Different: The Story of the Black Sisters
Chapter Eight:
Over It
Crucios and Avada Kedavras were shooting out from almost twenty wands, as the teachers pulled out their wands and attempted to fight. The sixth year students and the seventh year students apparated on the spot, except for Bellatrix, who found Rudolphus. After sharing a long kiss, they both bid farewell to Hogwarts and apparated off the grounds.
"Tom Riddle, how nice to see you again," said Dumbledore cordially, blocking one of Tom's spells.
"It's Voldemort if you'd be so kind," replied Voldemort sarcastically. "Crucio!"
"Protego!" yelled Dumbledore again. "You don't want to do this, Tom. You're a very smart young man and I believe you can…"
"I'm here to battle you so my Death Eaters can kill your mudbloods…"
"Please do not use that foul language in front of me. Now tell me the real reason why you are here."
"You think I'm going to tell you? Avada…"
"Yes, Tom. There was a time when I trusted you…"
"You try my patience, old man…" Voldemort said irritatingly. "Morsmordre!" he exclaimed, the Dark Mark conjuring in the sky. "Because of your ignorance, at least one will die today."
"Tom, you know you shouldn't…"
"Avada Kedavra!" shouted Tom, pointing his wand at Professor Stone, who was fighting a battle with a very strong Death Eater. Armand Stone instantly fell to the ground.
"TOM!" yelled Dumbledore. "Expelliarmus!" bellowed Dumbledore at Tom, who was caught off guard. "GIVE UP! THE MINISTRY WILL HAVE BEEN TIPPED OFF BY NOW!"
Voldemort only grinned maniacally. "Good to see you again, Albus," he said before vanishing along with all the other Death Eaters.
Dumbledore strode over to where Voldemort's wand landed.
It too had disappeared.
First Death Eater Attack on Hogwarts Grounds
On Friday, May 18th, twenty-or-so Death Eaters (followers of Voldemort) and Voldemort himself apparated to the Hogwarts Grounds for the first of several killing or dueling fights this year.
For those of our readers who do not know, Voldemort (now being referred to as: He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and You-Know-Who), is a very dark wizard who has been gathering followers for the past three years.
He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named made his first attack in public on May 18th with his Death Eaters (names currently not known) and took a former Hogwarts student, Bellatrix Black, and killed Hogwarts' Deputy Headmaster, Armand Stone.
The whereabouts of Ms. Black have not been found yet, though many of her Hogwarts peers reckoned they figured she was a Death Eater as well and is not in danger.
For more information on Armand Stone, turn to page C7…
Andromeda sighed and dropped the Daily Prophet slowly, her sister's and her sister's boyfriend's faces staring back up at her. "I can't believe this," she said slowly.
"You can't?" asked Ted. "You honestly can't believe that your evil older sister is actually a Death Eater and actually evil?"
Andie glared at her boyfriend. "I don't know. I bet Narcissa's going to be a Death Eater, too."
"It wouldn't surprise me."
She sighed again.
"We'll get through this, Andie."
"They're my sisters," she said softly, a tear trailing down her cheek.
"I know," replied Ted, squeezing her hand gently underneath the table.
Andie took a deep shuddering breath "I love them."
"I can see you do. But you need to get over them."
She glared at him through the silent tears.
"It's going to be hard. Really hard. You have me."
She smiled. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Am I staying the summer at your house?"
"Yeah. In the guest room like every summer."
"I love spending the summers at your house. It's much better then spending the summers with…with…"
"Never mind. Forget it, Andie."
"By the power invested in me…by me…I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Rudolphus Lestrange. Rud, I suppose you can kiss her," said the Dark Lord, marrying the couple in front of all the Death Eaters. Voldemort rolled his eyes when Bellatrix and Rud wouldn't stop. "Alright, alright…too much love. We've got a killing in three minutes…out of those robes, Lestranges. Now."
"Yes sir," said Rudolphus, breaking away from Bellatrix as he transfigured his robes into his Death Eater ones at the same time as Bellatrix.
