Purple Polish
Hi! It's nice to hear from you again!

Haha, Rodolphus becomes slightly more evil in this chapter. He is lovey-dovey towards Anne. He's so aware that he could lose everyone and everything now, so he's a bit hesitant to act like his evil self. The last thing he needs right now is to carry guilt around.

Bellatrix is a very smart character. She's always known, at the back of her mind that it was Rodolphus's fault but it was always easier to blame Anne. I always show that Anne had no choice in how her life turned out, but in all honesty, neither did Bellatrix. Now, with another war going on, and so much lose, Bellatrix's making amends and letting herself see clearly for the first time.

Alexander and Serena resemble Rodolphus and Anne very much. It's like an endless cycle. Alexander's like his father, just as Rodolphus was like his father, and his father like his. The second born children have a higher moral and are more sensible, which unfortunately clashes in the world they live in. So it's tough, two people who are completely loyal to one another, but act as rivals. Now I added a third child to the mix! He'll be interesting to write. :D

I hope your essay went well! I just finished mine over the weekend. (After I wrote this chapter). I know all about procrastination! Also an endless cycle, apparently.

katelynn179
Yes, the darling little boy lives. He's going to be Anne's miracle baby! You find out at the very end of the chapter whether she lives or not.

Speaking of Rabastan, some sibling rivalry begins! He's always everyone's favourite :D

As for Rodolphus's dad, I haven't made up my mind yet. I have two possible ways to go. But if anyone deserves to die, it's certainly him.

Regulus will come up soon enough. Sirius is in this chapter! And Evan is too, again! James isn't, but he'll also show up!

The reaction to the baby is going to different for everyone. Can you imagine what will happen when Lucius finds out? Most people didn't even know Anne was pregnant the first time around, let alone the second.

Lena
Don't worry about your English! I think it was wonderful! Thanks for your review!

Rodolphus and Anne have both been slowly losing their minds. I don't think they'll make it out of this war with their minds intact (that is, if they make it out alive at all). Anne had a really hard life, and the people around her made it harder. Now, however, there's a new generation and Serena is quickly taking the place of her mother, which is also sad. It's people like Rabastan who make life better for them. He defends them and loves them and protects them. He's one of the only good guys in the middle of all the evil ones, including his brother. He's a personal favourite with all my readers :D

I'm glad you're enjoying the story! I hope you like this chapter too!

Ms. Marionette

It does have a nice ring to it. I have no doubt about your beautiful offspring either!

Rabastan is purely amazing. He devotion and loyalty (even to those who don't deserve it is astounding). He cares so much for Anne and her family. He seems to be the only one amongst them with a conscience.

I wanted this baby to survive. I think Anne's been through so much already. She even missed out on Alexander and Serena growing up. I thought I owed it to her to let this one live. You'll actually find out if Anne lives on not towards the end of the chapter.

I think Roddy is realizing everything too late now. Everyone seems to be having their revelations now. It's kind of a shame.

Author's Note: Yikes, has it really been a month? Sorry about that... again. I hope you guys enjoy the chapter!

- Rosalie L.

'Are you worried?'

Bellatrix snapped her eyes open, and shook her head in disbelief.

'Did I fall asleep?' She exclaimed.

Evan nodded his head. 'You must be tired.'

Bellatrix felt a strong pang of pity for her cousin. She felt fine. She was very well off, in fact. Evan was the one chained against the walls in her husband's dungeons. His tattered clothing, smeared by blood, clung to his skin and wounds. Bellatrix winced just thinking about the kind of pain her cousin must've endured at the hands of Rodolphus's men.

She had to beg him to let her come down to the dungeons. Beg him to let her see her own cousin. She refused to question him, refused to hurt him. After all, Evan had always watched over her as she was growing up. Now she had to stand in front of him and do nothing about the horrible conditions he's been placed under.

'Why are you against him?' Bellatrix asked, stoically.

Evan laughed deeply, as his raspy echoes filled the dungeon.

'Are you kidding, Bella? Why are you with him?' Evan questioned. 'God, you should've left him the moment you found out he had been fucking that...'

Evan paused, trying to think up a suitable name for Anne.

Bellatrix, too, was trying to fill in the blank.

Whore? Traitor? Bitch?

None of it was her fault, as much as they'd all like to blame her. She was as powerless against Rodolphus as they all are now.

