A/N: Hey!

Thanks for the reviews. I really appreciate all of them. I was actually kind of unsure about the whole Rabastan/Lee/Rodolphus pairing when I started writing thing but I'm glad you guys liked it.

Usual apologies

Disclaimer: See previous chapters

Charms.

Ron got to class relatively early, he went to class after leaving the hospital wing. His encounter with Blaise was still whirling around in his head and he… He needed a distraction. He needed to just stop thinking about the pregnancy and Blaise and everything, even if he had to focus on Flitwick's unending lectures to do it.

The professor was surprised to see Ron Weasley of all people actually early to class but he welcomed the teen inside. Telling him how he hoped that the redhead would continue with this good behaviour. Ron gave him a wry smile as he promised to try.

Neville walked in just a few moments later.

"Hey," The raven said sliding into the seat beside him, he lowered his voice as he glanced up nervously at the professor. "How'd it go?"

"How do you think?" Ron said dryly, fiddling with the edge of his charms book, Neville pursed his lips together.

"That bad?"

"No, not really." The redhead sighed, "It could've been worse. I guess I was just hoping for… something, anything to make this all feel better."

Neville nodded in understanding, "What did he say?"

"He didn't believe me at first. Dragged me to Pomfrey and she had to show him the baby on the ultrasound scan. Then he said he needed time to think."

"Well, that's not so bad."

"I know."

"Who knows, maybe all he needs is time to think." Neville said and Ron glanced up at him before looking away again, "I guess."

Neville gave his friend a sad smile before he changed the subject, asking Ron if he got around to starting on the DADA essay yet. He was trying to distract Ron, Ron appreciated it. For once dealing with school work seemed easier than dealing with the mess he'd found himself in. They chatted for a while. The classroom slowly started to fill up but Ron only barely noticed. It wasn't till Harry and Hermione walked in that he finally paid attention.

Harry looked right at him when he walked into the room, Hermione glanced up nervously at the bespectacled boy, tugging at his sleeve and Harry looked down at her for a brief moment. Neville fell silent from his ramblings when he noticed that Ron's attention had shifted and who it shifted to.

Hermione said something, still tugging at Harry's sleeve. The raven let out a soft sigh as he said something shortly before pulling out of her grasp to make his way over to Ron.

The redhead blinked in surprise but didn't move.

Harry stopped at the desk, tugged at his bag as he glanced between the two.

"Hey."

"Morning Harry." Neville said and Ron gave a forced smile and a nod.

"I-" he stopped took a deep breath, before he looked over to the raven beside him.

"Neville do you mind, I wanted to talk to Ron."

Neville blinked before he got up from his seat, "Oh right. I'll see you later."

"Sure." Ron said, not admitting that he'd rather have Neville sitting next to him. Earlier he thought he was ready to talk to Harry.

He was wrong.

Harry watched him move a few seats back before he slid into the vacant seat.

"I didn't see you at breakfast this morning." Harry said and Ron gave a slight shrug.

"I wasn't… I didn't really feel up to it."

Harry nodded, taking out his books to set on the desk before he took another deep breath. "Ron, about last night. I'm sorry I just walked out like that."

Ron paused, their situation was strange. Ron didn't think that there was really anything for Harry to be sorry about. If he was in the raven's position, he doesn't know how he'd react. He wasn't angry with Harry, but he needed to know-

"Why did you walk out like that?"

"I don't know." Harry raked a hand through his hair, "I was just shocked. I didn't even know that it was possible for a bloke to get… you know." The bespectacled Wizard said as he gestured to his friend, Ron resisted the urge to flinch, "And then, I found out the only way for that to happen was for you to, you know, with another man, I just-"

"Freaked out at the prospect of being friends with a poofter?" Ron couldn't keep the accusing tone out of his voice, Harry's eyes went wide.

"No that's not what I meant, I just, I always thought…" Harry let out a sigh of frustration, "After Lavender and you're always talking about Hermione. I thought you were straight. I didn't know you were like me." Harry said the last part quietly and Ron's eyes went wide.

"Oh."

Harry started to blush, ducking his head down a bit, "It was a shock and I just needed time to process it."

It occurred to Ron exactly what the consensus was on same sex relationships in the muggle world and since Harry was raised by muggles his behaviour now kind of made sense. Then he remembered what Blaise said before he left the infirmary.

'I need time to think'

The redhead let out sigh, "I get it and… I'm not angry with you Harry I'm just overwhelmed."

Harry gave a snort, "I can imagine."

Ron laughed and Harry moved closer to the redhead, "So what did Pomfrey say, after I left?"

"Not much, she gave me this book about pregnancies. I have to go back and see her in a few weeks to get a check-up."

"Have you decided on what you're going to do about the baby?"

Ron paused, "No."

"Well there's still time to decide right?"

"Yeah," Ron shook his head, "That's if Mum lets me live long enough to see the baby being born."

Harry gave a snort, "You haven't told them yet?"

"No, but madame Pomfrey said that Dumbledore would be informing them soon."

"It might not be so bad; your mom loves kids."

"I'm not sure how she'll feel about me having a kid in school."

"I see the problem." Harry said before he shifted in his seat a bit awkwardly, "Have you told the father yet?"

