Chapter Twenty-Four: Duality
Chapter title taken from the Slipknot song.
"You would've made a fine Death Eater."
"Another fire whiskey, Tom," Rosalind demanded, slamming the glass onto the liquor-soaked counter. The barman gave her a worried look, muttering something about it being too many and handing her another shot. She thrust the alcohol quickly into her throat, enjoying the burning sensation. It was Friday night, and she was spending it alone once again. Daphne was busy with Astoria, Pansy was busy with her family, Ginny was gone for a Quidditch tour, and Hermione was busy with Ron. Harry was always busy and she felt bad asking for him to hang out with her. She did hang out with Neville occasionally, as they were often partners at meetings. He was quite the wizard.
An older man with a crooked nose and decaying canines winked at her as she set down the shot glass. Her stomach lurched; if she had much more to drink she'd throw up. She stumbled up off the bar stool, the liquor rushing to her head. Her eyes rolled back for a second as she regained her mobility, making her way to the ladder for the roof. She swiveled her head to make sure no one followed her, slowly gripping the rungs of the ladder to the top. Her heel caught on the last rung, causing her to spring forward onto the concrete. She cursed herself, rolling onto her back to look at the night sky.
Her breaths iced over from every exhale, producing small flakes of snow that flew into the wind. She clutched her scarf and coat closer to her chest, shivering from the cold autumn night. It was almost Christmas, evidenced by the explosion of decorations all over Diagon Alley and the rest of London. It explained the annoyingly cheerful mood of most passersby who kept greeting her a happy Christmas and asking what she was doing for the holidays. Nothing of course, she had no friends or family-she was fairly certain she wouldn't be invited anywhere either.
"At least the sky looks beautiful," she whispered to herself. The clouds were asleep and the moon was beginning to peek behind its own shadow, giving glimpses of light-almost a full moon.
A rustling coming from the ladder caused Rosalind to jump. She had her wand at waist level, in case she had to hex someone at the knees. A tall, broad shadow emerged and a pale Draco stood before her face.
She stared at him a long second before speaking. "What're you doing here?" she asked trying hard not to slur her words.
"I was looking for you," he said quietly. "You're not that hard to track down."
Rosalind scowled. "Whahyou want?"
"I just wanted to-Merlin, Rosalind are you drunk?" he asked as she stumbled again, tossing her shoes to the side. "Don't do that you're going to get frostbite."
"Drunk?" she laughed, still scowling. "Of course I'm drunk, and you're an asssssshooolllee," she pointed her skeletal fingers to his face.
"You're going to fall over-" he caught her before she fell, forcing her to sit cross legged onto the cold cement. She tried to fight him off as Draco shuffled through his coat pocket for a potion. "Take this. It'll warm you up and make you feel better."
"I'm not gonna take anything you give me-"
"That wasn't a question," he said sternly. "Take it." Her forced her mouth open, slipping the potion down her throat. Her body warmed up immediately, the heaviness in her head gone, and her lips no longer numb.
Rosalind gagged, held her breath and coughed, giving him a quizzical look. "What the hell was that? Did you just sober me up?"
"I did," he replied tucking the potion back into his pocket. "I like to talk to you consciously."
She wiped her mouth, giving him a glare. "I was enjoying my drunken state thank you very much." She crossed her arms waiting for him to speak. "What do you want Malfoy?"
Draco sighed, taking a seat next to her. His face was low as well as his eyes. "I came here to apologize."
"For what, being a prick?"
He face flickered. "Yes for everything," he began in a low voice. "You don't deserve the way I've treated you."
Rosalind's arms were still crossed. "Go on."
Draco cleared his throat, his eyes grazing the snowy roof. "This is difficult for me first off-" he hesitated as Rosalind remained still. "-but these last couple of weeks that we've had without speaking to each other have been very odd." Rosalind raised her eyebrow as he stammered on. "I mean that I didn't realize how much I talk to you and how much I rely on you. You're more than my partner...you're also my friend. You've become my support system and the person I turn to when I'm having a long day." His jaw clenched as he saw Rosalind unmoved. "Besides my family you're all I've got. And I'm sorry for being an arse. I was just jealous that Weaselbee has you for himself and I shouldn't have been angry with you for seeing him." He kicked a pebble over the rooftop, waiting for her reaction. "I hope you forgive me."
