Here's another chapter. Barty might seem to be quite OOC here, but trust me, the next chapter will reveal his true thoughts and intentions. We'll have his POV. Time for the Death Eaters!
Thank you for your reviews and alerts. Enjoy!
The box was made of silver, inwrought with small golden leaves. The top of it had an embossed relief, which portrayed the kidnapping of Persephone. The details were engraved with such accuracy, one could think that the figures will start to move any time. Rose opened the lid and the melody of Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor started to play, a silver rose opening its petals inside. Rose looked at Barty with wide eyes.
Watching her with such intensity that she found herself unable to breathe, his face was serious, determined.
"I-I don't know what to say," the girl said in a small voice. "It's beautiful. Thank you," she whispered. It really was. The girl stared at the faces of Hades and Perspehone, listening to beautiful melody. Chords rang through her body like pangs of sorrow and uneven joy.
'I have eaten the seeds of pomegranate,' she thought. 'Now it's too late. I can't escape from Hades anymore. I don't even want to.' As soon as that thought came to her, she felt as she was suffocating.
'For Merlin's sake, what has he done to me?' she wondered, just before a strong pair of arms wrapped around her, crushing her to her captor's chest. A hand took the music box from her own hands and placed it on the table. The disturbing yet beautiful tunes of the melody made Rose shiver in his arms. She understood the meaning of her present. It was clear.
"You're mine", Barty repeated once again and once again she felt both sadness, happiness and fear at those words. He was breathing heavily, holding her close.
"I'm yours," she responded, tightening her fists in his robes. "I am yours, but you must be mine in return."
He hissed softly, clutching her to his chest. For a second she thought that he was crying.
"I'm yours," he rasped. "You're the greatest gift the Dark Lord could give me."
At the mention of Voldemort, Rose's heart sank. Of course, the Dark Lord always comes first. She would never be first.
'But I can be his equal. We both can be first,' she told herself. She didn't want to share her husband, certainly not with Voldemort, but it looked like she had no choice for now.
Soon Barty was kissing her neck, pulling desperately at her clothes. The girl gasped for air at the intensity of his ministrations.
Some time later Winky found them partly naked, cuddled on the soft carpet. She quickly left the room before any of them could notice her, smiling a little.
The evening was warm, stars shining brightly. Rose was wearing an A-line, yellow dress. The necklace her husband gave her as a Christmas gift adorned her neck like a giant, golden tear. The gem matched her yellow dress perfectly. The wizard seemed to be glad that she chose precisely that necklace to wear. A family heirloom. Barty was wearing black dress robes, looking very elegant yet tired. Rose glanced at him from time to time, worriedly.
They passed by other guests, most of them being Death Eaters. Barty spoke to no one, his head high, as if he deemed them inferior to him. He acknowledged few of the guests who were imprisoned in Azkaban after Voldemort's fall - Dolohov, Travers, Lestranges. Rose knew that the rest of them in Barty's eyes were just a bunch of cowards and traitors, who abandoned Voldemort right after his downfall. No one searched for him, no one tried to help him. Barty loathed them for it, she could see that from the way his jaw was clenched and his fists balled, whenever he looked at one of them.
Soon, their host approached them, with a small smirk plastered on his pale face. Lucius Malfoy placed a kiss on Rose's hand, making Barty shudder with rage. Narcissa Malfoy pecked her on the cheek, her face blank from any emotions, as always. How long has it been since she helped Rose dress for her wedding? The girl had slowly lost count of the days and months she spent in Crouch's house.
They spent nearly the entire evening sitting alone in a corner. Rose feared every person present in the room and Barty seemed to be bored to death. Voldemort wasn't there, and the girl was grateful for that. She wondered for a moment, if they managed to find the prophecy they were searching for. She glanced at Barty. It was too soon to ask questions about his Master, she decided. Instead she spoke:
"Don't you want to talk to someone?"
He snorted.
"Talk to them? They're bunch of stinking chickens. No need to waste my breath on them."
