A/N: I'm sorry, this was supposed to be up last night but in a turn of angered events, I broke my phone so I couldn't finish the chapter until now, using my daughter's phone. And I have to say that I love that people give up before everything starts becoming less of a leaky faucet and more of an unraveling rug. But, hey, I warn people almost every chapter that I'm slowly bringing it into focus and the Leaky faucet bit was necessary for that. I mean, I wouldn't have over a hundred followers and favorites to this story if it was total shit, would I? And a fucking community posting?! You guys are the best, seriously. Now onto today's show which isn't really too much but hey, new characters!
Chapter Fourteen
Unseen Meddling
Two Days Later, Grimmauld Place..
Nick waved his wand to ensure the wards were fully up as the snow fell upon the ground. Shrugging his coat further onto his shoulders, he nodded to himself before opening the door and letting himself back into the Black Manor. Bellatrix was there as if she'd been waiting at the door for him, taking his coat and stowing it in the entranceway closet, but not without pressing her lips to his in a kiss with a giggle. She had changed outfits since he'd stepped outside just a few minutes ago. Where before she had been in a regular Mugglewear t-shirt and pair of jeans, Bellatrix now sported a glistening green, red and gold dress, the cuffs for the shoulders a silvery-white fluff. She also had an adorable Christmas hat on, colored to match her dress. "Welcome back, Nicky." She greeted him warmly.
Nick smiled. "Hey, mama bear. You look absolutely stunning. Where'd you even get that outfit?"
"Like it? I had Madam Malkin commission it for me when we were in the Alley yesterday. Arrived just this morning." She said proudly.
Nick chuckled. "You're adjusting well, Trixie. I'm glad you haven't caused your own meltdown, yet."
"I'm following your advice, just going with the flow. Not to mention, pretending to be wizards when we were kids helps a lot."
Rolling his eyes, Nick took a while of the cooking dinner in the currently extended kitchen. "The food is starting to smell good, too. Always been a good cook, though. Christmas at the campsite by the lake, you frustrated with your hair as you tried roasting that chicken."
Bellatrix looked away, annoyed. "It was in my face and wouldn't stay out of my vision. It was distracting." She mumbled, happy it was just them alone in the entranceway. It seemed they hadn't really reminisced about all the good times they shared in the future. A whole lifetime ago, now.
"It was cute, Trix. So, who are we still waiting for?"
"Your sister hasn't arrived yet, for one but your mom sent a message along that Angie will join us in a couple of hours. James, Lily and his parents haven't arrived yet either. Rudolphus is supposed to be coming and I think that's all the main ones.. Oh, the Bones just arrived a short while ago. Surprised Moody gives his Aurors holiday time, really."
"Yes, he does seem the Scrooge type. Alright, let me mingle a bit, then. I'll come check on you in the kitchen in a bit, alright?"
"I'll be fine, Nicky. Go entertain our guests, make sure Voldemort isn't using anyone we didn't know before."
Nick nodded, unsure why the bad feeling from the other night still permeated the back of his mind. Voldemort hadn't made any form of a move since the other day, if the extensive different rumors were to be believed, some even saying Voldemort felt the holiday season just as any other person would. Nick knew better, though. Knowing what your enemy was up to was a good sign. When they went silent? That's when the trouble starts.
Nick hadn't gone to join the rest of the party- mainly held in the ballroom which he had never actually seen before- for too long until he was tapped on the shoulder. Turning around, his eyes met the ethereal violet orbs Bellatrix had also inherited in the form of Euphemia Potter, who gracefully pulled him into a hug. "Evening, Euphemia. Fleamont." Nick nodded to James' father, who nodded back and offered Nick his hand to shake.
"Nick, my dear, it's wonderful to see you in such good continued health! I hope my niece isn't running you ragged."
Nick chuckled. "No, she's fine, Euphemia. Adjusting better than I figured so soon after it happened, you know? How are you both faring, though? Full recoveries, I hope?"
Fleamont grunted. "I'm as fit as a juvenile bull, I'll have you know." He said even as his eye twitches from the still aching pain in his leg, the result of shrapnel splinters from the attack on Potter Manor.
"Of course you are, my love." Euphemia said, smiling knowingly as she leaned towards Nick's ear. "He's as stubborn as a bull, I'll give him that much."
"I'm right here, Euphie. I can hear you."
"Yes, dear, of course. Now, where is our favorite split-minded girl, anyway? Her and her siblings pulled no punches with the decorating, did they?"
"No, they didn't. Although, I believe the ballroom was thanks to those two over there," Nick pointed towards a window where stood Narcissa and Severus, both looking just a bit awkward with each other. "The rest of the house was split between the rest of the siblings. I assume you both brought James and Sirius with you?"
