Disclaimer: JK Rowling is the creator of the HP universe and its characters. I do not own anything except the rather strange plot bunny, and I solely profit in reviews.
Years Ago From Now: Chapter Thirteen
Hermione was attempting to sleep in the next morning when Boden appeared at her bedside in a deep bow. Hermione groaned. She was desperate for sleep. The larger she became, the harder it was to become comfortable. She was exhausted.
"I'm sorry, Mistress. You haves guests. Madam Lestrange, your sister, and your cousin Regulus," he said, head low.
Hermione groaned again, deeper than the first time. She was not up for dealing with this now. "I think you should just go thwack Madam Lestrange over the head and dump her in a muggle slum."
Boden stood ramrod straight, trying to hide the abject fear in his eyes. "Does Mistress want Boden to do this now?"
Hermione laughed, pitifully. "No…. no Boden. I'll be down. The foyer?"
Boden bowed once more. "I puts them in the drawing room as usual with tea, Mistress."
Hermione felt herself stiffen at the thought. She had very carefully avoided going into the drawing room so far, and she was not eager to revisit it. Especially not with Bellatrix. At the same time, she knew that the drawing room was years off from ever seeing that happening, and she would have to get used to it at some point. On the bright side, she knew she was not likely to be tortured by Bellatrix in there again, until she was watching it…
"Very well. I'll be down shortly."
Boden popped away, and Hermione climbed off of her bed, approaching her vanity.
She quickly made sure she looked in order, perfecting her hair and make up to Narcissa's standards. As a last minute thought, she scribbled a quick note to Lucius.
Lucius,
Bellatrix and Regulus have arrived without notice. We are in the drawing room. Care to be my knight in shining armor and rescue me?"
Narcissa
"Mink!" she called.
When the house elf appeared, she looked slightly different. She was wearing a new dress, one that seemed a bit more worn and loose than Malfoy standards usually dictated.
"You look different," she commented to the elf.
Mink nodded as she bowed. "Yes, Mistress. We do not usually tell until we have the the baby, but since you haves asked, Mink is going to have a baby when the weather starts to cool, Mistress."
Hermione felt her eyes widen. She wasn't quite sure what family relationships were like for house elves. She'd never read anything of it, and she had never felt like she knew an elf well enough to ask about that kind of stuff. The ones she had known had no known family. "That's wonderful to hear, Mink."
"Colby and I is very happy! We knows our baby will be a good house elf for young Master! Now, what can Mink do for you, Mistress?"
Hermione smiled, gently. She had no clue who Colby was, but she assumed it was the father to be. She held out the small note to Mink, who promptly took it. "Pl…. Deliver this to Lucius. It is private, though. Be discreet if you can."
After Mink left, Hermione stood with a sigh and made her way downstairs to the drawing room.
It was not a difficult room to find. Hermione could quite vividly remember being pulled by the hair through the front doors and thrown into the first room to the right, across the foyer from Lucius's office. It felt slightly better to walk into the room without having her shoulder smacked into the door frame, an air of confidence and calm that she was working hard on perfecting displayed across her different features.
Regulus stood as she came in, and she walked straight to him, wrapping him into a hug. She had heard he was one of her few close family members, and she thought it would seem strange not to be somewhat affectionate. Not to mention, he was not a true Death Eater. It made him feel almost like an ally, even if he had no clue who she really was. "Congratulations on graduating from Hogwarts, Regulus. It is good to see you."
"Thank you, Narcissa," he said with a smile, kissing her cheek before pulling out of the hug.
Bellatrix merely looked up from the cup of tea she had obviously prepared or herself. "Cissy," she said, coldly. Hermione suppressed a shudder at the tone.
Hermione sat down on the arm chair across from the couch they had sat down on, pouring tea for herself and Regulus. She was relieved when Regulus immediately took it from her hands after pouring, adding in his own bit of honey before taking a sip.
"You received my letter, I assume," Hermione said, plainly, as she finished preparing her own tea.
"I did. I must say I am surprised. And disappointed," Bellatrix said, looking at her coldly.
