinking her formula.

Anne grinned at the baby. This moment felt so innocent and pure to her. For a few minutes, she forgot everything that has been going on.

Her pain seemed to go away.

Then she heard a pop.

Anne froze upon seeing her guest.

They both stared at each other in confusion for several seconds.

'Regulus!' The brunette called, descending down the stairs. 'I'm so glad you made it. Chloe's upstairs recovering and the girl is over there.'

She pointed at Anne.

'Let me see her.' Regulus ordered, not even greeting Anne.

Anne narrowed her eyes at Regulus, but presented the baby nonetheless.

'She looks like Chloe.' Regulus murmured.

'No, she doesn't.' Anne argued. 'She has Rabastan's features.'

'But her hair and eyes are more like Chloe's.' Regulus said, before asking, 'What're you doing here?'

'Feeding her.' Anne spat.

'Lose the attitude.' Regulus warned.

'Lose the ego.' Anne shot back.

'Regulus, love, leave her be. She's been with Chloe's for hours.' The brunette cut in. 'She's been a lot of help to Rabastan so far. I didn't get her until after the child was born.'

'Diana, I'm okay here. Why don't you go keep Chloe company and send Rabastan down here?' Regulus suggested. 'And take the baby with you.'

'No, I was told to take her.' Anne cut in.

'But you're not the mother.' Regulus said. 'Don't make us rip another baby out of your arms.'

'Regulus – '

'I said take the baby and go, Diana.' Regulus said, sternly.

'Over my dead body.' Anne hissed, before speedily walking towards the stairs.

She began to scream for Rabastan and heard both Regulus and Diana yelling after her.

'What's going on?' Rabastan questioned.

'You let a psycho bitch hold your baby, that's what.' Regulus exclaimed, catching up to Anne.

Diana followed, looking very much meek and childlike.

The baby started crying at all the disturbance and noise.

'You're so inconsiderate!' Anne yelled at Rabastan, before handing over his daughter to him.

Anne ran away from them all, heading inside a random room. She flopped onto the bed, thankful that there even was a bed, and began to cry onto a nearby pillow.

It was only after several minutes, did Rabastan enter the room.

'If it makes you feel better, I told Regulus off for you.' Rabastan said, closing the door behind them. 'Chloe's with the baby, finally.'

'Do you know what that was like for me?' Anne asked, through her tears.

She sat up and looked directly at Rabastan.

'I remember giving birth to Alexander at Potter Mansion, nearly dying, hoping to Merlin that we'd be safe and then to Serena, as a prisoner at Lestrange Manor!' Anne exclaimed. 'I had both babies taken away from me, Serena was literally forced out of my arms and you have the audacity to tell me to hold your baby and to feed it!'

'I didn't mean to hurt you.' Rabastan said. 'You must know that.'

Anne rolled her eyes and scoffed.

'It's my baby, I'm making you the Godmother.' Rabastan declared. 'If you don't wish to accept the position, I understand. Frankly, we need all the help we can get. Chloe's not exactly very maternal.'

'And what about a governess?' Anne asked. 'Aren't you going to just pass off your daughter to her?'

'Sometimes...yes.' Rabastan admitted. 'Wouldn't my daughter be lucky if she were to have someone like you in her life? I mean, Serena is stubborn and doesn't show it, but she positively adores you. I saw that all in a few minutes.'

Anne wiped her tears away. 'Everything's so hard for me.'

'I know and we cause you a lot of pain. I can't promise you that it'll ever stop.' Rabastan said, slowly. 'But you should know, we are all insanely obsessed with you. You're family, we practically worship you... in our own weird way.'

'Family...' Anne whispered, shaking her head. 'Your brother doesn't even want me anymore. He spent years pursuing me, ruining my life, killing off and pushing away everyone I love...and now, he doesn't want me anymore. He's done with me. Some family.

'I can't speak for him.' Rabastan said. 'I haven't kept in touch with him lately. I've just been with Chloe, and I've seen quite a bit of Regulus and Diana.'

'Who is Diana?' Anne suddenly asked. 'That brunette girl, right? Who is she?'

'Oh, you don't know?' Rabastan asked. 'Diana Black. She's Regulus's wife.'

Anne stared at Rabastan, completely astounded. 'Regulus is married?'

'Since last year.' Rabastan informed Anne. 'She's 21.'

'I can't keep up with this life.' Anne sighed. 'I know nothing about any of them anymore!'

'Speaking of Regulus, he'd really like a word with you.' Rabastan said, quickly.

Anne glared at him.

'I'll rip his fucking eyes out of their sockets.' Anne hissed. 'I never want to speak to him! He's became everything I hate! And I used to hold Regulus in the highest regards! '

'He says it's important.' Rabastan said, amused at Anne's outburst.

'No.' Anne said, tenaciously.

'Well, that's too bad.' Regulus said, interrupting them.

'Get out!' Anne exclaimed. 'I don't fucking give a damn about what you've got to say to me, Regulus!'

'Can we have a moment?' Regulus asked Rabastan.

Rabastan nodded, ignoring Anne's protests. 'Just hear him out, Anne. After all, you gave me another chance.'

'But you didn't rape me!' Anne yelled.

Rabastan paused and looked towards a smirking Regulus.

'What can I say mate? She's a traitor and she's got great legs, I couldn't resist.' Regulus replied, innocently.

'So does your wife but I don't go around raping her.' Rabastan replied.

'As does your wife, or rather, soon to be wife...I'm pretty sure I've nailed her too.' Regulus added, laughing.

Rabastan rolled his eyes. 'Who hasn't?'

'Well same with her.' Regulus said, referring to Anne. 'Who hasn't fucked her?'

'Can we get this over with?' Anne asked, rudely.

She stared at Regulus with as much loathing as she could muster.

Rabastan nodded and left them both be.

'Well?' Anne prompted as soon as Rabastan left.

'I think we can skip the formalities and the apologies.' Regulus said.

'Speak for yourself.' Anne huffed.

'We've got more important things to discuss.' Regulus said, simply.

'Like?' Anne questioned.

'Like the imminent war.' Regulus said, before adding, 'And your upcoming marriage to Lucius.'

Author's Note: I'm going to work on fixing Anne's relationship with Regulus and Rabastan. :D I also plan on showing Sirius and James, though maybe not in the next chapter. Lucius and Anne will actually begin to discuss their plans, and she will be going back for forth from Lestrange Manor, to Malfoy Manor (using Serena as an excuse to visit). I'll definitely being showing more of Alexander, as well as Rodolphus with his new girl.

Hopefully, I'll be able to update soon!

Rosalie L.