I know, I know. I'm so so sorry. It's been forever and I apologise. There's not even THAT much here so I get it if you're disappointed. But, please enjoy and I'm sorry for the sadness, the confusion and the complete GROSSNESS at the end of the chapter. (Note: it includes Lucius Stinkface Malfoy.)

Chapter 11: Discoveries and Prophecies

'GET YOUR BUTT BACK ON THE BROOM, MACDONALD!'

'I'M COLD AND IT'S RAINING!'

'I'M COLD AS WELL, MACDONALD, AND YOU DON'T SEE ME COMPLAINING! ONE MORE PLAY AND THEN WE'RE DONE AND YOU CAN GO HOME!'

Audibly growling under her breath, Mary Macdonald ascended into the clouds again and stuck her tongue out at Hope childishly. Hope just laughed. As Captain of the Holyhead Harpies, it was her job to ensure that they succeeded this season. She knew they would but stress always mounted in the first few weeks. Their first match was in five days, and they were facing off against Puddlemere United. Just to annoy her husband, Hope was making sure the Harpies crushed Puddlemere and left them writhing on the ground.

Mary Macdonald was key in that plan. As the Seeker – and the best one in the business if Hope did say so herself – she was crucial to the whole game. Macdonald was a short woman with fierce hazel eyes and blonde hair that had a habit of falling into her eyes. It took all of Hope's self-control to not shave it all off so Mary could actually see the snitch.

Currently, Macdonald was doing her job with her hair pulled back from her face but something else entirely obscuring her vision. The rain falling made the pitch nearly unseeable, the drops slicing through the air sideways. Somewhere out there, Hope knew the snitch was flying around and she only hoped Mary would catch it soon so they could retreat inside. The sooner the snitch was caught, the sooner Hope would see Sirius and Maddie. Just the thought of her family brought a smile to Hope's lips.

'CAPTAIN!'

Hope turned at the scream, saw the Bludger raising directly for a face and lifted her bat, thumping it back across the pitch. 'THANKS!' she yelled to whatever member of the team had warned her.

'WELCOME!'

'I'VE GOT IT!' Mary's cry came from the right and Hope threw a thumbs up in her vague direction.

'INSIDE EVERYONE! TRY AND GRAB THE BLUDGERS!'

Relief spread through the pitch; everyone flew to the ground as quickly as possible, Lucy Jones and Hetty George wrestling with Bludgers. All the balls were returned to the box and the whole team happily returned to the changing rooms.

An hour later, Hope Apparated home. As she reached the door, she could hear Sirius chatting to Maddie inside, his low voice full of love. Her key in the door, Hope paused when she heard another voice. Archie: Sirius had probably met him somewhere and invited him in for dinner.

Smiling, Hope opened the door. 'I'm home!' she called.

'Good practice, love?' Sirius appeared at the door to the living room, Maddie squirming in his eyes.

'Little bit of rain but everyone coped.' Hope extended her arms to take Maddie.

Raising a brow, Sirius said, 'We saw the rain, it was just a tiny weeny bit more than a "little bit".'

Ignoring Sirius, Hope stepped through into the living, beaming at Archie slouched in a seat. 'How've you been, Archie?'

The young man smiled back, if a little forced. 'I've been fine. Thanks for asking.' Archie glanced back at Sirius, lounging in the doorway. Something unrecognisable flickered across his grey eyes then vanished. 'Sirius invited me in for dinner if you don't mind.'

'Perfectly fine as long as he's not cooking,' Hope answered promptly, then grinned at her husband's protests. 'He'll say he can cook but I wouldn't believe him if I were you.'

A real smile spread across Archie's face and he raised a brow at Sirius's continuing arguments. 'I won't,' he replied.

The rest of the world drowned out.

Hope vaguely heard Sirius and Archie verbally sparring, words bouncing between them. She didn't take notice. Everything, everything had clicked into place. Breathing deeply, she double, triple checked she wasn't wrong.

She wasn't.

It all made sense suddenly. And if…

No.