"Why does it really matter to you, though, Bellatrix? Surely we have enough drama in our lives without getting in the paper for negative reasons," Hermione said, calmly.
Bellatrix put down her cup and glared at her. "Rabastan has been in love with you for years, Cissy. You made him think he stood a chance. You made all of us think he stood a chance."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Well, as best I could discern at the time, he did stand a chance. That simply is not the case anymore. You should be happy. I am finding my way to be happy with the commitments I made to our family… and to Lucius. I am slowly getting on board with the idea of being a… mother."
Bellatrix flapped her hand about as if to dismiss the words, lips pursed. "How many times have you told us Lucius is weak? Incapable? We all know it!"
Regulus cleared his throat, looking slightly nervous about the conversation, "For the record, I do not think Lucius is weak or incapable. He just doesn't like to be involved in the action. A bit of a bore, perhaps… okay, super stuffy when he gets talking about Runes, but he's not weak. Don't you remember him dueling Shacklebolt during his last year? It was inspired."
"Talents he refuses to use in service of our Lord!" Bellatrix chimed in, angrily.
Hermione sighed. "Lucius has mentioned wanting to become more involved. He is waiting for his opening and gathering information he thinks would be useful. Whispering in ears."
Bellatrix sneered, "Well don't you just sound like the perfect trophy house spouse, Cissy."
Hermione sat her teacup down, standing from her seat. "We all have our parts to play, so let's get on with that and stop criticizing people for playing theirs. Need I remind you that you are in my home, sister?"
Bellatrix stood up as well and drew her wand, a flare of the insanity that Hermione knew was housed within her coming to life in her gaze. "I've always been better than you, Cissy. Watch your mouth."
Regulus stood up, coming to stand between the two women with arms raised. "Ladies. Let's not make this into more than it need be. Sit now."
The two grudgingly sat, still glaring at each other.
"We share a common goal, correct? Do we not all want to see the Dark Lord's success? He doesn't need everyone to play the same role. Bellatrix, you are a magnificently passionate fighter for him. A hammer, if you will. Narcissa, you are masterfully cunning and sly, able to bring people around to our point of view with your words and public actions. Poison, to be sure. Are both not useful tools in our Lord's armory? Lucius and Rabastan also have their own parts. As to which is best suited for Narcissa…" Regulus sat down.
His eyes turned to Bellatrix. "Bella, think of it this way. Rabastan is much like you. A fighter. Lucius… Lucius is more like Narcissa. Imagine the team they could make if they wanted the other to succeed? The work they could do if everyone didn't see them as so disjoined. The marriage's success will do much more for our Lord than if Narcissa were with Rabastan. Think about it."
Bellatrix did seem to think about it, quite intently for several moment. Finally, she nodded once. "I still don't have to like him."
Hermione rolled her eyes before smirking. "Maybe he will grow on you."
"Regulus, Bellatrix. A pleasure to see you." a voice said from the side of them. They looked up to see Lucius standing in the doorway. He smiled at Hermione when she caught his eyes and strode purposefully toward them.
"Hello, Lucius," Regulus greeted. Bellatrix merely nodded in response.
"Hello, love," he whispered, leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "How did you sleep?"
Hermione felt her lip curl. "Horribly."
Lucius sat down on the arm of her chair, "Yes, I wrote to Healer Wynne. She has sent some spells we can put on the bed to hopefully make it a bit more comfortable for you. I'll get it squared away for you."
Hermione smiled at him, thankful for his thoughtfulness, but even more for the fact that he had arrived.
"Thank you, Lucius."
He nodded in response, turning his attention to their guests that had been watching the interaction with rapt attention.
"Just here for a morning visit, then?" he asked. "I would invite you to stay for lunch, but I am afraid that I have made plans for Narcissa and I to have an intimate lunch together."
Regulus stood up, taking that as his cue. "Yes, just a quick visit. I think we are all on the same page now. Ready to go, Bella?"
Bellatrix put her tea down, slowly nodding. "I suppose. Narcissa… I'll try to smooth things over if you are sure…"
Hermione nodded in response with a very small smile and the two left.