"Not Sirius, actually. He said he had someone else to pick up on the way." Euphemia mused with an affectionate smile.
Nick nodded. "Ah, Marlene. Well, for what it's worth since Arcturus isn't around anymore- Merlin rest his soul- thank you for taking Sirius in when he needed someone to. I have no right to say it, but if it wasn't for you both, then he might be a completely different man than the one we know."
"He won't be going to Azkaban this time, Nick. I know you'll make sure of that, if anything happens to James and Lily before Fleamont can have at the fiends."
"I have no doubt about that, but you have my word. No one will be touching a hair on your family's heads, none of them."
"Our family, dear. You're just as much a Black as anyone else here, don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.. Oh, Amelia!" Euphemia said, getting distracted by and going over to the young Amelia Bones.
"Ah, Lord Gaunt. Oh, I apologize, you prefer Negron, correct?" Came the voice of Amelia's mother Theresa as Nick turned to face the red haired woman.
Nick bowed. "Lady Bones. It's a pleasure to see you more relaxed than usual. The Purge of the Ministry going well?"
"Oh, my, yes. However, that wasn't why I wanted to pull you aside. I'm afraid the Minister has it out for you, for some reason. She seems to think you're a bigger danger to us than Voldemort ever has, all because you've single-handedly toppled most of his regime in mere months while his rise to power has been gradual over the last two decades."
"Really? And why would the Head of the DMLE warn me of such things, I wonder?"
Theresa laughed. "Surely you're not serious? I'm warning you because I, like most of the remaining Wizengamot council, believe you are nothing but a boon to our people. Too long have people lived in fear of a man whose machinations have been undone one by one by a teenager. Moody trusts you as well, as annoyed with you and your actions as he's been. Just be careful, because if Bagnold wants to, she will come after you."
"Not to be conspiratorial, but maybe she should watch her own back right now. Due to my extensive knowledge of things to come, as they once stood at least, I happen to know she won't be Minister for much longer. But, her replacement Cornelius Fudge is another of Voldemort's sympathizers. To be honest, Theresa, you or Amelia over there, once she's ready and if she decides to, would both make excellent and unbiased Ministers. Or even Lady Longbottom. Augusta is one of the most trustworthy among the Wizengamot to lead."
Theresa hummed. "It'll be considered. If she does indeed try to move on you, I have no doubt your various allies would work to keep you from Azkaban."
"My fiancé would raise all of Hell to stop them, that I can guarantee."
"Yes, the young Lady Black is a force to be reckoned with. Merlin help those that find themselves on her bad side."
"Agreed. How are you, though? Hopefully my purging of the system hasn't made your position get backed up with work."
"Oh, not at all. We run a tight ship in my department. And I've been known to take the whip to my subordinates, if necessary." She giggled, but Nick wasn't sure if she was joking or not as another voice joined the conversation.
"Lady Bones, welcome. I hope you're not plotting on taking my darling boyfriend away from me?" Bellatrix asked sweetly as she wrapped her arms around Nick.
"Of course not, Lady Black, I was just speaking with him about the current situation the Ministry finds itself in since Nick here burst onto the scene, if you will. Lovely party, though. I've never seen Black Manor so spruced up. Or do you prefer it's given name of Grimmauld Place?"
"It's interchangeable to me, really. We never truly distinguished the two titles apart from each other. I hope things aren't serious? In the Ministry, I mean."
"Oh, nothing we can't handle, I assure you. What about Hogwarts? How are things over at the school?"
"Not bad. Still a bit of infighting and Death Eater presence but as you said, nothing we can't handle. Midterms were more stressful than the ambience of the castle itself."
"Right. Where have you been for the festivities, then? It is your party."
"Too right, however I am also the chef for tonight, so someone needs to make sure Kreacher our House Elf doesn't do anything unsavory. Still a bit sore about the situation with my mum, you see."
"Mm, yes. One of our House Elves was the same way with my aunt. After she passed, the poor thing went absolutely insane, always trying to poison my uncle thinking he'd been the one to kill his wife. Sad, how the Elves tend to operate sometimes."
"It is, although with them happy to live the way they do, wizarding can't do the most for them, can we?"
Theresa laughed. "You young ones do have a lot of passion for yourselves. How do two teenagers come out as.. optimistic.. as you two seem to be?"
Bellatrix gave Nick a peck on the cheek. "I just follow my heart, which usually tells me that this one is right. Even if he gets a bit fanatical about stopping his cousin."
"I've said I was sorry about the incident a hundred times over by now. You keep holding it over my head."
"Oh? A lover's quarrel? It is refreshing to see such young minds so happy, even in the face of whatever danger lurks on the horizon." Laughed the Bones matriarch.
Both teenagers laughed along. "Yes, I'm lucky to have this one. I do remember, though. Bella, love, have you seen Lucina?"
