katelynn179
I feel bad for her too! She's had such a hard life. If anyone deserves to die, it's certainly her grandfather. He's the root of all evil in the Lestrange family .

You'll find out the fate of the baby here, but you won't find out the fate of Anne until the next chapter! Bascially, no one is safe just yet!
As for Rabastan, I can't anything just yet! I already have in mind two people who are definitely going to die during this war!

Don't worry about reviewing! I haven't updated in ages cause I've been so busy with school! I completely understand!

Ms. Marionette

I think you'd make an awesome Mrs. Rabastan Lestrange! :D

It's such a wonder that he turned out so magnificently! Just look at his brother and his father. He owes that all to his mother! I'm going to talk more her in the next chapter! And her relationship with her two sons!

The grandfather tortured Serena in ways Rodolphus was taught to torture Anne :(

Speaking of Gryffindor, before the end of the story, you actually find out which House Serena gets sorted into!

I'm curious, who do you think will win the war?

And sorry, you actually find out if Anne lives in the next chapter! In this chapter, you find out if the baby lives or not though!

Author's Note: I hope you all enjoy the story! I'd update more if I wasn't so busy with school. Sorry about that!

- Rosalie L.

Pleading voices, screams of pain, terror-filled eyes, blooding oozing in every direction, bright lights shooting back and forth, and a seemingly endless barrage of men to get past.

Rodolphus could think of nothing else but the battle. To kill but at the same time, keep his guard up. Even if Lucius's men were diminishing and even if he had the upper hand. He had been at this for days and he didn't expect anything less. Lucius wasn't going to give up his Manor without a fight. He had of course, after a few hours gotten Malfoy Manor for himself, but did not have any time to secure it. Lucius wanted his family home back and seemed to send an endless army to battle him. Rodolphus barely got any rest, barely had anything to eat and couldn't even close his eyes and rest for more than an hour at a time.

He had lost track of who was even fighting alongside him. He hadn't seen his wife in at least three days and he lost track of Rabastan after the first few hours. He caught glimpses of Dolohov every now and then, and was positive he saw Rookwood's injured body somewhere.

'Wait, no!' A man said, putting his hands up in defence.

Rodolphus stopped, but only because he recognized the voice.

'Switch sides or I'll kill you right now.' Rodolphus threatened.

'What would Bella say if she found out you killed me?'

Rodolphus raised his wand, fully showing that in a war, it doesn't who you're up against. You must kill everyone who is against you. It's nothing personal, it's just the way life work.

'Alright, alright!' He conceded.

Rodolphus stares at him in disbelief. 'You're going to end up in my dungeon if you don't help me secure this place!'

Evan sighed and looked around at his fellow comrades, wondering whether he should face death instead of betraying them.

'I surrender, Rodolphus... but I will not help you.' Evan said, at last.

His loyalty was not with Rodolphus, nor would it ever be. Though he realized it may cost him his life, he always knew that it was a possibility. He could at least die with dignity, knowing that he didn't side with a man he hated since his sixth year.

Rodolphus clenched his jaw. He hated Evan since the moment he caught him in bed with Anne all those years ago. Before that, however, he got along splendidly with him. Bellatrix, of course, adored him and he knew, even if they were on separate sides, his death would destroy her.

Especially if her husband was the cause of her cousin's death.

'Avada Kedav – '

'No! You fool!' Dolohov yells, as he shoves Rodolphus and makes him lose his concentration.

'Take him as a prisoner! He'll know useful information!' Dolohov says. 'He's being dignified now, but how long can he endure torture? He's valuable!'

For a split second, Rodolphus wondered if Dolohov was merely having trouble with the idea of letting his old school friend died. In the end, however, he conceded that he had a point. Evan would be valuable and they needed all the information and help they could get to defeat Lucius's army.

'Fine, get someone to take him!' Rodolphus ordered.

Dolohov got to his orders and Rodolphus managed to duck away, surprisingly unseen by anyone else. He watched the battle from a corner, taking note of the chaos that ensued in his former best friend's home. He stood there transfixed by the destruction that he was responsible for. Had it been his home, Rodolphus was certain it would enrage him to the point of insanity. His home, his bloodline, his family, his power, it all meant the world to him. To see any one of it under harm would destroy him.