When the drawing room doors shut behind Regulus and Bellatrix, they waited a few more moments before speaking.
"How was the visit?" Lucius started.
Hermione sighed, "Bellatrix is quite put out that I am choosing you, but I think Regulus is talking her around. He seems to like you okay."
"I like him quite a bit, too. It's a shame that he's one of them."
Hermione made a noncommittal noise, not wanting to explain the sad fate of Regulus Black to Lucius at this time. "So, an intimate lunch?" she questioned.
Lucius chuckled lightly, reaching around and pulling the pins out of her hair allowing it to fall across her shoulders. "Only if it is out of character. How about lunch in the gardens?"
Hermione smiled and nodded, standing from her seat and dropping a quick kiss on Lucius's lips. "Sounds lovely. Any excuse to not go somewhere that requires shoes," she said, kicking off the high heels and padding barefoot out of the room.
It was the first of June, and Hermione and Lucius were seated together in the library. Lucius was reading the day's Daily Prophet, seemingly very interested in the article he was reading if the intensity of his stare said anything about it.
Hermione was looking through an owl catalogue, trying to pick out a crib for the nursery. With only three weeks to go, she knew the time of procrastinating had passed. Draco was coming, and she was starting to grow comfortable with the knowledge of it.
She was about to ask Lucius to pick between her three favorites when she heard him hiss in pain. She looked up, seeing his right hand gripping his left forearm, and then their eyes met.
"I have to go," he said, moving his books to the side and standing.
Hermione frowned, standing as well and walking toward him. "Are you prepared?"
It was the first time she had been with him when he was called. The sudden rush of fear for him ran through her, though she knew that he would survive it, even at its worst.
He sighed, wrapping his arms around her in a gentle hug. "Yes. The fact that it is in the middle of the afternoon bodes well. Usually, revels are reserved for late at night. I should be back fairly quickly. While, I am gone… you might want to look at page two of the paper." He dropped a kiss onto the top of her head, and Hermione sighed.
"I'll be here when you get back," she said, stepping out of his arms. He nodded and was gone.
As he left, Hermione picked up the paper, trying to banish the worry from her head. She was unsuccessful.
An Open Letter to the Wizarding Britain Concerning Current Events
From Lord James Potter
Dear Citizens,
For the third time my family has been put into a rather delicate position- Kill or Risk Being Killed.
Many of you reading this might laugh at my flair for the dramatic, but while I certainly do have that, the statement above is just a testament of pure fact.
House Potter has historically been a light house, and will continue to do so. We stand against the Dark Arts. Even more so, we stand against those willing to use them in unforgiveable ways for their own selfish desires.
For the third time, I was approached by the self-stylized "Dark Lord -*" or his lackeys to put myself, my family, and my family's fortune on the line for a "cause" I find to be repugnant.
In case any of you have your head in the sand, there is a group of people amongst us that are trying to seize power by any means necessary. They are willing to bribe, lie, steal, and murder to achieve their goals. What are their goals? To put their leader in supreme power over us. To eradicate any of us that they deem as inferior. To ultimately make all of wizardkind, possibly even mankind, subject to their ideas of what society should be.
People are being spit on in the streets. Businesses and homes are being burned to the ground. People are disappearing. People are being struck down before our very eyes. Is our ministry, are we doing anything about it? A few of us to be sure, but most prefer to live in ignorance, hoping that their inaction will save them and their loved ones.
None of us are safe if all of us are not free.
As I stated earlier, I have been threatened to join or be killed for the third time. I will not join. I certainly have no plans for death anytime soon, either. Obviously our enemies cannot be counted on for intelligence if they keep trying their tactics on a house that will not fold.
As for me and my house, we shall openly oppose Lord -* and his Death Eaters. Yes, it is a risk. It is a risk that we cannot in good conscience not take. We will not cower and allow some of our best to be killed because of ridiculous, outdated ideals. We will not stay in our manor house and watch as those forced into action die because we didn't stand up for them.
And now to my Hogwarts alumni who might think I am speaking as a brash Gryffindor.
If you are Gryffindor, fight because you are brave and capable.