She eyed him for a moment, enjoying how uncomfortable he looked. He couldn't maintain eye contact with her. She smiled, amused to how awkward he was acting. "Of course I forgive you Draco. That's all I wanted to hear."
Draco smiled, extending his arms out to hug his partner but restrained himself, instead scratching his head. "Sorry, don't want your boyfriend to get upset you're on good terms with me again."
Rosalind's eyes darted to the floor. "I don't know what's going on with him to be honest," she said quietly. "He stopped talking to me the same day you did so it's been a lonely few weeks. I opened up about my past and I think I freaked him out." She held her arm awkwardly at her side, suddenly realizing how cold her toes were. "It doesn't appear we're seeing each other anymore."
Draco's pale eyes finally looked into hers. "I always knew he wouldn't be able to handle the truth about you. Not like I did." She scowled, annoyed he was right. "I understand you, you know." It wasn't a romantic statement, it was a fact. "You can't get rid of me that easily." He smirked as Rosalind began to smile. "We work well together. I don't want to ruin that."
Rosalind arms were still crossed and her face in a scowl, but she couldn't help slip out on a small grin. "I guess you're right. Doesn't mean I'm not still sad about George though."
"Well," Draco said as he shuffled through his robe pockets. "I have something that might cheer you up." He pulled out a handsome sheet of parchment with elegant writing. "It's the annual Christmas Ball. The most influential and wealthy families are usually in attendance, and they're not all Purebloods. The location changes every year and this year my family is hosting again." He handed her the invitation, which she examined carefully.
"You and I both know I'm neither wealthy or influential."
"No but you are still invited," he urged. "It's tomorrow evening. Be my date?"
She eyed him surprised. "Really? You don't wanna go with Astoria?"
"No I don't, and she likes to go to these things alone anyways," he said matter of factly. "So do you want to go with me or not?"
Rosalind read through the invitation but still hesitated. She missed George. But there was nothing she could do about what he had learned about her now. "I guess I can squeeze you in."
Draco smiled. "I was hoping you'd say that. It's a charity event so don't forget to bring a donation, and a small gift for an exchange." He stood up, pulling Rosalind's gangly arms to help her on her feet. "Thanks for letting me talk to you and not hexing me," he said in a low voice. "It means a lot to me."
"Don't mention it," she said brightly, her cheeks feeling stiff from going so long without smiling.
Draco nodded, taking his cue to leave, said his goodbyes and disappeared into the distance.
The emerald green dress that Narcissa gave her lay on her bed, along with her emerald pendant and an elegant pair of heels. Rosalind stood in front of her vanity, her hair drooping past her shoulders as she finished her makeup: dramatic mascara and subtle copper eyeliner and eye shadow that made her large eyes pop. The dress clung on to her body almost magically, accentuating her long toned legs and bronze skin. She almost didn't recognize herself.
"Here goes nothing," she sighed before holding her breath. She Apparated in the front garden of Malfoy Manor, where an anxious Draco was sitting on a stone bench with his hands in his pockets. His pale hair was parted back, and he was wearing fitted slacks, a button up shirt and a grey vest that matched his eyes. His face lit up for a fraction of a moment when he first saw her before returning to its normal arrogance.
"You're right on time," he said offering his arm. "You ready?"
"As ready as you are," she replied hooking her arm into his. He smirked as they walked into the tall wooden doors inside the Manor. "Sometimes I forget how well you clean up."
"You look alright yourself," he grinned.
A wave of classical music hit their bodies as they entered the Manor. Christmas decorations were floating throughout the halls, imitation pixies sprinkling dust on their heads, the scent of pine wafting their noses. A twenty-foot tall tree was at the center of the room, illuminating the mansion with its shimmering decorations. Gold light erupted from the star at the top, giving the usual bleak room a touch of Christmas cheer.