Ron tensed and looked over to his best friend. "Yes."

Harry stared back at him, "Is it Neville?"

Ron's eyes went wide, "What – no of course not, why would you-"

"I saw you two, in the bathroom this morning and, you seemed so close just now. I just can't see who else it would be-"

"It's not Neville! Neville was just helping out that's it."

"Alright, Alright I get it." Harry said lifting his hands in surrender. Ron folded his arms across his chest with a huff, "If its isn't Neville then who is it?"

"I… I can't tell you."

"Why-"

"But I will, just not yet." Ron turned in his seat to face the other, "I just… he didn't exactly take it well when I told him and I want to make sure things are O.K before I say too much."

"He didn't take it well?" Harry frowned and Ron sighed, raking a hand through his hair.

"He freaked out because I didn't tell him I was a carrier-"

"But you didn't know you were a carrier."

"I told him that, he just shut down on me and told me he needed time to think." Ron sighed again turning back to slump over his desk. "Merlin, this is all such a mess."

"It'll be alright, like you said last night you don't need him. I'm sure Molly will settle into the idea once you explain and-" Harry paused to put wrap his arm around the redhead's shoulders and leaned in towards him, "You have me. It'll be fine."

Ron looked up at the other and gave a smile, "Thanks mate."

He really doesn't deserve friends like this.

Speaking of friends-

"How does Hermione feel about all this."

Harry paused, "She's shocked I think."

"You think?"

The raven paused staring back at his friend like he wanted to say something but thought better of it, "I think it would be best if you talked to her yourself."

Ron frowned before just shaking his head, "I guess."

"Here." Harry started pulling away from the redhead to reach into his robes and pulled out a napkin and opened it up to reveal a blueberry muffin inside, "You didn't show for breakfast and you're eating for two now, right?"

"Actually, Neville and I ate in the dorms."

"Oh."

"But when have I ever said no to food." The redhead said taking the muffin with a soft smile, "Thank you Harry."

Harry smiled back, Flitwick spoke up just then to start the class. It went quietly enough. After class Hermione came up to them just before they were about to leave, she apologised for leaving so suddenly, Ron made it clear that there wasn't really anything to apologise for before the bushy haired girl started rattling off every pregnancy book in the library that she knew of. Ron gave a snort at her behaviour as they walked down the crowded halls to their next class, Neville tagged along. Harry was oddly quiet.

"Hey." Ron started, nudging his friend's arm as they lagged behind Hermione a little. "What's wrong?"

Harry blinked, "Nothing, nothing's wrong."

"You're just so quiet."

Harry shook his head, dragging a hand through his hair, "It's nothing really. You know I never asked, what did Pomfrey say about quidditch? Can you still play?"

Ron wanted to frown at the sudden change in topic but decided to just shrug instead, "Absolutely not allowed, at least not until the baby's born."

"So, you won't be playing the rematch then." Harry sighed, "It's alright, there's always next year, right?"

Ron groaned in despair, "This is so unfair."

Harry gave a snort.

"What're you two whispering about?"

The two teens looked up an found Hermione frowning at them.

"We're going to be late if you don't hurry."

Ron shook his head, "Of course, because Binns ever notices when someone is late for his class when he's babbling on about the goblin wars."

Hermione gave the redhead a stern look, "Just because we can be late, doesn't mean we should be, now c'mon."

Ron rolled his eyes, "Alright," He looked down at Harry and couldn't help but frown at the look on the raven's face.

"Harry are you sure-"

"I'm fine, let's just go." The redhead gave a grunt of surprise when Harry grabbed his wrist and pulled him along, walking right past Hermione, who'd turned her attention to Neville as they walked along the halls.

Other than Harry's strange behaviour, the day was relatively quiet and things almost felt normal again. That is until they got to potions. Somehow Ron managed to forget that they shared the class with Slytherin, he managed to forget that he'd see Blaise later that day. He tried not to let on how nervous he felt and for the most part it worked, though Neville glanced over to him in concern just after they took their seats in the class. He'd taken to chatting with Harry about who they should put in as the quidditch keeper, purposefully keeping his gaze away from the door.

He still noticed when Blaise arrived. If it wasn't because of the eyes he felt lock onto him then definitely because of Malfoy making snide comments while his other minions snickered around him.

"That's enough chatter."

Ron's never thought he'd ever be happy to hear his potions professors bored drawl.

Snape walked over to the blackboard, barely even pausing before he started the class.

"Turn to page 53 in your books, today we'll be reviewing potions ingredients that can be harvested from dragons, unicorns and similar magical creatures, and their different properties when used in potion making- Yes, Miss Granger."

Snape said turning his gaze on the girl sitting in the front row who'd raised her hand.

"But professor, aren't we supposed to be brewing a new potion today?"

"We were and now we're not." Snape said simply and Hermione frowned.

"But sir-"

"Miss Granger, am I to believe that you wish to tell me how I should teach my class?"

"Of course, not sir."

"Then I suggest you lower your hand and keep your mouth shut."

