A/N: Now I will admit that some of the content in this chapter is filler but other contents are plot relevant. This is also the longest chapter I have written so I apologise for any mistakes I have made. As per usual, if any of you are struggling with mental health problems or need someone to talk to please go to my profile and click on the links for support.
Disclaimer; I do not own any of JK Rowling's content. Original characters and original is mine. non-profit fan fiction.
Rodolphus LeStrange, my fan cast is: Jamie Dornan.
"I just know there's something dark in me and I hide it.
I certainly don't talk about it, but it's there always,
this Dark Passenger.
And when he's driving, I feel alive, half sick with the
thrill of complete wrongness.
I Don't fight him, I don't want to.
He's all I got.
Nothing else could love me, not even..
especially not me"
—- Dexter Morgan
Chapter Twenty-Five
"Do You Believe In Monsters?"
November, 22nd..
Surrounded by small towers of papers and books on a large desk, leaving next to no room, Rebecca had her head in her arms. Between her appointments Rebecca was researching the law regarding to family rights over a child in the circumstances of when both parents are dead; the exact situation she was in.
If she could present a strong case against the Faelyn's attempt of visitation rights then she could keep Hermione away from them but she would need the best lawyer money could buy to beat the Faelyn's. Money she didn't have.
Even with the legal matters the Faelyns' had gotten into in the past, they still had a pretty decent chance of winning the court battle which terrified Rebecca to no end.
It didn't help either that one of Rebecca's cousins was well known to the London police for all the wrong reasons and the courts have been harsh to her family members when they tried to dispute parking tickets.
The first court date for Rebecca to fight against the visitation rights was in December which is just a few weeks away, hence why Rebecca was reading up on the law in family matters.
As the hours led into days and days became weeks, Rebecca felt the weight of fear on her shoulders. Right now she was suppose to be on her break eating a healthy lunch she packed in the morning but instead she was trying not to cry.
Unless someone could adopt Hermione that the courts knew nothing about them and could afford the best lawyers, the Faelyns wouldn't stand a chance even with their strong religious and political connections in the South.
For people outside the family would seem silly that Rebecca was scared of Hermione's other grandparents visiting the young girl; Mrs Granger had every reason to be. After everything these people had done to Hermione's mother she knew the Faelyns would try to kidnap her and do whatever they can to make it look like Hermione was been abused by the Granger matriarch.
These were the type of people who would argue in favour of 'straight' conversion camps and picket signs at soldiers' funerals. To her utter disgust they even tried to send a card to Rebecca rejoicing the death of her Jewish husband and sons. Ted Tonks intercepted the cards but she made him tell her what was in the card when she found out.
One would think that these actions and even the action of Emily, the Faelyns' daughter, running away from home would convince the courts that the Faelyns weren't good people but unfortunately it hasn't. Mr Faelyn was close with one of the judges in the London courts because of their corrupted religious views and any time Mr Faelyn heard about a Granger getting into slightest bit of trouble, he would call up the judge and somehow get them into court for a hearing.
Which is why a Granger rarely leaves the North.
The sound of someone knocking on the office door startled Rebecca from her thoughts. She clutched her chest briefly, feeling a slight twinge. Rebecca could hear Rodolphus calling out to her.
Rebecca took a breath and sat up straight.
"Come in."
The two exchanged smiles before Rodolphus gaped at the stack of papers around Rebecca.
"What's all this?" He asked, gesturing to the small towers of paper and books.
Rebecca paused for a moment, debating whether or not she should tell the LeStranges about the legal problems. Not wanting to worry Rodolphus she decided against the notion.
"Just some bills and appointments I need to sign off. Please have a seat, there's something I need to discuss with you."
Rodolphus felt dread crawl up his spine but remained looking calm. As his thoughts were running a thousand miles per second he took the seat across from Rebecca, his nails digging into his palms. "Did she know about Savage and the other Death Eaters? Is she going to make Bellatrix and I pack up and leave?"
With fake bravado, the French man relaxed into the seat and smiled while Mrs Granger quickly packed away the papers.
Not bothering to look at any of the paperwork Rodolphus glanced out the window and saw a cat sleeping on a tree branch. Amused by the adorable cat, the young wizard found the confidence to speak. "So am I in trouble?"
Rebecca looked up briefly and laughed. "Of course not Rod, I just wanted to know how your studies are going." The papers on her desk had diminished and with a final thud of a drawer closing, she smiled at Rodolphus. For the briefest moment Rodolphus wondered if Rebecca was lying about the papers. There was just something in her eyes that was off.
"So, how are your studies going?"
The French man beamed. "Great, first orientation day was good. Though I wish we could begin our practical work in trimester one instead of just focusing on theory. Other than that, I am pretty excited to start learning."
The older woman looked relieved and slightly proud. "I'm glad to hear it, honestly I am. I must admit I was worried that you and Bellatrix would struggle to find something in the Muggle world… how is Bellatrix doing with her job hunt?"
"Terrible." He thought but did not dare say aloud. "She has narrowed down some areas but she'll need to take up driving lessons."
Unfortunately for Bellatrix all jobs she was interested had some prerequisites; prerequisites that wizards and witches never learnt in school. Getting her fitness up and obtaining a drivers license is a walk in a park compared to learning the muggle skills she needed.
Then there was her own mental health and the monster that lived in both of them. Trying to act normal when you never were is a lot harder than either expected, even if Rodolphus was better at it. On some late nights they would find themselves stalking the streets of Knockturn Alley, following the late night dwellers to that hidden club where they stalked Dawlish to.
Their fingers itched to wrap themselves around the necks of the strangers, feeling their victims' heart pulse rapidly as the couple would squeeze the last bit of air from their lungs.
For obvious reasons they did not follow through with their urges but they did whisper to each other how they would do it in their lustful moments.
Neither of them questioned why the thought of killing people together made them excited. They just rode the waves of pleasure to release.
The sound of Rebecca's palm smacking her forehead startled Rodolphus out of his thoughts.
"I knew I forgot to do something. I will make some time this weekend to start teaching Bellatrix how to drive, that includes you too. There is no way in hell I'm letting you go about your life without driving a car."
Rodolphus felt something stir in his chest, much like the feeling he used to get when his father wanted to spend time with him and his brother. He felt the corner of his lips curl up. "Thank you, I appreciate that greatly."
She waved him off. "It's nothing."
With a shake of his head Rodolphus replied graciously. "Rebecca you have done a lot for us and we're not even blood. We owe you so much."
Rebecca reached over and grabbed his hand, giving Rodolphus a heartfelt smile. "You're a sweet boy Rod but you and Bellatrix do not owe me anything. I'm just glad to have met you both."
A comfortable silence fell between the two and an unsaid word hung in the air; family. It was almost like a mutual understanding between the two, neither would owe each other anything because that is not how a family works. You are just simply there to love and support each other.
