Harry was furious.
"She is our friend!" he exclaimed.
"We just don't think it's a good idea."
"Her parents are dead!"
Ron and Ginny remained stubborn.
"If this is how you're going to be about it, then how about you two stay home instead? I'm not telling her she can't come to me and Neville's party because you two feel some kind of way."
"But I'm your best mate," Ron argued.
"So is she," Harry said flatly. "She is our friend, our best friend. Hermione stood by us through everything, even when she didn't want to. And she has always had our backs. We are all that she has left with her parents gone, and you two want to push her away? How selfish can you be! She should be at home with her family right now, and instead, she's probably holed up in some room crying her eyes out!"
Elves wandered 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, the Lovegoods, and a host of other supporters filled the space with laughter and stories, catching up on old times in the safety of Rayne Manor. In her floor-length, silver dress, Luna leaned comfortably into Draco, who matched his beloved with a silver tie and silver shoes. Luna was unglamoured, much to the shock of George, Fred, Daphne, and Astoria, and she also spoke freely without the need to hide behind wild comments and dreamy smiles. Draco sipped at his wine with a wince. Earlier that evening, he discovered there would be no firewhiskey served until after the induction. Finally, though, he admitted the white wine in his hand was delicious.
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. Then, finally, another figure, who had Draco choking on his wine, stepped up beside Tom with a space between them. In a dramatic emerald green dress with lace sleeves and a pair of black heels, 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.
"I have the honor of introducing our host of the evening, Lord Calliope Black," Tom announced, his voice echoing off the walls.
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 as his cousin emerged from the shadows.
"Holy shit," Daphne exhaled.
"Is that-
"It can't be-
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 cheek as he did so. Calliope 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."
The black dress was painted on, emphasizing curves he had no idea existed, and he almost felt indecent for staring. Instead, he eyed the lace sleeves that ended at her fingertips, a ring on her left middle finger that answered his earlier question. There was an opening down her chest that stopped at her navel, displaying the necklace he knew Rayna gave her. 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 Calliope and Bellatrix before he walked down the stairs alone, his head held high but a hint of sadness to his smile. Once he reached the bottom of the stairs, Bellatrix and Calliope 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 Calliope 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 for Tom and Bellatrix. Tom stepped forward and kissed Calliope on both cheeks. He had tears in his eyes.
"To be here in this moment with you is something I will never forget, my dearest Calliope. 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 at 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 will blossom under your leadership."
Tom stepped back and got down on one knee, bowing his head. Calliope blinked hard to keep her tears at bay. Bellatrix chuckled under her breath and turned to her.
"I thought I would never make it to this day. But, 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 death. I am here as more than your soulmate, but as your friend, your protector, and your strength. I bow before you as your humble servant and follower until death."
Bellatrix kissed Calliope on the lips and smiled before knelt with the others. Calliope 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. Calliope 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 raised their glass in unison.
"And new allies who will see that the Dark Side is not all the so-called Light side made you believe."
The twins, Daphne and Blaise Zabini, eyed her curiously.
"My mother was once your leader, once your Lord, and once your savior when your backs were against the wall. She was as tough 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."
Calliope 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. Instead, 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. One that will never be broken by any outsider that dare not understand."
Calliope caught sight of Augusta Longbottom and Neville, both wary but listening to every word she said. Her next words were aimed at them, both of them.
"My mother loved the people she fought for. She fought with them, not behind them. She honored the people who took her Mark with dignity and respect, and she fostered their talents. Not everyone is a warrior, but there is always a place for you if you wish to join me."
Neville had a spark in his eyes that made Calliope happy, while Augusta seemed contemplative. Calliope turned away and stretched her arms.
"Let the feast begin!"
The crowd cheered and whistled as they made their way into the dining room, leaving Calliope 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.
Calliope smirked at her cousin and walked past him, Bellatrix flicking her nephew on the ear as she passed. Draco chuckled and held out his arm for Luna, who grabbed it willingly.
And so began the Dark Lord's reign.
Calliope, mid-conversation with Bellatrix, saw Augusta Longbottom rise from her seat. Neville followed. The older woman glanced at Calliope briefly, and she got the unspoken hint.
"I need to step outside," she said softly to Bellatrix.
Bellatrix nodded, and Calliope rose from her seat. She exited the dining room and found the Longbottom family admiring the artwork on the wall. Artwork her mother may or may not have stolen. Neville seemed calmer, stronger, and more confident than the stuttering boy she remembered from the 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?" Calliope asked.
"Yes, Lord Black. It was filling and quite delicious. First, though, if you will humor an old woman?" Augusta said.