Rose nodded. To tell the truth, she was as bored as Barty, though for a different reason. Music was playing, people were dancing, and the food was delicious. She had to admit that Malfoys knew how to throw a party, and it had been so long since she had enjoyed one. She nudged her husband.
"Why won't you ask me to dance?"
The man looked at her for a second as if she grew another pair of hands and opened his mouth, probably to tell her to stop being silly and leave him alone, but he was cut short by her lips on his cheek.
"Please?" she asked, smiling at him sweetly, stroking his face. He frowned, but stood up and took her hand.
"Fine, just stop smooching me. People are watching."
His lips twitched a little though, and Rose could see that he was in fact quite pleased with her. They danced to a slow song and the girl found another surprising trait of her husband. He was excellent dancer. Seeing her questioning look he said:
"Every pure-blood child has to learn how to dance properly. I've had lessons since I was six."
"You could have warned me and taught me, so I wouldn't be making a fool of myself right now," Rose said, punching him jokingly on the arm. He grinned.
"It wouldn't be fun," he retorted and grunted when she stepped on his toes on purpose.
They teased each other for the next couple of songs. Rose started to relax and soon she was having fun, joking with Barty while he tried to teach her how to dance a waltz.
The evening went on and both of them couldn't avoid the others forever. When they were having a drink, Rabastan Lestrange approached them. Barty's grin didn't disappear when he saw him, so Rose presumed they were quite close.
'Torturing the innocent helps give people a connection,' Rose thought sarcastically, but smiled politely at the newcomer when he bent down and kissed her hand, like a proper gentleman. She could feel Barty's eyes on her when he did so, but otherwise he gave no sign of his usual possessiveness. It meant that he and Rabastan were in fact, very close.
'He has met his match,' the girl inquired to herself, taking in Lestrange's appearance. He was thin, thinner than Barty, pale with red hair. Something in his green eyes told Rose that he wasn't exactly healthy on the head. He acted pretty normal though, and soon he and Barty were conversing about medical potions. Rose stood beside Barty, completely forgotten by her companions, as if she was just some pretty decoration. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"So I've added a few lichens, just like the book said, but the potion still couldn't stop the bleeding. I've tried everything, but the blasted thing still wouldn't work," Rabastan was saying, clearly irritated. "I've tried to alter the number of ingredients, but nothing's changed."
"Maybe you should try to merge Dittany with Starthistle. It could give a stronger effect," Barty suggested.
They were going on and on about the potion and Rose grew more bored with every second. She listened to them half-heartedly and occupied herself with observing other guests. When she heard what Barty had just said, she turned to them, though.
"You can't," she stated simply.
Barty looked down on her with mildly interested expression, rising eyebrows. Rabastan opened and closed his mouth, as if shocked that she could even speak and asked:
"Pardon me?"
"You can't merge Dittany with Starthistle."
"Why?"
"Because you would kill your patient, that's why. Starthistle strengthens the effect of nearly every potion, but not of those which contain Dittany. One of Borde's laws explains it quite precisely. Try Vervain instead. It's simple, but it should stop the bleeding."
For a second both men were staring at her with wide eyes. Then, to her horror, both of them grinned from ear to ear, like a pair of lunatics they were.
"Barty!" Rabastan exclaimed, placing an arm around Rose's shoulders. "Why didn't you tell me that your wife is not only pretty, but clever too?"
"Where did you learn this?" Barty asked, clearly impressed.
"I used to work as a Healer at Mungo's. Have you forgotten?" Rose asked, annoyed. Yeah, of course he had forgotten, he was too busy ordering her around and treating her like his personal toy.
"Why didn't you tell us earlier about this?" Rabastan asked. "We had been trying to find the solution for nearly 15 minutes!"
"I didn't want to interrupt your talk. You seemed to forget about entire world, Mother taught me not to interrupt when adults talk about serious matters," she answered sarcastically. Rabastan laughed in delight.
"Oh, I like her, Barty. She's shy and quiet, but she can bite!"
"Yes," Barty said slowly, looking closely at his wife with a small smirk, "She can."