Hermione flushed, the class broke out in quiet snickers only for Snape to give them all a sharp look and they immediately went silent. Ron glared, almost unbelieving that this snarky prat is the same man that had spoken to him so calmly and made him feel better when he felt so lost just this morning. But he couldn't focus on that for too long. He could still feel those eyes burning holes into the back of his head, all through class and it took everything he had not to look back and match that gaze. Instead he focused on actually making notes for potions for the first time since he even started at Hogwarts.

Harry nudged his arm halfway through class, scribbling a message on a piece of parchment and sliding it over to the redhead beside him.

'Since when do you take notes'

Ron gave a snort, 'I'm trying to be a good influence on you mate. Merlin knows you need it'

Harry rolled his eyes, 'Sure, because between the two of us I'm the one failing potions'

They reached the end of the class, Ron picked up his books and made to follow Harry and the others out when-

"Mr Weasley. A word." Snape said and the redhead stopped dead in his tracks.

Harry frowned in concern. "What does Snape want to talk about?"

"We'll be right outside." Neville said giving Harry a nudge and the raven's frown deepened.

"But-"

"It'll be fine." Ron said with a soft smile and watched as his friends reluctantly left the classroom, he just barely noticed Blaise slide passed him to leave the room. He felt something being slipped into his pocket and caught the Slytherin's gaze just as he walked out the door. Only to blink when the door moved to shut and he heard the lock slip into place. Looking back, he found Snape sitting at his desk just as he set his wand down on the table.

"I see you've told him."

"How-"

"I'm not sure I've ever seen Zabini so distracted in my class before."

Ron huffed out a sigh as he walked over to stand at the desk, "You had something to discuss sir."

Snape arched a brow at the teen before simply bringing his hands together to set on his desk as he spoke, "I'm not sure if Poppy's told you but because of your, condition there are certain potions you just won't be allowed to brew and certain ingredients you wouldn't be allowed to touch. It would be too dangerous for the foetus."

Ron blinked, suddenly realising that that was the reason for the sudden change in lesson plan for the day, "Oh. Right."

"You're excused from class during practical sessions. You'll give in hand written assignments and schedule a few extra tests so you can make up the grade. Understood?"

"Yes sir."

Snape nodded, "Did you take the potions I gave you?"

"Yes."

"Once you're both ready I want you and Zabini to come to my office so I can get some samples to make new potions. Once that's done with any lingering morning sickness should dissipate completely." The potions master explained before nodding to the door, "That's it for now Mr Weasley. You're excused."

Ron nodded, turned around to leave only to pause.

"Did he talk to you about it?"

"Did who talk to me about what?"

"Blaise," The redhead started taking a deep breath before he spoke, "Did he say anything about-"

Snape stared back at him with those soul crushing eyes, though Ron could almost see the man's lips pulling ever so slightly into a barely concealed smirk.

"He asked to use my floo."

"He didn't say anything about-"

"Mr Weasley as much as I'd love to involve myself in this train wreck you're currently on. No, I haven't spoken to him about any of this."

Ron rolled his eyes.

"As the Slytherin head of house each and every single one of the students in my house knows that they can speak with me about anything they feel the need to talk about, whenever they feel its necessary. If Mr Zabini wants to talk to me then he will."

Ron paused as he stared back at the man, unsure of what to make of him. Professor Severus Snape was notoriously difficult to deal with so Ron didn't think he was really supposed to know what to make of him. All the same, the redhead bit his bottom lip before turning back and stopping in front of the professor's desk.

"Professor can I ask you something?"

Snape raised an eyebrow at him, "I'm not sure if you can, but if you have a question to ask then you may."

And now his grammar is being corrected.

Ron resisted the urge to glare. He took a deep breath.

"If you were me, what would you do… about the baby?"

Snape blinked before he leaned back in his seat, "I don't think I'd ever allow myself to end up in a predicament like yours Mr Weasley, but if by some miracle I had somehow found myself pregnant at the age of sixteen I think I'd give the child up for adoption."

Ron almost took a step back, the man continued, "Like I told you before, a child isn't a toy and my… living conditions weren't conducive to having a child and keeping it."

"Oh, I see." The redhead said softly, Snape seemed to let out a soft breath as he leaned forward on the desk and braced his elbows on the surface. "However, I did not have the same support that you may potentially have. Tell me: do you believe that your family loves you?"

Ron blinked before nodding, "Yes."

"Do you believe that your friends will support you?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to be a father?"

The redhead paused, "Yes."

Snape took in a deep breath, "If I were you, then I would probably want to keep the child. Regardless of whatever the other father in the equation felt. However, this isn't a decision that I or anyone else should be able to make for you Mr Weasley. It's a question you need to answer yourself. Do you want to keep the child or are you willing to let it go?"

Ron took in a deep shuddering breath as he leaned back against one of the desks behind him, "I'm afraid."

"You're human. Fear is like anger, two very misunderstood emotions. People like to think that fear is bad, but it's a very natural reaction to a new experience or an unknown threat. One never really stops being afraid you simply push through it and learn to adapt around it. Anger is seen as a bad emotion as well, but anger and rage its an emotion of passion. It only really becomes a problem if you let rage overrule you." Snape seemed to shake his head eve so slightly, "There's nothing wrong with being afraid. Fear is like pain, it lets you know you're still alive and sane. What you need to ask yourself is why you're afraid."

