Embracing His True Self
Chapter 54
A week had gone by since Luna had come to the manor and Dumbledore had been put in Azkaban. They'd heard nothing yet, at least nothing Voldemort was sharing anyway. Harry suspected that he would tell him, especially given how dangerous Dumbledore was to both of them as a free man. Wanted wizard or otherwise, it was pure luck they'd managed to get Dumbledore arrested at all given his reputation and those who would defend him. Harry hated the wait; it was the same in the muggle world though. It took a long time for someone to gain a trial, but Harry had assumed that since the wizarding world was significantly smaller it wouldn't be such a wait.
"Anything?" Harry asked, entering the dining room, only Voldemort was there, sitting at his chosen spot. They wouldn't be alone for long, those that had remained behind would soon join them. Most of them had previously been incarcerated in Azkaban. Free men only because the world was under the impression they had died upon the island. The reality was, the worst sort of Muggles had actually died there. Soon, they would be able to hold their heads up high and walk in the light of day without fear that a single stray curse could unveil them and put everyone in danger of being discovered. At least those with a miniscule of Black blood running through their veins.
"A Court date has been set, yes," Voldemort drawled in amusement, the boy had been asking him that every day since Dumbledore had been put in Azkaban. He understood the concern, it was rather…terrifying thing to behold that potion. Considering Dumbledore had planned on using it on Harry, presumably, he did understand the constant worry. Which was why he had banished the potion within the boy's sight. He couldn't allow distrust to begin breeding now, not after all the work that had gone into giving Harry the freedom to run his own life. Something Dumbledore had refused him.
"When?" Harry asked, his shoulders unconsciously relaxing, he'd be glad when the news got out and the world saw Dumbledore for what he truly was. There would be people less likely to help Dumbledore when they heard just what he was like under the influence of Veritaserum. He also knew when that happened, Dumbledore's death was going to be planned with retribution and swiftness that would stun the magical world. He'd successfully made sure Voldemort didn't make him a martyr, which wasn't something he wanted to see happen. It made his stomach churn at the mere thought of it, but what happened after…well Harry only hoped he got to see it in action.
"September the tenth," Voldemort revealed, his lips twitching at the unamused look on Harry's face. "You should be grateful, without our…input it would have been next year at least, six months' time."
Harry grunted, annoyance souring his face as he claimed his seat, scooping up breakfast foods as his stomach grumbled hungrily. "With such a small community, I'm surprised it takes so long, that's the sort of time you'd think Muggles take, and Muggle trials take weeks if not a month to come to a conclusion depending on the case." He voiced his thoughts, complaining marginally, vexed by the entire ordeal. He'd never be able to thank Luna enough for what she'd done for him. He still had no clue how Dumbledore had remembered Grimmauld Place. Then again, he had been the secret keeper once, perhaps that was enough for him to retain that knowledge?
"The same goes for Wizarding trials, as most people avoid memories and Veritaserum if they can help it, especially if they are guilty." Voldemort pointed out wryly, unsurprised Harry was less familiar with magical trials than Muggle ones. Dumbledore had kept the teen tightly tethered to Hogwarts or Privet Drive. Harry had been fine with going with the flow until he was old enough to get the hell out of there – if he managed to survive. This much he got from the memories he'd seen when he raked through Harry's memories when he first got dumped in the front cells here. His lack of knowledge on the laws had been his downfall, since he'd been legally an adult since his entrance to the Triwizard Tournament, which meant he could have ran the moment school ended. Thankfully though he had not, and thus a new era was about to be born.
"So, Dumbledore will get away without having to use it," Harry scowled, gritting his teeth, his mind trying to figure out a way to see that it was used. As far as he knew the Lords and the council were the ones to aim for, if he could use the right incentive, he could get them to demand its use. He said as such to Voldemort, who's eyes just gleamed with pride and glee, as he so often did actually.
"Lucius and a few others are already gathering blackmail material for the council of magic, to ensure that Veritaserum is pushed through." Voldemort replied, as always, the boy was on par with him in ensuring their plans went through without a hitch.
"It will need to be good, isn't he really good friends with some of them?" Harry asked, Dumbledore might seem to have a lot of 'friends' from all walks of life, but they were strategically placed. He was smart, he hadn't lasted this long by being stupid. Harry would have admired his skill set if it wasn't being used on him, and had been used for years. "Well letting them believe he sought highly of them anyway."