Bellatrix nodded. While Lucina officially lived at Nick's now, she hadn't been seen since King's Cross. But only because she didn't feel like adjusting to a new place just yet, opting for her best friend's house instead. "She's upstairs in my old room. I think, I haven't seen her since this morning, myself. She helped me start everything in the kitchen and then it was like poof, she was gone."
"Hmm. Let me go see. She is still one who hasn't completely warmed up to me, anyhow." He said, walking off.
"O.. kay." Bellatrix frowned as Theresa hummed from behind her.
"Was he meaning the young Malfoy girl? The one Abraxas signed over to Nick's family or something like that?"
Bellatrix nodded. "Yeah, his adopted sister. She's never really liked him, even after all this time around him. But, he feels responsible for her."
"He's a good Lord, so compassionate even at such a young age. With his House name, you'd think he would be.. a bit rougher."
"Oh, he can be rough.." Bellatrix had a lecherous smile on before she realized what she'd said, blushing as she looked down. "I-i mean, if he needs to be. His mother raised him right."
Theresa cackled. "Oh, I'm sure he can be. I'll leave you to hosting your party, Bellatrix. Enjoy the evening."
"You too.." Bellatrix kicked the floor with her heel lightly, annoyed at herself. "The fuck was I thinking, saying that?"
It's not totally your fault. We both have that shite on the brain constantly. How the bloody hell did you ever deal with it in the future? Bellatrix sounded.
"Couldn't tell you if I wanted to, Bella. Oh well, onto the next." Trixie took a breath before walking off again.
*AWaH*
Upstairs..
Nick knocked on the door to what used to be Bellatrix's room, where Lucina had been staying. "Luce, you in there?"
The door opened a moment later, showing Lucina sitting on the bed, dressed for the party but showing no other signs of moving. "What is it, Nick?"
"What is your problem with me? I thought it was just jealousy about Bellatrix but now it's getting annoying. I understand you didn't want this adoption thing but it was for your protection. Your father cared enough about you to get you away from the shit he was doing for Voldemort." Nick said, crossing his arms as he leaned on the doorway.
"My problem is that this whole year has flipped everything around and I can't make any fucking sense out of it! Is that what you want to hear? You are just the tip of the iceberg, there. I just want to know why things have gone absolutely bonkers. Crazy. Certifiable. Insane. We shouldn't be fighting anyone, let alone the most feared Dark Wizard in the last thirty years. Yet you show up this past summer and now the battle is starting to hit home. Bellatrix's father. My father. How many more of our parents need to die for your crusade to save anyone and everyone you like?! What even gives you the authority to change what you've meddled in already?!"
Nick was taken aback by her choice of words, but he wasn't surprised with them. He had expected Lucina out of all of his new friends here- remembering how Lucius liked being in control, he translated that to her here- to question him, but he'd hoped she would accept it and mesh better with everyone again by now. He sighed. "Look, Luce. Despite what you want to think of me, I have never once put you in direct danger. I want all of you safe, because I'll take the sacrifice if it comes to it if it means you all get to live without Voldemort and his supremacist dogma. It doesn't matter if Bellatrix is the one in danger, or you, or even sweet little Robin Lux. If you would stop seeing with the blinders on that say I'm causing nothing but trouble, you'd actually see all the good my meddling as you put it has done. And will hopefully continue to cause so this stupid pointless fucking war can be over! I don't give a damn at this point whether you like me, alright? All I'm asking for is for you to trust me, and if not me then trust those around you. And Bellatrix would like it if you'd show up at the party downstairs. At least to support your best friend." Without another word, Nick closed the door and Lucina flinched back as she heard the crack of apparition.
Back downstairs, Bellatrix felt the anger in Nick's magic as he apparated from the manor. She frowned. Where is he going? She thought after a moment before she watched Lucina enter the ballroom, looking crestfallen.
"Lucy! What happened? Where'd Nick go?"
"I don't know, Bellatrix. He yelled at me about being a bitch to him still and when he left the room, I heard him apparate. No idea where he could have gone, although maybe back to his house to cool down for a minute?"
"Maybe.. He'll show back up soon enough. For now, come help me with the Longbottoms. Augusta is so boring to talk to."
Lucina grimaced. "Fine. Listen, Bella.. am I being too hard on Nick about all of this? This year has made no sense since school started, and it all started when he showed up. Why am I the only one taking the weirdness of that seriously?"
"Because you're looking too much into it. Yes, I'll admit it is weird that Nick shows up and suddenly everything around us has begun changing more and more. I'm just embracing the change, because I'm sick of the quiet fear of Voldemort that gripped this country before Nick came to the UK," And this time period.. "And I'm happy I have. I just don't want you to sulk so much anymore. Find your own man or something. I bet there's plenty of open ground here to dig into."
