Part Two. I adjusted Tonks's age slightly.

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Mistakes are mine.

D19

Calli caressed Luna's face with the type of intimacy that came from time and shared experiences. Luna leaned into the touch.

"Need I ask if you are ready?" she asked wryly.

"It would be a waste of time," Luna replied airily, holding out her left arm.

Calli shook her head and summoned another dagger. She didn't hesitate as she repeated the same vow and process with Luna. The blonde seemed as serene as she normally did, her voice remaining steady with every response she gave.

"Do you, Luna Lovegood, swear to uphold the expectations that come with the mark I have placed on your arm? Do you swear to protect those in this circle just as you would protect me? Do you swear to treat Draco Malfoy-Gauthier with the respect, love, and trust he deserves?" she asked.

Luna winked at Draco over Calli's shoulder and said, "I swear."

"I accept, honor, and hold you to your vow, Luna Lovegood," she said.

Calli placed her hand over Luna's mark and then revealed it to the blonde. Luna smiled at the crescent moon in the red gem of the skull, a sign of her connection to Calli, and she moved to kneel when Calli stopped her.

"There is something else," she said.

Calli dropped the dagger into the Earth and then held out her right arm. Luna frowned in confusion.

"I saw the mark you gave to Fred and George. I would like you to place that mark on me as a sign of my loyalty to you," Calli said.

"You do?" Luna whispered.

"Think of it like matching tattoos," Calli said, her eyes amused.

Luna swallowed and nodded quickly. Xeno passed Luna her wand, and Luna placed the tip of the wand on Calli's forearm. She took a deep breath before she performed the same spell she did on the twins. Calli barely flinched, watching the tattoo take shape on her skin. Once it was done, Calli flexed and held it under the moonlight. It looked good, and it was a permanent reminder of both her brother and her best friend.

"We both know why I call you Selene. You have been that moon, that light in my darkness since the day we met. You shine in all phases of my life, and for that, I vow to be by your side until death. I look forward to all that we accomplish together," she said.

Luna swiped at her tears and said, "I am with you until the end."

When Calli stepped up to Tonks, she knew this one would be the hardest. Tonks was in her last year at Hogwarts when Calli arrived. There were days Calli would see Tonks sitting alone at the Hufflepuff table, her hair a dull brown as the other kids ignored her presence. She would hear rumors about the idiot who knocked over cauldrons during Potions. It would break her heart because no one took the time to know Tonks. Calli respected and loved her cousin, but even she could admit she lacked in showing that love on a consistent basis. Calli rubbed her thumb over where the mark would be.

"I love you, Tonks."

Tonks jerked at the comment and shifted nervously, her hair turning a weird mix of pink and blue. But the metamorphmagus remained quiet, cautious. Calli held out her hand for the dagger and once it was in her grip, she sighed and shook her head.

"I should do better at telling you that. Especially since you are the unspoken hero of this family, the silent protector. You visited Bellatrix under the guise of interrogation just to remind her she was never alone. You visited Xeno while Luna was away at school so he would have someone to talk to. You defend Severus in the Order meetings because you know what it is like to be the outcast. You taught Draco, Luna, and I how to duel, how to be prepared for anything, and you send us care packages during the school year. You remind me to breathe, to live, and you are the heart of this family."

Calli gave no warning as she dug the blade deep into her muscle. She gave her the same general vows as Draco and Luna. At the end, she made an amendment for both she and Tonks's benefit.

"Do you, Nymphadora Tonks, swear to uphold the expectations that come with the mark I have placed on your arm? Do you swear to protect those in this circle just as you would protect me? Do you swear to treat Nymphadora Tonks with the respect, love, and trust she deserves?" she asked.

She hesitated. Calli was patient. Eventually, Tonks straightened and said proudly, "I swear."

"I accept, honor, and hold you to your vow, Nymphadora Tonks," she said.

"Don't call me that," Tonks muttered playfully.