"Indeed," Voldemort stated, and in that he and Dumbledore were quite alike, although he didn't fake kindness. What people saw is what they got, at least now anyway, back then he used to charm everyone to get what he wanted. One could even say he was just a con wizard back then. Dumbledore was still one now, it was almost as if this entire thing was one big con. Whatever Dumbledore wished to truly accomplish…well he wouldn't get that chance. Decades of work just crumbling down around his ears, Merlin, he must be absolutely furious, he knew he would be.
"They better get some good leverage," Harry murmured around his scrambled egg.
"The best," Voldemort declared, having complete confidence in his people to see it done, plus they had months to ensure they had the best of the very best. His trial wasn't for just over a month yet. It was already through the first week of August. They already had information on some of them anyway, giving the others a chance to dig up on the others to ensure mission orders were met. "Have you created enough of the potion yet?" he didn't need to elaborate for Harry to know what he was referring to.
"It's the last day, today," Harry told him, washing down his hash brown with some orange juice. "It will need a few hours to cool before it can be given out to those who want it." something he'd left up to Severus, since he was here full time now, he needed something to do and Potions was his things. Albeit, Severus wasn't known for his people skills, but informing everyone about the new potion wasn't quite the same as having an extended friendly conversation with them. His entire body vibrating with excitement just talking about his latest accomplishment. He was very proud of himself, and nothing and nobody could bring him down.
"Good! I can't wait to take it, I've been dying to go out and really investigate Muggle London," Barty said as he confidently strode into the room.
"You want to take Veritaserum to investigate Muggle London?" Harry fibbed, biting his tongue at the face Barty made at the pronouncement. Voldemort coughed a little, and Harry could have danced in sheer smugness. He loved getting a reaction out of Voldemort. It used to be anger, or annoyance really, those who anger Voldemort didn't have the tendency to live long. But getting him to nearly laugh? It was almost unheard of.
"Wait, what? What? Eh…What are you talking about?" Barty flushed bright red, utterly embarrassed by his embarrassment and the inelegant way he'd just spoken.
Harry sniggered which tipped Barty off to them lying, flicking his wand, he hit Harry with a smacking jinx, the jinx was like an invisible smack being delivered to the back of the head. In retaliation, Harry picked up one of the apples and with vicious accuracy pelted him with it. It didn't take long for Barty to squeak in both pain and surprise. Cupping his privates to stop any other retaliatory measures Harry might have up his sleeve.
"Such gaudy Muggle displays shouldn't be allowed," Barty grunted out as he made his way towards breakfast. Deciding against sitting right next to Harry right now, quite frankly, he wanted to keep his balls exactly where they were thank you very much.
"You're just annoyed I've got perfect aim," Harry retorted, but there was no heat behind it.
Draco snorted as he entered, the 'You wish' plain as day on his face, as he entered the room, stalking towards the table and gracefully sitting.
Harry barked out an incredulous laugh, "Did I ever tell you about Granger calling Draco a foul loathsome little cockroach and punched him in the face? You didn't even get your wand out, did you? Too stunned at being hit by the little Muggle Born girl," his teasing wasn't kind here, it was mocking and sarcastic and filled with vindication. He loathed Draco Malfoy, he would never like or respect him no matter what he did. Even if they were on the same side.
Voldemort suddenly found himself using all his self-control not to laugh, Draco looked exceedingly like his father at that moment. The indignant look on his face was reminiscent of the time Harry had also taunted Lucius about Dobby. Barty however, wasn't quite so restrictive and did indeed find merriment in Harry's mocking, laughing out right much to the boy's embarrassment. The boy he was convinced could rile up a saint and make him commit murder.
"She punched him?" Barty asked, almost asking for the memory to see for himself.
"Yeah, two and half years isn't long enough to let go of all those Muggle instincts to use ones fists instead of magic." Harry shrugged, clearly not caring at all. He had oddly enough taken to magic better than physically fighting, he wasn't sure why, perhaps because he was used to running instead of actually fighting. If he'd actually stayed to try and fight Dudley and his gang, he would have likely been killed. His Slytherin preservation kicking in. Perhaps it wasn't odd at all, the idea of him taking to magic so quickly.