Lucina scrunched her nose. "Ugh, I don't think so. I'm going to go grab a drink, I'll meet you over with Madam Longbottom." Bellatrix nodded as Lucina went off towards the long drink table.
The blonde poured herself a cup of what she assumed was firewhiskey- Bellatrix wouldn't not provide alcohol at this party, right?- and sighed as she listened to the many conversations around her, picking out bits and pieces of praise for how the Black Manor looked and how well Bellatrix had done for herself, setting up a party as Lady of the House while still only just attaining such a title. Lucina rolled her eyes as she began to move away from the table full of drinks, groaning as she bumped into another person on her way to meet back up with Bellatrix. "Hey! Watch.. it..? Solaris?!" She gasped as she recognized the man, who smiled at her with an awkward chuckle.
*AWaH*
Later..
Lucina had been with Bellatrix and Augusta Longbottom for several minutes now, the older matriarch telling the girls about something or other that was going on in the Ministry. Lucina was paying only half-attention, still distracted by the surprise she'd been given while getting her drink. Bellatrix shivered, an effect of her spell to notify herself when someone was at the door. "Excuse me, Madam Longbottom. A Hostess' job never ends sometimes."
The older lady nodded before turning to Lucina, who hid her wide eyes behind her cup as she downed the last of her firewhiskey. She tried to call Bellatrix for something, but the girl with red and black hair had already disappeared from sight. Fuck.
Bellatrix got to the entranceway just as whomever was on the other side of the door knocked again. "Yes, I'm coming." She called out as she wiped her hands on her dress and went to open the door. As the door swung open and Bellatrix saw who was standing there, she slammed the door so quickly a gust of wind rushed through the entranceway and rattled the beads of a dreamcatcher hanging nearby. What the.. She can't be here.. Why is she here?! Bellatrix thought frantically as she tried to think about what to do.
Outside on the stoop stood the original Bellatrix Black as she scoffed amusedly. "Wasn't exactly what I expected, but it's a good second, I suppose." She knew her younger self was panicking on the other side of the door. "I'm not going anywhere, Trixie! I'm not some delusion you seem to think you've cooked up." There was no answer, but Bellatrix figured the teenager was still there.
*AWaH*
Meanwhile, River Thames..
Nick put up another set of warming charms, underestimating how cold it really was by the famous London river, in his mind seeing himself play Assassin's Creed Syndicate, controlling Jacob swinging back and forth across floating barges on the Thames in the mid.. forties? He was always forgetting those little things, but it brought a smile to his face with the thought, nonetheless. "Here you are. Bellatrix is apparently beside herself at Grimmauld Place, you know. Sent me a very panicked Patronus message, actually." Said his mother as Neela appeared nearby. "Seems she needs her white knight to come save her."
Nick raised an eyebrow at her. "Then why didn't she send the message to me?"
"She did, but you weren't home and Patronus messages deliver themselves as long as someone is at their destination. So I sent her one back telling her I'd find you and send you on your way back to her." Neela sat down next to him then. "So what happened? You haven't run from everyone else like this since the summer before seventh grade."
"Lucina. She still has it out for me, even though I'm doing everything I can to help her as well as everyone else. It's like she doesn't get it."
Neela hummed. "I doubt she doesn't, Nick. But, she is Lucius in female form, so she's bound to be a bit troublesome. She just doesn't know what to think about the changes she finds herself surrounded by. Although, I have half a mind to talk to her myself about all this. But, that's not the point right now. Don't let Lucina get to you, she's your sister."
"She's adopted." Nick mumbled.
"Yes, by your design. She'll eventually get there, Nick. You need to take a step back from being involved in her life, just for a bit. Let her see you're trying to be on her good side. I'm sure she'll come around." Nick nodded with a half-smile. "Good, now go on and make sure Trixie is alright. The last thing we need is her mental state breaking down."
"Very good point, mom. And thanks. But I'm still not forgetting you owe me and Bella an explanation on what you really are. It would probably help us further figure out why this whole time reversal thing keeps happening for us."
It would, probably. Neela mused as she smiled. "You'll get it, Nick. Eventually." She said, turning and apparating on the spot, likely going back home. Nick sighed as he apparated himself back to Grimmauld Place.
*AWaH*
When Nick appeared back in the entranceway, he found Bellatrix huddled against the door. "It can't be. It can't be. How is she here?" She said to herself, shaking her head back and forth.
Confused, Nick knelt down to her. "Trixie? What the hell happened? You were fine when I left."
Trixie looked up at him with wide eyes. "Nick.. Where the hell were you?!"
Nick flinched back. "I needed to do some thinking, that's all. What happened with you? Mom said you were acting a bit touched in the head."