A smile finally reached his lips. He was certain, that in a matter of hours, this battle would be won and he had no doubt that he'd be the one to win it. For now, he was content to kill and torture. To see the light leave the eyes of the men he killed, to watch as they struggled for breath and choked on their own blood. He'd feel no remorse, in fact, he may even laugh at them and mock the stupid fools who dared to defy him.

'You're back!' Serena screamed.

Rodolphus picked her up in his arms, absentmindedly.

He ignored took no note of her chattering and ignored her questions. His body ached from the intense battles and he vaguely wondered how he was managing to carry his daughter in the first place. His thoughts kept going elsewhere though, so it was easy enough to ignore the pain.

'Why are you downstairs?' Rodolphus asked. 'I thought you hated it down here.'

'No one was here though, so I liked it again!' Serena said, speedily. 'But now everyone's back and there's blood everywhere! Did you win, Father? What happened! There's so many prisoners and I think I saw Uncle Evan and – '

'What about your mom?' Rodolphus asked. 'Have you seen Bellatrix or Rabastan anywhere?'

Rodolphus searched the living room for his wife, panicking when he didn't instantly find her. He hasn't seen his brother either and he was beginning to think the worst has happened. Puddles of blood quickly formed all over his house and the stench of death was in the air. It only further concerned Rodolphus.

'What about your brother? Where's Alexander?' Rodolphus asked, still unable to concentrate on his daughter's words.

Her lips were moving but Rodolphus heard none of it. He couldn't focus enough to understand what was happening. He walked, with difficulty to different ends of the room, frantically searching for his family.

'Rodolphus! Serena!'

Relief washed over him and he let out a slightly hysterical laugh.

Bellatrix ran over to her husband and daughter, engulfing them both in a massive hug, as she reached them. Serena became to excitedly chatter with her mother now, who was hanging on her every word. Rodolphus stared at his wife, believing that she has never looked to beautiful.

'You look awful.' Bellatrix teased.

Rodolphus grinned and leaned down slightly to kiss his wife.

Serena scrunched up her face and tried not to get in the away. She didn't want to ruin the moment, however. It was one of the rare occasions where she has actually witnessed the intense love and devotion between her parents.

'Rabastan?' Rodolphus questioned, as Bellatrix pulled away. 'My father?'

'They're good. They're both safe.' Bellatrix said, reassuringly. 'They both saved my life. They looked after me. I swear... I'd be dead if it weren't for the two of them.'

Serena tensed at the mention of her grandfather and Rodolphus felt it clearly. Unfortunately for him, Bellatrix also took note of it.

'What's wrong, Serena?' Bellatrix asked. 'It's okay. I'm alright and everyone is safe.'

Serena nodded her head stiffly and forced herself not to blurt out that she wished that her grandfather has died.

'Where's Alexander?' Rodolphus ask, hoping to switch the topic.

'He's with Mistress Anne.' Serena said, uncertainly.

More relief engulfed Rodolphus's body. 'She's alive too, then?'

Serena hung her head down and looked at the floor.

'Barely.' She whispered.

Now, it was Bellatrix who changed the topic. They had just achieved a massive victory and it would be best if everyone didn't dwell on all the negativity going on in their home.

'Did I see Evan?' Bellatrix question.

Rodolphus resisted the urge to roll his eyes. 'I'm not letting him off the hook, Bella.'

'Let me talk to him!' Bellatrix urged.

'Unless you're willing to torture him for information – '

'What?' Serena exclaimed, horrified. 'You can't!'

'Was that Evan I just saw?'

'Rabastan!' Rodolphus exclaimed.

Rabastan rolled his eyes at his brother's enthusiasm and merely just looked at Serena. At this moment, he believed Serena couldn't look more like Anne. Even her expression and demeanour mimicked hers now. She looked lost, frightened, hopeless and broken. He wondered vaguely if she was doomed to end up like her mother.

'So what happens now?' Rabastan asked.

Serena squealed as Rodolphus dropped her, making her fall roughly onto the ground. Bellatrix jumped back, startled and Rabastan tensed up considerably. Rodolphus caught the attention of every person in the room as he began to yell in anguished pain.

'Father!' Alexander exclaimed, finally coming into view.

Bellatrix held Serena, while worriedly watching her husband.