"Did you ever do something like that?" Barty asked, his laughter gone but his curiosity definitely wasn't.
"Nah, it's always been magic for me," Harry said, his emotions always got the better of him, and he usually did something quite accidentally. He paid for it too, and he would never have gotten away with raising his hand against Dudley growing up so he actually had self-restraint which Hermione evidently ran out of. He'd gotten the last laugh though and made sure they feared magic with their dying breath. It was just very satisfying to make sure they knew true fear before they died. They deserved everything he'd done to them.
"You miss her," Barty observed, which surprised him. The cold cool greeting he'd given her when he'd met her for the first time – when he wasn't playing a professor – gave that away.
Draco snorted, muttering about 'Mudbloods' under his breath.
"That Mudblood you so deride Malfoy is a descendant of yours," Harry snarled, a parody of a feral grin on his face.
Draco gasped in shock, "You lie! Take that filthy lie back!" Draco hollered at Harry, standing up ready to fight after Harry besmirching his name.
"Draco Malfoy, that is enough!" Narcissa stared sharply, never once raising her voice, but Draco shot to attention as though she had. Her voice was deceptively mild but with just a sharp tang of sternness.
Damn, Harry thought, not even Lucius had such control over his son. It was quite obvious who wore the trousers so to speak in that family. His lips twitched as his green eyes gleamed taking in the situation Draco had found himself in.
"Looks like I need to have another talk with Lucius," Rodolphus muttered as he wandered in, he didn't come alone, he entered with Luna directly behind him with his brother at her back.
"He's trying to imply that the Mudblood Granger is related to me!" Draco whined, well, a mild whine, he would have been ten times worse at Hogwarts.
"I'm not implying anything, I'm outright stating it," Harry retorted, "You didn't tell them?" he asked Voldemort enjoying the spectacle he was creating.
"I'm surprised you haven't sprung it on him earlier," Voldemort said dryly, he should probably feel annoyed by the racket Harry was creating. Yet it happened so often now that he was impervious to it. Well, the racket maybe, but the amusement he got from it had definitely not faded.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Harry said in feigned innocence.
The Lestrange's and Barty were unable to help themselves, they snorted, loudly. Not buying Harry's innocent portrayal for a second. Draco was still frothing at the mouth, and Narcissa stood next to her son, trying not to worry too much. Which was an impossible thing, she and her husband had spoken to Draco, cautioned him. Yet here he was not even a fortnight later causing more trouble.
"Is Granger related on the Malfoy of the Black family?" Narcissa asked, a hopeful tide rising within her. There was a girl actually related to the Malfoy family. A girl young enough in need of correction, with connections to a pureblood family…their family, it was more than she ever expected. She was the same age as his son, he had a few years before he was legally an adult, Granger was the same.
"Malfoy family," Harry said respectfully, wondering at the look on Narcissa's face.
"Do not approach her, Narcissa, she wasn't raised with our ways, she will rebel against anything you try," Barty warned, he knew Narcissa better than most. Barely paying attention as Luna and the Lestrange brothers took their seats.
"But she's family," Narcissa pointed out, lips pursed.
"Yeah, so is your sisters, niece and cousins, didn't stop you abandoning them, did it?" Harry drawled out sardonically, "Stay away from Hermione." Thinly veiled warning in his tone. What was the woman thinking anyway? That Hermione could be easily manipulated? The girl was smarter than the entire Malfoy family combined, and that was easily admitted to, even if he had hated her.
Narcissa flinched a little at the dig, causing Voldemort to raise an eyebrow, that was interesting. She didn't even so much as startle when he threatened her husband, yet here she was actually visibly showing some signs of the words getting to her at what Harry had said.
"Like anyone wants anything to do with the Mudblood," Draco muttered derisively, wincing as his mother's fingers dug into his shoulders.