Calli winked and placed her hand over the mark. She hid her smile as she revealed it. Tonks was the only one who had all three designs on her arm. There was the dragon, the moon, and the gems all arranged with the skull. Tonks dropped to her knees as gracefully as she could, and Calli pretended not to see the tears flowing down Andy's face as she held her daughter. Calli then took a deep breath and smiled at the remaining group.

"Now, the rest of you do not have fancy speeches or hand-crafted designs, but you will all take the same vow. If you are having second thoughts, I suggest you leave now. The one behind you will take you inside and in there you will wait for me."

When no one moved, Calli gave a sharp nod.

"Very well. Your choice has been made."

Calli went down the line starting with Daphne, then the twins, then Blaise, Astoria, and finally Neville. They all had the same vows, same mark, and all dropped to their knees at the end. Calli thought nothing of the tears coming from Astoria or the grimaces coming from Neville and Blaise. If anything, she was proud they were bold enough to show their emotions in front of her. She didn't think it was weakness, especially when they had a red-hot dagger pierced through their arm down to their bone.

Once everyone had been marked, Calli picked up the last dagger. She held it out, hilt away from her, and said, "I would like my father to do the first one for this part. Bella will do the rest."

Tom rose from his spot behind Fred and came up to her. He took the knife and gently placed his hand on her left shoulder.

"Do you remember which one goes first?" she asked.

"Of course. Your mother made sure I would never forget it," he said. "But, Calli-

"I know," she interrupted. "I trust you."

He straightened and began to carve the rune for Power deep into the middle of her sternum. She could see the concentration on his face and forced herself not to cry out in pain so not to distract him. Once finished, Bellatrix came up behind him and took the knife from him. Tom went back to his spot. Bellatrix gave Calli only a moment to breathe before she was carving 'Protection' under 'Power.' Had it not been for the sheer adrenaline coursing through her veins, she would have collapsed from the pain. Bellatrix was not gentle like Tom.

After 'Protection' came 'Balance' on her left shoulder. After 'Balance' came 'Family' on her abdomen. After 'Family' were the final two, the hardest two, as they were going in places that would require so much skill and patience. Bellatrix's tongue poked out through her teeth as she gently tilted Calli's head back and held on to her head.

"I got you, love," she whispered right before she etched the rune for 'Respect' at the base of Calli's throat.

Calli desperately wanted to swallow but forced herself to focus on something, anything else. When her father warned her what the last part of the ceremony would be like, he neglected to mention the sheer torture that came with forcing your body not to perform basic, instinctual actions like swallowing or breathing. Once Bellatrix finished on her neck, Calli felt the tip of the blade go over her heart. Bellatrix had already discussed which rune would go over her heart, and though Calli wanted something like 'Strength' or 'Loyalty,' she grudgingly admitted 'Passion' was a good choice.

So lost in her thoughts, Calli was caught off guard when the group began to chant with clasped hands. The fire behind them rose high into the air. She felt like clawing off her skin as the runes literally etched themselves into her bones. The chanting grew louder and louder until Calli fell back onto the grass, the last thing her conscious mind registered were the stars over her head.

Severus stirred his tea in boredom as Sirius and Molly went off on another tangent. He kept his shields up, knowing how Dumbledore and Mad-Eye both liked to poke around when they thought he wasn't paying attention. Severus wished he was at the party. He knew the ceremony was tonight and wanted to see it without having to watch in someone's memory. He was also eager to speak with Calli and Bellatrix alone. He knew Narcissa removed as much of the poison she could and was actively working on getting Bellatrix back to full strength, but Calli still pushed him to see who had access to Bellatrix's food during her stint.

That left almost seventy guards and three wardens. It was slow-going, but he thinks he made progress. Unfortunately, it would also mean someone outside of the family knew about the prophecy and was trying to take Calli's bond mate out of the picture before it could come true.