'What's happening?' Alexander questioned as everyone began to gather around.

'Get some healers to Mistress Anne!' Rabastan suddenly roared. 'She's having the baby! Get some healers!'

Rodolphus began to violently cough up blood and he dug his nails into his palm, trying to numb some of the pain. Dolohov made his way through the crowd and along with Rabastan, he tried to remove Rodolphus from the living room. With a lot of difficulty and quite a bit of time, they managed to get him upstairs and into a room.

Bellatrix was at his side, completely hysterical. Rodolphus looked close to death, and frankly, he felt as though he would die. Serena and Alexander were removed away from their father, to their annoyance and was put in their own rooms.

'What's happening?' Bellatrix asked, tearfully.

She tried holding Rodolphus's hand, but he attacked anyone who tried to get too close. He couldn't help it. The pain was too intense for him to take.

'He feels pain when Mistress Anne gives birth, doesn't he?' Dolohov asked, frowning at his struggling friend.

'Not like this!' Bellatrix exclaimed. 'I was with him when she gave birth to Alexander! He was in pain, but it wasn't torturing him like this!'

'Well, she's had a painful pregnancy right?' Rabastan pointed out. 'Which means then the birth is probably painful as well. Certainly more so than her birth and second time. Look at your husband, Bellatrix... and imagine what's happening to Anne.'

If Rodolphus could get some words out he would. He was thinking the same thing all this time. If he was in this much pain, he couldn't even imagine what Anne was going through. He felt that he was going to die and feared that his mistress was certain to die.

'We have to do something.' Dolohov said, gravely.

'Rodolphus can't die!' Bellatrix sobbed.

'No. He can't.'

'Father, get out.' Rabastan said, rudely. 'Rodolphus needs to rest! You can't come here bitching at everyone now!'

If the situation was less intense, Bellatrix knew she would laugh at Rabastan's choice of words and the expression on her father-in-law's face.

'If she is killed, then the pain stops and he will live.' The eldest Lestrange remarked.

'No!' Rabastan hissed.

'Kill Mistress Anne?' Bellatrix questioned.

She could scarcely believe what she was hearing. She looked at all three Lestrange, not even daring to breathe. Her husband was in pain, her father-in-law was desperate and Rabastan was quickly ecoming enraged.

Rodolphus father turned to Dolohov now.

'Have Mistress Anne killed!' He roared.

Dolohov put his hands up in defence. 'I'm not in command here.'

'I am.' Rabastan stepped up.

Things suddenly turned very violent. Bellatrix moved to the opposite end of the room, as Rabastan was pinned very aggressively against the wall. Dolohov stood closest to Rodolphus and in between his wife and the other two Lestranges, not knowing what to do.

'Have her killed!' He yelled.

'I will do no such thing!' Rabastan spat, darkly. 'Take your fucking hands off me!'

'Your brother will die if unless that fucking harlot is killed!' He replied, viciously. 'KILL HER NOW!'

Rabastan managed to push his father away from him. 'I'm in command here, not you! I say that Anne lives!'

'I'LL KILL YOU IF MY HEIR DIES!' The eldest Lestrange bellowed, as he began to physically attack his youngest son. 'AND THEN, I'LL KILL THAT TRAITOROUS WHORE!'

Rabastan spat out blood and tried to fight back.

'He'll have nothing to live for if you kill her!' Rabastan exclaimed. 'Kill her and I guarantee you you'll be murdered by your heir!'

'He's right, we should be trying to find a way to help Anne.' Dolohov cut in, uncertainly.

Bellatrix shook her head. 'No, Rabastan... Rodolphus has to stay alive. He has to fight this war. Anne... she made her peace, she intends to die!'

'I'm in charge and I say no!' Rabastan said, venomously. 'If Anne dies and takes Rodolphus with her then fine! Maybe this will all finally be over!'

'I'm serious! Son or no son, I will kill you.' Rabastan's father informed him.

'Try me.' Rabastan said, in a deadly tone.

'Enough!' Rodolphus roared.

Everyone quickly turned their attention to Rodolphus, who was no longer screaming. He looked tired and ready to pass out but was evidently not feeling any more pain. She sat up on the bed, shakily, rubbing his temples and furrowing his eyebrows.

'I'll get some healers!' Bellatrix exclaimed.