The Manor was already quite packed; they had to maneuver their way around the various guests and house elves to reach Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. Narcissa was glowing, and Lucius looked less sour than usual. She smiled brightly once she spotted her son with Rosalind, bringing them both into tight hugs.
"Oh darling you look beautiful!" she said ignoring her son. "I knew that color would look lovely on you." She moved a stray hair from Rosalind's face before turning to Draco. "You two make a handsome pair I might add." Rosalind smiled as Draco half frowned. She took the gifts Rosalind had for the charity and gift exchange, Banishing them under the Christmas tree.
"Thank you Narcissa, it's great to see you," Rosalind answered politely. "And thank you again for the dress. I love it." She greeted the head Malfoy before her and Draco made their way to the rest of the guests.
"Purebloods sure love to throw parties don't they?" she asked as she grabbed a glass of champagne, downing it in a second.
"Of course we do, what else are we going to do with all our money?" Draco laughed as he downed a shot of whiskey.
Rosalind rolled her eyes as she looked around for familiar faces. Like the Pureblood Elite party, there seemed to be no Death Eaters around besides their family members. Draco pointed out the other wealthy individuals, including some half-bloods and Muggleborns. They all had one thing in common besides money-they all looked the same. The guests were much friendlier to her this time around, making small talk. It wasn't until much later that she was finally able to see her friends among the crowd.
"Hello gorgeous," Daphne said greeting them both with a kiss on the cheek. "I knew that dress would look amazing on you," she said as Pansy and later Blaise came their way. "Draco's one lucky bastard isn't he?" she winked as Draco looked slightly annoyed. "You better take care of her, I don't want to have to come after you for being an arse." Her teardrop diamond earrings swayed as she spoke, highlighting her feminine features. She looked directly into Rosalind's eyes, passing a message: Rodolphus wants to talk to you. He has something you'll find useful. Rosalind shot her a quizzical expression, but Daphne reassured her that it was safe. He's in the back corner of the garden. Don't worry, you'll be fine.
Rosalind quickly grabbed a shot of whiskey, shaking her head from the strong liquor and made her way towards the backyard. "I'll be right back, just going to the bathroom," she said as Draco questioned her. She shook her shoulders to get rid of the nerves, stepping out to the cold yard. She blasted a path with her wand through the snow as to not wet her feet, following what looked like a man's tracks. At the back corner next to the fountain stood Rodolphus Lestrange, dressed to the nines in his best suit. He almost looked handsome.
"Well well well, look who showed up." His voice was husky and unwelcoming. "You look great love, but I'm sure you've been hearing that all night." He licked his lips as Rosalind's stomach churned.
"What do you want? Daphne said you wanted to talk to me."
"Have a seat." He blasted the snow off the fountain for them to sit, taking her hand. "Oh but turn around for me first, I want to see a full view." He twirled her body before she could stop him.
"What is it, Rodolphus?" she asked impatiently. "Are you even supposed to be here?"
"Does it matter?" he answered angrily. "Let a man observe a woman for fuck's sake."
Rosalind grit her teeth, taking a deep breath to calm herself down. "Alright then."
Rodolphus grinned, pulling out a large cigar and lighting it, a puff of smoke circling their heads. "That's a good girl." He observed her as he smoked, amused by how hard she was trying to remain calm. "You are one feisty piece of work, you know that?" He tapped the cigar, the ashes cindering the snow. "I love that about you." He put out his cigar, throwing the butt into the fountain. "Where'd you say you're from? I know you're a Yank, but where are your ancestors from?"
"El Salvador, why?" she replied cautiously.
"Ah, I knew that sounded familiar." He grinned again, scooting closer to her. "Daphne mentioned the other day about you being from there and I remembered something from when I was in Azkaban." He straightened his coat, stalling, loving how impatient Rosalind was. "Before that mass breakout we had visitors. They were from the same place you were."
"What?" she exclaimed. "What did they say?"