"Are you alright, Severus?" Dumbledore called out.

Severus looked up and realized the entire room was staring at him. He cleared his throat and said, "I apologize, Albus. I have been up the last few nights helping the Dark Lord with a personal problem."

"Personal problem? What are you, his boyfriend?" Sirius scowled.

Severus ignored the jab and said, "The Dark Lord is beside himself and angrier than normal. As you all know, those who were in Azkaban have returned to his care. One prisoner, however, is still in recovery."

Dumbledore stapled his fingers under his chin and gestured for Severus to proceed.

"It would seem someone had poisoned Bellatrix Lestrange during her stay on the island. I was told a healer reversed most of the damage, but the Dark Lord fears his right-hand will be forever weakened by the lasting effects."

"Are you saying Bellatrix Lestrange, my batshit cousin, is out for the count?" Sirius exclaimed.

Severus made a face. "I would say she is bedridden and incapable of using magic beyond lighting a candle."

"Hot damn!"

Sirius whooped and clapped his hands. He ran off into the kitchen, talking about finding the 'good shit' and celebrating the good news. Severus glanced at the others. Albus had a pensive look on his face as he stared at the wall. Mad-Eye looked as annoyed as Severus felt. Molly and the Weasley group didn't care enough to react. Harry seemed happy, though Severus had a feeling it was because Sirius was happy.

"Please keep us updated," Albus eventually sighed. "Though I am against all they stand for, I would never advocate for murder no matter who it is or what they have done in the past."

Severus kept his face blank but inside he raged at the man. He said, "Of course, sir. But if it is alright with you, I would like to retire for the evening. I am tired and have an early morning."

"Of course. Thank you, Severus."

He bowed and stood from his seat, taking his mug with him. The last thing he wanted was for them to enchant his favorite tea mug or something equally as foolish. He paused on the street, taking a deep breath and glancing at the moon before he began to walk. He took small, careful sips of his tea even though he was well aware of the eyes following his movement.

Luna had her feet tucked into Draco's side as the group relaxed around the study. They were waiting on Calli to come down after her shower. Fred and George were staring at their marks, tracing them with their fingers, and Luna was glad to see there was no regret on their faces. Blaise and Draco got to know Neville beyond the Gryffindor screw-up, and the three found common ground with, funny enough, alcohol. Little people knew Draco spent some of his free time at pubs and restaurants, trying different whiskeys and gins. Apparently, Blaise was a beer guy while Neville liked wine. Draco grabbed her feet and put them on his lap, massaging them as he continued his conversation. She swooned inwardly and turned back to where Tonks was entertaining Daphne with old Auror stories, Astoria fast asleep on Daphne's lap.

"I'm telling you. He splinched himself in half, his intestines spilling out on the sidewalk. I wasn't that bothered, but I did stay away from noodles for a month."

Daphne laughed and said, "Just a month?"

Tonks's hair turned pink as she blushed. "I like spaghetti too much," she muttered.

"Never had it before," Daphne admitted.

Tonks gasped. "You have to let me take you to this great Italian place in London! They serve the best breadsticks and salad, but their spaghetti is incredible. I-" she paused and backpedaled, "I mean, you don't have to go. I was just offering because, you know, you haven't had it before and I know a place where you can, but if you-

"I would love to," Daphne interrupted.

Tonks's hair changed from pink to green to blue and then back to pink before she started on another story, Daphne's attention not once straying. Luna took note of the interaction and saw the twins had fallen asleep on one another. She felt a little bad that their family treated them like screw-ups and vowed to herself that she would treat them like they belonged no matter what. It was in that moment Calli pushed open the door, freshly showered and dressed in muggle pajamas. The twins jerked awake while Astoria slept on.

"How does your chest feel?" Luna asked.

"Like someone took a knife to it."

"Ah. So, a normal night for you then?" Draco said.

Calli flipped him off and leaned on the door frame.