"My mother for one thing."

Snape scoffed at the redhead's words, "I'm sure."

"Going through all of this alone is another." Ron admitted quietly and Snape paused. "Do you think you're going to go through this alone?"

"Maybe."

"And what if you did go through it alone? Would you want to give the child away?"

"I don't think I could afford to keep her."

"But would you want to keep it?"

Ron nodded his head. Snape took in a silent breath.

"There's a lot to consider and like I said before, there's still time to decide. But I'd like to offer you a bit of advice; encourage a bit of, Slytherin ambition, if I may," The professor leaned back and Ron could almost see the slightest hint of a smile playing on his lips. "If you want something, if you truly desire it, do whatever it takes to keep it and never let it go."

The redhead looked away hands clenching and unclenching at his sides for a brief moment when the professor spoke again.

"Now, unless you have anything else to ask."

"Oh right." Ron flushed and gave a wry smile before he turned to leave the room.

"Thank you, professor."

"Out." Was all that Snape said as he immediately brought his attention to a set of books near the edge of the table. Ron couldn't help but scoff as he walked out of the room. He was almost surprised to find Harry standing outside the room and for a moment he almost panicked at the thought that the raven may have heard the conversation.

"Wh-Where's Neville?"

"He headed up to the tower." Harry said stepping forward, "What did Snape want?"

"He just, wanted to talk about some of my essays that's all. Schedule extra tutoring."

Harry frowned, "Since when does Snape tutor private lessons?"

Ron gave a shrug, "Since I failed my last essay. C'mon, its almost dinner time and I'm starving. And I have to eat if I'm going to take my potions."

The raven nodded though he couldn't keep the frown off his face, "Right."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"You didn't come yesterday."

He didn't.

Lee needed some time to compose himself, go over his notes and try to get a handle on the information he was being given, remind himself on what he was supposed to be doing. He was learning more than he thought he would. His mind was filling with so many questions that he could barely think of anything else it didn't help that Rabastan Lestrange was so… striking.

He's dangerous, Lee didn't doubt that for a second. On one level he's scared of the wizard and understandably so. He'd have to be an idiot not to be at least the slightest bit weary of the man, but at the same time something about him was oddly-

Lee needed some time away, so he went into the office. Went over his notes and did a bit of research on Rabastan Lestrange to prepare for the next interview instead. He didn't want to be caught off guard again.

Lee looked up at the man, he was free of his restraints. The warden hadn't been happy when he was told that the young wizard had asked for the prisoner to be allowed to move freely in the room. Lee explained that he needed Lestrange comfortable if he was going to get the answers he needed and assured him that everything was fine.

"The security measures you have here in Azkaban are really quite impressive, I didn't feel unsafe not even for a second."

So, the warden gave in and agreed to have the restraints off when Lee went inside but made sure to remind Lee to speak up if he needed anything.

"Did you miss me?" Lee asked and Rabastan's head gave a tilt.

"I thought I finally managed to scare you away."

"I don't see what I'd have to be scared of."

The older man gave a soft scoff, "Still so much spirit, little mudblood."

"I thought that's your favourite kind. I'd hate to disappoint you." Lee said raising a brow at the other and Rabastan chuckled as he got up from his seat and started walking around again. Lee took in a deep breath, reminded himself to stay calm.

"Shall we get started?" the older man didn't respond Lee took that as his cue.

"Tell me about your childhood."

Rabastan paused, "You don't want to ask me about the Dark Lord or the Longbottoms?"

"There'll be more time for that some other time." Lee said simply briefly glancing up from his notebook, "Right now I want to know about your childhood."

"I don't see how that's relevant."

"I thought it pertinent to get some background information."

"You thought it pertinent." Rabastan repeated, "My childhood was fine. My brother and I were raised in the same way as every other heir to a pureblood household."

"And your brother, what was your relationship like with him?"

"Fine."

"Just fine?"

"Do you have siblings?"

"No."

"An only child," Rabastan paused, "How simple it would be to make you disappear."

Lee paused at that, glanced up at the man before looking away, "Not as simple as you think."

Rabastan looked away as he started moving again, "Our relationship was fine."

"How did your parents feel about you taking the mark at fourteen? Did they know?"

"They knew. They were proud."

"And your brother?"

The older man paused, "Rodolphus didn't have much of an opinion on that."

"He didn't?"

"Not that I know of. You'd have to ask him if he felt differently. Though I wouldn't recommend it."

Lee paused, "Why not?"

Rabastan turned and walked back to the table, leaning against it as he spoke, "The fact that he's an evil Death Eater isn't enough for you?"

"How is he any different from you?"

The older man's eyes narrowed down ever so slightly, "Rodolphus isn't half as kind as I am."

Lee couldn't help but let out a snort, "I can imagine."

Rabastan's head gave a tilt, "Are you going to talk to him?"

"Maybe."

The older man stared at him for a moment before abruptly turning around to start pacing again.

Lee looked down at his notes, "You said that your first mission for he-who-must-not-be-named you went with your brother. Did you always go with him on missions?"

"No. It depended on what the Dark Lord ordered."

"Were you ever ordered to act against other Death eaters?"