'Don't.' Rodolphus said, standing up with difficulty.

'The pain has stopped. My son... he must be born.' Rodolphus concluded. 'Where is he?'

Rodolphus pushed past everyone in the room, intending to find out what happened. He didn't care that he was still in blood soaked clothes. It didn't matter to him that it hurt to walk or that his head was pounding. He knew no one had been watching over Mistress Anne but he also knew she had more than a dozen healers at her disposal.

He would've felt it if his son died and he knew he hadn't. It gave him hope. He believed everything was alright, that the worst had passed.

'My son.' Rodolphus said, in a raspy voice. 'I want to see my newborn son.'

One young healer looked at him nervously.

'I don't hear crying. Where is my son?' Rodolphus asked, gruffly.

Bellatrix was hot on her husband's heels. Rabastan and his father soon followed and saw Rodolphus growing more annoyed at the healer's lack of conversation.

'What has happened with Mistress Anne?' Rabastan asked, kindly.

'They won't let me in!' Rodolphus snapped. 'I want to see my son!'

'Mistress Anne is unconscious.' The healer finally said. 'She's not even close to pushing the baby out. We need to cut her open – '

'So do it!' Rodolphus's father bellowed, clenching his fists. 'What are you waiting for?'

'No!' Rodolphus hissed. 'No one's cutting her open! She will wake up and she'll finish giving birth!'

'The baby is going to suffocate unless we cut her open now.' The healer said, in a stronger voice.

'There's no way Mistress Anne will survive that!' Rabastan exclaimed.

'She may not survive either way.' The healer said, bluntly. 'If the baby suffocates, we'll have to cut her open to get him out anyways.'

'She'll wake up!' Rodolphus insisted. 'Watch, in a matter of minutes, she'll start screaming again!'

Bellatrix placed her hand comfortingly on her husband's shoulder.

'Even if she does wake up soon... which is unlikely, there's no guarantee she'll survive the birth.' The healer said. 'This baby is sucking up every bit of her energy. She's lost too much blood, she can't breathe and she can barely function. She's too weak to continue. It's too late for her.'

'I said no!' Rodolphus yelled. 'You're just going to have to wait because Anne will pull through!'

'Mistress Anne has requested that we save the baby instead of her.' The healer said.

'I'll kill you all if she dies!' Rodolphus threatened.

'That's a risk we're willing to take.' The healer said. 'The chances of her surviving are very slim. She may never wake up... but this baby has a chance.'

'This is your son, Rodolphus.' His father hissed in his hear.

'But she's my Anna.' Rodolphus said, brokenly.

'Rodolphus...' Bellatrix said, softly.

Rodolphus took one look at his wife before making up his mind.

'Cut her open.' Rodolphus gave in. 'But... let me kill her first. I want to be the one to do it.'

'Rodolphus, don't do this.' Rabastan said, urgently. 'You're going to regret this. It's going to kill you!'

Rodolphus ignored his younger brother. In fact, he ignored everyone. He didn't care that was Bellatrix was relieved, or that his father was triumphant. He didn't care that Serena was eagerly awaiting news of her mother or that Alexander could scarcely breathe for worry over her. He didn't consider that many would loathe him forever for what he was about to do and finally, he didn't care if he'd lose the war over his own grief.

He stepped inside Anne's room and the healers scattered away from him, looking very afraid. Some were crying, others were frantic, and lots of them looked hopeless. Rodolphus tried not to look at Anne, but he couldn't help it.

Her eyes were shut and he realized that from this moment, he'd have to be content in just looking into Alexander's eyes. He'd never see the twinkle, the laughter or the beauty of his mistress's eyes again. He'll never get to hold her, kiss her, caress her body, and have her there to reciprocate. He'll have to settle for staring at his daughter.

He'll never have another fight with her, he won't hear her yelling, or even hear the hatred in her voice. He won't see her cry and he'll never witness her broken state again. He'll never curse her again, never lay a hand on her again. From this day forward, he won't hurt her ever again.

She'll never dance for him again, and he'll never hear her sing. In fact, Anne's voice will forever be a memory in his head, like a distant echo. This time around, he wouldn't be able to just bring her back.

Rodolphus raised his wand slowly, ready to utter two words. They echoed in his head and he felt as if someone was whispering the words to him.