"They offered us a deal," he said casually. "They knew who were were, knew what we did. They wanted us to help them if they broke us out. Something about helping a similar cause."
"So you said yes? That's how you got out?"
"No. Some of the other Death Eaters weren't happy about it. Some of them are Muggles, not even Muggleborn but actual Muggles, working with wizards. They did the dirty work while the wizards did the important jobs. They even recruited werewolves, which is beneath us. We don't work with Muggles and we damn well won't work with werewolves either."
"So you turned them down?" she asked confused. "Then how did the breakout happen?"
"C'mon, you work the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I'm sure you can put it together," he smirked. "We agreed to it then decided not to help them. We just wanted out. However someone didn't tell Lucius that and the bloody git stayed inside while the rest of us fled. Fucking coward thought they'd kill him so he decided he wanted to help the Ministry instead." He shook his head, annoyed. "But it worked for him bloody well didn't it? He's got his life back while the rest of us are on the run." He grunted, spiting into the snow.
Rosalind stared at him in disbelief. "Why are you telling me this?"
Rodolphus inhaled another puff of smoke. "Took me a bit to put two and two together. It wasn't until you and Daphne started seeing each other more that she mentioned that's where you from." He blew a large cloud of smoke. "Is that where you killed all those people?" he asked casually.
"What are you talking about?" she replied through her teeth.
The Death Eater chuckled. "I don't know why you try to act so innocent. You and I both know that it is not easy for anyone who hasn't killed to perform a Cruciatus Curse as well as you can."
Rosalind eyed him. "That's where I learned everything," she replied slowly.
"Figured." He took another long puff, examining her closely. "You would've made a fine Death Eater a few years ago. Shame you weren't here."
"I'm not an elitist," she retorted. "I never killed someone who didn't deserve it."
"Oh yeah?" he laughed again. "Does that make you some type of hero or just as bad as them?"
Rosalind's chest panted but she ignored it. "I'm not a bad person," she said in a low voice. "I never tortured someone to the point of insanity."
"Touché," he grinned. "Those were orders, that's all. I hardly did anything anyways, that was mostly Bella." He coughed, wiping ashes off his greasy mouth. "She would've liked you. I'm sure you two would've made a great pair." He winked, Rosalind's stomach lurching again. "Too bad she got killed by a fucking blood traitor."
"Molly Weasley is one of the most kind-hearted people I know," she shot back, trying to hide the sting she felt from his voice. "And as far as I'm aware your ex wife deserved what she got."
Rodolphus rolled his eyes. "There you go again acting like you're better than she was."
Sparks flew from Rosalind's wand. "What do you want, Rodolphus? Did you really drag me all the way out here just to compare me to your dead and deranged wife or do you have something fucking useful to say?"
The Death Eater took another long, slow puff of smoke, making sure to blow it into her face. "I want immunity with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
"Immunity for what?"
"My Death Eater crimes," he said simply. "I want my life back."
"You're making it sound like you're not a Death Eater anymore," she said cautiously.
Rodolphus shrugged. "The Dark Lord's gone. Guess I'm not. No leader so there's nothing to follow." He stretched, rolling out a kink in his neck. "I don't mind being around Mudbloods or half-bloods." He laughed seeing Rosalind's expression. "Right, it's not politically correct to say that now. It's all about integration," he said sarcastically. He sighed, dusting ashes from his coat. "So. Are you going to help me?"
Rosalind frowned, eyeing the man suspiciously. "You can't get immunity with little to no information. You'd be useless," she said harshly.
Rodolphus raised his brow. "I have more information to give. Can't give it away all at once. Come on," he droned, caressing Rosalind's thigh. "Do me this favor."
She shoved his hand away, standing on her feet. "Touch me and I'll kill you."
"I love it when you talk dirty to me," he said with another lick of his lips.
Rosalind's heart thudded against her chest, her breathing becoming hoarse from the cold air. "I don't think the Ministry will want to work with you."
"The Ministry has done stranger things. Like employing Draco Malfoy."