"Disobedience within the order was punished under the Dark Lord's supervision." Rabastan explained simply as he kept pacing and Lee's head gave a tilt, "Were you ever punished?"

The older man paused, "Yes."

"What for?"

Rabastan looked at the boy, "Why do you want to meet Rodolphus?"

Lee blinked at the sudden change in topic and let out a sigh, "You haven't given me a reason as for why I shouldn't."

He could see the older man's jaw clench.

"I was punished for disobedience."

And there we go again.

Honestly, you could get whiplash with all this topic changing, Lee almost felt used to it at that point so he simply made a note on his book, "Disobedience concerning what exactly?"

Rabastan let out a soft scoff as he turned back to the table, "Why does it matter? I thought you were asking me about my childhood because you thought it pertinent to do so."

"I have my reasons for asking."

"What reasons are those?"

Lee looked up at the man and forced himself to look right into those dark eyes, "How your relationship with your brother changed after you joined the Death Eaters."

Rabastan's head gave a tilt and his lips pulled down ever so slightly, as the boy continued. "Rumours say that punishments sometimes involve other Death Eaters."

"And?"

"Was Rodolphus there when you were punished for your disobedience? Did he take part or did he just watch?" Lee asked still not looking away for a moment and Rabastan started to smile.

"Would you like to know what was done to me?" the convict walked closer and stopped right next to him at the table, "Want me to show you?" And then he reached out to touch the boy's cheek, Lee fought back hard against the urge to flinch away as Rabastan spoke softly, "Bring me a wand, and I'll show you."

Lee swallowed hard, "Yes, because I'm stupid enough to bring a dangerous Death Eater a wand in Azkaban."

"I suppose there'll be time for that later." Rabastan let out an almost wistful sigh, "No siblings, muggles for parents and no one in your family knows about magic. How long do you think it would take before someone noticed you were missing?"

Lee's eyes narrowed down ever so slightly, "Not long."

Rabastan smirked but didn't pull his hand away, only let it drift up the side of the boy's face. Lee could barely feel it, the whispers of air moving across his skin. But the phantom touches made what was already a tense situation feel distinctly more intense. He almost missed it when Rabastan started talking again.

"I was being punished because I failed to complete an order."

"And what were you ordered to do?"

"Punish another Death Eater."

Lee looked up and right into the older man's eyes, "Your brother?"

Rabastan gave a soft snort but didn't look away from where he was touching Lee. "I owed him. I did something I shouldn't have and Rodolphus found out but he didn't tell anyone. So, when he disobeyed and was discovered I couldn't… execute punishment over him."

"And you were punished instead?" Lee said swallowing hard as he spoke still not looking away.

"Something like that."

Lee finally looked down to his note pad, ignoring the faint touches against his cheek. He really shouldn't be allowing this kind of contact, but he was afraid of the older man suddenly closing off to him. So he allowed it, "You said you did something you shouldn't have, what was it?"

"There was this… boy, in Chelsea." Lee tensed when the phantom touch moved from his cheek and slowly down to his neck, "So much spirit. I wasn't even sure what I wanted to do with him at first, I just wanted to watch him." Rabastan got up from his seat on the table, but didn't pull his hand away as he walked around to stand behind him. "But I stayed too long and I ended up going too far."

"What did you do?"

Lee's eyes widened and he couldn't help but let out a startled gasp when Rabastan's face was right beside his own, he heard the deep intake of breath against his skin, the hand on his cheek moved down to his neck.

"You smell like apples."

Lee just blinked. Somehow that simple comment sounded odd coming from the convict. It was said so softly, Lee wasn't sure how to react.

"What?"

Rabastan chuckled, pulled away and walked around to start pacing in front of him again. "I was supposed to kill him."

"Kill who?"

Rabastan looked at Lee with his head cocked a little to the side. Lee wanted to facepalm when it hit him.

"Right." The boy said softly and Rabastan let out a snort. Lee tried to pull himself together, "Why didn't you?"

"I don't throw away my toys unless I'm done playing with them."

Lee looked up at the older man, "What did you do with him?"

Rabastan smirked, leaned in towards the boy, "If you brought me a wand then I could show you."

Lee sighed, shaking his head, feeling exhausted with the games, when a thought suddenly came to mind, "Did he smell like apples too?"

Rabastan paused, "No. To answer your other question, Rodolphus was there during my punishment."

"And you weren't angry that your older brother just watched as you were tortured?"

"What's there to be angry about? I know my place and he knows his. We must all make sacrifices for the greater good."

Lee almost flinched at that, it sounded so similar to something that headmaster Dumbledore would say.

Just then the door opened.

"Times up." The guard said and Lee let out a soft sigh as he started to pick up his things. He got up from his seat, walked over to the door when-

"Give Rodolphus my regards."

Lee paused and looked back to the man who was back to sitting in his seat and frowned.

"I never said I was-"

"But you will." Rabastan interrupted and Lee could do nothing more than stare as he found himself in that dark intense stare, suddenly seeming to be devoid of all life.

He forced himself to look away and swallowed hard.

"Good bye Lord Lestrange."

"Mr Jordan."