A minute or so later Rebecca was the first to break the silence.
"Now I understand you have the basics of dentistry but I believe it is easier to learn on the job, so you will be helping Simon and I with Mr Redford."
Rodolphus froze for a moment. "That's four o'clock root canal patient isn't it?
Mrs Granger chuckled. "You'll be fine Rodolphus, I know you can do it."
The thought of helping perform a root canal made his stomach churn but something else lingered on his mind.
"Please don't take this the wrong way but we're not working with Simon Shepp, are we?"
Rebecca grimaced. "Sorry, Simon Thomas had to leave early to pick up his boyfriend from the airport."
"Fuck my life."
Simon Shepp was that one person everybody thought as a creep. It didn't matter if you were a man or woman, he would violate your personal space. His breath down your neck, his fingers just ghosting over you but not actually touching. To Rodolphus, Shepp was like the male version of Mrs Brown. Anytime Rodolphus saw Shepp near a female co-worker he would either discretely block Shepp from getting close to the women or he would distract Shepp with work.
Everyone loves Simon Thomas because you could chat to him about anything and everything. As soon as Thomas walked in the door you knew that today would be a great day.
Unlike Shepp.
Now, whether or not Shepp knew what he was doing was difficult to grasp. On some days he would be okay to hang around with at work but the other days.. in the mens bathroom he would subtly try to compare penis sizes with the other male co-workers.. by standing next to you at the urinals.
As much as Rodolphus would love to see Shepp get fired, the clinic had a small amount of workers and it would take months for someone to replace his role as the dental surgeon.
He prayed to his Gods and Goddesses that Shepp was a just a good person and not a sexual predator.
"I know you don't Shepp but just try to work with him."
"Fat chance." Was the bitter thought, though he knew it was an argument he could not win, so he swallowed his pride and gave a tight nod. "I will."
"But if he tries to touch my butt again I will break his face."
Rebecca smiled. "Good, now go help Shepp prep for Mr Redford while I finish off the rest of the paper work."
Mrs Granger, amused, watched as Rodolphus shuffled to the door and glancing at her as if she was joking about Shepp. She let out a small giggle as she waved a frowning Rodolphus goodbye.
Once the door was firmly shut Rebecca waited a moment, listening for anyone coming to her office before she slumped in her chair. "What the hell am I going to do?… Ezekiel I need you here with me, if you are listening please give a sign my love."
She walked over to the window, placing a hand against the glass panel and looked up at the cat. The grey tabby cat stretched itself over a thick branch, resting in the shade and occasionally flicking its tail. "I wish I could do that… just enjoy a day of peace." Rebecca looked over to her desk, her heart sinking at the thought of those papers and the other personal problems she has.
Looking back to the cat she decided to just focus on her patients and spending time with her family and friends. Rebecca needed a day where she did not have to feel the pressure of life, she just wanted a day of peace.
Otherwise she probably would end up having a heart attack or maybe punching a co-worker and then a police offer. "Maybe I should take up boxing again." She smiled to herself.
RG*RG*RG*RG*RG*
Meanwhile..
Bellatrix sat on wooden chair, legs hanging over the arm rest, nose deep in A Game of Thrones: A Clash of Kings. She didn't have much to do when she was left home alone except read and obsess over the remains of Savage in the basement. Rodolphus and Narcissa would stop by when they could but it seemed as if nothing to could stop the boredom that gnaws on Bellatrix in every waking moment.
As if boredom was not terrible enough, that dark need for violence and torture was constantly going through her thoughts; louder than a jet plane. She tried to ignore the feeling and the way her fingers would twitch any time she saw Savage's remains.
So that left Bellatrix bored. Bored and alone, reading a violent book to quench the bloodlust. Though at this stage any mentions of Petyr Baelish in the book seemed to aggravate her. "I hope Arya kills this prick… How Ned trusted him I will never understand…"
Angrily she flicked the page over to the start of a new chapter; 'Jon' it read. Bellatrix let out a groan. "Oh Gods.. I swear if you don't let Jon do his job I will smack you."
Bellatrix had a few characters that annoyed her in the book series, mostly Catelyn and Sansa. Surprisingly Cersei has yet to make the list simply because, as Bellatrix told Rebecca, "She's got balls."
After reading the first two paragraphs Bellatrix was rolling her eyes and sighing. A thin black bookmark, a gift from Rodolphus, went between the pages and Bellatrix set the book down. "How the hell is Jon suppose to protect the Wall if you won't let him do his job?!"
With the obvious lack of response Bellatrix threw her hands up in the air before running them through her curly hair.
An exasperated sigh escaped her lips as she sat up in her chair. The dark haired witch looked around the study, unsure of what to do now. She strummed her fingers against the arm rest, biting her lip in thought. "This is so fucking boring!… I could be doing other things right now.. but what?"
Annoyed, Bellatrix abruptly stood up and walked out of the study. To her surprise she found herself in the kitchen looking through the cupboards before speaking to herself once more.
"Why did I come in here for?.."
The witch left, wondering around the house until she arrived at the kitchen again. "Why do I keep coming in the kitchen? There's nothing here for me!.. Get a hold of yourself Bellatrix."
Composing herself somewhat, Bellatrix sped out of the kitchen and went outside to the backyard. The chilly breeze and cold atmosphere was refreshing for the young woman. She felt like she could breathe.
Bellatrix sat on the steps of the back porch. Closing her eyes and smiling as snow flakes fell gently on to her pale cheeks. The bloodlust and dark thoughts didn't feel so heavy outside. She opened her eyes to the sight of the snow falling on to the forest trees behind the fence, like icing powder on a donut.
She wanted to turn around and yell for Rodolphus to come sit with her but the silent house reminded her she was alone.
Suddenly the world felt quiet.
Bellatrix looked down at the ground and hugged herself, frowning at the snow.
"Maybe I should spend some time with Andromeda…"
RG*RG*RG*RG*RG*
Meanwhile at Hermione's kindergarten…
Hermione Granger and her friends are sitting at a table in kindergarten, just waiting until they can go outside and play in the small patches of snow. As per usual Hermione was the first one in the class to finish the tasks set by the teachers; finger painting? check. Organise the cubby? check. Read a book? Did it five times in one reading session.
However not all of Hermione's friends and classmates were doing as well as her. Draco, Pansy and Blaise being some of the youngest students in the class lacked in some of the social skills and patience to do half of the tasks. Draco struggled the most sadly. Been around so many kids made the poor blonde boy anxious and shy. Pansy, Blaise Quinn, Brianna, Santana, Cormac and Tyler tried to encourage Draco into been social but the young boy would often be reading behind a tree, away from everyone else.
Hermione seemed to be the only person Draco could be relaxed around. She would read a book with Draco first before getting him to play games with their friends. While this may seem incredibly cute and adorable, the teachers started noticing something.