'Avada...' He gulped.

Just two words.

'Avada... Avada...' Rodolphus struggled. 'A-Avad... Avada Ked...'

Anne lay motionless, covered in blood. The pain was still etched on her face. He just wanted her to look peaceful again.

'AVADA KEDAV – '

He felt his heart stop as Anne suddenly sat up screaming. He vaguely heard shouts all around him, before his own pain consumed him and he fell into a world of darkness.

'Rodolphus!' Bellatrix screamed, rushing towards her husband.

Anne couldn't even bring herself to look at him. The pain stabbed at her from all sides and she knew it was only a matter of minutes before she passed out again.

'Save my baby!' Anne whispered, frantically.

Rabastan came by her side, shaking his head. There was no way he was going to let anyone kill her just so another son could be born. It's not what Rodolphus wants and it's not what he wants either. In fact, apart from Bellatrix and his father, Rabastan knew no one else would wish for it.

'Please.' Anne begged, before screaming in pain. 'I c-can't survive. I won't. It's... too much.'

'You've always pulled though, come on!' Rabastan yelled. 'Just push!'

'Promise you'll look after my son.' Anne said, weakly.

Her eyes were drooping but she forced herself to keep it open. She didn't want to black out until someone assured her that this baby would have a chance at life. Even if it meant she lost her own. She wasn't afraid of dying at this very second. She believed she cheated death enough in her life by now. She wanted it all to be over now, and for her son to have a chance to lead a normal life. She owed him that much.

'Anne...' Rabastan said, shakily.

Anne gave him a weak smile. 'Will you be his Godfather? And name him too?'

Rabastan found himself nodding, even though he didn't want to agree to it. He could only imagine his father's triumphant smirk. Finally, he'll be able to get rid of the girl that led his eldest son astray. Rabastan laughed bitterly. He honestly believed Anne was the only thing keeping Rodolphus sane. He wouldn't even be human anymore, if it weren't for her.

'I'm sorry Anne.' Rabastan choked out. 'I wish I could've made things better for you.'

Anne was desperate to reply Rabastan. To console him and assure him that he did make things better and easier for her. He was a great friend to her, a great support system on days where she needed it the most. However, she couldn't keep up her strength anymore.

Nor did she want to. In her opinion, her child deserved it more. She may have always been afraid of dying but there was never any doubt in her mind that she would give up her life in order to save her child.

Anne let one happy thought cloud her mind before darkness consumed her. At least she'd see her parents again.

Less than an hour later, Rodolphus found his eyes fluttering open. He briefly wished he was unconscious again. He was sore to no end and wished he could do nothing but sleep forever. But that wasn't possible and so, he pushed himself into a sitting position, as his mind began to clear up.

He noticed he was wearing fresh and clean clothes now and it made him smirk. He mentally told himself to thank Bellatrix. At least the stench of blood wasn't on him anymore. Neither was the stench of death.

Slowly, he got out of bed, not caring that he should be resting.

'Bellatrix!' Rodolphus called, as he open the door to his bedroom.

He didn't have any doubt that his wife wasn't near!

'Father! Father!' Alexander yelled, excitedly.

Serena trailed after him, skipping happily as she did so.

Rodolphus ignored the pain as his children ran into him, with big grins on their faces. It gave Rodolphus the impression that everything was okay. He smiled back at them, feeling his heart beat faster in anticipation. He was conscious and his pain was gone. Right now, he was hoping for the best.

'Come quick!' Serena exclaims.

'Is he born?' Rodolphus asks.

Alexander nods his head. 'I have a brother! Come see him! He was just born now!'

Rodolphus quickened his pace and ignored his pain. He wasn't around to hold Alexander when he was first born and he be damned if he let anyone else hold his son first. He made his way past several guards and ignored his brother and his father as he reached Anne's door.

'I'm here! Where's my son?' Rodolphus bellowed.

The door opened and a few healers steeped outside. Bellatrix was beside him with a beautiful smile on her face. Rodolphus stood there, mesmerized by his wife's beauty before coming to his sensing.

He looked towards the healer as they slowly handed him a small little baby boy.