Merlin's beard.

Who could she tell? Who wouldn't completely freak out at her discovery? Who… Her thoughts trailed off, a realisation slamming through her.

It wasn't her secret to tell, and it never would be. Never. Not in a million years could she let slip what she'd found out – not to anyone. She had to act normal and unchanged, like everything hadn't just altered.

'Hope?' Sirius touched her arm gently, 'You alright?'

Giving what she hoped was a good impression of a real smile, Hope replied, 'Just wonderful. I was thinking we could order something in today; there's a Muggle takeaway a few streets away and they'll be happy to deliver.'

'Sounds good,' Sirius said as Archie went, 'Great.'

Hope nodded, 'Anyone have a phone?'

'Muggle technology,' Sirius muttered under his breath. 'Lily brought us one for a housewarming present; I attempted to set it up in the hallway.'

'Someone should set up a wizarding takeaway,' Archie suggested, 'We need to take more things from Muggles – they're not as dumb as we thought.'

'Purebloods would have a fit,' Sirius answered, grinning, 'We should definitely do it.'

Archie smiled. 'You have just a little prejudice against Purebloods, huh?'

Hope stifled her laugh. Sirius just winked, 'Something like that.' He vanished out the room to find the phone and, hopefully, figure out how to use it.

'You ever going to go through on your plan to leave?' Hope asked, relaxing into a comfy chair.

Making a face, Archie rubbed his head. 'Eventually. Everything kinda blew up in my face. I couldn't really leave Rosie all alone.'

'I get that.'

'She keeps trying to convince me that I can leave; I know better than that. I can't leave her and Lukey – literally everything in me tells me to stay. My plans are just taking a backseat for a bit.'

'Very selfless,' Hope complimented.

Giving Hope a wry smile, Archie said, 'I would like to think so, but it's more like I want to cover my hide. Rose will kill me and that's after she's let Luke strangle me to death with hugs.' He laughed more freely – Hope was relieved to see him relaxing.

'Hope?' Sirius's voice floated into the room, 'A hand here?'

Laughing, Hope deposited Maddie into Archie's hesitant arms and left to find her husband. He was kneeling in front of the phone, studiously examining it. 'I'm assuming you don't want me to tell the others about this?' she teased.

'Prongs will never let me live it down.'

'I was more concerned about Lily.'

Sirius groaned. 'I don't even want to think about that.'

Hope ruffled his hair, 'I'll sort it out.'

'How do you understand more about this Muggle stuff than me?' Sirius demanded, watching her fiddle around with the phone.

'Half-blood,' Hope answered, 'Maman was determined that I would understand where she came from.' She plugged in the phone and switched it on. 'Done.' Searching around, Hope spotted the flyer that had been shoved through their door earlier that week. It was simple to type up the numbers, and, much to Sirius's annoyance, she was on the phone only seconds later.

With the food ordered, the couple returned to the living room. They both paused silently at the door, understanding the scene in front of them in two different ways.

Archie was looking down at Maddie with adoration clear in his eyes. He cooed and hummed, a wide grin spread across his face. 'Beautiful Maddie,' he murmured, laughing as Maddie grabbed his finger, 'You are so gorgeous, little girl.'

'Takes after her uncle,' Sirius joked, walking into the room.

'Really?' Hope didn't try and hide her amusement, 'Last time I checked, you were determined that it was all you.'

Before Sirius could respond, someone knocked on the door. 'Rather early for food,' Hope remarked, heading to the door. She waved off Sirius as he started to go. 'Stay with Archie.'

The knocking grew more insistent as Hope came closer to the door. Half tempted to yell at whoever was on the other side of the door, Hope pulled it open.

'It's ready,' Lily blurted, grinning like a Cheshire cat. 'The Animagus potion is ready. You need to come now.'

Hope felt an identical grin spread over her own face. They'd been waiting for what seemed like forever for this potion to finally be brewed, and it was finally finished! Hope couldn't wait to feel her wings take form and be able to fly above the grounds. To be able to see the world from above without relying on a broom.