Hermione Granger was secretly organising pranks on the teachers. Now the teachers could not prove it but it was just a gut feeling. Any time something was about to happen Hermione had this look in her eye like she knew something that none else did.
So Mrs Philips and Ms Porter watched Hermione talking quietly to her friends. All the other kids were chatting loudly as they ate their lunch and the two women could hear their conversations; except for Hermione's table.
"Hermione has to be the brains of the group. No-one else thinks like her." Mrs Philips whispered to Ms Porter.
Ms Porter nodded, eyeing the girl in question carefully. Whenever Hermione stopped talking the girl seemed to be listening to Pansy, Draco, Quinn and Cormac intently. "I think the ideas are coming from Cormac, Quinn, Pansy and Draco. I mean look how Hermione listens to them the most."
While the two teachers were conversing Hermione watched them from the corner of her eye.
"We gotta be smart and quick about this, that's what Bella did when she was in school." Hermione whispered.
Pansy nodded enthusiastically, hanging off every word while the others gave their own gesture of agreement. Hermione looked around discretely, watching the movement of each classmate and teacher. Their snack time was drawing to an end. She leaned in to her friends, whispering.
"It's time."
The group of friends split up, moving to their designated positions from the plan. Other children began lining up at the doors, waiting for recess to officially begin. Mrs Philips and Ms Porter eyed Hermione and her friends, trying to figure out if anything seem odd as they walked to the doors. Not seeing anything to worry about they let the children out to play.
"Remember kids, no snowballs and don't run on the ice."
Hermione smirked to herself. With her plan there would be a massive snow fight.
Pansy and Cormac ran up to the teachers, moving past the crowd of shuffling kids trying to get outside.
"Ms Porter! It's my turn to use the football. Cormy keeps saying its his but its not." The loud whining from Pansy caught the class's attention. With all the fuss about the snow the kids forgot about borrowing the sports equipment from the teachers. Especially the football. Everyone in the class wanted the football.
Mrs Philips and Ms Porter became surrounded by most of the class, bewildered by the loud tantrum Pansy threw.
With the class distracted Hermione, Draco, Blaise, Quinn, Brianna, Santana and Tyler ran to the best part of the playground, gathering snow in the sand buckets. In the what the kids called "The Tower", the group of friends set up the best defence they could.
Hermione peered out of the tower, looking at Cormac and waved her hand. Cormac grinned and grabbed Pansy by the hand before the teachers began ushering out the children. The two ran as fast they could, snow falling gently around them while the rest of the class squealed with delight; catching snowflakes on their tongues.
It was only when Pansy and Cormac reached the safety of the tower when the first snowball was launched, hitting Ms Porter.
The young woman looked around, gritting her teeth. "Who did that?"
No answer. All the children looked around until another snowball hit Timothy Rangebrook square in the face. Pansy's little pink face poked from the empty window hole in the Tower and bellowed "SNOW FIGHT!"
The teachers mouths hung open as the playground turned into a snowy battlefield. All the children yelled and cheered, launching snowball after snowball from their tiny gloved hands. White powder exploding against the playground and clothes as the children tried to charge at the Tower.
Some of the kids fell backwards as they were struck, snow scattering everywhere on impact; like a grenade on the beaches of Normandy. A few children fell or slipped on the icy parts of the play equipment, crying out while the next child either stepped over them or helped them retreat.
Neither of the teachers could reign the children in; they kept getting hit by snowballs too.
Ms Porter and Mrs Philips hid inside, peaking through the windows in horror.
"What the hell are we going to do? There's too many of them." Ms Porter cried.
Mrs Philips grab her friend by the scruff of her collar shirt. "Get your shit together Karen! They're kids, we can beat them at their own game."
Karen Porter faltered, her mouth trembling. "What do we do then?"
Mrs Philips looked around, hoping for an idea to come up. Over by the office door was a telephone, mounted high on the wall where the children couldn't reach.
"We call the parents."
Karen gaped at her friend. "Susan no, we can't-"
"Do you have a better idea?" Susan Philips snapped. "There's no way can physically over power them with just the two of us, we need back up."
Ms Porter shocked her head. "There has to be a better way." Looking around the class for a sign, Karen was desperate. Susan rolled her eyes and glanced back at the phone when a snowball hit the window next to them.
Gathering her nerve Susan stood up. "That's it, I'm calling the parents."
"Wait!" Karen grabbed her arm.
Annoyed, Susan looked down at her friend who was pointing at something on the far wall.
"Bellatrix." Karen said, hope shining in her eyes.
"What?"
Karen looked at Susan. "Call Bellatrix, Hermione will listen to her and all the kids love her."
Unsure, Susan looked at the drawing Karen was pointing at. Hermione drew Bellatrix as Batman for the class task of 'people we look up to".
"God help us."
Many minutes later the snow fight was in full swing and there were 'causalities' on both sides. Hermione and few of her friends were a shivering mess while Pansy was throwing snow balls left and right with both hands. Being the shortest of the group Pansy made up for it with her aggressive arm power.
It would have been an impressive sight if it was not so cute and amusing.
Suddenly the atmosphere of the kindergarten became colder. The breeze came to a dead stop, clouds hid the sun and the snow flakes turned into misty rain. Hermione and her friends looked at each other, disappointed but with a hint of fear. The children on the playground stopped cheering and throwing snowballs, frowning at the sudden weather change.
Most of the children ran for cover while Hermione and her friends remained in the tower; Cormac, Quinn, Santana, Brianna and Tyler groaning in frustration. Hermione opened her mouth to say something but a sound in the distance distracted her.
"Crunch, Crunch, Crunch.."
The young girl looked over to the gate entrance behind her, trying to figure out where the sound was coming from. Briefly it stopped but Hermione couldn't shake the feeling that something or someone was coming. "Shh! I-I hear something." Hermione shakily breathed.
Draco, Quinn and Cormac came to her side while the others waddled over, muttering to each other in confusion.
"What is it Her-my-oh-knee?" Draco whispered, gazing at the entrance.
Hermione frowned. "I don't kn-"
"Crunch, Crunch, Crunch.."
This time the sound was closer and louder. A shadow figure appeared at the far end of the fence line and sounds came again. For the briefest moment Hermione thought it was the monster from the night her parents. Hermione grasped the closest hand to her, willing herself not to cry.
"Crunch, Crunch, Crunch.."
The group of friends gasped and hid behind the wooden walls of the Tower. Pansy pulled her beanie down to cover her face, hid her arms and legs in the coat. You could only see the tip of her bright pink nose amongst the clothes.
"What do we do?" Pansy whined from the inside of her coat.
They looked around them. All the snow was left in the tower were small clumps; barely enough to make one snowball.
The rusty sound of the gate moving startled the friends, holding each other out of fear as the crunching sound resumed. It moved closer and closer until it was right next to the ladder, the entry way closest to Hermione.