Rose blushed, trying to ignore his suggestive remark. He flicked his tongue once and leaned in to whisper in her ear, taking advantage of the fact that Rabastan was deeply occupied with a sandwich.
"I knew that you were talented with art, but I completely forgot that you had excellent notes in Potions."
She huffed and turned her head away from him.
"It's because you treat me like a child."
He chuckled.
"Now, now, don't get angry," he purred, his hand stroking her waist. "I promise I won't underestimate you, ever again."
"Stop smooching me. People are watching," Rose said teasingly, pretending to be still mad. Barty flicked his tongue again.
"Let them watch," he whispered, nuzzling her hair with his nose, "I'm tired of this, let's go home."
Rose knew perfectly well that his tiredness will pass in a blink of an eye when they reach bedroom, so she turned to face him and said:
"Can we stay for a little longer? I want to dance, just one more time," she said and kissed his cheek. He sighed.
"Alright, but only one hour, okay?"
Rose smiled and hugged him. He sighed again, seeming to be very tired of her antics, but Rose knew that it was all just an act. The girl realised long ago, that her husband liked her, desired her. He satisfied her every need and agreed to things that he wouldn't permit her only six months ago. She slowly wormed her way to his head, teasing him, chafing against him like a cat.
They spent the rest of the evening dancing, laughing and joking. Rabastan talked with them for a while, asked Rose about her work, her interests. It was good to chat with someone who wasn't intending to murder her. It's been a long time since she talked to someone friendly, besides Barty and Winky. It looked like the three of them had completely forgotten that Rose was a prisoner, a victim in Death Eater's hands. Rabastan didn't seem to consider her as such, instead, he treated her like a wife of his friend. An outsider couldn't ever tell that there was something weird there based on their interactions.
As Barty swayed Rose in his arms, just before midnight, dancing to some slow love song, she thought about her feelings for him.
'I love him,' she thought, 'I can't help it, I love him.'
His smell was intoxicating and the girl felt safe, warm. She closed her eyes.
"I think that it's time to go home," Barty murmured seeing her yawn and led her away from the guests, towards the exit. He bid goodnight to Lestranges, ignored Malfoys completely and Apparated in front of his house.
As soon as they both landed on the grass, he picked her up and carried to her bedroom. Rose was so tired, she barely registered the fact that he undressed her and tucked under the covers. The last thing she remembered was the heat of his body as he pulled her into an embrace, whispering in her ear:
"Sleep now. Tomorrow we're going on a trip, like I promised."
The town was filled with old Victorian houses and shops. Rose felt as if she was traveling through time. There weren't many people on the street, the town wasn't big. The girl knew that Barty chose it carefully, whittling down her chance of escape. She didn't mind, though, she was well aware of the fact that an escape would be impossible. Instead, she decided she'll have fun, no matter what and convince Barty that she could be trusted, that she won't try to flee.
'Maybe then he'll stop observing me so closely and I'd be able to find the artifact. Quickly, before Voldemort kills any more people,' she thought, smiling brightly and showing her husband something on a display.
Weeks and months spent in Crouch's gloomy house taught her to hide her true thoughts well. She'd be dead by now if she weren't capable of hiding Snape's visit or Dumbledore's letter from Barty. He wasn't stupid. He was mad, that's right, but not stupid and Rose knew that if she won't do her best to sway him away from her secrets, he'll kill her. He may like her, desire her, but she was sure that he didn't love her. Certainly not the way a right-minded man should love his woman.
They ate in a small beanery and then went to see the castle. The weather became more cloudy and soon Rose began to feel cold. The ruins of the castle hovered over the vale, looking both beautiful and unsettling. They took a stroll around the place and Barty told Rose many legends involving the pile. Most of them scared the shit out of her.
"And here,", Barty said pointing at some old, rusty iron doors "is the tower where a young noblewoman died in XVIth century. Do you want to go in there?"
He shot her a wide grin. Rose shuddered. They were the only visitors, as the weather was windy and cold. It was scary enough to be with Barty in such place all alone. Rose loved him, yes, but he was still a mad Death Eater. Who knew what would come to this head of his? She scowled at him.