'Wings!' Lily snapped her fingers in front of Hope's face, 'Let's go!'

'Archie! Sirius!'

The two men appeared immediately. 'Yeah?'

Leaning over to kiss Sirius on the cheek, Hope explained, 'The potion's done.'

Sirius caught Lily's eye. 'Really?'

A wicked glint sparkled as Lily answered, with a firm nod, 'It's ready.'

Swallowing hard, Sirius turned to Hope. She caught the fear in his gaze but he steeled himself. 'Let's go.'

Archie and Lily Apparated away with a crack. Hope stopped Sirius was a hand on his arm. 'I love you,' she said quietly, 'I love Maddie.'

Love gleaming in his eyes, Sirius smiled. 'I know; we love you too. Our little diamant's lucky to have such a wonderful mother.' His voice breaking, Sirius added, 'I'm lucky to have such a wonderful wife.'

Hope kissed him properly this time, relishing this moment of quiet and peace. 'I'm going to go get my wings.'

'You go, girl.'

'Doesn't quite work on you, honey.'

'James says it does,' Sirius mumbled and Apparated, holding Maddie close to him. With a laugh, Hope followed.

The Headmaster's Office in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was a strange but wonderful place. Previous inhabitants lined the walls, most sleeping and dozing in their portraits. Many students had remarked over the years that it was "very like old people", and, considering the age of most of the Headmasters and Headmistresses, the present resident was not inclined to disagree. He was sure that one day he would be among them.

The Headmaster had seen many things in his lifetime, but he was certain that the most bizarre and extraordinary was yet to come. He had seen children go from worst enemies to lovers, and best friends to married. He had seen the closest of friends turn on one another and had been lucky enough to prevent one such event from happening. He had seen drastic changes of heart – not always for the better – and he had seen love turn from a balm to a poison.

Albus Dumbledore had cried and wept and shouted for joy and leapt up in excitement. He had experienced delight that could not be described and grief that overwhelmed.

When Lily Evans and James Potter had announced their engagement, Albus had celebrated with them and given congratulations with all the joy and hope in his heart.

When Severus Snape had descended into what bordered on obsession and drowned himself in anger, Albus had wept and begged Severus to return to the light.

When Peter Pettigrew had been saved from betraying his closest friends, Albus had cried with relief and felt a thousand years younger.

When Andy Tonks had left her body and it had been doubted whether she would return, Albus had begged whatever gods existed to bring her back and danced when she had re-emerged.

When Ted Tonks had fallen unconscious, Albus had mourned his loss – as he would until Ted returned – and was helping in whatever way he could.

Albus Dumbledore had seen many things in his life and some he wished to forget. Two names would spring to mind constantly. He ignored them every time. When he was sleeping, he pushed them aside and struggled to get his mind to rest.

Currently, however, Albus was taking tea with two of his fellow teachers – Minerva McGonagall and, curiously, Sybill Trelawney. He had not meant to invite Sybill in for tea, but he and Minerva had found her wandering aimlessly along the corridors. She had been muttering about meeting "the white wolf and the victorious wisdom", and Albus had felt somewhat guilty about leaving her alone with her thoughts, especially considering they made no sense.

So, Albus, Minerva and Sybill were making pleasant conversation, sipping their tea in-between topics. 'I believe Peter shall make a truly wonderful teacher,' Minerva remarked, a rare smile tilting her lips upwards. 'He is one of the ones I am most proud of.'

Albus agreed readily. 'Silvanus won't be disappointed with his successor, I'm sure.'

Sybill seemed ready to agree. 'I certainly –' She cut herself off, gasping for breath. Her eyes glazed over, all emotion draining from her face. Then, she began to speak with a rasping voice, words seemingly falling out of her mouth. One look at Minerva had them both writing it down, just so they knew they had it right. This, they both knew, was a prophecy.

It felt like it lasted hours before, at last, Sybill's eyes cleared. She smiled brightly, unaware of what she had just said. 'Are you alright dear Headmaster?' Her wide eyes seemed to stare Albus down.