Lee left the room the door was shut behind him with a loud clack and he was led away. And something heavy and foreboding settled into his stomach.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It took some doing to get away from his friends but he managed. Of course, he's happy that he managed to make up with his best friend, he's grateful that he and Harry could talk it out but he wasn't quite ready to tell Harry everything about his situation just yet. So when he got the note from Blaise, he waited till after dinner before he made up an excuse about seeing Pomfrey about the baby.

Harry was sweet. He volunteered to go with him, Ron felt terrible for lying but he really isn't ready to talk about Blaise yet. He insisted that it was something he'd rather do alone since it was a bit personal and left.

Blaise said to meet in Snape's class. How the Italian managed to get the potions master to let him use the room is beyond him. He walked into the class and found Blaise sitting at one of the desks at the front of the class, staring blankly in front of him with his hands wringing in front of him.

Ron took a deep breath and walked in to stand in front of the other.

Blaise jumped letting out a soft sigh, Ron's head gave a tilt.

"Surprised to see me?"

Blaise shook his head, "Not exactly."

It was quiet for a moment, the Slytherin dragged a hand over his head before looking up to give Ron a wry smile.

"So, is it a boy or a girl?"

Ron shrugged, "Too soon to tell."

"It's just so… " He took a deep breath, "I'm sorry for earlier. You just caught me by surprise."

"You don't say." Ron said sarcastically with a roll of his eyes and Blaise did the same. "Lay off alright, I've never gotten anyone pregnant before. This is all new for me."

"And it's not for me?"

"That's not what I'm saying." Blaise let out a heavy sigh, "I just, I don't think it's really all settled in yet." Blaise then looked up at the red head, "I asked professor Snape if I could use his floo to call my mother."

Ron's eyes went wide, "You told your mother?"

"You didn't tell yours?" Blaise asked with a frown and Ron looked away, the Slytherin shook his head, "She's livid by the way."

Ron let out a heavy sigh, "Of course she is."

He expected as much. Ron walked over to sit in the seat beside him, he could feel Blaise's eyes on him but he didn't care.

Merlin how is he supposed to tell Molly? Dumbledore said he'd be telling his parents later that day. Blaise already went and told his mother. It would be better if Ron told Molly and Arthur himself. But he couldn't face his parents, not yet.

"She keeps asking why I'd jump into bed with a carrier in the first place."

"I didn't know!"

Blaise looked at the redhead before letting out a sight, "I believe you. My mother not so much. She's convinced that you must be some gold-digging whore out to steal the family fortune."

Ron rolled his eyes, "Of course she does. And you don't?"

Blaise smirked, "There are too many variables for you to have considered to pull off a con like that. No offence, but I've seen you explode at Draco's taunts enough times that I don't think you're capable of that level of patience and detailed planning."

Ron glared, "You mean I'm not Slytherin enough to try to do something like that."

"Yes, actually." Blaise said and Ron couldn't help but scoff. The Italian looked up at the board at the front of the class, Ron took a deep breath.

"Madame Pomfrey said it's too risky for me to try and get rid of it." Ron felt the Slytherin tense tremendously beside him, but he pushed on, "The only other options I have are to either keep it or give it away for adoption."

Blaise's jaw clenched, Ron could see the way the muscles moved under his skin, "What do you want to do?"

The red head looked away, "I want to keep it." Ron paused to get his thoughts together, "You don't have to-"

Ron was cut off when the Slytherin suddenly grasped his chin to turn it towards him and gave him a deep kiss. Ron's eyes widened in surprise and before he could think to react Blaise broke it.

"Good, no child of mine is living without their parents."

Ron blinked for a moment stunned silent, he licked his lips swallowed hard, "So you want to be in her life?"

Blaise arched a brow at the red head, "I thought you said you didn't know the gender yet."

Ron flushed, "I don't I just… never mind… Wait, what would you have done if I said I wanted to give it up for adoption?"

Blaise took a deep breath as he sat back, "It's my child too, if you wanted nothing to do with it then you wouldn't have to. She'd be born a Zabini and she'd be raised a Zabini."

"She?"

Blaise gave him a soft smile, "I wouldn't mind having a daughter either."

Ron felt himself flush, he looked away for a brief moment he felt a spark of anger at the notion that he wouldn't want to be a part of the baby's life, "What does this mean for us?"

"What do you want it to mean? I meant what I said that night, you don't look too bad." Ron rolled his eyes as the Italian continued, "We've gotten this far, why not try going further."

"I'm pregnant, how much further could we go?" Ron asked and Blaise laughed, "I meant we could try dating, if you like. We're going to be parents soon, I don't really know that much about you. It might be good to have an actual relationship."

"What about Malfoy and the others?"

"What about Malfoy and the others?"

"Won't they be less than pleased to find out that you're dating a Weasel?"

Blaise looked at the red head looking right into his eyes as he spoke, "Draco doesn't control my life and he certainly doesn't control who I choose to associate with. None of them do. In this life there is just one thing you need to learn, I'm a Slytherin and Slytherin always get what they want."

Ron rolled his eyes again as the other continued, "I've always wanted children, no one's going to get in the way of me having a relationship with them."

The redhead paused and looked away, "So what now?"

Blaise paused before wrapping his arm around the redhead's shoulders, Ron tensed at the initial touch but didn't pull away, he only watched the teen beside him. "Now, we wait for mother to arrive."