'Maybe now, she'll finally be at peace.' Evan chuckled. 'I've heard rumours that she's on her deathbed?'

Bellatrix nodded her head slowly. She couldn't imagine a war without Anne. She had lost her husband the first time around when he had gotten rid of Anne. She couldn't even imagine what would happen to Rodolphus if his mistress was permanently gone.

'And the child?' Evan questioned.

'He doesn't even have a name.' Bellatrix said, pursing her lips. 'Rodolphus hates him. He's not acknowledging it... I'm afraid of what will happen.'

'Worry about yourself more, Bella.' Evan replied, groaning slightly. 'Your loyalty towards Rodolphus will only be your death.'

Bellatrix clenched her fists. 'Your loyalty to the Dark Lord is going to result in your death, Evan. Join forces with Rodolphus! He'll keep you safe!'

'Tell me, Bella.' Evan said slowly. 'Are you going to let Rodolphus kill off your entire family? You'll let him kill me? What about Regulus? What about Cissa? I know you hate him, but won't you mind if he kills Lucius? And Draco? You know... I bet you'd even mind if he killed Sirius.'

'Shut up!' Bellatrix screeched. 'They against him! They went against my husband! There's nothing I can do! Even if he kills my family, I have to stay with him! I don't have a choice! He's my husband and I LOVE HIM!'

Evan chuckled. 'Dearest Bella, you sound exactly like Anne.'

These words made Bellatrix freeze in her spot.

'Is she doing any better?' Rabastan asked, as her entered his brother's room.

Rodolphus held a drink in his hand, sipping it every so often. He had come back from yet another battle. More deaths, more blood, more fighting, and more wounds. Yet, Lucius still lived, whereas Anne's life hung by a thread. It seemed like an endless routine to him. Fight, wound, kill, torture, question, strategize, give out orders and wait for Anne to open her eyes.

'I don't know if she'll ever wake up.' Rodolphus said, stoically.

'Serves you right.' Rabastan said, casually.

He went to go grab himself a drink as well, before taking his seat across his brother. He felt the alcohol burning his throat as she he sipped his drink. Nothing could've felt better.

'What's that supposed to mean?' Rodolphus snapped.

Rabastan smirked, enjoying his brother's misery. After all, hadn't he led everyone else to the exact same fate?

'With the way you treated her, I'm surprised she even lasted this long.' Rabastan pointed out. 'You can claim to know Anne all you want, but you've never actually seen her happy. She was never happy with you. She hated all that you were... though that shouldn't come as a shock to you.'

Rodolphus glared at his brother, as intense rage burned in his eyes.

'The most important women in your life do hate you, don't they?' Rabastan continued. 'I mean, forget Anne, for now. There's also your wife. Don't deny it, Rodolphus. Bellatrix hates you.'

'She's loyal.' Rodolphus replied.

'Yes, but to whom?' Rabastan asked. 'Her blood. Seeing as how her family is split down the middle, I don't think you can really count on her support. I can't imagine her killing poor Cissa.'

Rodolphus tried to pay no heed to Rabastan's words. He was feeling tortured enough as it is. He didn't want to think about what would happen if his wife turned against him. Or if she never forgave him.

'Let's not forget dearest Mother.' Rabastan said, icily.

'SHUT UP!' Rodolphus bellowed.

'She died hating you, you know. She loathed everything you became.' Rabastan spat. 'She was ashamed to have you as a son. She – '

Rodolphus threw his glass at Rabastan. He quickly dodged it though, as fury overcame him as well.

'SHE BEGGED YOU TO CHANGE YOUR WAYS!' Rabastan hissed. 'She protected you your entire life from that fucking villain we called Father.'

Rabastan now laughed darkly.

'And you hated her. You thought she was weak, you showed her no respect.' Rabastan said, bitterly. You broke her fucking heart. You and Father both led her to her death.'

'You don't know what the bloody hell you're saying.' Rodolphus said, dangerously low.

'Did you know that Mother adored Anne?' Rabastan asked, nonchalantly. 'Anne of course, never knew this. She barely ever saw her, let alone speak to her. In fact, I don't think Anne even knew I named my daughter after our dearest mother.'

'What do you want?' Rodolphus asked. 'To torment me further?'