If you are Hufflepuff, fight because you are loyal to your conscience and your friends that need you.
If you are Ravenclaw, fight knowing that wisdom dictates that eventually the fight will come to your door, knowing that the best defense is a good offense.
If you are Slytherin, fight knowing that ambition and cunning will take you no where if you allow yourself to be subject to another.
We all owe it to the future Hogwarts students, our very own children, to fight for them to inherit a society better than one that tolerates such disgusting ideals.
I will stand for my son, and so will my wife. Will you stand for yours?
Sincerely,
Lord James Potter
No Man's Pawn, One Man's Enemy
One part of her wondered why this had never been shown to Harry. A larger part of her felt a headache starting. She folded the paper carefully, intending to save it in for a date long in the future when Narcissa Malfoy could have a chat with a recently victorious Harry Potter.
Lucius arrived at the Dark Lord's London townhome at the same time as Regulus Black, appearing just outside of the walkway up to the house together. "Lucius. We simply must stop meeting up like this," Regulus stated, flatly.
Lucius smiled with a hint of passive amusement as he responded, "Hello, Regulus."
They were almost to the door when Regulus reached out, grabbing his arm. "Listen, Lucius. Rabastan is out for blood. He was sure that, with time, Narcissa would be with him. Now, though… well, just be prepared."
Lucius nodded, strangely thankful for the look of worry in Regulus's eyes. "I'm always prepared to deal with the likes of him," he replied, stonily.
Regulus removed his arm and opened the door for Lucius, stepping inside the foyer.
As usual, Lord Voldemort's house elves were creatures of absolute silence, sentinels stood to either side of the doors leading to the small study to show where the Death Eaters were to go. They walked between the two miserable looking elves to find that most had already assembled.
Lucius stood near the doorway, unsurprised when Regulus walked off and Severus joined him instead. Regulus and Severus were always tense with each other. Lucius blamed it on the fact that Severus was incapable of civilly dealing with someone that looked so much like Sirius Black more than was absolutely necessary.
Severus was the closest thing he had to a friend, aside from his current Narcissa, and it had been that way for quite a few years. In fact, he wagered that for most of that time, he had depended more on that "friendship" than Severus had. Severus had had his friendship with Lily Potter, after all. He had had no one after his mother died and Kingsley abandoned their friendship.
"Lucius," Severus intoned, looking about the room with feigned disinterest. "Are you prepared for your son's arrival?"
Lucius cleared his throat, standing tall as he watched Rabastan and Rodolphus enter the room together, whispering quietly. It was rare to see Rodolphus looking interested social engagement. Often, it was a bad omen of things to come. He noticed Severus watching the duo as well.
"Not quite, but we have several weeks yet. Narcissa has finally gotten on board with getting the nursery decorated. I believe she is working on getting an Owl Order ready as we speak. Soon, I shall be a poor man," he replied.
Severus smirked at the joke before speaking further. "I had an interesting conversation with Bellatrix yesterday. She came to deliver some ingredients for some brewing I am doing for the Dark Lord. She was, most strangely, singing your praises. Speaking of how you would be rising in our Lord's ranks soon. Her words only seemed to be causing her to burst very minor blood vessels…. Unfortunately."
In truth, Regulus and Sirius were not the only Blacks that Severus had a problem with. She was, of course, unaware of his ire. Bellatrix, Lucius assumed, was right at the top of his Kill List after the Marauders. He thought she might even beat out Lupin. He smiled the slightest bit. "Yes, that would be Narcissa."
Severus cleared his throat, turning to actively look at him. "I assume so. I must say, I have not seen Narcissa ever be so… warm to you as she was at the party that night. In fact, you both left before I even got the opportunity to speak with her."
Lucius shrugged. "Narcissa and I have come to a bit of an understanding. She wants someone more… strong willed, and I am happy to provide it. She has also come around to the thought of being a mother, strangely. I believe she is actually, dare I say, happy with the thought. We've been growing closer, and she has told Bellatrix in unequivocal terms to get on board."
"And the Dark Lord? You are attempting to seek his favor?"
