Part One. Yes, it's long, but, eh.
Mistakes are mine.
D19
Harry was furious.
"She is still our friend!" he exclaimed.
Ron refused to budge. Harry looked at Ginny for support but found none.
"You can't be serious," he said, frowning at their lack of response.
They remained stubborn.
"Fine," Harry growled. "If this is how you're going to be about it, then how about you two stay home instead?"
"But I'm your best mate," Ron argued.
"And so is she," Harry said flatly.
"You would pick her over me? Over us?" Ron asked.
"In this moment, absolutely," Harry huffed. "She stood by us through everything, even when she didn't want to. Without her, who knows where we would be! We are all that she has left, and you two want to push her away now? In the time she needs us the most? How selfish can you be! She should be at home with her family right now and instead, she's probably holed up in her room crying her eyes out!"
Elves wondered around the massive foyer, refilling drinks with the snap of their fingers, and carrying little platters of food through the crowd. The Malfoys, the Tonks, and a host of other supporters filled the space with laughter and stories, catching up on old times in the safety of Rayne Manor. Luna, in her floor-length, silver dress, leaned comfortably into Draco, who matched his beloved with a silver tie and silver shoes. Luna was unglamoured, much to the shock of the Hogwarts guests, and she spoke freely without her wild comments and dreamy smiles. Draco admired his girlfriend as she joked with Fred and George about something from when they were younger. He felt his heart warm at the sight and knew without a doubt he would marry her as soon as possible.
Suddenly, silence fell over the group as a figure appeared at the stairs. Draco recognized Tom, freshly shaven with his hair brushing against his shoulders. He wore an all-black suit with a green tie. He stood there, waiting patiently, and no one made a sound. Another figure, one that had Draco choking on his wine, stepped up beside Tom with a space between them. In a more formal version of her infamous outfit, Bellatrix looked young, exceptionally young. Draco also noticed the ring on her left middle finger that looked suspiciously like an engagement ring. He would definitely be asking questions after dinner.
Moments later, Draco could feel the change in the air. The hair on the back of his neck stood to attention. Tom cleared his throat, easily demanding attention without the use of magic.
"Esteemed guests, it is with great pleasure that I introduce our gracious host for the evening," he paused and gestured to the empty space behind him, "Lord Calliope Black," he announced.
Gasps from all around Draco reached his ears.
"Black?" he murmured to Luna.
Luna simply smirked and drank her wine. Draco snorted under his breath and looked back at the stairs just as his cousin emerged from the shadows.
"Holy shit," Daphne exhaled.
"Is that-
"It can't be-
"But-"
"Maybe?"
Draco rolled his eyes at the twin speak going on behind him.
"She makes one hell of an entrance," Luna said softly.
His cousin swept the room beneath the hood of her cloak. Her red eyes cold, hard. It sent shivers down his spine. Tom came up behind her and removed her cloak, kissing her on the cheek as he did so. Calli winked at him as the rest of the room got a full glimpse of her outfit.
"Your mother made that?" Luna asked, shocked.
"I knew she was good, but I had no idea she was that good," Draco muttered.
The black dress was painted on, emphasizing curves he had no idea existed and he almost felt indecent for staring. He eyed the lace sleeves that ended at her fingertips, a ruby ring on her middle left finger which answered his earlier question. There was an opening down her chest that stopped at her navel, displaying the necklace he knew Rayna gave her the night she was killed. Her hair was half-up, half- down, straightened for the first time in a long time. There was a slit that showed her extremely high silver heels. But no matter how good his cousin looked; it was the power radiating from her body that gave him pause.
Tom bowed to Calli and Bellatrix before he walked down the stairs alone, his head held high but a distinct sadness to his smile. Once he reached the bottom, Bellatrix and Calli intertwined their hands. The two made their descent as one. Those at the party knew the significance of this act.
The introduction of the new Dark Lord by one half of the old Dark Lord in the presence of his protégé, who just so happened to be the future wife and Lieutenant of the new Dark Lord.
It was poetic.
As soon as Calli and Bellatrix reached the main floor, Draco was the first to drop to one knee, his head bowed and his left arm over his chest. Luna followed, then Lucius, then Tonks, then Andy and Ted, and soon, the entire room was on their knees except Tom and Bellatrix. Tom stepped forward and kissed Calli on both cheeks. He had tears in his eyes.