"No, thank you. Can we go back? I'm freezing."
"Oh, but you'll feel warmer inside! Come, on."
And with those words he opened the doors and ushered Rose in. He was too happy about it.
"Are we even allowed to be here?" the girl whispered. It was dark and musty.
"Don't worry. Let's go upstairs and I'll tell you a story."
He put an arm around her waist and guided her up the staircase.
"There was a young girl who lived in this castle with her guardians. She was an orphan and they were managing her estate. It was up to them who would she marry. They loved her as if she was their own daughter."
His voice was hoarse. He spoke silently and Rose snuggled closer into his side.
"One day their neighbour, a wealthy and brutal man, raided their lands and claimed them as his own. He killed the guardians and announced himself the lord of this castle. To strengthen his claim, he decided to marry the heir to the fortune. The girl rejected him, though."
They approached a small chamber. The brick wall that separated the room from the staircase was partially destroyed. Barty stopped in his tracks - they have reached the top of the tower.
"The man was cruel and persistent. He forced her to marry him and took advantage of her. He kept her here, in this chamber, hoping that one day she'd love him and stop fighting him. She never did. Soon, the man went mad, not able to have her wholly and decided that if she won't be his, she'll never be someone else's. He bricked her alive in this chamber, leaving her one, barred window so she wouldn't suffocate and a loaf of bread to prolong her suffering. For days one could hear her cries and wails. Fifty years ago they found her skeleton. See those marks here? She tried to claw her way out."
Rose was on the verge of tears now. She had never been a very brave person, and being here with Barty was absolutely terrifying.
"Why are you scaring me?" she whispered faintly. He blinked once, as if earlier he had been in some kind of trance and took her face in his hands.
"Don't cry, silly," he said, wiping away the tear that slid down her face. "It's been a long time ago. You know that people in medieval times were cruel. Worse things were happening on every day basis."
He flicked his tongue. Rose shook her head. She was angry and afraid. She knew what he was playing at. It was just another reminder what would happen to her if she betrayed him. The thought of the Amulet came to her. What if he found out the truth? What if he suspected her?
On the other hand, maybe she was just paranoid. Maybe he told her this story for no particular reason, just like the other ones ha had told her. By the glint of amusement in his brown eyes she could tell that he had fun scaring her. Maybe that was the only reason - fun. How could he possibly know about her quest? It looked like she has been worried needlessly, overreacting.
Still, Rose was angry at Barty. She turned away from him.
"I'm not in the mood for your games. Let's go back," she said stiffly. Barty chuckled.
"Don't get angry, pet," he purred in her hair, hugging her tightly. "I can't help myself. I just love it when you're scared, vulnerable...seeking my protection. These are just silly, old stories. You're safe with me."
"I'm not your toy, Barty," the girl whispered back. "I am your wife, and you should treat me as such - with respect."
Crouch frowned. He held her at arm's length, examining her face. Rose wasn't going to back up. She looked at him with almost daring expression. After a moment of silence he spoke:
"Of course. If my lady doesn't want any ghost stories, then there will be none."
He grinned like a nutter and for a second Rose was more afraid of him than all castle's ghosts combined. Barty took her hand and led her out of the tower.
If Rose hadn't known him well, she would tell that he was acting strange. But she knew that with Barty, nothing was strange. One could expect from him nearly anything. The girl was glad that he didn't scold her for opposing him and decided not to push her luck any further. While they were walking down the path, away from the castle, she snuggled closer into his arm. He snorted.
"It's funny that you're afraid of ghosts, but not afraid of me. If one of them saw me, they'd probably die a second time, from a heart attack. Yet, here you are, clinging to me like I was some Prince Charming on a white horse."
"I'm not afraid of you," lied Rose, "because I know that you won't hurt me."
Barty stopped in his tracks. 'I wish it was true', the girl thought bitterly.
"Are you sure?" he asked, his tone low and menacing.
Rose looked him in the eyes, not blinking once before answering:
"Yes, I'm sure."
"And what makes you so certain? I've tortured girls like you. Even killed some."