'Why not? You seem to get such joy out of doing it to others.' Rabastan said. 'I was by her side when she died, while you were off mourning Anne! She told you not to go through with it. She pleaded with you to leave Anne alone. She was an innocent child, much like we were at one time.'

'I don't regret anything I did.' Rodolphus said, callously. 'I'd do it all again if I had to!'

'You watched Father push Mother around. You heard her cry, you saw the agony he put her through. You knew how hard she struggled to keep the two of us safe. And you turned her away.' Rabastan said, with hateful eyes. 'You saw what a monster father was and you still wanted to be exactly like him. You made mother feel as if she deserved to be treated like dirt!'

'I stopped father form harming the both of you!' Rodolphus snapped. 'If it weren't for me, you'd be dead!'

Rabastan snorted. 'I'm alive because of Mother, not because of you. See, even through all his follies, Mother and Father still seemed to love each other. If Father ever did anything to me, he'd lose his precious wife.'

'Well then, shut up. No one's here to fucking save you now!' Rodolphus snapped. 'At this rate, I'll fucking kill you myself and I'll no qualms about it either!'

'You've always said the same thing about Anne.' Rabastan said, rolling his eyes.

The two men drank in silence now, each lost in their own, bitter, angry thoughts.

'She wanted to see you before she died, you know. She begged Father to bring you to him.' Rabastan informed his older brother.

Rodolphus took a sip of his drink. 'I know. I turned her down.'

'She knew I'd turn out alright.' Rabastan said, casually. 'Her dying wish was that you'd be penitent.'

Rodolphus chose to make no reply to this. He was content to just keep sipping his drink.

'Do you think we should name him?' Serena questioned, peering down at her little brother.

'Why?' Alexander asked.

'Cause he needs a name.' Serena replied. 'I don't think Mother and Father are going to name him anytime soon.'

'Well I don't think we could give him a name.' Alexander pointed out. 'Anyways, he can't understand us, so you can call him whatever you want.'

'He doesn't look much like you.' Serena said, smiling down at her youngest brother. 'He resembles me more. Father says he's got the Sorelli traits.'

'What a shame.' Alexander pointed out. 'I prefer having the Lestrange traits.'

Serena picked up her baby brother from the crib, and he stared back at her with glistening eyes.

'Alexander, do something! I think he's going to cry!' Serena exclaimed, handing Alexander her baby brother.

'He's always crying.' Alexander said, as indeed his baby brother began bawling.

'What do we do?' Serena asked, frowning at the noise.

'I don't know. I think he wants Mistress Anne.' Alexander said, frowning as well. 'Maybe if we just take him to her – '

'Are you crazy? They won't let us anywhere near her room!' Serena replied. 'Father would kill us if he saw us! Especially if he notices our baby brother.'

'Well, do you have any other ideas?' Alexander snapped. 'I, for one, want to see Anne.'

Serena could find no argument against this. The two of them headed out the room with the baby in their hands and their wands in their pockets. They baby's cries echoed in the hallways and Alexander knew they were attracting attention.

'Let us inside.' Alexander ordered the guards.

They gave him a patronizing smile but shook their heads.

'Please?' Serena pleaded. 'It's the only thing that would make our baby brother feel better.'

'We have strict orders from your father.' The guards replied, simultaneously.

'Let them inside.'

'Mother!' Alexander exclaimed.

Bellatrix glared at the guards. 'You heard me.'

'But Madam – '

'Let them inside!' Bellatrix snapped.

Serena grinned as the guards stepped aside. 'Will you come with us, Mother?'

Bellatrix shook her head. 'I'm going to go downstairs and see if I'm needed elsewhere.'

Serena couldn't help but notice how tense Bellatrix seemed. She figured, that out of everybody, Bellatrix would've been happiest to see Anne in such a state.

'Come on, let's go.' Alexander said, walking inside the room.

Serena followed, but kept in mind that she should find out what's going on.

'So, little brother, this is Mistress Anne.' Alexander introduced.

'Mom.' Serena corrected, as her younger brother began to cease his cries.

He stared at the motionless figure in front of him with twinkling eyes and a small smile on his face. It was as if he knew who this woman was, and along with everyone else, was waiting for her to wake up.

'Do you think we should just leave him here?' Alexander asked. 'He's seems much calmer with her.'