"Giving up my magic to be here in this moment with you is something I will never regret. I have watched you grow into a young woman with the type of pride and happiness that only a father can have for his daughter. Rayna is smiling down on you. Never forget that she is with you always." Tom took a deep breath and added, "Lord Black, it is with great pleasure that I bow before you as your humble servant and follower. I look forward to the world that blossoms under your leadership."
Tom stepped back and got down on one knee, bowing his head. Calli blinked hard to keep her tears at bay. Bellatrix chuckled under her breath.
"I thought I would never make it to this day. To see this, to be a part of this, means more to me than any second chance at life I was given to see it. Tonight, my love, this is about you. This is about your journey finally starting as the leader you were born to be. Rayna knew you would be special the moment you were born, and she was right. I made a promise to be with you in everything, and I will keep that promise in life and in death. I am here as more than your soulmate, but as your friend, your guide, your protector, and your strength. I bow before you as your humble servant and follower until death."
Bellatrix kissed Calli on the lips and smiled before knelt with the others. Calli allowed herself a moment of weakness. She teared up and looked to the ceiling. She imagined her mother smiling down on her, clapping, and giving her the power for the road ahead of her. Calli inhaled and wiped away the tear that fell. She lifted her chin in the air.
"Rise," she commanded.
The crowd rose in unison.
"I stand before family-
She smiled at Draco and Tonks.
"Friends who feel like family-
Luna and Remus winked, raising their glass in unison.
"And new allies who will see that the Dark side is not all the so-called Light side made you to believe."
The twins, Daphne, and Blaise Zabini eyed her curiously.
"My mother was once your leader, your Lord, and your savior when your backs were against the wall. She was as harsh as she was merciful, and I can only hope to be a fraction of what she once was. She gave her life for this cause and I will not hesitate to do the same. I expect all of you to make that same commitment. However, now is not the time for that."
She smirked and clapped her hands. The doors to the dining room opened, food appearing on three tables in the shape of a U, but no one dared to move.
"My request for this portion of the evening is that you be merry. Forget about the War, forget about the Order, forget about Hogwarts, about Azkaban, about werewolves, and forget about the absence of your loved ones. Break bread with the man or woman beside you. Drink until you have the urge to dance on the tables and twirl someone around the room. Laugh until you cannot breathe. Tonight, it is our night to be a family. A true family. One that will never be broken by any outsider that dare to cause us harm."
Calli caught sight of Augusta Longbottom and Neville, both wary but listening to every word she said. Her next words were aimed at them.
"My mother loved the people she fought for. She fought with them, not behind them. She treated the people who took her mark with dignity and respect, and she fostered their talents. Not everyone is a warrior, but there will always be a place for you."
Neville had a spark in his eyes that made Calli happy while Augusta seemed contemplative. Calli turned away and outstretched her arms.
"With that said and with a warm heart, I welcome you all to Rayne Manor. Let the feast begin!"
The crowd roared and whistled as they made their way into the dining room, leaving Calli and Bellatrix in the background.
"You have no idea how sexy you are right now," Bellatrix murmured.
"Feel free to show me after the ceremony."
"Count on it."
The two intertwined their hands and made their way into the dining room where Draco and Luna were waiting by the doors. Draco and Luna inclined their heads as the two got closer.
"Lord Black, Lady Black," Draco said, his lips quirked.
Calli winked while Bellatrix flicked him on the ear as they passed. Draco chuckled and held out his arm for Luna, who grabbed it willingly.
And so, begins the Dark Lord's reign.
Calli, mid-conversation with Bellatrix, saw Augusta Longbottom rise from her seat. Neville directly behind her. The older woman glanced at Calli briefly, and Calli got the unspoken hint.
"I need to step outside," she said softly to Bellatrix.
"I will be nearby."
Calli nodded and rose from her seat. She exited the dining room and found the Longbottoms admiring the artwork on the wall. Artwork her mother may or may not have stolen once upon a time. Neville seemed calmer, stronger, and a more confident than the stuttering boy she remembered from first year. He was also growing out his hair. It was a good look on him.
"Dowager Longbottom, Mister Longbottom, I hope the meal was to your standards?" Calli asked.
"Ah, yes, Lord Black. It was filling and quite delicious. Though, if you will humor an old woman?" Augusta said.
Calli waved her on.
"Thank you. You see, I was wondering if you know a young witch by the name of Hermione Granger," Augusta said conversationally. "Muggleborn know-it-all who hangs in Harry Potter's shadow?"
"I know her intimately," Calli said. "Why do you ask?"
"An old woman's curiosity."
"You know what they say about curiosity," Calli drawled.