Hermione stared at the entry, holding her friends' hand so tight it was sure to leave a mark for the day.
Bellatrix's head came into view.
All the friends let out a sigh of relief, Hermione looking the most relieved.
Bellatrix gave them all a look.
"You know I never thought I would have to be the one to ruin people's fun but here we are."
Hermione went wide eyed and gulped while her friends didn't understand Bellatrix.
RG*RG*RG*RG*RG*
Hermione sat on the single seat couch looking down at her hands while Bellatrix smirked, waiting for Hermione to look up. It was a few moments before Bellatrix broke the silence, deciding she didn't want Hermione to be upset.
"I'm not angry Hermione."
The small girl looked up at Bellatrix surprised, a tiny voice stuttering from her mouth."You're not?"
The young woman laughed."Of course not!..-" the smile from the witch faded a bit, becoming slightly serious. "but don't tell your grandmother that. In fact don't even tell Rod or Cissy."
Bellatrix could only imagine their reactions if they found out she didn't scold Hermione for getting into trouble at kindergarten. The though alone made her shudder. To her relief though, Hermione promised not to tell anyone; even if a nagging feeling told her that maybe she scold her a bit.
"What's the worst that could happen? Break fifty school rules at Hogwarts and get expelled?" She scoffed internally. "As if."
"So what do we do now?" Hermione asked.
The witch scrunched her face in thought, a finger tapping on the arm rest of the couch. They had a few hours to kill before Rodolphus would come home and then another three till Rebecca would be finished with work. "We could watch Xena.. oh wait, Rebecca said Hermione is too young.."
Bellatrix looked at Hermione and tilted her her head. "What do you want to do?"
A wide grin graced Hermione's face as her eyes lit up with excitement.
"Can we see the magic world? Or maybe see Dora, or-or the library?"
Bellatrix chuckled, Hermione seemed almost out of breath trying get out all the words. "Umm.." Hermione leaned in, waiting for Bellatrix to say yes.
On the outside the witch seemed to be calm but internally she felt her chest tightened and uneasy. She knew one day she would have to spend time with Andromeda's daughter but for whatever the reason she felt nervous; almost ashamed. Not of Nymphadora or her family. No, Bellatrix felt shame for her actions in Hogwarts.
It has been hard not to be reminded of her past prejudice and abhorrent behaviour. She loved the muggle town and people she has met but she didn't feel like she deserved to be here.
"What if she sees the monster in me? or the town?…. Hermione even?"
Doubt and fear plaguing her mind, Bellatrix went for the easy option. "We will visit the library, as for the magic world and Dora we'll ask Rebecca first."
Hermione grin grew even wider. "THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!"
The older witch smiled.
They got ready to leave for the library within five minutes and apparated near the library in the next town over, away from prying eyes. "Now remember, we don't tell anyone about this."
Hours came and went for Hermione and Bellatrix before they had to return back to Rebecca's house. When Rodolphus arrived at the small house, he greeted the two witches with a hug and kiss on the cheek. Rodolphus had missed the phone call from the kindergarten, leaving him clueless about the snow fight until Hermione started apologising profusely before Bellatrix could take him aside to explain what happened earlier today.
Like any typical parent Rodolphus was annoyed and disappointed that Hermione got into trouble. As much as he did not want to be angry or punish Hermione in any sort of way, Rodolphus told Hermione off and grounded her for four days. She had to return any books she borrowed from the library the next day and apologise to her teachers and her friends parents for getting the kids in trouble. In the mean time however she had to sit in the corner until Rebecca came home from work.
It hurt Rodolphus to punish her. Really it broke his heart but if he was going to help raise Hermione then he has to start acting like an adult around Hermione.
While the trio waited for Rebecca, Rodolphus and Bellatrix started prepping dinner while Hermione quietly did her timetables on her fingers. No-one told her to do it, Hermione just wanted to practice and liked the challenge of timetables.
Twenty minutes later Hermione could smell the mince meat cooking in the pasta sauce and hear a small salad being put together. She felt her stomach grumble and groan as she sat there, becoming hungrier by the second. Hermione could picture the dinner being made in the kitchen; the sauce bubbling away, the long and thin noodles softening in the boiling water. The picture in her mind made her mouth water.
The sound of the front door opening and closing shattered the image from Hermione's thoughts and when she turned around she was greeted with a stern looking Rebecca.
Hermione had the decency to look ashamed.
"We need to have a talk young lady." Rebecca's sharp voice made Hermione look down and away from her grandmother.
Hermione was definitely in big trouble.
RG*RG*RG*RG*RG*
Saturday…
For the last few days Bellatrix has been a nervous wreck. Andromeda had agreed to properly introduce Nymphadora to her, Rodolphus and the Malfoy's. They arrived at the park a few minutes early so that Bellatrix could calm herself down a bit. The dark haired witch kept picking at her nails while Draco and Hermione played on the playground; Lucius happily playing a game with the two.
Bellatrix wanted Rebecca to be here with them but the matriarch insisted that this is something Bellatrix needs to do without her, as the woman told her: "Love conquers all."
Though this did little to sway the anxiety monster that lurked in her head.
She felt her husband thread his fingers through her own, drawing circles on her hand with his thumb. Bellatrix looked into her husband's gentle eyes, feeling slightly relaxed.
"What's wrong Ma Cherie?" Rodolphus whispered. Narcissa looked on in concern at her sister.
Looking away from her sister and Rodolphus, Bellatrix swallowed the imaginary lump in her throat and let out a trembling croak.
"What if she doesn't like me? Or hates me?"
Bellatrix felt silly for saying it but the thought kept swirling around her head long before Andromeda had agreed to this.
Sometimes it felt like the whole world could see the monster in her and all the horrible things she done. The tiniest part of her realises that it is a bit irrational but it did not stop the fear eating away at her conscious. Nor did it help to still have the need, or want, to torture and kill. She almost felt like a puppet; her strings and actions being controlled by the monster in charge. Rodolphus was in a similar position to her but she could not bear the thought of her family and friends seeing the monster within.
It would be emotionally devastating for her.
Rodolphus pulled her into a hug, her head resting on his shoulder. Narcissa moved seats to be closer to her sister.
"She would never hate you Bella."
The little voice of fear and self doubt rejected those words. While she was a Hogwarts student this voice, though soft spoken, kept her mind in self doubt. They stick around because they feel sorry for you. and as Bellatrix got older the words changed but the message remained the same, just spoken more softly. You're a burden, they don't actually love you and why should they? You're a monster.
Bellatrix couldn't bear to look at either of them, so she focused on the grain of the wooden bench they were seated at.
Sensing the doubt and sadness, Rodolphus and Narcissa did whatever they thought would comfort Bellatrix.