"And I don't expect you two to go on a honeymoon or be up all night either…" said Voldemort quietly, smirking as a few of the Death Eaters sniggered. Bellatrix blushed. All 26 of the Death Eaters quietly assembled before apparating on the spot.
Dear Narcissa, Uncle Alphard, and Aunt Elladora,
Rudolphus and I have only been married for a few days, I thought I'd owl you and tell you. I can't tell you much more, only that you should switch owls so that it doesn't give away us D.E. hiding place.
You will not see me for a while (more like five or six years) so get used to it. I hope you understand the seriousness of my situation and DO NOT make a big deal or owl me back everyday.
This letter will self-destruct after ten seconds after reading it.
Yours,
Bellatrix Desdemona Black Lestrange
"How dare she go off marrying him without a proper ceremony! And now even inviting us either! I hope their marriage is a happy one. But since they'll always be on the run from the authorities…" raged Aunt Elladora.
Narcissa sniggered under her breath. "What are you sniggering about, young lady?" asked Uncle Alphard.
"Nothing," said Narcissa innocently. 'Just four more years…four more years…three more summers…never have to see these idiots again…' thought Narcissa.
"Well, we'll just have to invite Rudolphus and Bellatrix this Christmas! They can't possibly be working on Christmas, can they?" asked Aunt Elladora, more a statement then a question.
"It seems they won't be, Ella. I believe they have very serious government business they are part of…perhaps a…"
"Oh, don't be silly, Alphard! I'm sure they work for the ministry…"
"Then what does 'D.E.' mean?"
"Death Eaters," muttered Narcissa.
"What was that?" asked Elladora, rounding on her niece.
"Nothing."
"Too late! Did you hear what she said, Alphard? Death Eaters? Bellatrix and Rudolphus? What is going through your head, you lazy little…"
"I think the girl is right, Ella," said Uncle Alphard slowly, opening up the Daily Prophet and reading the front page.
Fabian and Gideon Prewett Murdered in Flat
Last night at about midnight, 20-or-so Death Eaters broke into the Prewett flat in south London, murdering both brothers instantly, and raiding their house.
Ministry officials believe that the following Death Eaters are responsible for the murder, Rudolphus and Bellatrix Lestrange (being tracked by the ministry as of now), Antonin Dolohov, Lucius Malfoy, and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
It was said (from inside sources) that the Prewett brothers were part of a group known as The Order of the Phoenix, a group that fights against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. More information on The Order of the Phoenix, turn to page C3…
"Give me that!" hollered Aunt Elladora, snatching the newspaper up from her husband. "WHAT? MY NIECE A DEATH EATER? AND MY OTHER NIECE'S FUTURE HUSBAND A DEATH EATER AS WELL? THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! A SCANDAL! WE NEED TO CONTACT THE MINISTRY AT ONCE, ALPHARD! THIS IS…THIS IS…"
"WOULD YOU SHUT UP?" interjected Alphard. "YES! OUR NIECES AND NEPHEWS IN LAW ARE OR WILL BE DEATH EATERS, BUT DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT DEATH EATERS DO? THEY RID THE WORLD OF STINKY MUDBLOODS AND BLOOD TRAITORS!"
Aunt Elladora seemed to want to ponder this for a few moments. "Yes, you're right. Narcissa, owl Lucius right away and see if you can be in on this plot."
Narcissa raised her eyebrows and opened her mouth to protest. "But I don't want to become a Death Eater!"
"NOW!" raged Alphard and Elladora together.
"NO!" yelled Narcissa.
"NARCISSA DESDEMONA! YOU WILL DO AS WE SAY OR YOU WILL…" started Elladora, but Narcissa cut her off.
"OR WHAT? YOU'LL SCORCH ME OFF THE FAMILY TREE LIKE YOU DID ANDROMEDA?"
"DON'T YOU DARE SAY HER NAME IN THIS HOUSEHOLD YOU BLOOD TRAITOR!"
"FINE! I'LL GO UPSTAIRS AND OWL YOUR DARLING LUCIUS THAT I DON'T WANT TO MARRY HIM!"