He imitated her bright smile. 'Just wonderful, Sybill. I think you should be getting back to lessons, though. They start in only a few minutes.'

'Of course!' Casting one more smile Albus and Minerva's way, she drifted out the room.

'Compare your copy with mine,' Minerva suggested, the moment the door swung shut, 'Then, we can copy down a true version.'

Albus did this quickly, seeing no differences between his own scrawled handwriting and Minerva's tighter one. 'I don't know what to make of it, Minerva.'

She frowned, reading the words once more. 'Neither do I, Albus. Perhaps we have friends who do?'

'Perhaps. For now, let us keep this between the two of us – the less the Ministry knows about this, the better.' Albus read it again, engraining the lines in his mind.

When flower and fortune come out

Hope will throw away all doubt.

The world may be set to right

With help from the gift of light.

Fear not dear heart or brave moon,

The truth shall be outed soon.

Contradiction stands in your way

And light with light needs not stay,

But beware two stars of moving too quick

And watch for the newest trick.

Sweet leader your guardian may not return

Yet worry not at this latest turn,

For one day all will be at peace

And worries and fears shall cease.

The dungeons below Malfoy Manor were lit dimly, flickering torchlight every few metres the only source of light. No one but the Lord of Malfoy Manor knew of the prison's existence – no one but Tom Riddle and his closest followers (these limited to very few). The cells were empty bar one – not counting to one filled with furnishings in case of the return of a certain woman – and the occupants of the particular cell had been there for many years.

They had been placed under the "care" of Lucius Malfoy by Tom Riddle and Bellatrix Lestrange, and they had both lost track of the time they had spent caged. Sometimes, they liked to imagine the outside world and the people they'd left behind. It was hard to imagine the faces, faces that would now be so different. They hoped that the people who were still out there had found happiness.

It was hard, sometimes, to remember what had been done to them… what they'd done. Sometimes, they couldn't look at each other, memories rising up and surfacing. Days and nights were filled with weeping and grieving. It always ended with them seeking comfort in each other's arms. After everything, the one thing they could cling on to was that they would always love each other. While the lights sputtered, they would whisper to each other, truths that they remembered creeping through the silence.

Most of all, they remembered their two daughters – the happy, smiling faces appearing in every dream. They were glad, so glad, that they had been taken, that their daughters hadn't had to be forced through everything. It made the bad days bearable.

That night, when they were dragged out of the cells, clutching desperately onto one another's hand, the wife whispered names over and over under her breath. She whispered her daughters' names, to herself, to her husband, to the world.

As the pain ripped through her body, as she heard her husband's screams, she remembered their names. She couldn't remember her own name anymore; she couldn't remember her husband's name, but she could remember her children's names. They were what kept her going through.

When she was controlled, when she felt that numbness slide over her, she kept herself sane by repeating those two names. She focused on them and not what she was doing, hoping that they would keep her human. Because everything these people around her were doing was to dehumanise herself and her husband. They had forgotten, though, these people had forgotten that she was a mother. And she would not forget her children.

Occasionally, she would catch sight of a pair of eyes. They were not her husband's eyes – her husband's eyes were muddy brown like her youngest daughter's. Instead, they were black, blending with the pupils. What looked like grief filled them, the emotion quickly wiped away. She wished she knew who the eyes belonged to, just to tell whoever it was that she was glad it was her here, not her daughters.

She mouthed the names to herself, seeing a wand being raised. She wasn't sure whether this would be the end or just another spell. But she mouthed the names just the same, just in case.

Cordelia.

The wand moved, casting a spell.

Hermione.

Her eyes locked with her husband's, and she began to mouth the words not just for herself but for him.

Cordelia.

Strangely, she almost wished they'd end it – for her and for her husband.

Hermione.

Memories rushed through her; her life flashing before her eyes.

Cordelia.

It had been a small wedding between the two of them, a happy, simple affair.

Hermione.

Her parents had given them a present: a beautiful locket inscribed with "G + M".