She shuddered involuntarily.
"Because you like me," she said, trying to hide her fear and sound confident. "This trip, the music box, the necklace. I'm not so stupid as you seemed to think and I'm loyal, a trait you find very valuable. And I like you." Here her voice trembled a little, for she felt a sudden urge to say something different. She held back, though, and continued:
"Despite the fact that you're a Death Eater and that you were holding me against my will. You're not so bad when we're alone, without You-Know-Who or...or the Order..."
She felt tears welling in her eyes. For Merlin's sake, why she had to cry every time she spoke about her feelings?
"It's just that I'm not with you against my will anymore," she whispered, brushing the tears away. "And I know that I'm horrible for feeling this way, but I can't help it. I know that you won't hurt me, because I'll never give you a reason to do so. You're my only relative now, and I'm the only relative you have too."
For a moment she thought that he'd strangle her. His eyes were wide and he was flicking his tongue. That moment quickly passed, thought. Barty looked away and started to walk. He allowed her to hold his arm, so he wasn't angry. He seemed to be deep in thoughts, looking almost sad. For a thousandth time, Rose thought that she'd give everything to get to know his feelings. Barty was such a complicated being - in a second he could pass from joy to grief, from anger to tears, from heat to coldness. In a minute he'd lose his temper and throw a fit, and then he'd sit for hours, staring vacantly at wall, as if it held some image only he could see. A true madness.
When they arrived at home, Barty turned away from Rose and without a word started to exit the living room.
"Barty?" the girl asked. "What's the matter?"
He didn't give her an answer.
"Barty, come here," she said, forcing him to face her. "What's troubling you?"
She asked such question once and it ended very painfully for her. As soon as the words left her mouth she clasped a hand around it, staring at him with wide eyes, waiting for a blow.
Nothing of that sort happened, though.
Barty looked tired and sad.
"I want to be alone for a while," he murmured. "Leave me alone."
And with those words he went upstairs, locked himself in his study and didn't come down for supper. Soon both Winky and Rose could hear his screams and the sound of a table being smashed. The girl wanted to go in there and stop him, before he'll hurt himself, but she knew that it would be useless. Barty was capable of anything when furious, he could curse her or even kill her in a rage.
So she waited patiently for the storm to pass, sitting on a carpet in the hall, waiting for his doors to open. Winky tried to persuade her to go to her bedroom, with tears in her big eyes, but Rose wouldn't listen.
"He'll come around," she said to the house-elf, "I know what's best for him."
All in all it was a good day, despite of everything else. She had a chance to feel free for a while, to see other people. The trip was fine and she had a great time, overall. It seemed as her confession disturbed Barty, though and he was now feeling worse.
Rose wondered what was happening in his head right now. What thoughts had she awakened, to anger him so much? And he wasn't angry at her, otherwise she'd be Crucioed on the spot, back in the living room.
'The Amulet,' the girl thought 'I must find the blasted thing and get rid of it.'
An hour later, when it was already dark outside, Barty's doors had opened and he came out. His eyes were a little puffy but he seemed to be alright.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, noticing Rose.
"Waiting for you", she said, stifling a yawn. She was tired from all this walking today. He stared at her as if she was the one crazy, not the other way and got her up. They went to Rose's bedroom. Barty started to undress without saying anything, and Rose went to the bathroom to take a shower. When she came out, Barty was already in bed. She slid under the covers beside him and sighed happily when he hugged her to his chest, placing a kiss on her forehead. He purred some sweet words into her ear and soon they were making love, all tiredness forgotten. Barty lost his head completely, being demanding in his ways like always. Rose just surrendered to him, trying her best to let him know that she wanted to be near him-no comfort him.
Later, as they lied in the bed, Rose thought that maybe there was some hope for her husband. Maybe he wasn't as mad as one could think. She watched him as he stared at the canopy, stroking her hair absent mindedly.
'I wish I knew what he's thinking right now,' the girl thought and fell asleep.
Poor Rose. If she knew what was exactly going on in her dear husband's head, she'd die either from fear or grief.