This got to Aunt Elladora, and Narcissa was out of ideas for insults and comebacks. "You win this one, Narcissa. You don't have to become a Death Eater until you're out of Hogwarts if you don't want to be. I will cut you some slack now, but not always. By the way, you will be married to Lucius the day after you graduate from Hogwarts," said Aunt Elladora matter-of-factly.
Narcissa inwardly groaned. "Fine."
"Now go upstairs and do not come down until dinner. And I hope your formalwear still fits you…"
"Bad news, Andie," greeted Ted on the first day of summer as Andie sat down at the table for breakfast, still in her pajamas.
She yawned and put her elbows on the table. "What?"
"Your sister's a Death Eater."
"Well, yes, we knew that, Ted…"
"She's murdered the Prewett brothers."
"No way!"
"Yep," said Ted grimly, "it seems that she and her husband have had the worst time escaping from the authorities. They'll hold a hearing today at noon to decide how long they'll be in Azkaban."
Andie slowly blinked and looked up to the ceiling. "How could she?"
"I know."
"How could she? I mean…how dare she do this to me…to our family…"
"Well, Andie, your family is probably on the happier side that she's joined the dark side…"
"You're right again…"
"And…they technically aren't your family anymore if you got blasted off the family tree…"
Andie glared at him.
"Just saying…"
"You know it's a touchy subject, Ted."
"That was almost a year ago."
"And that factor makes it easier for me to be touchy about it."
Silence.
"Can you believe I'm going to be graduated this time next year?" asked Ted.
"Two more years…no…less then that until we can get married," said Andie, smiling.
"Wow. Have we really been dating for that long?"
"Since 4th year."
"Jeez."
"Yep."
"What're you two talking about?" asked Mrs. Tonks, coming down the stairs.
"Just next summer," replied Ted.
"The summer you'll be married! I can tell you two are excited!"
Ted and Andie looked at each other. "Er…"
"You're not getting married?" demanded Mrs. Tonks.
"No, I mean…we are, just not next year…"
"And why ever not?"
"Because I'll be going into my 7th year this time next year," responded Andromeda.
"You can be married and go to school. Personally, I think it'd be easier that way. Think about it, you won't be tempted by other boys because you'll already be married."
"Well, we won't see much of each other," said Ted.
"You can come home for Christmas…and for spring break and summer of course."
"I mean…I won't be living with Ted, and that sort of bothers me," said Andie quietly.
"I can see how you'd be a bit upset by that, dear…but living together when you're married doesn't mean everything."
Ted and Andie looked at each other, eyebrows furrowed into confused expressions. "I'd think that was one of the key things in a marriage," said Ted, still confused.
"Well, yes…but…oh, never mind. So, you won't be married next year?"
"We'll think about it, okay mum?"
Mrs. Tonks nodded.
"Hearing Number 23 of Today: The Trial of Rudolphus and Bellatrix Lestrange. Charges pressed against them: the murders of Gideon and Fabian Prewett for no apparent reason. This court will now assemble," stated the court scribe, as Bellatrix and Rudolphus were led into the court room. "The Wizengamot is now called to order. You may start the questioning."
Albus Dumbledore stood up. "The following questions are aimed at Mrs. Bellatrix Lestrange."
"Excuse me, Albus, but it seems that you are out of place," replied Mistress of Magic, Millicent Bagnold.
"I am sorry, Millicent, but it would seem that in Article Two, page seven, paragraph three of the Wizengamot Handbook, it clearly states that any member been on the Wizengamot for more then one year may start interrogation and or questioning after the court scribe has administered the greeting. Am I not correct?" asked Dumbledore sweetly, his eyes twinkling.
"Well…go on with your questioning then," said the Mistress, a bit embarrassed.
"Thank you. Is it true, Mrs. Lestrange, that you became a full-fledged Death Eater at age fifteen?"
Bellatrix nodded. "Yes, sir."
"And is it true that your husband, Rudolphus and you devised a plot for your fellow Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort…"
"Objection!" interjected one of the members of the Wizengamot.
"Madam Bones?" questioned Millicent Bagnold.
"We are to refer to him as 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named' and, or, 'You-Know-Who' in this courtroom," said Madam Bones matter-of-factly.