'Are you out of your mind? Father's going to kill him if he sees him here with Anne!' Serena exclaimed. 'He's the reason she's in this state in the first place.'

Alexander frowned and paused for a few seconds, staring from Anne to his little brother.

'Do you really think he would? I mean, he's a Lestrange and a boy, at that.' Alexander said. 'Would he actually kill one of his kids because of his mistress?'

'Alexander, if it's a choice between any of us and her, he'll always pick her.' Serena stated, blankly. 'Even above his precious heir.'

'That's preposterous, Serena. You're saying he'd rather have a mistress than to continue his line?' Alexander questioned. 'Father's spent his entire life doing this. He was raised for this purpose, just like me.'

'You're so far in, you can't even see clearly anymore. It's funny, all our lives, I was the one desperately seeking father's approval, placing him on a pedestal and ignoring his hypocrisy. You were always the sensible one, the one who saw past all his lies.' Serena said, shaking her head. 'And now, we've completely switched places. You actually condone everything father does, you actually believe every messed up – '

'What are you doing here?'

Alexander forgot his sister's words immediately as he and Serena turned to find their father staring angrily at them. The young, unnamed baby extended his small arms out towards his father. Serena felt her heartbeat quicken as she noticed the flash of anger in her father's eye.

'So, you've brought that little bastard here to see the mother he killed?' Rodolphus questioned.

'He wouldn't stop crying.' Alexander replied, stoically. 'He... calmed down when he saw her. I think he just wants her.'

'Give him to me.' Rodolphus ordered.

'Alexander, don't!' Serena exclaimed.

Rodolphus sent his daughter a warning look, but she ignored it, trying to block Alexander's way.

'Give me the child!' Rodolphus hissed, angrily.

'Serena, move!' Alexander said, slightly warily.

'No, give him to me!' Serena yelled.

Not wanting to be involved in this any longer, Alexander passed his brother over to Serena, who held him protectively. She glared openly at her father, who looked ready to kill them all.

'Guards!' Rodolphus called.

The two men who had been guarding Anne's door walked in and bowed.

'Escort both my sons back to their rooms and bring by daughter to mine.' Rodolphus said, darkly. 'Put her under the Cruciatus if she doesn't comply.'

Rodolphus left the room, with a final glance at all three of his children. Alexander remained impassive to the situation, the baby continued to cry and Serena paled with anger and fright.

'I may have changed but at least I'm not stupid.' Alexander said, once Rodolphus was out of earshot. 'I'm doing what I have to in order to survive. You should try it, Serena. Start off my giving me our brother. Go to Father's room and don't fucking fight him!'

'Alexander, he's our little brother. He's a Lestrange, he shares our blood.' Serena whispered. 'He may be the last living memory we have of Mistress Anne. Please protect him. I can only do so much.'

She handed over her brother, as the guards began to approach them all. Alexander nodded his head as he took the child, but Serena wondered whether or not he actually took her words to heart. If it came down to it, would Alexander forfeit his little brother's life in order to save his own?

Serena felt her stomach clench. Would she?

Pushing those thoughts aside, Serena walked alongside the guard as she was escorted to her father's room. She wasn't sure what to expect. Would he scream at her? Would he lock her up? Would he torture her? Would he even go as far killing her?

She smiled at the guards as they reached the room.

'Thank you.' She said, politely.

The least she could do is put up a brave front. She's witnessed the very same from Anne many times before and she wanted to do the very same. In a way, it gave her some comfort.

She waited in silence for her father. She didn't pace the room, nor look around. She remained standing in the middle of the room, completely still, almost frozen in her spot. She wasn't even sure if she was breathing or not, or blinking, for the matter. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, fear was gripping at her. She began to think that perhaps survival should be her greatest priority at this point.

'Serena.'

'Father.' Serena said, boldly.

Rodolphus entered the room, calmly. Serena knew it was just an act, though. Just like her bravery. The next few actions didn't surprise her. Rodolphus closed the door, proceeded to lock it and finally silence the room. Serena would've smiled if she wasn't so scared. Even with all his menacing, Rodolphus was predictable, at times.

'I know I've never paid too much attention to you, Serena, but I had no idea you were suicidal.' Rodolphus began. 'All these years, I never even considered that Mistress Anne would pass her genes down to you. You already look so much like her, I never considered that you'd inherit her insanity as well.'