Narcissa said nothing, as she pressed her son back into his seat, taking the one next to him. She would discuss this with her husband who might be able to convince the Dark Lord that it was a good thing. The thought of having a girl to dress up, teach and perhaps tutor in all ways was quite exciting and hopeful. She'd always wanted a daughter, although she had never let Hermione Granger, she found herself wishing to. She wasn't sure how her husband would take it, but it was family and Lucius cared about family more than anything else. She suspected he would want the girl as well; she was a Malfoy after all even if she was somewhat distant relation. There weren't many Malfoys never had been, there had been hope she might be able to give him more than one heir, the Blacks had no problem giving at least three kids. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be, it was hard enough getting Draco. They'd almost given up hope when she got pregnant.
"I heard you're tutoring Luna," Rodolphus questioned Harry, as after a few tense moments, cutlery began to clatter as everyone began to eat breakfast.
"Yep," Harry replied barely glancing Rodolphus' way.
"I'd like to help," Rodolphus said, rather hopeful that he could do something useful. "I'm aware that you need to step up you're training."
Harry glanced up at him with a stink eye.
"Please?" he added startling Voldemort, Barty and Rabastan badly, they'd never heard a pureblood beg before in their lives. They didn't plead, well to anyone except their Lord, and if it was something worthy of their attention. And for that they're usually alone so nobody witnessed their humiliation – or rather what they saw as a humiliation – had Azkaban changed him that much?
Harry glanced over at Luna, raising an eyebrow in silent query, wondering if Luna wanted this.
Luna nodded once as she ate, absolutely famished.
Harry shook his head in amusement, "Alright," he agreed, honestly, it had taken him months to relax here, especially with all the Death Eaters but Luna looked very at home right now. How unfair was that?
Breakfast went quite quickly after that, the sight of Luna and Rodolphus, heads together talking quietly was enough to make Harry arch a brow in silent contemplation. Nobody noticed Luna handing him the calming draught with a stern look on her face except Harry who had yet to return to his breakfast. He was pleased to see he was remembering to take his potions mildly surprised Luna was helping him.
Yes, she was going to keep Rodolphus on his toes. Not that Rodolphus had minded, he'd seemed stunned over her watchfulness on him. With Luna, Rodolphus would begin to understand true partnership, and realize just how toxic his life with Bellatrix had been.
"You ready to get going?" Harry asked Luna as they situated themselves in the duelling room, which he had booked for three hours. Yes, you could book the training room, although all requests had to be brought by Voldemort. He was the only one who could get everyone to stay away when ordered to do so. Not that it was required now with nearly everyone gone.
"Yep, what are we learning today?" Luna asked, very eager to learn. Harry was a great teacher, she'd learned more from him than she had in four years of Hogwarts education, especially when it came to Defence Against the Dark Arts.
"Well, you were quite quick at learning the Patronus charm so we can move on to something else," Harry said, ignoring the three Lestrange's in the room. The father was there today, his face impassive and his attention mostly on Luna, it was almost as if he was judging her for some reason.
A strangled noise drew Harry's attention, "Can she cast a full Patronus?" was the strangled reply.
Harry laughed, "Of course she can," he scoffed, "I don't start something I can't finish; you're acting like it's hard, I had it perfected when I was thirteen." he informed them imperiously. He'd managed to teach Luna who was only fourteen at the time to conjure one. Only a year older than he was, which showed her magical abilities perfectly if he didn't say so himself.
"A fully-fledged Patronus?" Rodolphus enquired his tone reverential.
"Show them," Harry encouraged her.
A Thestral leaped from Luna's wand, fully fledged and flexing its wings as it roamed around. When it found no threat to its 'Mistress' who had conjured it, the winged creature relaxed and sailed through the room before Luna allowed it to fade.
The look on the Lestrange's was amusing to say the least.
"Luna is the best and brightest of her year, if not for Granger she'd probably be the brightest witch in Hogwarts," Harry explained smugly, "She didn't get sorted into Ravenclaw for nothing," he added as an afterthought.
After that their lesson began in earnest as Harry taught her spells that were bordering on 'dark' but not quite on the spectrum. She had to be taught the basics before he jumped her into the darker stuff. He'd need to make sure she didn't get addicted to the feeling of the dark arts even though he suspected that Luna would surprise him.
"She's good, for her age anyway," Rodolphus was informed by his father, without even a hint of condensation in his voice.
"Anyone smart enough to gain Harry's attention would have to be," Rodolphus stated, watching Harry and Luna 'mock' duel. "What are you doing here?" he growled, causing both Lestrange's – father and son – to look at him as if he was insane. One glance at the doorway revealed the cause of Rodolphus agitation. Quite rightfully so, considering it was Bellatrix.