"Madam Bones, I commend you for remembering our new policy. Albus, I am sure you will be happy to oblige."
"Yes, Millicent. Excuse me. As I was saying, Mrs. Lestrange, did you, your husband, and your fellow Death Eaters devise a plot for the Death Eaters and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named to enter the Hogwarts grounds, thereby are you responsible for the killing of Armand Stone?"
Bellatrix looked beside herself. "No," she answered quietly.
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. "No? Please enlighten us, Mrs. Lestrange."
"I did not devise the plot. I told the others about my graduation, but most of it was the other Death Eaters' plot, and the Dark Lord's."
"Excuse me? Is this relevant?" interjected Rudolphus.
"Order! You do not have permission to speak, Mr. Lestrange!" blasted one of the members of the Wizengamot.
Rudolphus immediately reclined in his large wooden chair. "How was it that you were chosen to have the honor of killing the Prewetts, Mrs. Lestrange?" asked Dumbledore.
"The Dark Lord does not chose, he only calls us to order, and in that time, he randomly selects us depending on relevance and worthiness."
"So, you are saying that you would not be in this courtroom had not He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named murdered the Prewetts?"
"No, by all means, I might be in this courtroom for other false reasons or just because this bloody government has issues dealing with those of us who do not like the dreadful race of blood traitors and mudbloods…"
"DO NOT USE SUCH FOUL LANGUAGE IN THIS COURTROOM!" roared Bagnold, her face slowly turning deep red.
Bellatrix only raised her eyebrows.
"I have no further questioning of either Mr. or Mrs. Lestrange," said Dumbledore calmly.
The courtroom broke out into fierce whispers. "SILENCE!" bellowed Bagnold, as all the members in the courtroom instantly closed their mouths mid-sentence. "Are there any others who wish to question either Mr. Lestrange, or Mrs. Lestrange?"
The Wizengamot looked over at each other, knowing that the Lestranges were guilty, and would go to Azkaban.
Millicent Bagnold looked over at the court scribe, wrote something down on a piece of paper, and the scribe began to read. "Rudolphus and Bellatrix Lestrange are hereby sentenced to six months in Azkaban."
"Your sister was sentenced to six months in Azkaban yesterday," started Ted as he and Andie walked once more around Ted's block.
"I know. I heard," sighed Andromeda.
"Ready for Hogwarts?" asked Ted.
"Ready to graduate?" replied Andie, grinning.
"Ready for marriage?"
"Am I?"
"Are we?"
The two walked along the sidewalk, holding hands.
A scream echoed across the bleak, ghostly city. Andie and Ted pulled out their wands and ran back to the house. "What's going on?" yelled Ted.
Mrs. Tonks merely stared at the twilight sky.
The Dark Mark was light up in the sky.
Andie's heart was beating faster then a hummingbird's. "Ted…" she started, looking out the back window as three figures materialized about two feet from it.
"ANDIE!" he shouted, grabbing his mum and girlfriend, dragging them to the basement. "MUM! I'm going to apparate you to grandmum's house. You'll be safe there…"
Mrs. Tonks widened her eyes in fear. "Apparate? Is that safe, darling?"
"It's all we have, mum," he said quietly, "Andie; I'm going to come back for you and dad. Go upstairs and find my father, drag him down here…I'll be waiting…" he said frantically, before apparating out of the basement.
Andie ran up the stairs, her wand at the ready.
"Mr. Tonks! Mr. Tonks!" she yelled, before finding Mr. Tonks upstairs in his bedroom, reading the paper.
"What's all the ruckus?"
"Down in the basement, now!" said Andromeda, a bit like a command.
"What? Why?"
"Death Eaters! Out to kill you and out to kill me! Down in the basement before they come into this house!"
Mr. Tonks' eyes widened at the words, 'Death Eaters'. Ted and Andie had warned him that they might come attack, but he never believed it, it seemed…until now.
The basement was dark when they entered it, no noise anywhere. Andie flipped on the light switch only to find two Death Eaters standing in the corner, as if expecting the two of them to come.
"Nice to see you, Andromeda," drawled Lucius Malfoy. "AVADA KEDAVRA!" he screamed at Mr. Tonks, who instantly fell to the floor.