"Touched in the.. nevermind that you know that wording. Just see for yourself." Bellatrix said as she got up from the ground, throwing the door open again for Nick to drop his jaw at the sight of Trixie's mother Donna Talos, or as they now knew, the original Bellatrix who had already lived through all this.
"There you are, love. I hope I'm not causing too much stress for you, Nick." The older Bellatrix greeted with a smug smile.
"Ms. Talos? No, that's not right, is it? Not since we found out you're really the Bellatrix I already married."
"Once upon a time. Could I come in? It's fucking freezing out here, you know."
"Yes, yes, might as well. But, seriously, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you still be in twenty twenty-two?"
"Oh, I've been here since you and your mother first arrived, Nick. Although, I came back from this time of year because there are about to be some happenings that Im not totally sure are good tidings."
Nick chuckled. "Again though, Donna, why are you here? We've been doing just fine so far without you meddling any extra in our affairs."
Trixie nodded as her older self scoffed. "The only reason things have gone so smoothly for you is because I've been doing my own part to stop this war from behind the scenes. Who do you think caused the Aurors to know about the raid just two weeks ago? You two didn't even know about it."
"Well, yeah, because we haven't lived through all this already. Well, we have, but we didn't retain anything from that life after I showed up in this time."
"Fair. Of course, I'm also here to watch over you both. The future as I lived it may not come to pass at all, but I'd rather be around just in case the battle that rips our family apart in the first place still occurs. All so I can make sure we don't lose them.."
"I won't let that happen, Donna. Not again. Voldemort isn't laying a finger on you, me or our future children, or he'll face every ounce of magic I can muster. But, what's changed? Trix, you never did tell me what you found out from your searching of those books.'
"Books? Oh, no. You have them?"
"Yeah, they're all at my house except Goblet. Trixie has that one right now."
"Hmm. Well, I guess we all do need to have a talk, then. Not tonight, however. I remember how big a deal this party was to me." She smiled softly at the younger Bellatrix as she wrapped her arms around her, tears in her eyes. "Oh, Trixie. I'm sorry you got thrust into this without the truth. Unfortunately, this was the best way to not send you off the deep end. Must all still feel like some weird prolonged dream, huh?"
The younger Bellatrix broke down, starting to cry as well. "It's okay, mom. Yeah, this is all a wild dream sometimes, but I understand you did what you thought was needed. You should have told me, but thank you for making sure I still had the only thing I ever needed." She looked at Nick, who smiled and nodded at the two before being pulled into the hug by the older Bellatrix.
"Oh, you two. Never doubt how happy I am that you came into my life in the first place, Nick. Keep each other safe."
"There's not much more important than that to me, Bellatrix. The younger you is in safe hands."
"Oh, I have no doubt about that. I'll be off, then, I just figured I should check up on you both, make sure things really were going according to plan. Things were just a bit too quiet otherwise around here the last few days."
"Do you really have to go?" Trixie asked, frowning.
"I'm sorry, little flower, but the two of us existing here and now already go against all established rules of time travel, let alone how often I feel we'll be seeing each other in the coming months. Let's not risk total timeline implosion, shall we?"
"Oh, I don't think you being here is affecting much at all with time itself, dear." Came a new voice that made the other three all startle and look to find Euphemia Potter looking smug as all fuck leaning in the nearby doorway. "Stay, enjoy the party. We'll say you're my sister raised abroad, no one will ask about another Black coming out of the woodwork."
The older Bellatrix squealed, a sound foreign to both teenagers as the older witches embraced. "Auntie Euphie! I couldn't possibly stay. It's all old news to me, isn't it?"
"Nonsense. It's your present as it stands here and now, not your past. Plus, you can see just how well you've really raised this fine young lady."
"Yeah, and deal with her stupidly overactive hormones." Bellatrix said, channeling the Bellatrix Nick had first met in this time. "It's insane how badly it's affected me."
"You can channel both halves of yourself?!" The older Bellatrix exclaimed, shocked.
Nick looked at her, confused. "Yeah, for the past couple weeks. Wasn't that the point with what you were doing, with the whole merging of minds after seventeen years?"
Trixie's mother shook her head. "No, not that I'm aware. I was under the impression it would be Trixie in total control but with both sets of memories.. Oh, that's odd.."
"Yeah, wouldn't that have translated onto you too, or are you considered a branch timeline now? Hmm, so many questions, not enough Loki."
Trixie rolled her eyes. "Such a nerd."
"Relax, Bellatrix. That all just means that, at some point since Nick's arrival here, things have changed. And that, in turn, has made you a permanent fixture because you're out of your time as it is. Now, say, if this whole thing has to happen all over again, then you would mirror your younger self as she is now exactly." Euphemia explained, although no one knew how she knew so much about such a forbidden subject as time travel.