Calliope waved her on.
"Thank you. 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. So why do you ask?"
"An old woman's curiosity."
"You know what they say about curiosity," Calliope drawled.
"I do, considering your mother made that same threat to me many years ago."
Calliope 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?"
"Of course. Rayna was Neville's godmother after all."
Calliope blinked and found herself at a loss for words. Augusta looked over her shoulders and grunted.
"Please tell your Lieutenant to join us for a moment."
Calliope, without turning around, crooked her finger. Neville stiffened as Bellatrix got close. Calliope sensed her lover's unease and wrapped her arm around her waist. She kissed Bellatrix on the neck and whispered to stay calm.
"I have questions to ask, Black, and I want you to answer me honestly," Augusta said, her tone hard.
Bellatrix nodded, and Augusta clenched her jaw.
"Did you torture my son and daughter-in-law?"
"No, I did not."
"Did you cast a single spell at them?"
"No, I did not."
"Why were you there?"
"I was told information about Rayna's death would be found there. When I arrived, the Lestrange brothers began casting spells without asking a single question. I tried to get them to stop but failed. I panicked and ran upstairs, knowing they had a son. I was in the process of hiding him in the closet when the Aurors arrived."
Calliope squeezed her lover's waist, already knowing how hard it was for Bellatrix to tell that story after all this time. Her guilt had eaten her alive in Azkaban.
"You were trying to save me?" Neville asked quietly.
"I knew there was nothing I could do for your parents," Bellatrix said uncomfortably. "But I wanted you safe. No child should have to see their parents like that."
Calliope's eyes glazed over momentarily before she shook off the memory. Augusta hummed and tapped her cane on the floor.
"Miss Gauthier, it would be an honor to serve in your corner as I served in your mother's."
"I- thank you," Calliope stammered.
Neville cleared his throat and stepped forward. "You may have 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, then I would be glad to stand with you as well," he said softly.
Calliope was at a loss for words. She was expecting to bribe them, show off a little, but they were already on board.
"Luna got to you first," she guessed.
Augusta's eyes twinkled, but she said nothing. Instead, she grabbed her grandson by the arm and kissed him on the cheek.
"You have fun tonight. I heard there was some sort of sleepover afterward?"
Calliope shrugged. "Luna planned it," she said. "Wait, Neville is staying for the entire thing?"
"I am," he said.
"You know I will be testing you tonight, right?" Calliope 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, allow him to escort me home?" she asked.
"I can do you better than that. Rory," Calliope 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."
"Very well, 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. Calliope giggled and folded her arms.
"Why did you say that to him?" Bellatrix sighed. "Now he thinks you have daggers."
"I do have daggers," she said.
Bellatrix gasped as Calliope shot her a look, heading back to the dining room.
"We never discussed that!"
"We were rarely discussing much over the last week," Calliope 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 firepit, 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.
Calliope 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 with long pants. Lucius and Narcissa were both 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 at that moment. Still, 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 a part of something they'd wanted 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. Bellatrix, however, was the one fighting more emotions than the rest. She was to bless Neville herself after everything she'd done and participated in. She was also captivated by the sight of her lover in the soft light of the fire.
Soon, it was time.
Calliope picked up a dagger from the fire where they rested. She approached Draco first, her brother more than a cousin, and he straightened as she stopped in front of him.
"Are you ready?" she asked him.
"I am, my Lord."
Calliope placed the tip of the dagger on his 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. Calliope placed the tip of her wand against the blade and 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 that I die?"
"I swear."
Calliope heard the waver in his voice but was proud he kept going. His would be the hardest as his Mark came with something special.
"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 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 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?"
There was a long pause before, "I swear."
Calliope 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 peek, and smiled.
"I accept, honor, and hold you to your vow, Draco Malfoy-Gauthier," she said.
Draco preened, and Calliope removed her hand. Draco gasped as he saw the Mark in its entirety.
"My Lord, I-
"Hush," she chided gently. "It is but a small gift for all that you have done for me."
On Draco's flesh, an image of a skull and a raven with blood-red eyes perched on the skull's head. However, a blue dragon curled around the skull, the raven protected by its wings.
"My mother once told me Blue dragons represented generosity, independence, creativity, and of having a free mind. You, Dragon, are all of those things and more. You never hesitated to give me the shirt off your back when I was cold. You have fiercely made a name for yourself as not the son of Lucius Malfoy but 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."
Calliope 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. Calliope turned to Luna with a wicked smile on her face.
"Oh Luna," she teased. "It's time to play."