"NOOO! YOU! YOU KILLED HIM!" screamed Andie, kneeling down next to her fiancé's father.
"Yes, and you'll be next!" he bellowed, his wand at the ready.
"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?" screamed Andie, tears streaming down her face.
"YOU BLOOD TRAITOR SCUM! YOU BETRAYED CISSA'S FAMILY, AND FOR THAT REASON YOU DESERVE TO DIE!"
"I DIDN'T BETRAY THEM!" sobbed Andie, "I LOVE THEM! THEY BETRAYED ME! LEFT ME ALONE TO DIE!"
Lucius rolled his eyes. "IT WAS YOUR DECISION TO DESERT THEM FOR A MUDBLOOD! AND WHERE IS HE?"
"WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU CARE?"
"DON'T SPEAK TO ME IN SUCH A MANNER, GIRL! CRUCIO!" he yelled as Andie fell to the floor in pain. "TELL ME WHERE HE IS!"
"WHY?"
"BECAUSE I ASKED IT OF YOU! CRUCIO!"
Andie shrieked in pain again. "I WON'T!"
"YOU WILL OR I'LL DRIVE YOU MAD WITH THIS CURSE! CRUCIO!"
"WHY DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHERE HE IS?"
"BECAUSE HE IS A MUDBLOOD AND HE MUST BE KILLED! CRUCIO!"
"I DON'T KNOW WHERE HE IS!"
"YOU LIE! CRUCIO!"
Andie didn't even bother to scream anymore. The pain was too intense…it felt like every part of her being hurt to the core.
At that moment, when Andie felt she couldn't stand it anymore, Ted apparated into the basement.
"STUPEFY!" bursted Ted, knocking Lucius flat on the ground. The other Death Eater, who had been silent and only watching the entire time, came out of the shadows.
"AVADA KE…"
"STUPEFY!" yelled Ted at the other Death Eater, who fell to the floor like Lucius. "ANDIE! COME ON!"
"BUT YOUR DAD…" she started.
"COME ON! THE OTHER DEATH EATERS WILL HAVE HEARD THAT!" screamed Ted as he grabbed Andie's arm, apparating along with her.
Millicent Bagnold apparated into Ted's grandmother's home, to discuss what should be done about Arnold Tonks, the father of Ted that was killed in his own basement by Lucius Malfoy.
"On behalf of the Ministry of Magic, I apologize for your loss," started Mistress Bagnold. "From what I've heard, Lucius Malfoy invaded your house to get information out of Andromeda to find out where your son, Ted, was hiding."
"I wasn't hiding," interjected Ted.
"I understand that. You all must also understand the seriousness of our situation. The man's fate was very selfish of Mr. Malfoy. You see, as a Death Eater, he was given a job, and when Death Eaters don't complete their jobs, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named kills or tortures them until they say they are sorry for all the 'trouble' they caused him."
"Well, this is all Ms. Black's fault," said Ted's grandmother sourly.
"Mrs. Tonks, I'm afraid it isn't anybody's fault…especially not Andromeda's, or Ted's for that matter. They were both victims…and I feel especially for you, Andromeda, you are the only living survivor of a Death Eater's Cruciatus Curse. And for that, you have my sympathies, and my congratulations."
Andromeda smiled meekly.
"Now, onto other business. Mr. Tonks will be examined by our healers so that we can find out more about the killing course that he…"
The Mistress of Magic was cut off by Mrs. Tonks' sobs.
"Mrs. Tonks, I know this is a hard time, but I'm going to ask you to…"
"Ask…a-ask m-me to d-do what? He-he was m-my h-h-husband…I…I…" she to a deep breath, "I loved h-h-h-h-h-him!" she sobbed loudly.
Ted looked up to the ceiling and squeezed Andie's hand as a tear fell down his cheek. Andie wiped away with her index finger. He looked into her eyes. "I hate the Malfoys."
Andie scratched her head absently. "Well…Lucius is unfortunately going to be your brother-in-law."
"What?" he whispered frantically.
"Well, Narcissa's engaged to him."