Rodolphus's hand, slightly calloused from physical work, cupped Bellatrix's soft pale cheek and spoke with such kindness Bellatrix thought she might burst into tears right then and there. She didn't however.
"I wish you could see how much you are loved and adored Ma Cherie." Both Narcissa and Bellatrix looked at him. Narcissa was nodding fervently, agreeing with every word spoken. Bellatrix sniffed, wanting to believe while holding so much love in her eyes.
"I don't deserve it." She wanted to say. "I don't deserve you.."
Rodolphus continued, as if he could see into her mind. "You are loved by more people than you realise. Have you not seen the way the children look up to you? Why else would the teachers call you and not the other parents. Children always know who they can trust and love and especially feel safe with."
She looked away, not wanting to show that she felt ashamed; ashamed of herself. Bellatrix felt Narcissa bristle beside her, her sister trying to sit straight.
"Rodolphus is right Bella," like a timid doe, Bellatrix glanced at her younger sister. "You would not believe how often Draco, Blaise, Pansy and Cormac talk about you. Even the children from Pansy's party still talk about you and they only met you once. They adore you my sweet sister, they can see how big your heart is."
Bellatrix looked down again but this time she was smiling. Tears threatened to fall but that feeling in her chest gave her the strength not too. Even if a soft voice in the dark cavernous part of her mind whispered Liars..
Taking a breath Bellatrix smiled to her sister and her husband. "Thank you."
Narcissa hugged her tight whispering 'I love you'.
Rodolphus grabbed her hand and kissed it, flashing a sweet smile he reserved only for her. He didn't have to say anything after the kiss because she remembered the first time he had done it and knew what it meant.
Her heart swelled with emotion.
A high pitched squeal from Draco broke them out of their staring.
"Come play Aunty Bella!"
The adults shared a smile before Bellatrix got up from her seat to play with the kids until the Tonks arrived.
Bellatrix wasn't too sure of who was more nervous; Her sister and brother-in-law or herself. One's thing is for sure though Nymphadora, five years older than Hermione, was relaxed. Her niece reminded her of the muggle stereotype of a 'surfer dude' or 'surfer gal'.
While Andromeda attire was reminiscent of a lady, Nymphadora was a.. what the muggle phrase? A tomboy; a girl interested in what is typically known or associated with boys, like rough housing or playing sports. Her shirt was a Manchester United jersey and ripped denim jeans with converse. In her arm was a dirty football.
Nymphadora had shoulder length brown hair, same as her mother's hair colour, her father's eyes but she carried herself similar to Sirius Black; cocky attitude with a warm smile.
"Before he became an arsehole." Bellatrix thought to herself, smiling at the memory of a young Sirius Black.
Before Andromeda could perform a proper introduction Nymphadora walked right up to Bellatrix and stuck out her hand casually.
"Wotcher, I'm Dora."
Being raised in a strict blood supremacist family the casual greeting was odd, especially for Narcissa and Lucius, but Bellatrix and Rodolphus smiled warmly however before Bellatrix shake her hand Andromeda scolded her slightly.
"Nymphadora!"
A streak of hair changed to red for the briefest moment before Nymphadora rolled her eyes. The LeStranges, Malfoys and Hermione gaped. Some in shock while the rest were amazed.
"A metamorphmagus! My niece is a metamorphmagus.. that's pretty cool."
Nymphadora turned around and shrugged, raising her arms up. "Wot? I thought this was a meet 'nd greet?
A smile was itching to break out on Ted's face while Andromeda seemed a bit flustered. Lucius and Narcissa were smiling politely though they were thinking that if Draco did the same thing, they too would be slightly bothered. Not to say Lucius and Narcissa didn't like Nymphadora, they did.
Bellatrix and Rodolphus's smiles turned into grins, already liking their niece.
Andromeda sighed. "It is but-"
"So what's the problem then? It's not like I'm asking for money or anything."
Andromeda gave her daughter a stern look, warning her to behave. This only raised an eyebrow on the young metamorphmagus. With a sly grin she turned to looked at Bellatrix.
"Although… Do you have any money?"
Narcissa and Lucius gaped, Rodolphus and Ted chuckled while Bellatrix laughed and Andromeda's nostrils flared. Draco and Hermione giggled until Narcissa gave them a stern look.
With a cheeky grin of her own, Bellatrix replied. "Depends on how much you want."
The sisters went wide eyed while Rodolphus and Ted sniggered away like school children.
"Bellatrix!"
Nymphadora gave Bellatrix a wide toothy smile, ignoring the adults around her. "Wanna play some football?"
Draco and Hermione gripped on to Bellatrix's clothes, begging to play as well.
Feeling her heart grow and swell, she returned the smile to her niece "Sure."
It was quite comical to say the least. Andromeda, Lucius and Narcissa gaped at the entire interaction while both Rodolphus and Ted quietly agreed that the meeting went well.
"I am so sorry, I honestly did not expect Nymphadora would do that." Andromeda said apologetically to Narcissa and Lucius. The eldest sister knew that the Malfoy's were not as relaxed as Bellatrix and Rodolphus.
Rodolphus rolled his eyes as he watched his in-laws smiled politely. "It's quite alright." Lucius said.
The French man chuckled, the others looking at him. "Honestly there's nothing to apologise for. Nymphadora seems like a good kid with a kind soul."
Andromeda and Ted both smiled at him. Lucius and Narcissa quickly concurred with Rodolphus, not wanting to seem like they disliked their niece. They did like her, it was just her odd method of greeting others threw them through a loop.
Rodolphus walked over to his wife, smiling as played with the kids.
Granted it was not at the polite standards a parent would want to have but maybe the meeting was suppose to be like this.
To the French wizard it was definitely his favourite family introduction. Already he loved the relaxed personality of the girl, she seemed to down to Earth. He was already planning on introducing her to his side of the family. His brother and wife would adore just as much as he was already beginning to adore her.
"The world needs more people like Nymphadora.."
RG*RG*RG*RG*RG*
Later that day..
Night time has well and truly made its way over the small muggle town. The LeStranges, Hermione, Malfoys and Tonks all got together for a family dinner after spending the day at the park. Nymphadora did eventually give the Malfoys a proper greeting but it seemed that the girl was quite taken with Bellatrix and her cousin. Rodolphus was her second favourite.
To Nymphadora's dismay they eventually had to say their goodbyes as they all had to to go home but not before Bellatrix promised to organise a sleepover with the other kids at her and Rodolphus's home.
Which leads to where Bellatrix and Rodolphus are at now; at their muggle home, soaking in a bath tub together.
Rodolphus was staring at Bellatrix, smiling, until Bellatrix noticed and blushed a bit.
"What?"
Still smiling Rodolphus shook his head. "Nothing..well I love seeing you so happy, especially that smile you had just before."
With a playful roll of her eyes, she chuckled. "You have got such a honeyed tongue my love, you should be a writer." She sunk lower into the tub, the warm water rising above her shoulders and drowning half of her curly mass.