Lucius raised an eyebrow, "I think I would know if I were out of his favor. I wish to raise my level of usefulness, though. The sooner we get done with the bloody business, the sooner we can implement our goals."
Severus raised an eyebrow, "My, my…. Narcissa must be quite the wildcat in bed…"
Lucius turned sharply to look at him, "My wife's habit are off limits, Severus. Even for you." His voice came out dangerously, and Severus looked surprised for the briefest moment before settling on his neutral mask.
"Apologies," he said, evenly.
"Accepted," Lucius, replied.
It was an easy "friendship" to be sure. Both men were completely content with the fact that (of those assembled) they greatly preferred each other's company. They were also content with the fact that neither could expect to aid the other unless the situation was very dire indeed. They shared in their victories and ignored each other's weaknesses.
They both stiffened minutely as the trio of Lestranges headed their way. Rodolphus looked eager, a strange expression to see. Bellatrix looked a bit worried, whispering harshly to her husband as he ignored her. Rabastan looked… stormy.
Lucius slid his hand into his sleeve a bit, flicking his wrist to bring his wand unseen into his hand. He was relatively sure that Severus did the same thing at his side and felt thankful for the brotherhood in such a dark place, even if Severus was not the most "Light-sided" of men.
"Malfoy," Rabastan sneered, coming to stand within a few feet of them. Rodolphus stood a foot or so behind him with Bellatrix hissing furiously into his ear, seeming to attempt to get him to talk Rabastan down.
"Yes?" Lucius said, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't know what kind of game you are playing or what kind of potions you are using, but I will personally help Narcissa kill you when she asks me… and she will," he said, glaring.
Lucius rolled his eyes, staying vigilant despite appearing to lean elegantly against a column within the garishly decorated room. "I don't know what you are talking about, or what makes you believe my wife would be so… familiar with you, but I believe you would do best to end this conversation now… child."
It was something he knew would get to the man, and he felt a smirk lazily cross his features as he watched Rabastan bristle. It was well known that Rabastan, only a year older than Regulus, was very self conscious of the fact that they were the youngest death eaters of any sort of importance. And Regulus had taken the mark two months prior to Rabastan. The more senior men, like Parkinson and Avery, often demeaned the youngest, requesting them to get them drinks or giving them the ugliest girls at the revels. Narcissa had been into Regulus's thirst for power, though, and (more importantly) he truly was happy taking her orders (mostly because he agreed with what she wanted done).
"Perhaps we should ask your wife if she considers me a child, Lucius. I am quite positive I have had her more than you," he said, brazenly.
Lucius felt his anger starting to rise. Neither Rabastan or Narcissa had ever publicly confirmed their affair, and Lucius was happy to let that part of his wife's life disappear when she had.
"Mind your tongue before someone cuts it off, Rabastan," Severus said in a quiet voice, drawing the younger Lestrange's attention.
Rabastan sneered at Severus, seeming to consider engaging them both. "Perhaps you should stay out of our business, half-blood."
Lucius rolled his eyes. Bigots. If they were willing to look at people based on their merits, they would realize that Severus had more magical power than most of them, perhaps save himself, Bellatrix, and Dolohov. Unfortunately, family was everything to them.
"Rabastan, the Dark Lord is due to come in at any moment. Let's go," Bellatrix said, coming to stand next to her brother-in-law.
Lucius sneered at them both. "Yes, go, Rabastan. You are out of your depth here in every conceivable way."
"Says who? You!," Rabastan said, getting slightly red in the face and sliding his wand into his hand. "Do you even know how to cast a spell, Malfoy? Merlin knows you don't do any sort of practical work for the Dark Lord. And at home… piddling around with your silly runes."
Lucius raised an eyebrow, looking at Rodolphus meaningfully.
Rodolphus frowned but eventually nodded with a sigh. He seemed displeased to see the show at an end. "Yes, Rabastan, best to back off now. Time to accept things for what they are becoming before you get what's been coming to you."
Rabastan looked at his brother in frustration before looking back at Lucius. "Funny, speaking of coming. I've done quite a bit of that. You could ask Cissa, I suppose. Right, Lucius?"