Cordelia.

Cordelia Susan would be so beautiful now.

Hermione.

Hermione Jean had been just a baby when they'd been taken.

Cordelia.

Hermione.

Cor –

Dobby was not in the children's rooms. Elladora paused by the door, just looking in at the cribs and beds. She sighed quietly.

'Where is Dobby?'

Elladora stopped herself flinching at her husband's voice and turned to gaze up at him. 'I sent him for a few more blankets,' she lied and placed a kiss on Lucius's cheek, 'Should I not have?'

Lucius's hand moved lower. 'No, that is fine. We have a dinner party tonight, my love, remember.' With that, he whisked away, leaving just before Dobby Apparated back into children's room.

'Mistress, Dobby is sorry, Dobby will punish himself.' Dobby nodded violently, his great ears flopping as he did so.

Elladora slipped into the room, closing the door gently behind her. 'No, Dobby,' she instructed, 'Were you burying those two Muggles?'

Dobby looked mutinous, but he admitted, 'Yes Mistress.'

A weak smile formed on her face. 'Thank you,' she said quietly, 'Though I would ask you do not my husband that I said such a thing.'

Looking shocked, Dobby nodded again. 'Yes Mistress. Would Mistress like to hold Mistress Elladora or Master Lucius?'

Elladora looked longingly at her two babies. 'I should dress for tonight.' Her whole attitude seemed to drop at the idea of a grand ball, entertaining Purebloods – most importantly, Tom Riddle (her father). As far as Elladora knew, neither Rodolophus Lestrange or her mother were attending that evening, so Bellatrix and Father were free to do anything they pleased. Not that they refrained when their significant others were there either. Elladora had learnt early on that she stayed away from her father and whatever he pleased himself with.

'Dobby will take Mistress to her room,' Dobby announced, extending a hand.

Nodding graciously, Elladora took the house-elf's hand, bracing herself for the Apparation. Seconds later, she was standing alone in her dressing room. At the edge of the room sat her desk – one of the draws containing a hidden pocket that held the beginnings of a letter to Regulus.

Regulus.

It was hard not to cry just at the thought of his name. Her brave, handsome love. With trembling hands, Elladora retrieved the letter from its compartment and reread it.

Dearest Regulus,

I am sure you well know that I have been in hospital after the birth of my… of Lucius's twins. In case you are wondering, they are both fit and healthy – beautiful and handsome respectively. I returned with one Andromeda Tonks – a cousin of yours. You heard of her predicament if you had not heard of mine.

It was you that guided us back, my darling, you and Narcissa both. You were singing an old lullaby to Draco, and it was that that led me back to Earth, to consciousness. Thank you, my love, for leading me home. My home that it is in the same place as you and nowhere else.

I promised myself I would not write to you again, Regulus. I knew it would be too heart-breaking, for both of us. I wish not to bring you anymore pain, and I know that – by writing – I will. My deepest and sincerest apologies, dearest.

However, after everything, I needed to talk to you. It may be through writing, but it means the world. To be able to express my love, my trust in you, is one of the brightest moments in my life. It is impossible to find anything that could possibly match it – could possibly come close.

There is a Pureblood ball tonight, hosted by Lucius and myself. Lucius is eager to impress Father – a man he idolises and longs to impress. He is not the only one, my love, others strive to please my father… and often fall short. I believe that Lucius has Father's… respect… because he married me and provided Father with many grandchildren. I warn you, Regulus, to watch Father and his followers. The name "Death-Eater" is beginning to emerge; it worries me, and should worry you.

My sister, Callidora, has recently become engaged to one Rabastan Lestrange. Secretly, I wish to laugh. Father is having a well-known affair with Rabastan's sister-in-law, yet he still has given permission for Callidora to marry Rabastan. It is entertaining in some ways. Callidora is older than me by two years; I was shocked that I was the one that Lucius chose to pursue – not Callidora.