He laughed. "I would only write for you Ma Cherie and for your eyes only."
Bellatrix shook her head. She would have made a humorous remark but after today she was quite enjoying the 'corniness', as a muggle might say, of his affection. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
They sat in the tub silence for a while. Just enjoying and taking comfort in each other's presence. Until, that is, Bellatrix wanted to discuss A Clash of Kings.
"I really don't like Petyr Baelish."
Rodolphus laughed. "I hate him too. I either want Arya or Tyrion to kill him. Or maybe Jon.."
Bellatrix hummed in thought. "I absolutely love Jon and Tyrion but I think Arya should be the one.. and then she should become captain of the Queens guard for Daenerys."
"That would be awesome." Rodolphus grinned, nodding. "It would be fucking badass.. you need to write to Martin and tell him this! Imperio him if you have to."
The dark haired witch smiled, her head tilted as she and her husband exchanged glances.
Changing topics, Bellatrix grabbed her husband's foot and began massaging it. Rodolphus did the same.
"So are you excited for your second orientation day on Monday?"
Rodolphus nodded. "Oui and a bit frightened to be honest."
The witch frowned. From what Rodolphus had told her about the first day, it seemed everything would be okay for her husband. "How come?"
"Beside having Narcissa travelling with me to the city I will be alone with total strangers in my course."
Seeing Bellatrix frown Rodolphus smiled at her reassuringly. "I'll be okay. I will come back home throughout the day if the muggles are too much to handle."
If Rodolphus could be brutally honest, the muggles on his first orientation day seemed all odd to him. It was like being on another planet; incredibly different from the muggle town he has gotten used to. The professor was as dull as the professors at Hogwarts too. He often wondered why they even bother to teach at all with their attitudes and approach to the course.
The witch bit her lip in thought, wondering how her sister was truly handling it. If Rodolphus felt nervous she could only imagine Narcissa would be close to having a panic attack at the mere thought of having orientation again.
"Is Cissy enjoying it?" Bellatrix asked, frowning.
Rodolphus hummed happily, remembering the excited look on Narcissa's face when they met up for lunch.
"Oui, it is like one big adventure for her. Her lecturer, Mrs Harding, is apparently a half-blood so she was happy to assist Cissy with unfamiliar terms and the value of muggle money."
Bellatrix relaxed further into the water and let out a breath she didn't realise she was holding. Rodolphus noticed the change in his wife's composure. He sat up in the tub, water splashing on the tiled floor as he pulled Bellatrix to him.
They both stared into each other's eyes, reading the emotions they felt.
"Everything is going to be okay my love, you'll see."
More water splashed and pooled on the tiles as the couple embraced.
RG*RG*RG*RG*RG*
Monday..
Wanting to get the muggle experience of having to physical travel without use of magic seemed like a good idea at the start for Rodolphus. He thought after living in a muggle town for a few months he had the muggle travelling down pat; walking everywhere in the secluded town, getting a car ride to the next town's gym with Rainerio and walking almost an hour to the nearest train station using a map.
So he set his alarm clock to wake him at five in the morning, had a small breakfast, got dressed and walked to the train station. Easy, he thought.
Wrong.
It was pitch black in the early morning and having to walk across the bridge, the only way to get in town, with the dense forest having branches over head scared the hell out of him. He had the strangest feeling of being watched and it stayed with him even on the dirt free way road. He could not hear anyone else walking on the road with him but he kept looking over his shoulder, wand clutched in his hand.
Not wanting to skip the second and last orientation day he carried on walking, ignoring the feeling to run away as fast as he could.
There was not a single cloud in the sky nor stars or the moon.
"Weird.."
He reached for the walkman Rebecca gave him in the side of his coat, wanting a distraction from the eerie feeling. His hand stilled, the tips of his fingers brushing against the fabric of the coat. "I probably shouldn't, there might be a reason for this fear."
Rodolphus continued to trudge along the dirt road until the crunching sound of dirt turned into the sound of shoes on rough bitcherman replaced it. Suddenly Rodolphus no longer felt uneasy. A sigh of relief escaped his lips.
The young wizard was now at the half way point on the journey to the train station and could see a faint light of a street lamp in the distance.
Rodolphus grabbed the walkman from his coat pocket and switched it on. Motley Crue's album Shout At The Devil started playing on side A of the cassette tape, courtesy of Rebecca Granger. The old head phones fit snuggly around his head as the opening song played, forgetting about the eerie feeling from moments ago.
Whether or not he danced and sung along to the music was of no-ones's concern.
Nor would he ever tell anyone of this new routine.
As he walked further down the road, his curly hair bouncing to movement of his head bopping, Rodolphus realised that he was close to the station so he ceased all dancing. He turned the volume down, grabbed the change he needed for a ticket and unintentionally swaggered up to the counter.
An old man sat behind the counter, horned rim glasses hanging off the tip his pointed nose, reading a Stephen King novel. Rodolphus and Bellatrix had met the man when Rebecca took them to the train station earlier in the month. Robert was the man's name.
Robert didn't even look up from his book when Rodolphus appeared. Before Rodolphus had his head phones down, Robert slide a ticket across the counter.
"Trains won't be running on this line tonight from six o'clock this evening till midnight, so make sure you get here early." Robert's rough voice was almost inaudible from behind the book.
The wizard groaned internally.
"Thank you." Rodolphus offered a polite smile as he handed over the coins but it unnoticed by the man as he plucked the coins from Rodolphus. "Have a good day Robert."
Robert sniffed. "You too Rupert."
Not bothering to correct the eighty-eight year old man, Rodolphus walked down the only platform to where the front carriage would be.
Ten minutes of waiting and readjusting his satchel bag, his grandfather's old bag from the 1920's, and listening to Motley Crue a dirty train finally arrived. Rodolphus board the train and found a spot by a window.
Rodolphus ignored the world around him, checking his map, watching stations go past every twenty minutes before he had to catch a connecting train to Manchester. A few muggles stared at him and he ignored them. He knew he looked odd with the way he dressed compared with the modern day clothing muggles made. Luckily he hid the scars he got from Ashwood, otherwise he would have endured questions from people.
He preferred to dress smart or business like when travelling to Manchester, hopefully letting people know that he was only going for business; not 'hookups' as the students in his class did.
An hour later Rodolphus arrived at Manchester and walked to a secret location where he would wait for Narcissa to arrive.
Fortunately he did not have to wait long for his sister in-law. Barely two minutes had gone by before the blonde woman appeared next to him.
"Rodolphus! How are you?" She greeted him happily, hugging him.
"I'm quite alright, what about you?" He smiled, kissing her cheek.
Narcissa grinned. "Good, I just popped Draco over to Bellatrix on my way over. Thank the Gods there was no tantrums this time. He is quite resistant to kindergarten at the moment."