Serena knew not to answer. She tried to keep her breathing normal and even. She refused to let her fear overcome her emotions. She needed to remain indifferent to her father. Maybe if Anne had done that, things would've ended differently for her.

'Why do you always continue to defy me?' Rodolphus asked, angrily. 'In a time of war, when my attention should be spent in battle, you continue to disobey and aggravate me!'

'I won't let you kill my brother.' Serena whispered.

'That isn't your decision. If I were you, Serena, I'd concentrate on saving my own life.' Rodolphus snapped. 'Do I need to break you like I did your mother?'

Anger flashed in Serena's eyes. 'You didn't break her, Father. You never could. She's stronger than you'll ever be. The only reason she's still here is for us, her children.'

'She didn't even want you.' Rodolphus spat, cruelly.

'I wouldn't want to give birth to your spawn either but it didn't stop her from loving us and protecting us.' Serena said, her voice quavering. 'She was unfortunate to get trapped with you, but she remained with her children willingly. I'm protecting my brother out of respect to her.'

'Your brother, is the reason your mother is no longer here!' Rodolphus bellowed. 'He shouldn't live if he's the reason Anne is dying!'

'I won't let you do it.' Serena said, determinedly. 'If Mom is dying, it's because you led her to her death! I hope you lose this war, Father. I hope you die for all the horrible things you've done to everyone!'

'Let's see how desperate you are to be Anne once I'm through with you!' Rodolphus shouted.

Serena braced herself for the slap that was coming her way. She ignored the stinging of her cheek and the pain from her fall. She concentrated on getting back up and the saw the kick coming in her direction. She shielded her side with her hands, ignoring the pain in her now broken fingers.

It was better than broken ribs.

Her father was predictable. She had witnessed it happening to Anne so many times, she heard stories of what her father would do. She knew his every move. She dodged him, blocked him and took the simpler blows.

She wouldn't dare take out her wand, though. She had her agility and her intelligence to avoid his physical abuse, but she didn't have the magical means to duel her father. She only wondered how long she could keep this up. There was only so much she could endure, so long that she could avoid his attacks.

And Rodolphus only grew angrier.

'THAT'S ENOUGH!' Rodolphus roared.

When he whipped out his wand, Serena knew there was nothing else she could do. She couldn't brace herself enough for his next curse. She was sent crashing to the floor as she was hit with the Cruciatus Curse.

She screamed and sobbed, like the child she was. She screamed for her mom, her brother, her uncle.

Rodolphus lifted the curse and she screamed for him, too.

'Father, make it stop!' She cried. 'It's hurts, it hurts.'

She was shivering, she felt ice cold. Her head ached and her bones did, as well. She felt numb and paralyzed and wondered if the effects would be permanent.

Rodolphus approached Serena and she reacted in a way Anne never did.

'Please kill me, Father.' She whispered. 'Anything but this life.'

He had been used to Anne sobbing and screaming in pain. He was familiar with her pleading and her rage. He was even used to her fighting back and it was exactly what he expected from his daughter. The idea that Serena would prefer death over his abuse never occurred to him. After all, Anne was always desperate to keep her life. It was how she ended up with Rodolphus in the first place. It was the reason why Rodolphus always held so much power over her, because he literally held her life in his hands. It was how he brought about her loyalty, her love, her respect and her submission.

'Come here.' Rodolphus said.

He approached his daughter and picked her up in his arms. She didn't struggle nor fight back. She continued to cry softly, as the effects of the curse didn't wear off yet. She honestly didn't care if her father killed her right now. The thought of never breathing again appealed to Serena at this very moment. Anything was better than the life she had now. She refused to end up like Anne, and she knew it wasn't the life her mother would've wanted for her anyways.

Rodolphus walked out of the room, with Serena still in his arms. He tried to calm her down and soothe her but Serena could barely understand what was going on. Her cries diminished as Rodolphus began to carry her down the stairs, but it was out of exhaustion. She wanted to sleep and never wake up.

'Rodolphus?'

'Not now.' Rodolphus replied. 'Where's Antonin?'

'In the parlour with Bellatrix.' Rabastan replied. 'What did you do to your daughter?'

Rodolphus ignored his questions and proceeded to the parlour. He was well aware that his younger brother was following him, but didn't care. His presence wasn't about to change anything.

'Antonin!' Rodolphus called out.