Donna nodded, even knowing that didn't exactly add up, either but chose to stay quiet about that. "Oh, fine, then. I guess there's no harm in staying for a bit. You're sure no one's going to ask questions about why Bellatrix and I look so alike?"
Trixie beamed at the prospect. "It'll be fine. We'll say all the women in our family have looked similar to us for generations. It's hardly a lie, looking at the family tree."
Nick nodded. "That's true. Cissy and Andi look more like you, Euphemia, so you having a sister whose looks are inherited in your niece is honestly not far from the mark. Genetically, it would only mean Bellatrix received the more recessive genes to look like your hypothetical sister."
Both Bellatrix's facepalmed themselves for his answer. "Always the same." Said the older Bellatrix, shaking her head.
"We would hate it if he lost that. It's cute when he goes on his little tangents. Plus, wizards who don't know that kind of thing, right there, that's useful as shite fifty years earlier." Said Trixie, hands on her hips.
Euphemia nodded. "Yes, in fact it was one of those tangents speaking about inbreeding that really made the older families see the sense in where he was coming from when he was brought in front of the Wizengamot speaking ill of Voldemort. I daresay his babbling could be considered a problem but, alas it hasn't really failed us all yet, either. Well, either way. Bellatrix, my love, the party was beautiful, but Fleamont and I must dash. I believe the noise in there is starting to get to him, old war trauma and whatnot."
Nick nodded as Bellatrix replied. "It's fine, auntie. You and uncle Fleamont are welcome anytime once school ends."
"Of course, dear, of course. We'll have a cup of tea to calm those nerves of yours that keep getting heckled out of whack." Giving both Bellatrix's kisses on the cheek, along with Nick, Euphemia made her way back to where Fleamont was waiting, in the quiet of the study where they could apparated back home.
Donna looked at the two teenagers. "Now, as for this party. I do have to talk to you both about something before we go in there slipping up."
"We know, mom. Don't call you mom in front of everyone. Only auntie or Donna, which is going to be really weird for a while. Remember, we've seen all this time travel and reality-warping crap before. Nick wasn't so careful at first but he stopped being so stupid with whom and how much they needed to know, if anything. Auntie already knew and confronted him about it when their manor was attacked. Then that letter.."
Donna's eyes narrowed. "What letter? You weren't sent it already?"
Bellatrix nodded, confused. "Yeah. Just a while before our minds merged into one."
"Fuck. Damn it, Draco, couldn't wait for some sign of a change before sending the damned thing. No wonder you both share the body, just another unforeseen complication of outside meddling."
"Well, we like it this way, mom! Nick thinks it's cute, and it keeps him on his toes. He never truly knows which Bellatrix he's dealing with at any given time." Trixie giggled.
"Ugh, teenagers. Alright, just.. don't do anything rash anymore. You shouldn't have opened that letter, Trixie. It was much too soon."
Trixie huffed, her tongue poking the inside of her cheek. "Fine, but remember mom, I'm a grown woman in this world, I can make my own decisions if I so choose. But, maybe if I feel it necessary then I'll call upon you."
Donna chuckled at that. "Fine, fine. By what I've seen so far, you two aren't doing anywhere nearly as badly as I figured. Come find me later, kids." She said before leaving the entranceway.
Bellatrix released a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. "Oh Merlin, I have anxiety now."
"It'll be fine, Trixie. It's only your mom, who will always support our relationship because technically, in the weird roundabout way this cycle shit is going, she married me first. Oh God, it's like I'm dating my daughter."
Bellatrix looked at him in shock. "Don't fucking say it like that! Ew, Nick!"
"I'm joking! Jeez, Bella, get a grip. She can't be there for everything we do. Remember, she isn't the exact same Bellatrix I'm with now. Let's just get back in there before someone causes a scene. We have a volatile mix of people here, as you well know. You invited most of them."
"Yeah, I know. You're right. I'm just nervous. I don't know if I'm really doing things right or what."
"So what? I'm flying by by the seat of my pants when it comes to all this, so I'm well in the same boat. We'll figure it out one step, one day at a time. Alright, mama?"
Trixie sighed. "Yeah, alright. You do always know just what to say. I think we should join the party, then. By now, most patrons will be finished eating and, like auntie, they'll be starting to file out of here."
"And then Kreacher cleans everything up." Came Kreacher's voice as the House Elf apparated into the room.
Bellatrix nodded. "Yes, Kreacher, you get to clean up. Let's go. I want to know where Donna is staying. Jeez, that really is weird."
"I get it." Nick said as the couple walked down the hallway to the ballroom to rejoin the party.
Later, Basement..