"Lovely," said Ted sarcastically.
"I know. But we have each other," she said, smiling softly.
"I love you, I love you."
"The funeral is up to you. My only order of business left, what do you want us to do with the body?"
Mrs. Tonks was now bawling, as was the other Mrs. Tonks (Ted's grandmother). Bagnold rounded on Ted. "I'll leave them with you. But, you should come and examine the house. The ministry is examining it right now to find out any possible damage and if anything was broken. Andromeda can come too, if you like."
"We'll go," said Ted quietly.
Millicent broke into a warm smile. "Good. Owl me when you'll be prepared to see the house. Until then, goodbye. Good luck to all of you."
So much had happened in nearly four months.
Andie stared out the window, watching the blizzard pour on.
"You look awfully lonely," said Ted, joining her in the couch near the window.
"Thanks."
"It's really snowing hard out there," said Ted quietly, hugging Andie gently from behind.
"Yeah, but it's really cozy in here," replied Andie, smiling.
Ted leaned down and kissed her.
"Haven't done that in a while, have you?" whispered Andie.
"I really don't care if I have or haven't. I'm just focused on kissing you," he replied, gently kissing her again.
Narcissa Black sat in the Slytherin Common Room, staring into the fire when her fiancé's head showed up.
She rolled her eyes. "Lucius."
"That's no way to treat your future husband, now is it?" he asked rather sweetly, despite his disposition.
"You aren't my husband yet, so you can't tell me how to treat you."
"Surly this afternoon, are we?"
"Go away."
"What are you, upset with me for murdering some unworthy muggle? I would think that you'd of all people would believe that me killing somebody should be a 'worthy' muggle-born or blood traitor," he sighed and rolled his eyes. "But I suppose nothing's good enough for you since your darling sister got sent to Azkaban."
Narcissa narrowed her eyes. "And why aren't you there with her?"
He chuckled. "Oh, Cissa, do you really not know the answer to that question?"
"Don't you ever call me that again."
"I'll call you whatever I like. As I was saying, I'm not with your stupid sister because, in a word: I'm smart."
"That's two words, smart ass."
"Temper, temper. What's poisoning you today?"
"Nothing," Narcissa lied. "And even if there was, do you think I would tell you?"
"Oh, I can't wait until we're husband and wife," drawled Lucius.
"You know well enough that if it weren't for my fate in the pure-blood world, I would most definitely say 'no' on our wedding day."
Lucius sighed again. "You'll never learn. You're like a delicate desert flower with poisonous pollen. But, most desert flowers are in turn eaten by other animals that have a taste for poison."
Narcissa grimaced. He was toying with her mind again. "I will not fall for your stupid analogies."
He lifted his head so his nose was pointing down to the floor. "You're a despicable little flower if I do say so myself."
"And you are the ugly lizard that eats me."
"But, I win in the end, do I not?"
She was silenced by these words.
"I knew you'd come around," he purred.
"I haven't 'come around' to like you, if that's what you are implying. I will never like you."
"Oh, but Narcissa Desdemona, you know you do. Admit it."
She was once again silenced by his words. She knew in her heart that she liked him. "Yes, I like you, Lucius."
"Why?" he questioned, his eyebrows raised.
"Because you are so arrogant and yet ignorant to the world around you. And it somewhat fascinates me that you are a walking contradiction."
"And tell me why in fact you think I am arrogant?"
"You have such a vague idea of how others suffer around you, because of you, and you ignore them totally. And what makes you even more arrogant is the fact that you have all this gold floating around, but do you bother to share it? No. But you do bother to gloat it."
"If one has much, then one might as well flaunt it."
"And another thing. You are ignorant because you know not of the muggles, yet you enjoy killing them, and wish to rid the world of every single one, but unless your bloodlines come from Merlin, then way back, you know you have a muggle line."
Lucius was stunned by his fiance's instant analyzation of his personality.
"You are the one that I believe will survive."
"Survive? And you are to think that you will die?"
"We will all die in the end."
"And yet you believe that I won't?"
"You have a talent with words," he replied sourly.
"You don't like that I can beat you at something…"
"I don't like the way you view me."