"How are you all feeling?" she asked.

"Tired but also, not tired," Blaise explained. "If that makes sense."

"No, I understand. You are not obligated to go to sleep right away. Fully stocked kitchen, liquor cabinet, wine cellar, and the pool are free to use. Your parents are not here," she said, laughing. "I only ask you be stay away from the third floor. I do not want you getting hurt with what I have up there."

"I'm having flashbacks of first year," Neville said, shivering.

Calli scrunched her nose. "I can assure you Fluffy would be the least of your worries if you go up those stairs," she said.

Luna hid her snort. She knew what was up there and it wasn't as scary as she was making it seem. Calli winked at her before she clapped her hands and smiled.

"Okay, I really only came in here to check in on you guys before I went to bed. I already told the elves to have breakfast ready by ten, give you guys a little extra time to sleep," she said.

"Is anything happening tomorrow?" Daphne asked.

"No because we all have things to do, regular lives to get back to. If I need you, I will summon you."

"But how-

"Your mark will burn, and you will know to come here," Calli said, already guessing Fred's question.

"How do we handle Hermione?" Neville asked. "Because the party is in a month and I imagine you will not be pleased with me calling you Calli in front of the others."

"You would be correct," she chuckled. "Let me know when you all are free in the upcoming week, and we will have lunch. That way we can handle school and what not. Though the Slytherin bunch barely acknowledge my presence."

"Fair," Blaise said.

Calli yawned and said, "Also, you all should practice your occlumency for the rest of the summer. I will be testing you throughout the year. The Headmaster does not shy away from peeking into private thoughts at his whim."

"Gross," Daphne shuddered.

"Tell me about it," Calli grumbled. In a louder voice, she added, "Anyway, I am going to sleep. I will see you all in the morning. I will be leaving before you guys as I have business to attend to at Malfoy Manor."

The others said their good nights as Calli left the room, closing the door behind her. She stretched and lumbered her way back to her room where she found Bellatrix already in bed. She crawled under the covers and latched herself to Bellatrix, who adjusted to her presence without waking up. She was asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

Calli, in blood-splattered jeans and a tank top, rennervated Rodolphus. He gasped and coughed as he came to. The Malfoy dungeon smelled like burning flesh and urine. The man hanging from the chains strained to get free, but there was no use. Calli tapped her wand against her lips and cocked her head.

"Hmm, what to do next?" she asked.

"You stupid bitch!" he shouted, almost foaming at the mouth.

Calli flicked her wand. "Bombarda," she said lazily.

The spell shattered his knees and left his legs hanging by thin strings of muscles and nerves. Rodolphus had little to say but she could see the stubbornness in his eyes hidden behind the pain. He spit blood at her feet and started laughing.

"Bellatrix will always be mine," he wheezed.

"Crucio!"

The spell hit Rodolphus in the chest and unlike the first few times she cast it, he did not grit his teeth and bare it. The fourth time she put every ounce of rage, pain, and anger into the spell. The fourth time he screamed. She held the spell for a few seconds before she released it. Rodolphus deflated and hung from the chains like a rag doll. Unfortunately, he was still breathing.

"Well, this was fun, relaxing, and I have enjoyed our talks, Lestrange. But I have an appointment to keep and you will not delay me any longer."

Before Rodolphus could stammer out a response, Calli pointed her wand at his head and said, "Engorgio."

Calli strolled out of the cell and found Bellatrix waiting at the end of the hall.

"Engorgio?" she repeated, confused.

Calli chuckled and grabbed Bellatrix's hand. She intertwined their fingers and said, "Come. You do not want to be here when-

A massive splattering sound came from behind them. Bellatrix glanced over her shoulder. Brain matter covered the walls. She looked back at Calli.

"You blew up his head?" she exclaimed.

"It was either that or his dick but the head was easier to find," she drawled.

Bellatrix let out a loud laugh that echoed through the entire manor.