The party had finished, the partygoers had all gone home and all that was left were the Black siblings, James, Lily, Marlene, Lucina and a guy Nick had never seen before, a very awkward Severus and Nick all seated around a coffee table, drinks in front of them all. "That was such a great party. Bellatrix, you outdid yourself arranging all this." Lily said, holding her glass up with a smile at the split-minded teen.
Bellatrix mirrored her friend. "Thank you, Lily. I'm just glad it went so good. I was expecting issues." A lot of them. She thought.
"By the way, who was that broad that looked like a much older you, Bella?" Sirius asked, Bellatrix covering her surprise by taking a sip of her drink.
"Oh, Aunt Donna? Auntie Euphemia introduced us. Apparently, grandfather sent her to school in America and I guess she just never left. She was surprised how alike we looked, too."
"How come we've never heard of her?"
"Not sure. I think auntie said Donna was the oldest of their generation, before father was born. So it's possible no one talked about her much after she went to America. She wants to talk to Nick and I tomorrow at the Leaky Cauldron."
"Well, I say, be careful of her. Even if auntie vouches for her, none of us really know her."
Nick and Bellatrix shared a look, knowing her siblings were right to worry, even the two who had grown up with Donna didn't truly know her, even now after knowing she was the older Bellatrix who meddled with their lives in this second cycle of present events. "We will be, guys. Worry about what else might have changed over the break up at the castle. Who knows what's going on with the rest of our fellow students, you know? I'm looking out for all of us to keep this ragtag family together, but I can't have eyes on everyone else Voldemort may still target. His end goal is the same, I'm just a big obstacle for him, seeing how easily I was able to restrain him at the train station." Nick said.
James nodded. "That was pretty impressive, too. You never even took your wand out." He looked oked at a clock that hung on one wall. "That time already? Come on, Lily, let me get you back home. Sirius, you coming back with me?"
"Of course, mate. Gotta get Marlene home, too. You guys behave." Sirius said with a grin as he, Marlene and Lily joined James in leaving the basement.
"We should be telling you that, prat." Bellatrix said to her brother, giggling.
"Yeah, probably right, there." Sirius cackled as Severus then got up.
"Oh, not you too, Sev." Narcissa said, grabbing for Severus' hand.
"I have to. My mum worries if I'm out too late, and it's honestly past my normal curfew already. I'll come back tomorrow, Cissy." He leaned into her ear and whispered something none of the others heard but it left Narcissa blushing as she nodded as the broody one of their friends left.
Soon, it was just Bellatrix, Nick, Andromeda, Lucina and her mystery friend left around the coffee table. "So, uh.. not to be a dick about this or anything, but.. who exactly the fuck are you, mate?" Nick asked him, leaning forward.
Lucina looked at him, about to retort, but her friend beat her to it. "It's alright, Lucy. He's right to be cautious. You're the only one here who knows me, after all." Nick noticed the tender way the he was holding Lucina's hand. Could he be.. her Lucius in this timeline?
"How come I don't know who this is, Luce? I'm your best friend, yet you've never mentioned a boy before." Bellatrix asked, frowning.
"He was never relevant to our conversations, Bella-"
"Bullshit! You kept hounding me over my feelings and attachment to Nick when you had someone hidden in the wings?!"
"It's not like that!" Lucina shouted, quieted by her companion.
"She's right though, Lucina. Shame on you for never telling your best friend even about your childhood crush." The man started, Lucina sighing as he addressed Nick directly. "My name is Solaris Pendergast, I'm a student at Durmstrang."
"And I instantly don't like you because of those words. Durmstrang is famous for being unrestrained in their teachings."
"Worry not, my family hates that I'm there. But, it was necessary to get away from the bigger darkness that was growing here. Not to mention, since you outed the Headmaster, Durmstrang has been much more refined this year. It's refreshing, actually."
"So why are you here?"
"I'm home for the holidays, isn't that the same with you lot? I heard Lucina was here for the wonderful party and I thought I'd surprise her."
"What's the story with you two, anyway? Abraxas never mentioned Lucina had a friend abroad when we went through the process of adopting her into my family for further protection." Nick asked, crossing his arms.
Solaris nodded. "He wouldn't have. He absolutely hated me, seeing as my family and the Malfoys usually stand on opposite sides of the fence in this stupid war shite. Never thought I was good enough for Lucy even when I came home over the summer."
"You were home?! And you didn't owl me at all?" Lucina said with a frown.
"I wrote your father asking to have your hand, wanting to get you out of the danger brewing here at home. He said he didn't have time to talk about trivial non eventualities. I figured you didn't want to talk to me anymore and had said something to him."
Lucina shook her head. "Of course I wanted to talk to you! You were.. you are the only guy I've ever had feelings for, Solaris. I thought I told you as much the last time you showed your face around me."
Solaris chuckled. "Yeah, you did, Luce. I came back now because I heard your father had been killed by his master and that you had been adopted into the infamously dark House of Gaunt. That's you, isn't it?" He asked Nick.