"Well, unless you change yourself, my views will not change. I won't even go for a bribe."
"Damn, that's a shame. Bribing has always been my specialty."
"And yet you just killed a man with no bribe involved?"
"He needed to die. I needed to show the Dark Lord and the muggles that I can handle a job, and that I'm a ferocious killer."
"Is that life to you? Pleasing the Dark Lord and killing muggles?"
"Ah, but you are not my wife yet. And when you are, pleasing the Dark Lord, killing muggles, and toying with you will be a better list. But until then, I must bid you goodbye, Cissa."
"Say that again."
"I must bid you…"
"No. The part where you said my name."
"Cissa," he said, smiling warmly. Narcissa had never seen him smile like that.
"Goodnight, Lucius."
"Bye Cissa."
It was a rainy day on the deserted island of Azkaban. The cold sinking in from the wandering dementors didn't help Rudolphus or Bellatrix, as it was cold enough from the holes in their cells; the rain dripping on them.
"Six months here," sighed Bellatrix, examining her fingernails out of being bored.
"You know we don't have to stay here all six months, Bella," replied Rudolphus, staring at his girlfriend through the bars of the jail cell that enabled the two to talk to each other.
"What do you suggest we do, Rud? Politely ask the dementors if we can pretty please get out? Yeah, they'll like us so much that they'll give us a kiss," said Bellatrix sarcastically.
Rudolphus narrowed his eyes. "There's ways to get out of here, you know," he whispered.
"Oh really? How? Maybe my fairy godmother will come and save the day…"
"I'm serious, Bellatrix!"
"Fine, give me this damned plot of yours," she sighed.
"I don't have one yet."
"Well then why did you bloody tell me that you had one?" asked Bellatrix, exasperated.
"I didn't specifically tell you I had one, just implied that I had a plan. There are knives. You know, the ones that they give us for…"
"Are you serious?"
"Well, then, do you have another inspiration?"
This shut Bellatrix up. "Go on," she said lazily.
"We collect the knives and dig a hole through the floor."
Bellatrix laughed a bit eccentrically. "Are you kidding? This floor is almost damn near impenetrable! There's no way!"
"Just a thought. And it's the only plan we've got. Besides, I don't really want to stay here for another two months, do you?"
On Christmas morning, Andie awoke early and wandered downstairs to find Ted already there.
"What are you doing up so early, Head Boy?"
"I had a few errands to run," he replied softly.
"On Christmas Day?"
"It was the only time I could see my mother."
"You saw your mother?"
"It's Christmas! And I told her I'd spend Christmas here, with you, and she got all upset…and…yeah. It was a bit odd. So, I told her I'd visit her today for a few hours. And my dad's dead now, so it'll be her first Christmas without him for over thirty years."
"I never thought about it that way."
"You've got some presents."
"Do I?"
"Well, more like one. It's all I could afford this year."
"That's okay. I could only get you one, too."
They both reached underneath the indigo couch and pulled out two black boxes; one with a red ribbon, one with a green one. Andie and Ted stared at each other for a few minutes.
"We should open them at the same time," they said together.
Inside Andie's box, was a tiny gold ring with three diamonds set in the middle of it. "I've owed you one of those for a long time, but I never got around to doing it. So now, you have one, and other guys won't be asking you if you're single and if you're still my fiancé."
Andie just sat there. "Are you okay? I mean…do you like it? Because if you don't I could just, you know, take it back or exchange it for something you do like…"
"I love you," she said simply. "But, do I have to slip it on myself? Or are you going to get down on one knee like you're proposing and do it for me?"
Ted grinned. "I had a feeling you'd say that."
He got down on one knee and slipped the ring on her finger. "Thanks. Now open yours," she said, smiling.
"Whoa! A gold watch! Thanks!"
"Now can I snog you senseless?" demanded Andie.
"Hey! I'm supposed to ask you that!"
"Well then, can we snog each other senseless?"
Ted grabbed her arm and gently pulled her to him, kissing her gently first. He paused before going on. "That a good start?"
"Do you really need an answer?" she replied softly, kissing him again.
"I really don't."