Ron groaned and let himself slump into the Slytherin's shoulder, "Merlin."

Blaise nodded, "Yes, Merlin help us all."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rabastan was right.

It took some doing but he managed to get the warden to let him speak with Rodolphus.

"There's some information his brother gave me that I need to confirm. I just need a few minutes I swear."

Unlike Rabastan, Lee wouldn't be allowed to speak with him in a room. No no, the older Lestrange was much too dangerous for that. Lee would be taken to his cell and they could conduct his interview with a solid set of prison bars separating them, with the addition of Azkaban security magic just in case.

It was dark, Lee could barely see more than a few feet in front of him as the guards led him through the halls. They stopped in front of a cell stepped back away from the cell and one of the guards gestured towards the cell.

"Lestrange! You have a guest."

A figure stirred in the dark shadows of the confinement and slowly rose before moving closer to the bars. The dim lighting from the torches that lit up the hall just barely made the man's outline visible as he leaned against the barrier with his hands hanging through the bars. He didn't say a word. Lee cleared his throat and took a step forward.

"Rodolphus Lestrange? My name is Lee Jordan, I work for the Evening Howler-"

"Jordan, so you're the little muggle born that my brother's become so obsessed with." The dark figure said, piercing green eyes flashing in the light as the deep steady voice spoke catching Lee off guard for a brief moment.

"How do you-"

"Does it really matter how I know?"

Lee took a deep breath, "I was hoping to ask you a few questions, lord Lestrange."

A dark chuckle practically vibrated off the walls around him, and Lee swallowed hard as the man spoke, "Lord Lestrange. Is that what you call Rabastan?"

"Am I supposed to refer to him in some other way?"

"It certainly explains a lot." Rodolphus said, the boy could see him turn his head as if glancing off to the side and Lee frowned wondering exactly what that explained before glancing down to his notepad to pull his thoughts together.

"Lord Lestrange-"

"My name is Rodolphus, that's what you call me. Lee."

A shiver ran down his spine, Lee frowned. "I prefer Mr Jordan."

"I prefer master."

"And I'd prefer it if you kissed my arse but we can't all have what we want."

The guards stirred uneasily when Rodolphus let out a startled laugh at the young man's retort, Lee ignored it took a deep breath.

Calm down, get back on topic.

"I wanted to ask you a few questions about events that occurred during your time serving he-who-must-not-be-named."

"Do you now." The man said staring right at the younger man, "Come closer, boy."

Lee paused, "Why?"

"I can't see you when you're standing all the way over there. If I'm going to answer your questions, I think it's only fair that I at least get to see what you look like."

Lee frowned but stepped forward anyway. He could feel the guards tense behind him.

"It's fine." He said quietly stopping just a foot away from the cell, just far enough so he was out of Lestrange's reach.

"There. Happy?"

Rodolphus leaned forward and his face became more visible, his hair was long and shaggy, greasy and stringy as it fell around his face, his beard long and scraggly. Lee frowned briefly. Rabastan didn't look like this.

"Interesting." The man's head gave a tilt, "What do you want to know?"

Lee arched a brow, "You seem slightly more cooperative than your brother."

"Rabastan likes to pay games."

"You don't?"

"These aren't the kinds of games I like to play."

Something in Rodolphus' tone made Lee pause and he was caught off guard at the intensity of the look, he felt his face flush ever so slightly.

"Uhm," Lee cleared his throat as he looked down at his notes, "How old were you when you took the dark mark?"

"Sixteen."

"Two years older than your brother?"

"Rabastan's always been precocious."

"So you weren't competing?"

Rodolphus' head gave a tilt, "For what?"

"To find favour with he-who-should-not-be-named? Approval from your parents?"

The inmate chuckled, "Neither of those are things either of us felt the need to compete over." Rodolphus took in a deep breath, "Our parents were fair and the Dark Lord wasn't so easily impressed."

"I see," Lee paused, "What was your relationship like with your parents?"

"Fine."

"Really?"

"Did you expect a different answer? Did you expect me to say that we were being abused or neglected and that's why we chose to join the Dark Lord? That either Rabastan or I suffered some sort of childhood trauma that led us to the conclusion that becoming Death Eaters would allow us to save ourselves from some wretched existence?" Rodolphus scoffed, "Our parents made sure we had all that we needed and wanted. Joining the Dark Lord had very little to do with any trauma that was inflicted on us."

"But your parents were an influence in that decision, weren't they? The Lestranges always been loyal to he-who-must-not-be-named." Lee asked with a tilt of his head, "Your wife said as much during your sentencing at the Longbottom trial."

"Lestranges have always been loyal to the Dark Lord." Rodolphus seemed to smirk, "The right question to ask now is why."

"Fine, why were you loyal to he who must not be named?"

"The Dark Lord wishes to bring order to the wizarding world. He wants to bring peace and structure to the society."

"By exterminating all of those he deems unworthy?" Lee said with a little more bite in his voice than he'd intended the other man's head gave a tilt.

"Yes."

"How noble." The teen mumbled under his breath as he made a few notes on his notepad and Rodolphus chuckled.