She resisted a chuckle, eyeing the crazed man before her. "Give me some time to think about it. But if you're trying to do something shady I'll find out."
He grinned, bowing his head before putting out his cigar. "There's a good girl." She shuddered, walking as briskly as she could back inside the Manor.
"What took you so long?" an already buzzed Draco demanded. Rosalind shrugged, mentioning that she got caught up talking to someone else she knew. Draco raised his brow, not buying it. "If you don't want to be here you can leave." His voice was almost pained.
Rosalind laughed nervously, surprised at his tone. "But I want to be here Draco," she said touching his hand gently. "With you."
A lopsided grin formed on his face. "Damn right you do." Rosalind smiled as he poured himself more alcohol. Daphne and Pansy pulled her to the dance floor as the music became more lively. Her cheeks hurt from laughing; it felt as if she hadn't had fun in ages. Ares made an appearance, and Rosalind danced away with the little man as well. She felt much more welcomed, being introduced to other witches and wizards more her age rather than the old fussy ones. For once she didn't feel like an outsider when people asked her where she was from. She was enjoying herself, making connections and having fun.
Towards the end of the night the gift exchange began. Rosalind's recipient was a Hogwarts alumni that was a few years older than her. He was one of Blaise's coworkers at Gringotts, a tall Frenchman that had transferred from Beaxbatons. He greeted her with a kiss on the hand, his bright green eyes peering into hers. "Ah, so you're the American everyone's been talking about," he said in perfect English.
Rosalind blushed. "What do you mean?"
The Frenchman shrugged, adjusting the handsome watch on his wrist. "Muggleborns and half-bloods come and go but it's not often that a foreign Pureblood moves into town. It doesn't go unnoticed."
She nodded, slightly annoyed that she wasn't invisible like she thought she was. "I've been hearing a lot of that lately."
He smiled. "Don't worry. It's a good thing." He produced a small velvet box from his pocket, as Rosalind handed him a much larger one. He laughed as he saw what it was: a replica of the last Quidditch World Cup pitch that was held in France, complete with the French players flying around against the Italians.
"I heard you're a big Quidditch fan," she said hoping it wasn't too much.
"Excellent," he said as he motioned for a bronzed man to join them. "Wouldn't this look great in our flat Antonio? It's even got our teams against each other."
The Italian grinned as he examined the details of the pitch. "Wonderful. Maybe then you'll realize that Italy has the better team," he winked.
"Oh stop it, we both know that France has dominated for years," he replied with a sarcastic eye roll.
They stared at each other coyly, then shifted their attention to Rosalind. "Has she opened it yet?" asked the Italian. "I'm sure she's going to love it."
"I almost forgot." She opened the box to find an elegant pair of emerald earrings, sparkling in the candle light. "Wow, these are gorgeous," she breathed. "Thank you, this is very nice of you."
"Don't mention it," answered the Frenchman. "We noticed that you had that darling emerald pendant at the last party but nothing else to go with it. It was so tragic, Antonio and I made sure to find the perfect pair of earrings to compliment it." He picked up a glass of champagne from a nearby house elf, sipping it daintily. "Make sure to wear those next time we're around." He winked, and the couple departed together into one of the other rooms.
Rosalind made her way into the extravagant bathroom, trying on her new earrings. She almost felt guilty putting them on-she was sure they were worth more than she was. But they were beautiful, and she liked how they looked on her. She spotted Ares by the giant Christmas tree, playing with his new toy broom, dragging his toes on the floor. She had never thought about having kids, but if she did she hoped they were as adorable as he was.
A hand slithered down her back, lowering itself into her hand. "You ready for your present?" a slightly sobered Draco asked her.
"You got me something?" she asked as he pulled her into the library. "I didn't get you anything."
"I didn't want you to." He closed the tall oak doors behind them, leaving them engulfed in the moonlight peeking through the windows. He pulled out a slender box, handing it to her gingerly. "I wanted to surprise you."