Lucius brought his wand out, holding it firmly while holding the end across the palm of the opposite hand. "You should leave," he hissed.
"Oh, I will. Perhaps I'll go see Narcissa and help her get rid of that little brat she's got cooking. Third time's a charm, right?"
Fury rushed through Lucius as his wand hand shot out and he silently drove Regulus back toward the opposite wall. As he flew through the air, he knocked down Rodolphus and several other Death Eaters that had been silently watching the altercation. Rodolphus smacked against the wall and stuck there, his hand dropping his wand as both came up to grasp desperately against the invisible wire that was choking him.
Lucius advanced toward him, holding his wand out with a cold expression. "You might make idle threats, but they won't be treated as such. And if you continue to-"
Lucius fell to the ground as pain erupted in his body, the likes of which he had only felt a handful of times. At the same time, the spell dropped as Rabastan hit the floor. A line of blood showed on his neck, letting the room see just how close it had come to him losing his life from the unseen garrote.
Lord Voldemort had arrived, most handsome and terrifying in his fury. His power seemed to move about him as a separate, sentient creature, slithering around the room and sending a chill down the spines of most gathered there.
"ENOUGH!" The Dark Lord spoke, wand held on Lucius as he thrashed on the floor. He waited approximately half a minute before releasing the spell, leaving Lucius panting on the floor.
"Bellatrix! What happened here?" Voldemort asks coldly.
"Uhm… My Lord, you see… they…" she stuttered the answer, unsure who she should attempt to cast into an unfavorable light with her response.
"Shut up, then," he said calmly. "Severus?"
Severus spoke clearly. "Rabastan provoked Lucius. Lucius didn't act until Rabastan threatened to leave here and go murder the unborn Malfoy heir."
The Dark Lord's eyes slithered across the room until they landed on Rabastan. He sneered before looking at Rodolphus. "And will his brother defend him? Does Severus speak the truth?"
Rodolphus looked at his brother before nodding his head slowly. "Severus speaks true, My Lord."
The Dark Lord took a deep breath before exhaling slowly, letting the air push out in an angry manner. "This… this is unacceptable behavior amongst our ranks. A pureblood magical child… offspring of two powerful families… this is a life meant to strengthen us as a society. A life to carry on our traditions and beliefs into the next generation. Anyone that hurts a child to be raised as one of my followers will find their plans bring them pain. Lucius, I apologize for my hasty casting. As a result, I believe Rabastan deserves twice the time you suffered, no?"
The Dark Lord cast the Cruciatus on Rabastan then, causing him to scream in pain. The Dark Lord counted aloud and very slowly. "1….. 2…. 3…."
By the time he reached sixty, Rabastan had relieved himself on the floor, and didn't even make to move himself off of his position on the floor when the spell ended.
"If he is unable to focus on what I say right now, perhaps someone can remind him of my words. I will not be repeating them myself. Whatever fantasy you have of life with Narcissa Malfoy is over. She is not yours, and you would do well to remember that. The next time you overstep the boundaries of propriety, I will let Lucius have you."
The Dark Lord turned his gaze to Lucius, who was leaning slightly against Severus as he stood. His eyes were appraising, curious.
"He has clearly shown himself to be capable, my friends… has he not?" Lucius remained stoic to the best of his ability.
The meeting started abruptly then. The Dark Lord called Sterling Parkinson to give a report on happenings in the ministry. Everyone ignored the lump on the floor that was Rabastan, even as Voldemort started to rant about how those that foolishly chose to publicly defy him like James Potter would be treated far worse. He was in a mood. Severus waited several minutes before whispering under his breath to Lucius.
"There is an appropriate muggle expression for a time like this, Lucius. I hope you haven't 'bitten off more than you can chew'."
Lucius simply nodded, wiping the blood from the lip he had recently bit into, happy that his reaction to the bout with the Dark Lord's Crucio would account for how he paled.
Author's Note: Lucius's days of merely talking on behalf of the Dark Lord are coming to an end. He will have some very important tasks ahead. Thank you for all of your wonderful reviews! I hope you continue to let me know your thoughts!