"Better question is why are you here?" Bellatrix asked suspiciously, glaring at her ex-husband, which she didn't consider her 'ex-husband' just because they'd been forced apart. She didn't love him, but she had been a Lestrange for so long that she didn't like being shoved aside. It didn't help that the Dark Lord had been giving what she saw was pathetic missions even the most newbie could accomplish without fail. It was almost like the Dark Lord wanted her away from here, and she did not like that thought at all. With those thoughts in mind, she had returned and immediately begun snooping.
"Why, the same reason you are," Lestrange senior insisted, ignoring the look of pure panic Rodolphus had aimed his way, hidden from Bellatrix's sight. "Idle curiosity, and I'm not sure if you've heard or not, but Potter is of Lestrange blood," and it was as true to the truth without being the actual truth. He had been in a constant state of curiosity over Harry Potter, especially after finding out he was a Lestrange. Even if somewhat distantly.
"She going to be a problem?" Harry whispered to Luna, unwittingly looking quite…intimate as he watched Bellatrix over her shoulder.
"Depends on your definition," Luna replied, hair looking like the ying to Harry's yang.
"Luna," Harry quietly reprimanded, Bellatrix could be a danger to anyone, heck they didn't even need to bother her. She was clinically insane, had been since she was a kid he'd bet.
"She will be for a moment," Luna sighed, giving into Harry's demands, "But in the long run…it's exactly what's needed."
"Yes, but for who?" Harry asked suspiciously, not of Luna itself but the conversation. He suspected Luna was being deliberately obtuse with him.
"Wouldn't that be telling?" Luna teased him, lips pulled up in a smug smirk.
Harry grunted, "Very well," he sighed, knowing he wasn't going to get anything else from Luna right now. Which was ironic, he hadn't known she had the ability to see things as they come. Yet, he knew her well enough to know that when she got even more vaguer there would be nothing forthcoming.
Rodolphus growled under his breath, clenching his fists at the sight of Harry and Luna so close together, whispering intimately. Glaring heatedly, unable to help himself. Luna didn't belong to him, but the caveman inside of him didn't get that memo, as he continued to metaphorically pound on his chest with grunts.
"Ease up, brother," Rabastan grunted out in annoyance.
Rodolphus was easily brought out of his thoughts by his brother, whom he was very close to. Stunned to realize just exactly what he'd been doing. He'd never been possessive of anything other than his name and perhaps the family fortune. He'd married Bellatrix but the reality was, he honestly didn't care what she got up to. Not even when she tried to get the Dark Lord's attention constantly. So, this feeling was entirely foreign and new to him, so much so that he honestly wasn't prepared for it…and partly didn't know what the hell to think about it. Inhaling sharply, grateful for his brothers interference.
Corvus Lestrange was surprised by the fact Harry remained silent on that front, perhaps he wasn't too embarrassed to have Lestrange blood running through his veins as he first thought. Not that it mattered, he doubted very much that Harry would desire to take on the Lestrange name. He was already having to sort through two estates as it was, with the goblins help no doubt, but still, it was an awful lot of work. He couldn't imagine having to tiresomely work through two sets of books and keep the estates up and running. "Perhaps we should give Ms. Lovegood some decent training now?" the eldest Lestrange added, unwittingly insulting Harry's training.
"I will not just throw her in the deep end," Harry retorted swiftly, green eyes flashing angrily, "As important as it is to ensure she can protect herself, to just begin teaching her the Dark Arts is at the height of idiocy!"
"He does raise a good point, Father," Rodolphus stated, somewhat reluctantly. He wanted nothing more than to train Luna swiftly. So, she could defend herself at least partly from everyone that might mean her harm.
"May I also add that the light arts are just as dangerous as the dark arts," Luna added lightly, "And the counter-spells are not addictive."
Harry laughed, "Of course, why didn't I think of that?" shaking his head.
Bellatrix however, scoffed at the pretence that the light arts were anywhere near dangerous.
"You don't believe the light arts can be just as dangerous?" Luna questioned Bellatrix, staring at her unafraid.