"Yes, I do, considering your mother made that same threat to me many years ago."
Calli was thrown just enough for Augusta to chuckle. The older woman patted her on the arm and smiled.
"Miss Gauthier, you have grown well into your status. Your mother taught you well in the too short years she was on this Earth."
"You knew my mother?"
"I may not have sworn my wand, but I respected her. I stayed out of her way and voted yes to few laws that she advocated for. She was a good woman, one that had more life to live."
Calli blinked and found herself at a loss for words. Augusta looked over Calli's shoulders and grunted.
"Please tell your shadow to join us for a moment."
Calli, without turning around, crooked her finger behind her, knowing Bellatrix would be there. Neville stiffened as Bellatrix got close. Calli could sense her lover's unease and wrapped her arm around her waist. She kissed Bellatrix on the neck and whispered to stay calm.
"I have one question to ask you, Lestrange, and I want you to answer me honestly," Augusta said, her tone hard.
"Black," Bellatrix corrected.
"You are divorced?"
"Soon," Bellatrix said vaguely.
"I see. My question is, did you torture my son and daughter-in-law into comatose states?"
"No."
"Did you cast a single spell that evening?"
"No."
"So, why were you there?"
"I was led to believe Frank and Alice had information we needed. We were supposed to question them, not harm them, but my," she paused and grunted, "husband and brother-in-law became angry when Frank kept denying and pleading for mercy. Rodolphus cast the first spell. I tried to get them to stop but they refused to listen. I was afraid of hitting Frank or Alice in a duel so I was helpless as I watched. Alice made a comment about her son and I saw the look in my husband's eyes. I panicked and ran upstairs with Rodolphus on my heels. I had just picked young Neville up from the crib when the Aurors arrived. They restrained me before I could explain."
Calli squeezed her lover's waist, already knowing how hard it was for Bellatrix to tell that story. Her guilt had eaten her alive in Azkaban.
"You were trying to save me?" Neville asked quietly.
Bellatrix nodded and looked down in a rare show of vulnerability. Calli grew protective the longer Augusta glared at her fiancee. Soon, Augusta softened and tapped her cane on the floor.
"Thank you for your honesty, Lady Black," Augusta said softly. "And on behalf of the Longbottom family, you are forgiven."
Bellatrix looked up in shock but Augusta had already moved on. She reached out and grabbed Calli's hand.
"And you, Miss Gauthier, it would be an honor to serve silently in your corner as I served in your mother's."
"I- thank you," Calli stammered.
Neville cleared his throat and stepped forward. "I know who you are. I may have met you under another name, but I know who you are. I know you are strong, loyal, and I know you protect the ones you love. If you truly meant what you said about everyone having a place with you, then I would be glad to stand with you as well," he said softly. "Publicly, proudly, and without fear."
Calli was at a lost for words. She was expecting to bribe them, show off a little, but they were already on board. Then-
"Luna got to you first," Calli guessed.
Augusta's eyes twinkled but she said nothing. She grabbed her grandson by the arm and kissed him on the cheek.
"You have fun tonight. I heard there was some sort of sleep over afterward?"
Calli shrugged helplessly. "I guess. Luna may have mentioned it," she said. "Wait, Neville is staying for the entire thing?"
"I am," he said.
"You know this will not be a simple ceremony, right?" Calli asked warily.
"I am not as weak or pathetic as you think, Her- Calliope," he said, blushing slightly.
"Calli," she corrected. "Calliope is only when I am in trouble-
"Or causing trouble," Bellatrix muttered.
Augusta snorted. "Whatever the case, please allow him to escort me home?" she asked.
"I can do you better than that. Rory," Calli called out.
The elf appeared. "Yes, Mistress Dark Lord?" he asked.
"Escort the Dowager and her grandson home, and only when he is ready, escort him back here. Once you return, I will need those daggers I prepared and in place for tonight."
"As you wish, Mistress Dark Lord."
Rory grabbed the hands of Neville and Augusta. Neville had gone white.
"Wait, did you say-
Rory vanished with the two of them in the middle of Neville's question.
"Why did you say that to him?" Bellatrix sighed. "Now he thinks you have daggers."
Calli lifted her eyebrow. "I do have daggers," she said.
Bellatrix gawked as Calli shot her a look, heading back to the dining room.
"We never discussed that!" she shouted after her.
"We were rarely discussing much over the last week," Calli shot back, a smirk on her face.
Bellatrix groaned and followed her lover. "That witch will be the death of me," she muttered to herself.