I did not wish to remind you of our tragedy, my dearest Regulus; I will cause you as little harm as possible. One day, I will be free, and I shall come running into your arms. Our love story shall be the greatest in the history of both wizards and Muggles alike. No longer shall the stories be about Romeo and Juliet, but they shall tell the stories of Regulus and Elladora. We will love forever, dearly and passionately.

Yours forever,

Elladora.

Elladora let the paper fall back onto the desk, watching it collapse. 'My darling,' she whispered, voice breaking, 'My darling, darling love.'

'Elladora!' Lucius's voice pierced through her thoughts, demanding and sharp. He sounded impatient, which was not ever a good sign.

Storing the letter back into the secret pocket, Elladora dressed quickly, pulling out her most recently brought outfit. The dress was an emerald green, the skirt threaded with silver and black. As she spun, the wide skirt went with her, the silver sparkling and the black drawing attention. Her bodice was sewn with black crystals, only a few white crystals throughout. The plunging neckline pulled interest; her sleeves stretched over her shoulders and into a long sleeve, pointed at the centre of the back of her hand. Enough of her back was bare to please Lucius, and her hair was spun into an intricate twirl so it did not cover it.

Just as she had finished admiring herself in the mirror – if a little sadly – Lucius burst into the room. In matching green, black and silver, he looked very Malfoy, a smirk painted across his face. 'Beautiful,' he declared, like she needed his approval to do anything. Perhaps she did.

'Thank you,' Elladora answered, ever the obedient wife, and curtseyed.

Lucius's smirk grew, spreading across his face until it was ear to ear. He extended an arm towards her, his staff in his other hand. Elladora knew that at a moment's notice his wand could be in his hand.

Graciously, she accepted his arm, feeling the tightening of grip and stifling her reaction to pull away. From experience, she knew it would get her nowhere. Instead, she descended the stairs with her husband and greeted the many guests who were arriving. Names fell out of her mouth without thinking, pure instinct making sure she said the correct things. These things, these rituals had been drilled into her from the beginning – it would be impossible now to cleanse herself of them.

'How are your darling children, Elladora?' Lysandra Nott asked, looking weak and pale as she leant on her husband. Her face was caked in makeup, but, even with her layer of armour, it was clear to see that she had been dragged out. Her legs trembled underneath her, and her eyes showed every slice of pain that rushed through her. A perfect smile rested on her face; the smile that had trained into her creating an image that nothing else could uphold. The large, sweeping dress did nothing to conceal her too-thin body and how the bones jutted out of her skin.

Elladora ignored every sign that she should tell this poor woman to rest. It was not her duty. Glancing at Lucius, Elladore replied, 'They are wonderful, thank you Lysandra. We are so proud of who they are becoming. How is Theodore?'

'You women can speak of it later,' Lucius interrupted. He snaked an arm around Elladora's waist and squeezed tightly. An order. 'We have other guests awaiting us. Come, wife.'

Giving the Notts a smile, Elladora followed Lucius obediently. He led her out of the ballroom and into a private chamber. It was small – for a Pureblood house – and hidden. Lucius pressed her up against the wall, towering over her. His eyes ogled her body, taking full advantage of the small space.

Elladora closed her eyes as Lucius bent over her neck, just letting him do whatever he wanted. It was the best survival technique, the only thing that would get her through. She wished she felt anything as she stood there, limp against the wall, not this impassiveness. She wished she felt anger or sadness or, or anything. This uncaring, unfeeling person was not her. Had never been her. Elladora Malfoy was not Elladora Riddle… was not Elladora Black – the woman Elladora could have been.

Finally, Lucius pulled away. He gave her one last look, the look of a man who had what he wanted, and strode off, saying, 'Gather yourself and come into the ballroom.'

Straightening herself, Elladora tugged down her dress from where it had been hitched up, righting her neckline. 'Dobby,' she said softly, 'Come quietly please.'

The house-elf appeared with barely a crack. His eyes darkened into something aggressive and terrifying as he took her in. 'Yes Mistress?'

'Would you correct my hair?'