Furrowing his eyebrows, Rodolphus spoke with concern for his nephew. "Why? Has something bad happened."
Immediately he worried that Hermione might have been exhibiting some of the extreme behavioural problems the psychiatrist talked about. "Let me be wrong.."
The blonde woman laughed. "No, he's just upset he can't play his favourite sport at kindergarten or read all day."
Relieved to be wrong, Rodolphus continued talking to Narcissa was they walked to a cafe near her university. They chatted for another twenty minutes, a tea in Narcissa's hands and a latte in Rodolphus's, before they said their goodbyes.
Rodolphus strolled over to his university, eating an apple and sat down in front of the library to read a text book until he had to go the orientation class in the auditorium on the first floor.
The French man was the first person to arrive at the auditorium. Rodolphus looked around and saw no-one there, not even the professor who was in charge of the orientation days. Bemused by the lack of students and professors, Rodolphus sat in the front closest to the door. He waited around for ten minutes when a man walked into the auditorium looking just as confused.
He was a tall forty year old, lanky dark skinned man with bags around his eyes. He was dressed similar to Rodolphus. He looked to the French man, smiling awkwardly.
"Iz zis ze dentist orientation?" The man spoke with such a thick French accent Rodolphus was oddly comforted by it. He didn't feel so alien in the university.
Rodolphus smiled and replied in his native tongue. "Oui, c'est l'orientation du dentiste," the wizard stood up to introduce himself, extending his hand. "Mon nom est Rodolphus LeStrange, Comment vous appelez-vous?"
The man looked relieved to hear Rodolphus speak French. C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer Rodolphus, mon nom est Samuel Luamba."
The two spoke for almost ten minutes when the professor and other students finally started to turn up.
It turns out Samuel moved over from the Congo a few months ago to look for a stable job and to start a new life. Rodolphus had a sneaking suspicion that Samuel was a wizard from the way he misspoke when talking about how he travelled to the United Kingdom.
Rodolphus sat in the poorly made desk, his note book out and eager to learn but to his dismay the professor didn't say much about what they would be learning when the first semester started. He seemed to jabber on about how annoyed he was listening to train passengers talk about football and that he couldn't understand how people were interested in sports at all.
Other students in the class, eager to please or have a superiority complex, engaged the professor in his ramblings; happy to insult strangers.
Samuel and Rodolphus looked at each other, annoyed with the class and professor.
Eventually the professor did get around to actual orientation related subjects but all it was, was him reciting their book list and class materials. Orientation ended after that.
As the students and professor staggered out, conversing about the types of people they disliked Rodolphus sat there dumbfounded.
Suddenly the prospect of learning with muggles fell to pieces. "It's like I'm back at Hogwarts…"
The sound of Samuel clearing his throat pulled Rodolphus from his thoughts.
"My apologies Rodolphus but I must leave now, I have work in half an hour."
Samuel stuck out his hand. Rodolphus shook it. "It is alright Samuel, I will see you when the semester starts."
They said their goodbyes and Rodolphus was unsure of what to do now. He had half an hour until Narcissa would be on break.
Bored and not knowing what to do, Rodolphus walked to Narcissa's university and waited across the street in a cafe. To his surprise Narcissa was inside having a cup of tea while reading one of her text books. The wizard walked over and greeted her.
Narcissa looked up, shocked. "H-hi, did your orientation end early too?"
He nodded. "Yep, it was an absolute waste of time."
The blonde woman made a sound of agreement. "I know right? and the level of immaturity is astounding." Her voice dropped low and leaned in.
Again, Rodolphus nodded and replied quietly. "If I wanted immaturity I would go back to Hogwarts."
She hummed, agreeing once more. Sighing Narcissa changed the topics. "Have you and Bella got any plans for your anniversary? It falls on Christmas so are you two going to do something festive on this special occasion?"
Rodolphus smiled, thinking about his wedding day. "Uh nothing yet but I was thinking of getting Hermione to help me surprise Bella."
Narcissa's face lit up and fawned over the idea of Hermione helping out. "That is such a wonderful idea."
He grinned and continue to plan out the special day in his head until he felt Narcissa poke him.
"Oh, sorry I was just-"
Narcissa waved him off. "I know. I was asking if we should head back to Bellatrix."
The smile on Rodolphus's face grew impossibly wider at the idea while Narcissa shook her head and rolled her eyes.
A few minutes later they arrived the LeStrange homestead in the muggle town, only to find Bellatrix angrily clutching a letter and torn up Daily Prophet's in the lounge room. The house elves did their absolute best to clean the mess but the angry witch kept making more.
Both Rodolphus and Narcissa ran over to her, asking question left, right and centre.
Bellatrix didn't answer, she just showed them the letter.
-Attendance of Druella Black's court hearing is mandatory for immediate family members-
They had to attend the court hearing tomorrow at eleven in the morning.
Rodolphus scowled at the letter.
RG*RG*RG*RG*RG*
Tuesday…
Bellatrix wanted to jump over the wooden rails and attack her mother. Not with a slap. No, she wanted to punch, kick, choke, stab, torture, burn and kill the insane woman seated in the middle of the small court room. Druella hadn't spoke a word for the last ten minutes and Bellatrix felt like she was at her wits end with the woman already.
Bellatrix, Andromeda, Narcissa and Rodolphus weren't the only ones in attendance.
Molly and Arthur Weasley were a few seats over to the left of Bellatrix, glancing once in a while to the sisters and Rodolphus. Bellatrix barely notice them staring, she was too focused on trying to kill her mother with her eyes.
The one time however they did make eye contact, Molly and Arthur offered them an apologetic smile Not knowing why or how to respond Bellatrix gave them a subtle gesture of appreciation.
It was a long while before Druella could give her defence about the attack in Diagon Alley. Bellatrix rolled her eyes and scoffed repeatedly as Druella gave lie after lie about what happened. From the corner of her eye she could see that Molly and Arthur were baffled by her vocal disagreement. She assumed that they were expecting to take Druella's side and lash out at the Weasley's.
"Shows what you weasels know…"
Soon it was Molly's turn to give her statement and be question by the legal members. Unsurprisingly, Druella stood up and spouted insults and the typical "LIES!"
Druella tried to jump over the table but was restrained by the guards.
"Now, since that disruption is at a end I believe it is time we had a break. Court will resume in twenty minutes."
Rodolphus led his wife and sister in laws to a secluded area away from the paparazzi. He could just make out an old school classmate Rita Skeeter flashing a Daily Prophet badge. He sneered at the memories of her. She was one of the worst students at Hogwarts, not because she hexed people. No, she cut people down vicious rumours and lies. It was because of her everyone thought Bellatrix hated him and constantly cheated on him; Rita even went so far as to say Bellatrix was engaged in an incestuous relationships or was promised to the Dark Lord.