'Rodolphus, what can I do for you?' Dolohov replied.

'What happened to my daughter?' Bellatrix demanded.

Rodolphus was momentarily caught off guard. His wife sounded slightly hysterical. He knew letting her down into the dungeons to visit Evan would be a bad idea. She looked ready to tear his head off and at the moment, he didn't wish to fight with his wife. It seemed he had too much on his plate.

Which is precisely why he wished to lighten his load.

'She's fine.' Rodolphus said, calmly. 'Antonin, I've got a proposal for you.'

'Alright, what is it?' Dolohov asked, trying to ignore the tension in the air.

'Give her to me!' Bellatrix demanded. 'What did you do to her? Is this because they went to see Mistress Anne? If you need to take your anger out on someone, let it be me! I'm the one who allowed them in!'

'You're not letting them see Mistress Anne?' Rabastan questioned. 'Rodolphus, you're just asking for trouble.'

'Serena is fine, now shut up!' Rodolphus snapped. 'Antonin, ignore them both. I've got something for you.'

Dolohov sent Rodolphus a questioning look. 'Something as in...?'

'A reward. One that I'm positive you'll like.' Rodolphus replied. 'I want you to know how much I appreciate what you've done.'

'I don't need a reward.' Dolohov brushed it off. 'We haven't even won yet and – '

'But we will and I intend to show all my followers how much I appreciate their loyalty and sacrifice.' Rodolphus interrupted. 'It would mean a great deal to me if you accepted.'

'Very well, what is it?' Dolohov asked.

'My daughter.'

Silence filled the room.

'I'm sorry, what?' Bellatrix shrieked.

'What the fuck?' Rabastan questioned.

'You want me to adopt your daughter?' Dolohov questioned, with a frown.

'NEVER!' Bellatrix yelled, angrily. 'Rodolphus, you have no fucking right to – '

'No!' Rodolphus hissed.

He looked his friend straight in the eye. 'I want you to take her as your bride.'

'HIS BRIDE?' Rabastan yelled out. 'He's older than you! He's old enough to be her father!'

Bellatrix began to splutter in disbelief. Rodolphus ignored them all, including his daughter, who was still in his arm, completely unaware of what was going on. He just stared at Dolohov, waiting for his answer.

'You want me to take your only daughter as my wife?' Dolohov asked.

'Yes.' Rodolphus confirmed.

'Even with the knowledge that I've fucked her mother?' Dolohov questioned. 'And that I'm more than three times her age?'

'Yes.' Rodolphus answered. 'Do you have any qualms about that?'

Bellatrix and Rabastan continued to shout at Rodolphus, paying no heed to Dolohov.

'I accept.' Dolohov replied, his voice ringing clearly within the room.

'NO!' Bellatrix screamed, charging at Dolohov. 'I won't let you lay even one finger on my daughter!'

Bellatrix began to attack Dolohov, clawing at him and hitting him as hard as she could. Rabastan, after a few seconds, decided to join in.

'ENOUGH!' Rodolphus roared angrily. 'This is no one's choice but mine!'

'You can't do this!' Bellatrix screamed. 'She's our daughter! She's nine years old! What's wrong with you?'

'My decision is final.' Rodolphus said, with a note of finality in his voice.

'I will never forgive you for this!' Bellatrix claimed.

'Neither will I.' Rabastan hissed. 'You're completely out of your mind! What you did to Anne as a child was bad enough, but this is your own daughter we're talking about.'

'I'm doing this for her.' Rodolphus snapped. 'I don't expect you to understand.'

'You better watch your back, Rodolphus.' Rabastan warned. 'The only reason I'm still fighting on your behalf is to protect your family. If I could kill you and get away with it, I would!'

'Give her to me.' Bellatrix commanded, angrily.

This time, Rodolphus listened.

That night, Rodolphus couldn't sleep. He and Bellatrix had spent hours arguing and screaming. Rodolphus would not change his mind and Bellatrix would not agree to the idea. She cried, threw things, and threatened him, all to no avail. Bellatrix couldn't comprehend why her husband would do such a thing and Rodolphus chose not to explain why. He wasn't even sure if his daughter knew what was going on. Frankly, it didn't matter anymore.