A snap of the fingers and Elladora felt her hair return to its original position. 'Thank you.' Smiling faintly at the elf, Elladora left the chamber and obeyed Lucius's instructions. The ball was underway, people spinning around the centre of the room.

In the corner, Elladora saw Severus Snape, Cantankerous Nott, Father and her husband discussing something earnestly, their expressions gleeful. Knowing better than to join them, Elladora went over to Bellatrix Lestrange and Callidora, who was practically glowing as she gazed adoringly at Rabastan Lestrange.

'Elladora,' Bellatrix said with a smile that seemed to spread uncomfortableness, 'We were just discussing Callidora's wonderful engagement. I am looking forward to being her sister-in-law.'

'As am I, dearest Bellatrix,' Callidora gushed, 'Rabastan is so handsome, do you not think?'

Elladora barely restrained her eyeroll; Bellatrix did not even try. 'He is not the most handsome man in the room,' Bellatrix answered, her eyes flickering towards Father. 'Lucius Malfoy and your father are both handsome men. Do you not agree, Elladora?'

'I feel I cannot be impartial,' Elladora replied, smiling, 'I believe Lucius is the handsomest man in every room.'

'My cousins were handsome, in their day,' Bellatrix remarked, 'But that was before they died.'

'Died?' Callidora asked, 'I thought they lived.' She had always been rather slow to catch on, able to claim a traditional beauty but not brains.

Impatiently, Bellatrix snapped, 'They died in the sense they abandoned everything good. Unfortunately, they were rather handsome men and could have made excellent Pureblood husbands.'

Ignoring the thought of Regulus, Elladora commented, 'I would still believe Lucius handsomer than even them. They are too dark-haired for my taste.'

'Who are too dark-haired?' Lucius appeared behind her, one hand on her stomach and jerking her in towards him. His lips moved down to next to her ear, breath heavy against her skin.

Father materialised next to Bellatrix, resting a hand around her waist and kissing her forehead possessively. His eyes glinted with something as he looked back towards Elladora.

'We were discussing Sirius and Regulus Black,' Elladora said, 'and their betrayal.'

'Indeed.' Lucius's lips touched against her skin, 'And why were you talking of their looks, my darling?'

Leaning slightly into his touch, Elladora explained, 'Because I think you are the most handsome man in every room, my lord.'

Lucius's lips trailed upwards. 'And you are the most beautiful woman to ever exist.'

'Not Narcissa?' Bellatrix ventured to ask, her tone venomous and probing.

'Narcissa?' Lucius's eyes flicked up to meet Bellatrix's. 'She stole my son from me and betrayed everything the Purebloods stand for. But Elladora, Elladora has provided for me and I treasure her as I have no other woman. She is my wife, Bellatrix, and I adore her.' He rubbed his nose against her skin. 'Now, dance with me, my wife?'

Pretending she hadn't just thrown up in her mouth, Elladora spun onto the floor with her husband, falling into his grip. 'You truly love me?' she asked, her voice breathless.

Smirking, Lucius murmured, 'You'll see how much tonight, my darling, my love, my lady.' He winked, and threw them into a dance.

Twirling around the floor, Elladora imagined herself in another's arms. She could feel his gentle touch as he moved her around the floor, his gaze soft and dark with desire as he felt her in his arms. He would smile and laugh, teasing her with winks and sly glances. She thought of her letter upstairs and, in her mind, added a post note.

I thought of you tonight, my darling. I hope you think of me and everything we could do together. I certainly do.

Hey again! Please REVIEW! I would love to hear your ideas about the prophecy but I really hope none of you actually get what it means otherwise... well... there was no point doing it. Again, I'm sorry about how late this is and about how late the next one will be. I haven't even started writing it yet! I've had a lot to do with school - revision and stuff - and then I go... ooo I could write about THIS instead of Narcissa. (Which does mean I've got a Jily fanfiction on the go but I doubt I'll finish it. I'm like that.) Also, Sundays are church so that's a delay. To be honest, I reckon you're pretty lucky you've actually got a chapter this week. Anyways, enjoy and review!