To put it bluntly, he and Bellatrix hated Rita with a passion.
Pushing aside his own grievances Rodolphus turned his attention to the sisters in front of him; particularly his wife.
Bellatrix was seething, muttering obscenities about Druella and how she would like to 'crucio the old hag.'
Rodolphus reached out to hold Bellatrix's hand when Molly and Arthur appeared beside them. Awkward silence fell between them, neither knowing who or what to say first. In a typical Gryffindor fashion Molly broke the ice.
"I'm sorry about all this, I didn't realise everyone wanted to make a scene out of this." Molly seemed almost afraid to speak but she manage to get the words out.
Andromeda was the first to reply. "Thank you.. we're sorry to for our mother," all three sisters cringed at the word. "actions. She had no right to attack you."
Bellatrix and Rodolphus could see the cogs spinning in the Weasley's heads. It was interesting to seem trying to decipher why the sisters did not like their own mother. Though there was something else going on in Molly's head but they couldn't figure it out.
"I am sorry that you were attacked but I am happy she'll get a long prison sentence because of it." Bellatrix said nonchalantly.
Andromeda gave her a look while Narcissa hissed. "Bellatrix."
The Weasley's eyes went big for a split second before they recovered. Rodolphus didn't say a word as he observed everyone around him; he felt uncomfortable with the setting. He didn't trust the Weasley's nor did Bellatrix or Narcissa.
Narcissa cleared her throat and smiled politely. "Sorry, it's being a long day for us all. Um Bella could you accompany me to the ladies room."
The dark haired witch rolled her eyes but followed Narcissa anyway, mumbling like a child. "Can't you scold me out here? Everyone knows you're going to anyway."
Andromeda led the Weasley's away to a more secluded area to apologise properly. Rodolphus remained in his spot looking angry.
As soon as the two sisters were in the ladies room Narcissa checked all the stalls, cast a charm on the bathroom and locked the door.
Bellatrix leaned against a white tiled wall, fiddling with her wand.
"Bellatrix you can't loose your composure while we are here, the media is watching and who knows who might be listening."
The witch shrugged. "So?"
Narcissa scoffed in disbelief. "So? So?! Bellatrix, we do not know who is our ally here," Bellatrix stopped playing with her wand and looked at her sister, "How do we know that there isn't any Death Eaters here, waiting for us to slip up? You could put our entire family in danger, you could put Hermione in danger."
Bellatrix swallowed the lump in her throat. It never occurred to her that someone might be listening or watching. Their father used to brag all the time about the amount of secret Voldemort supporters in the ministry and where were the sisters right now?
The ministry.
"Shit.."
Narcissa nodded, happy that her sister was finally paying attention.
"I'll try to be more calm." Bellatrix felt like she was about to have a meltdown. How could she have been so foolish to forget about her enemies?
A sharp knock on the door pulled Bellatrix back to reality. Narcissa grabbed her hand and dragged her out.
"Come on, we have to finish this court proceeding and then we will discuss what happens next."
The rest of the court proceeding went as one would expected to go. Druella spewed out more rubbish while Bellatrix tried to restrain her anger, which was more difficult than expected. Bellatrix broke her finger nails on the arm rests of her seat. Blood dripped down while the judges and Molly spoke.
Bellatrix didn't realise at first until Rodolphus whispered it to her.
She sighed internally, wanting to leave and never look back but she had to know what the sentencing was.
Thankfully, with other crimes Druella had committed in the past and her vocal association with the Death Eaters gave her twenty year sentence.
"Thank the Gods!"
RG*RG*RG*RG*RG*
Later that night..
Rebecca took Rodolphus and Bellatrix with her to another abandon factory forty-five minutes away from their town. Bellatrix took an axe to a wall in an office and Rodolphus was pounding his fists against metals and concrete. Rebecca sat on the top of her old car, sipping a beer and listened to the radio.
She didn't want to hear the LeStrange's howling in anger. It was quite frightening and rarely anything scares Rebecca. She even made them leave their wands in the car and kept a loaded gun next to her.
That is how much they scared her in this moment though sadly their weren't the first and won't be the last.
Rodolphus, in the basement, was howling in pure rage. His voice was rough and little spittles of blood flew out of his mouth as his fist pounded the wall in front of him. Knuckles and fingers bleeding smeared the red warm liquid across the weathered concrete; droplets splashing on to the ground and Rodolphus's bare feet.
Druella did not speak directly to Rodolphus through the trial, she only made comments about her daughters' 'poor choices' in husbands. This wasn't the cause of Rodolphus's anger; it was the memories of how Druella and Cygnus treated the Black Sisters and the affect they still had on them.
He was angry that he couldn't take the pain away. He couldn't protect them from their parents.
It wasn't fair that Druella and Cygnus treated their own children like dirt or that the memories still affected the sisters to this day.
He wanted to breathe smoke and fire.
He wanted to destroy everything around him; every piece of beautiful art, every award winning garden, just everything that held value and beauty.
He wanted the world to feel the pain he felt, to feel as helpless and scared as him, to have no control over life.
Rodolphus felt the bones in his fingers break and dislocate but no pain came. He didn't care he was breaking his hand against the wall. Feeling his hope slip away gave him something in return; freedom. It was odd yes but he was starting to understand what the characters felt in Fight Club. Finding freedom in self-destruction was thrilling, nothing could stop Rodolphus.
Logically speaking however, he knew he should be talking to someone. He should be in counselling, maybe taking medication to level the chemical imbalance. He should be doing a lot of things instead of breaking his hands but in this moment nothing else could give him the release he needed.
He needed to wear himself out, drain all the emotions and restart his brain. Even if it means feeling a brief connection to a fictional story.
Bellatrix didn't look so good either in her fit of rage.
Her hair was wild, cuts on her body from swinging the axe like a madwoman bleed and her eyes were devoid of emotion.
It was like staring into a black hole.
She kept swinging the axe until the head broke off form the handle and lodged itself into the office wall. Bellatrix let out a loud and piercing scream before collapsing in exhaustion.
That's how Rodolphus found her.
He laid on the ground next to her, worn out and bloodied.
They stayed there in silence for a few hours, contemplating what happened earlier that day. Then they started crying, shaking as they held each other. Pure raw emotion poured out. They cried until they almost passed out from exhaustion.
Feeling the weight of the day slip away, leaving only fatigue behind they waddled out of the factory.
When they saw Rebecca looking at them with motherly concern they felt guilty.
Rebecca still embraced them much to their surprise.
With Rebecca they felt hope for the future.
A/N: Whew! That was a long chapter, chapter 26 is the LeStrange's first Hanukkah and their anniversary. AND there will be another character joining the story, take a guess of who it might be.
The sentences in French are simply greetings and 'my name is'.
If you liked it or saw a mistake please drop a review.
Take care everyone.