Rodolphus sighed in frustration, wishing he could get some sleep. He could always take a potion, of course. But after spending so much time berating Anne over taking sleeping potions, he couldn't bring himself to do it. The last thing he needed was to be off his guard.

In the end, he decided to go visit Anne. Dwelling on her dying state wasn't good for him, and he knew he shouldn't dwell on it, but he couldn't think of anything else to do. He should be keeping himself concentrated and alert, but he was too stressed out to do so.

So, he walked out of his room and into the dimly lit corridor. He heard his soldiers downstairs, as there was always a bunch of people up at any given time of the day. Their drunken slurs, screams of pain and joyous laughter were now a constant echo in his home.

Rodolphus frowned upon seeing no guards at Anne's door, but concluded that they probably took a little break. Though he preferred his family's rooms to be guarded at all times, Rodolphus knew it was useless. He didn't need guards, he needed soldiers.

Sighing once again, Rodolphus opened the door to Anne's room and stepped inside. He froze his horror and his heartbeat quickened when he saw an empty bed. A million possibilities filled his mind, each one as bad as the next.

The next thing Rodolphus did was go to Bellatrix's room. He felt comforted to see her sleeping soundly but was still not at ease. He went to Alexander's room next, and saw him sleeping on the floor, next to his sister's bed. He found that strange, but still felt some relief. He decided to check on Rabastan next, and found him fast asleep on a couch, with a drink next to him.

Again, he felt a little calmer. Suddenly, a new thought came to mind. He still had once more child to check up on. As that thought passed his mind, a new one formed as well. He was determined to kill him. Rodolphus walked calmly to his youngest child's nursery room, momentarily forgetting about Anne. He was going to make sure that the child who subjected his mother towards death would not live either.

Once he opened the door, however, he was greeted to a shocking sight. His son wasn't in his crib.

Instead, he was sucking on his left fist, while using his right hand to feebly nudge at his mother. He was lying upon her chest, with a smile on his face. Rodolphus cracked a huge grin and he noted Anne's chest rising and falling.

'Isn't mommy beautiful?' Rodolphus whispered, pulling his son away from Anne. 'We should let her rest.'

Anne jolted wake, however, as if she knew someone was taking her son away. She stared at Rodolphus, slightly confused, until she finally seemed to regain her senses.

She gave him a small, and very tired smile. 'I'm alive.'

She sounded so relieved that it calmed Rodolphus completely. His Anne, the one who was immensely scared of death, was still here. He knew he should be calling some healers and letting Anne rest, but he didn't want to take his eyes off of her for even a second. She still looked pale and sickly, but just seeing her eyes shine back at him made her look as if she were the most beautiful woman alive.

'You have no idea – '

Anne interrupted him by standing up and pressing her lips against his. He urgently kissed her back, completely giving in to all his pent up urges. He did his best to keep his newborn safely out of the way, and made sure he also had a good hold on him. He couldn't wait, however, to put him back in his crib and hold Anne in his arms.

A loud crash and loud screaming was the only thing that brought him back to reality. His baby began to cry and Anne pulled away, startled.

The screaming got louder, the crashing continued and Rodolphus clearly heard the running of feet.

'Rodolphus!' Rabastan burst into the room.

He was too distracted to even notice Anne.

'Lucius broke through the barriers! They've captured Bellatrix!' Rabastan exclaimed. 'We have to go!'

A mad glint appeared in Rodolphus's eyes. 'Lucius is here? He has my wife?'

Rabastan couldn't answer, as he was sent flying across the room. He collided with a dresser and as his skull cracked open and blood poured out, he became unconscious.

'Yes, and it's time for you to surrender and hand Anne over!'

'Sirius!' Anne exclaimed.

Rodolphus pulled out his wand, and to prevent Anne from running towards Sirius, he sent her flying back. He quickly placed his crying baby on the floor and pointed his wand at Sirius.

'Over my dead body.' He hissed.

'Gladly.' Sirius replied.

The two men began to duel, as a crying baby crawled towards his injured mother and another man regained his consciousness.

Anne knew she had to do something. She picked up her newborn baby and quickly pulled her wand out of her pocket.

'Avada Kedavra!' Anne screamed.

A green light filled the room and a body hit the ground, motionless.

Author's Note: Guess who it was? First death, and the next chapter is a battle centric. Hope you guys enjoyed it! At least both Anne and the child are alive, right?

- Rosalie L.