When Rodolphus finally got to hold Alexander, he felt triumphant. He had a son to carry on his legacy and keep Anne in her place. He had succeeded in what he needed to do. To be honest, he didn't actually feel any real joy, since there were other things to worry about.

When he held Serena, he cared even less. He was too distraught with losing Anne to give her any attention. In fact, he wanted to be as far away from her as possible since she looked too much like Anne.

Now, he stood in front of everyone holding his third child and second son. For once, his heart swelled with pride and joy, as he held his new born child. He was staring at Rodolphus with half closed eyes and Rodolphus managed to take note that the boy looked like Anne's family more than his. If anything, the child resembled Anne's father and he took after the Sorelli line.

Strangely enough, it didn't bother Rodolphus. He would've liked it if his second son also looked more like him, but it didn't matter. After all, Anne resembled his father's line for than her mothers. He would've been distraught if his son ended up looking like a Potter, though.

'Can I hold him?' Serena asked, eagerly. 'He's so beautiful!'

Rodolphus nodded his head, a bit unsure. 'Don't drop him.'

'Who does he look like?' Alexander asked, curiously staring at his baby brother.

'The Sorellis.' Rodolphus father replied, a bit unhappily.

Rodolphus smirked and look towards the healers.

'Is Anne well enough to see me?' Rodolphus asked.

Everyone seemed to freeze and quieten down simultaneously. Except the children.

'Can I see her?' Alexander asked, turning towards his father.

'Me too!' Serena exclaimed. 'I think my baby brother wants to see her too. Don't you, cutie?'

'You can't.' One healer said, slowly.

'Is she resting?' Rodolphus asked.

'Rodolphus...' Bellatrix said, hesitantly.

Rodolphus took one look at his wife and knew that things weren't well. He didn't understand it though. Anne had awoken and the child is born. Nothing could've gone wrong. Things didn't look good when she was unconscious had had to be cut open, but Rodolphus was sure that since she woke up, that didn't happen. In any case, he provided no permission for it.

'I want to see Anne.' Rodolphus demanded. 'Why can't I see my Mistress?'

No one replied and Rabastan looked away.

'WHY CAN'T I SEE HER?' Rodolphus roared.

The baby began to cry.

'Shut up!' Rodolphus yelled, a new found hatred forming for his youngest son.

'Rodolphus, please calm down.' Bellatrix said, extending her hand towards her husband.

If looks could kill, then Bellatrix would be dead.

'She's in a coma, Rodolphus.' His father finally informed him. 'She passed out again, shortly after you did. We cut her open and safely got your son out. She hasn't died but she's in no state to – '

'WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO DO THAT?' Rodolphus shouted.

'Take your brother and go.' Rabastan whispered to Serena. 'Don't let him anywhere near your father, you understand.'

Serena nodded her head and quickly disappeared. Alexander remained frozen on his spot, wondering if he would lose his mother... again.

'We had no choice Rodolphus!' Bellatrix insisted. 'It's what she wanted. You were going to kill her anyways!'

'BUT SHE WOKE UP!' Rodolphus exclaimed, as inhuman rage consumed him. 'She was awake and she was fine!'

'She wasn't fine, Rodolphus.' His father calmly answered. 'It was a miracle that she woke up but ti won't happen again. She's lost too much blood and she has energy. She's in a coma and very soon, she will die!'

'SHE WON'T!' Rodolphus bellowed, crazily. 'SHE'LL WAKE UP! SHE'S NOT GOING TO DIE!'

Rodolphus pushed back all the healers and his family member, not caring that they were all yelling at him. No one could keep him away from Anne. Not now. He was certain he'd walk into her room and find her sitting up, with an angelic smile on her face. He was positive within seconds she'd demand that someone let her hold her baby.

As he entered though, he saw Anne lying motionless on her bed. He couldn't even see her chest rising and falling, as if she were breathing. Her skin was ice cold and so pale that she looked ghostly. Blood smeared her skin, her clothes and the sheets underneath her. It was obvious that they had tried to heal her, but Rodolphus saw it was of no use.

Anne already looked dead.

There was no smile on her lips, no expression of pain, and definitely no sign of life.

Rodolphus merely shook his head though. He didn't care what Anne looked like. He didn't care what anybody else was telling him either.

Anne would wake up.

Author's Note: I promis enext chapter you find out Anne's fate!

- Rosalie L.