After the minor guests filtered out, too drunk or full to do anything but stumble down the driveway, the moon was high in the sky. In the backyard, under the light of a fire burning in a circle, Lucius stood behind Draco. Xeno stood behind Luna. Andy stood behind Tonks. Violet stood behind Astoria. Narcissa stood behind Daphne. Tom stood behind Fred. Remus stood behind George. Ted stood behind Blaise.
And Bellatrix stood behind Neville.
Calli stood in the middle, stripped down to a pair of shorts and a sports bra. The girls matched her outfit while the boys were shirtless. As the group waited, several thoughts went through the head of those in that moment.
Lucius and Narcissa were proud to see their son standing there. Ted and Andy were crying, their daughter finally finding somewhere she belonged. Xeno was blessed watching his daughter follow in her mother's footsteps, and praised Pandora for giving birth to such a brave witch. Violet Greengrass was many things in that moment, but after spending time with Narcissa, Andy, and Remus, she saw the ceremony for what it was.
Daphne and Astoria knew what would be required of them, glad to be apart of something they'd been wanting since they first heard of the Dark Lord. She was pleased her daughters were happy, though saddened it had to be so soon. Blaise was there alone, as were the twins, but they had Tom, Ted, and Remus with them, which filled a hole they hadn't realize they had that night. Bellatrix, however, was the one fighting more emotions than the rest. She was to bless Neville herself after everything she'd done. She was also captivated by the sight of her lover in the soft light of the fire.
Soon, it was time.
Calli picked up a dagger and approached Draco first. He straightened as she stopped in front of him.
"Are you ready?" she asked him.
"I am, my Lord."
Calli placed the tip of the dagger on Draco's left arm. She waited until he was relaxed before she pierced his skin down to the bone. Draco didn't scream but she saw Lucius tighten his hold on Draco's shoulders when he wavered. Calli placed the tip of her wand against the blade and exhaled as she channeled her magic into the open wound.
"Do you, Draco Malfoy, swear to be my ally?"
"I swear."
"Do you, Draco Malfoy, swear to serve me until the day I die? And even in death, honor my name?"
"I swear."
Calli heard the strain in his voice but was proud he was still standing. His, Tonks's, and Luna's would be the hardest as they all came with something special, something she personalized in the safety of her bedroom. Not even Bellatrix knew about it.
"Do you, Draco Malfoy, swear to never betray me?"
"I swear."
"Do you, Draco Malfoy, swear to uphold the expectations that come with the mark I am placing on your arm? Do you swear to protect those in this circle just as you would protect me? Do you swear to treat Luna Lovegood with the respect, love, and trust she deserves?" she asked.
Draco's eyes widened at the entire thing but his voice was strong as he said, "I swear."
"And finally, do you, Draco Malfoy, accept this mark as not only of my follower, but as my brother in blood and magic?"
Lucius and Narcissa smiled at the last vow, having already given their permission, and Draco took a deep breath as he said, "I swear."
A golden string weaved around Draco and Calli as they stood there, disappearing under their skin. Calli dropped the dagger to the ground where it was swallowed by the Earth. She placed her hand over the mark, glad Draco did not take a quick peak, and smiled.
"I accept, honor, and hold you to your vow, Draco Malfoy-Gauthier," she said.
Draco preened and Calli removed her hand. He gasped as he saw the mark in its entirety.
"My Lord, I-
"Hush," Calli chided gently. "It is but a small gift for all that you have done for me."
On Draco's flesh, in almost perfect condition, was a skull with red and green eyes. However, instead of a snake slithering out of his mouth, a blue dragon curled around the skull, its wings folded against its back.
"My mother once told me Blue dragons represented generosity, independence, creativity, and of having a free mind. You are all of those things and more. You have never hesitated to give me the shirt off your back when I was cold or a helping hand when I was weak. You have fiercely made a name for yourself as not just the son of Lucius Malfoy, but as Draco Malfoy. You have taught me the creativity that comes with casting spells. And most importantly, you have taught me how to be free in myself and in my journey. I am proud to be your sister and I am proud to have you at my side."
Calli kissed his cheek and Draco broke tradition by hugging her tightly. She hugged him back and giggled.
"Let me go, Dragon. I have more to do. We can be emotional later," she whispered.
Draco let go and ducked his head as he knelt on the ground, Lucius kneeling with him. Calli turned to Luna with a wicked smile on her face.
"Oh Luna," she sing-songed. "Let's play."