"The intention was only to remove muggles from the wizarding society, prevent them from becoming a threat to our way of life. If a war could have been avoided, then he would have avoided it."

"And this is what you believe?"

"Yes."

Lee didn't say anything to that. he was trying to avoid making the same mistakes that he made with Rabastan, he isn't supposed to give his opinions on anything, just ask questions. He made a mistake with Rabastan, he let the older man in, let the Death Eater question him. Rabastan was starting to crawl under his skin, Lee could feel it happening though he refused to acknowledge it. He just needs to get more control over himself, stay on track and stop letting Rabastan get to him.

He's already given Rodolphus one outburst too many, he needs to stay focused.

"Suffice it to say that your parents approved of you becoming Death Eaters?"

"Yes."

"And what about you?"

"What about me?"

"How did you feel about your brother taking the dark mark?"

Rodolphus seemed to give a slight shrug, "Like you said, the Lestranges have always been faithful to the Dark Lord. I expected him to get the mark sooner or later. He simply chose to get it sooner."

"You had no opinion on it? You didn't care that he would be entering into the service of he-who-must-not-be-named so young?"

"Whether I approved or not he would have joined regardless."

"Rumours have it that Death Eaters are punished within the order. Rabastan made mention of one incident in which he was punished. What did you think of him joining he-who-must-not-be-named then?"

"When you become a Death Eater, you're made aware of the risks and punishments that you may be subjected to. Rabastan knew what he was signing up for." And then the older man let his head rest against the bars tilting his head to the side, "Do you know the Dark Lord's name?"

Lee blinked, "What?"

"The Dark Lord, do you know his name?"

"Yes."

"Then why don't you use it? You keep saying he-who-must-not-be-named, why? Are you afraid?"

The teen took in a deep breath, "Why do you only refer to him as the Dark Lord?"

"It's a sign of respect. But you, you're a muggle born child, a Gryffindor I assume. No doubt a supporter of the light. Why not just say his name? Are you afraid?"

"Afraid of what?"

"You tell me."

Lee's eyes narrowed down ever so slightly, "I-"

"Is it the same reason why you won't say my name? It's the familiarity, isn't it?" Rodolphus said simply, not blinking once, "To name a thing is to acknowledge its existence, almost like giving life to your deepest darkest fears or desires. Without a name it loses significance, it becomes forgettable."

"Is it wrong for me to want to avoid too much familiarity with a Death Eater?" Lee asked and Rodolphus paused, "It begs the question as to why you would want to avoid familiarity. Afraid you'll find something you might like, Lee?"

Lee tensed at the sound of his name but still managed to scoff, "I don't see how that would be possible."

Rodolphus smirked, "Is there anything else you'd like to ask me?"

Lee looked down at his notes, brushed back a dread lock that fell over his face, "Just one; concerning the reason for your incarceration."

"The Longbottoms." Rodolphus said letting his head tilt the other way. "The details of what happened to them are public record."

"In his testimony, Bartimaeus Crouch Jnr claimed innocence concerning the events of that night."

"And you want to know if he was telling the truth? Barty was there, he did what he was order to do."

"Are you saying that Crouch Junior was lying?" Rodolphus kept his eyes on the teen.

"If I remember correctly Barty was sentenced due to his participation in the Longbottoms torture."

"Is that a yes?"

"Words can be such delicate little things, they can mean so much and at the same time mean so little."

Lee let out a frustrated sigh, "I thought you said you didn't like games."

"I also said I wanted you to call me by my name, but of course we can't all have what we want."

Lee glared at the older man when-

"Times up." One of the guards suddenly said and Lee looked back at the man that spoke, mouth opening and closing. He hardly got any of the answers he was looking for.

"What a pity, I suppose you'll have to come back, won't you Lee." Rodolphus suddenly said with a smirk and Lee glared hard.

"I wouldn't count on it, Lord Lestrange."

Rodolphus chuckled but didn't look away as the teen turned and followed the guards as he was led away. Not that Lee had much of a choice as he was dragged along and that's when he noticed how much colder it had suddenly gotten, the halls looked darker. The boy frowned as he was taken away.

A/N: So up until this point I haven't really gone into the dementors or what they're doing during Lee's visits. I wanted to make it clear that the dementors aren't absent in this story, I just wanted to write Azkaban in a way that made more sense. I mean, the books and movies make no mention of any human personal on Azkaban. When they talk about guards it's always in reference to the dementors but I'm sorry that doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. I mean, who's bringing the prisoners food? Who's taking the bodies out and burying them in the cemetery once they die. Sirius and the Lestranges were in Azkaban for years so they must've been eating something. Were there elves in Azkaban, because I honestly can't see dementors bringing their captives food or even bothering with taking the bodies out and burying them once they'd been sucked dry. Plus, there's mention of that one minister who visited Azkaban and wanted to change the harsh conditions in the prison. How did he get in and out without being harmed by the dementors, or prisoners if there really were no other people there? And if the dementors really were the only guards on the prison then I feel like a lot more people should've managed to escape. I mean, who was even blowing the whistle whenever there was a prison break anyway. There had to have been some kind of human presence somewhere around the prison so I just kind of made up a few rules for Azkaban so it would seem more plausible and my brain would stop getting stuck.

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