"Yeah, I'm Lord of House Gaunt, but I prefer going by my given name. Honestly, the name of Gaunt has never brought a good taste to my mouth."
"That tracks. We'll, I'm grateful you put Lucina up while her father got himself killed in Voldemort's service. I've been worried about her."
"Well, Lucina is free to do what she wants. She may be part of my family- even if just to protect her- but she's still a Malfoy, too. Technically, that makes her Lady Malfoy since she's the only surviving member of that family now."
"Really? You aren't going to hold her hostage or something until you know I'm genuine?"
Nick shook his head. "Nope. If Lucina trusts you, my faith is in that trust. Hurt her, and you'll see just what Voldemort will get when I meet him on the field of battle."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "Easy there, Wallace," She looked at Solaris. "Don't mind him, he's just protective of his friends and family, like most of us here. Just know that whatever Nick could do, I can do with a more.. unhinged attitude." She smirked at Solaris, who visibly paled.
"Duly noted. Both of you. But you have nothing to fear from me, Voldemort would have to destroy my ghost to get to Lucina."
"Aw, Nick, why don't you ever say that kind of stuff to me?" Bellatrix giggled. "Fine, just remember, we're watching you. We've never interacted with you before today, so our wariness is warranted."
"That's only fair. Well, my dear Lucina, I hate to say I should get home myself. Father doesn't know I'm even here, he thinks I went to some shindig across London for more elite Purebloods, as he put it. It was a pleasure to meet you all, and Nick? I'll keep an ear out about my father's affairs. If anything sounds unsavory or related to that madman, I'll let you know."
Nick nodded as the boy apparated away, his shoulder-length blue hair waving as he turned on the spot. "Why does he have anime blue hair?" He asked, to which Lucina laughed.
"He's a Metamorphmagus. Ita a very magical ability where you can-"
"Turn your outward appearance to anything you want, I know the term. I also know that ability is genetic, even if it skips a generation or ten. Someone in the Blacks once held such an ability, right?"
Andromeda nodded. "Yes, our great-grandmother Neptuna. "
Nick couldn't help but chuckle. "That's a fun name. Wonder if your kid will have the ability." He said knowingly, looking at Andromeda.
"Maybe. Who knows?" Bellatrix and Nick glanced at each other as the middle Black sister shrugged. "In any case, I'm going to bed. It has been a long day and honestly, being pregnant drains the shite out of you."
"I don't doubt it. Goodnight, Andi."
"Goodnight. Don't stay up too late, you two." She said, looking at Nick and Bellatrix as she left the room, followed by Narcissa and Lucina who also decided to call it a night.
Now alone, Nick sighed. "So, your mother in the future- the original timeline's Bellatrix Black, has been hiding from us since I came back, huh? Not gonna lie, it makes sense she was the source of unforeseen meddling. I mean, I didn't know anything about the raid two weeks ago until it was in the Prophet. Do you think I missed something?"
"Don't worry about it, hon. It's still the holidays, no worrying about what you could have missed. Voldemort will get his, you're already so close."
"I know that, Trixie, but that's what scares me. We're so close that at this point, something has to fuck up for us. But exactly what that is, I wouldn't be able to begin to guess at.."
*AWaH*
Hogwarts Castle, Slytherin Dormitories..
Album Dumbledore stepped into the previously unoccupied room along with the sixteen year old teenager he had just brought to the school from China, a favor by one of the elder wizards within their community. "This is where you will be sleeping, Kazuya. I'm sorry the castle is so empty right now, this is an unprecedented holiday season, only a few select students stayed behind for the holidays, you see."
Kazuya Kirishima, last remaining member of the Wu Shien Long Clan of wizards, nodded. "Thank you, Headmaster. I am sorry my uncle sprung me on you so suddenly."
Dumbledore smiled sadly at the boy. "It is of no consequence, Kazuya. Your uncle helped me out of a rather tight situation once upon a time, taking care of the last Long sorcerer is a small price to pay that back. My only hope is that you will find friends of your own here. Just watch yourself. Not all my students are the most benign in this war going on. I'm only sad it reached into your homeland. The Council shouldn't have to have dealt with Voldemort at all."
"That man will pay for destroying my family.. I am only glad I was able to salvage so much of my family's magical practices." He said, looking at the enchanted trunk now sitting by what was now his bed. "The Wu Shien Long shall live on, even if not physically. I will personally see to that."
Dumbledore nodded. "I see. I will take my leave, then. If you require anything, do not hesitate to ask either myself, Professor McGonagall or Professor Slughorn. We will do anything we can to help."
Kazuya bowed. "Thank you, Headmaster. Goodnight." He bid farewell as the older wizard left the room.