Rosalind took it hesitantly, opening the box slowly: a rose gold charm bracelet tinkered as she held it up to the light, displaying its tiny charms; including a watch, a heart that beat the same rhythm as her own, the Eiffel Tower, Coliseum, and other international landmarks that functioned as Portkeys if needed, a book charm that could carry several books at a time inside it, binoculars that enlarged true to size, and a bell that also functioned as an alarm. Rosalind stared at Draco, who was giving her an odd, uncomfortable look.
"You don't like it," he said flatly. "I knew it was too much-"
"Draco stop. I love it." She set it back into its box gently, embracing him into a hug. "You didn't have to do that."
"I wanted to," he said avoiding her eyes. "It's the least I could do for everything you've done for me." His voice was still stiff. "Thank you...for not giving up on me like everyone else has and for accepting me as who I am."
Rosalind smiled, lifting his chin up so he would see her. "You're a lot better person than people give you credit for. I've always known that. You're proof that people can change." She moved a strand of platinum locks from his face. "I hope someday you'll see that too."
His pale eyes finally smiled. He opened his mouth to say something, but shook his head still smiling. "You're not so bad either you know."
"I've been trying to tell myself that," she admitted.
Draco sat in a large chair, pulling Rosalind onto his lap. They stared at each other in comfortable silence, their hearts beating closely together. He caressed the edges of her face with his thumb, giving her an awed look. "You do something to me that I've never felt before," he said quietly.
"I like it when you compliment me when you're sober," she said with a laugh.
He grinned, looking hesitant. "To be honest I'm glad that you're not with Weasley anymore. I was hoping he'd stop talking to you. Is that bad?"
Rosalind's smile flickered. In a strange way she was okay with it too although she still missed George. "No," she finally said. "It's not."
Draco examined her, seeing the glimpse of sadness etched on her face. "Why do you miss him?"
"I don't," she said in a soft voice.
"Bullshit."
She sighed, still on his lap. "He was the first person I was ever with that was consistently nice to me." It felt odd saying the words out loud. "I've never been with someone who genuinely cared about what I had to say."
"He's not the only person that will treat you like that," he said softly. "I'm sure even Rodolphus wouldn't treat you so bad either," he added with a laugh.
Rosalind punched him in the arm. "Fuck you, he's an asshole."
"I'm kidding!" he said as he rubbed his arm. "Is that who you went to go talk to?"
"How'd you know?"
"This is my house. I know everything that goes on."
"Oh right," she replied. "He claims to have information that will help us at the Ministry. He wants immunity so he can have his life back he said."
Draco raised his brow. "Do you reckon he actually knows something?"
Rosalind shrugged. "I'm not sure honestly. I think he's just tired of being on the run." She dozed off out the window, still bothered by what Rodolphus said to her.
"What's wrong?" Draco asked. "Did he do something to you again?"
She paused, shaking her head. "No he just-he keeps bringing up his dead wife when he talks to me and I don't know why."
"Aunt Bella? What does he say?"
"He says I'm a lot like her." She was still gazing out the window. "But Neville told me she and Rodolphus were the people who tortured his parents to insanity so that doesn't feel like a compliment."
Draco pursed his lips. "She wasn't always terrible. She was incredibly ambitious and ruthless when she was upset. We don't talk about her much anymore as a family."
Rosalind huffed out a dry cough. "That definitely makes me feel worse."
Draco's jaw tightened before he let out a sigh. "You reckon he can actually help us?"
"Yes but I only trust him as far as I can throw him."
She sighed as Draco pulled her closer to his chest. "Let's forget about him for the rest of the night. I'm enjoying this."
She glanced up at him, finally smiling, her skin pulsing with electricity from the touch of his hand. "I'm enjoying this too."
He smiled, placing his lips on her forehead without kissing her. "Don't mention it." He held her in silence, while their hearts beat in sync, and the snow patterned outside the window, signaling the arrival of Christmas.
Now that Draco and Rosalind have made up, their relationship/partnership is a bit different. The next chapter will be in Emma's point of view, since she is coming home for Christmas. Thank you so much to those that have been reading!
Next chapter: Dead Memories.