"Going to kill someone with an alohomora little girl?" Bellatrix cackled at the question, almost cooing at her the way she had with Harry with condescension written across her face.
"An Alohomora? No, but if I kept a tickling charm applied for long enough, I could asphyxiate you," Luna pointed out, with her sunny personality still showing through. "Levitated you high enough or onto something pointed…well that would kill you too. The right moment to wait then use a tripping jinx would be a sight to see, might not kill you but it would paralyse you, effectively making you useless."
"Damn," Rabastan murmured impressed despite himself.
Rodolphus meanwhile was staring at Luna starry eyed, grateful for his cloak hiding a rather pressing problem that was…normal as of late when he was around her. How could she talk about death with such a sweet look on her face? It gave him Goosebumps and reminded him vividly of a succubus. She was magnificent, she truly was and he'd never wanted anyone more than he wanted her at this very moment.
"I could go on really…there are so many spells that could be misused, even a simple cutting charm pressed in the right location can have you bleeding out within moments before help could arrive." Luna said sweetly, smiling at the enraged look on Bellatrix's face. Bellatrix had been subtly warned, and she knew it, it was her only chance of coming out of this entirely unscathed. Plus, she was needed for a little while long…just to ensure that happening happened.
After that, well she wouldn't be a problem anymore.
Corvus rose a grey eyebrow, rethinking his stance on the youngster, she might be young but she certainly seemed to have the same sort of bloodthirstiness that a lot of the people their cause had.
Harry sighed, "All magic is just that magic, it's society that's deemed them dark or light, it's quite pathetic really," Harry said loud enough to snap all their attention. "Rodolphus, go ahead and teach her a few spells, nothing drastic," he warned, he definitely didn't want Luna to suffer through an addiction to the 'darker arts' which was, yes, very addictive. "I only have another thirty minutes before I meet up with Severus." By then the potion should be cool enough and he'd get to see the potion he'd created himself, albeit with some minor help from Severus in action.
"Oh?" Luna asked, turning her attention back onto Harry, effectively dismissing Bellatrix and 'not dangerous' which Bellatrix saw as a personal affront.
"Yeah, you can come if you like, Barty, Dolphus and Rab will all be there," Harry explained to her, not seeing the look of surprise on their faces, it wasn't very often nicknames were used. Pureblood's had been brought up 'respectively' anything remotely 'normal' was seen as plebeian. For the lower class so to speak. Only really close friends and family ever gave nicknames to one another. Barty and their father were the only ones to use Rodolphus and Rabastan's nicknames, although Rabastan's was 'Bastian' by their father not Rab. Their father only did it when he was feeling particularly nostalgic, Barty only did it sometimes now.
"What kind of potion?" Luna asked, wondering why that particular trio would be there for it…something to do with Azkaban? She knew he had created a potion to help them, but hadn't' they already received that? It was rather annoying not knowing everything, especially since she was getting more and more information these days from her visions. Which excited her very much, she'd never expected them to get so clear, so vivid. She almost felt like fate, manipulating happenstances around her to get to her goal. Although, saving Harry had been the first time she'd directly interfered.
"You'll see, come on we only have twenty-five minutes now," Harry gestured for Rodolphus to come forth, stepping aside, curious to see what Rodolphus would teach her.
Unfortunately, he didn't really get a chance to watch them, instead the breathless mutter of 'My Lord' caught his attention. He was slightly surprised to see Voldemort down here. He was curious about Luna, about her abilities, and he wasn't subtle about it. Yet, it wasn't as if he could talk to her here while duelling so yes, still a surprise. He wondered if Voldemort could give him a few pointers for Luna to help her on her way.
From the corner of his eyes, he watched Voldemort and Bellatrix interact, and he felt pure unadulterated fury course through his veins. Keeping his face impassive all the while, easy to do, due to the fact he'd had to do it so often with Dumbledore. He hadn't had to do it in such a long time though, not since he'd gained his freedom from Dumbledore and the expectations they tried to force upon his shoulders.
The extent of his feelings surprised him, and he spent the next twenty minutes trying to decipher just why the hell seeing Bellatrix all over Voldemort pissed him off.
The conclusion absolutely terrified him.
Sure, he'd had dreams but he was a guy, for Merlin's sake it happened to everyone…but this had gone from attraction to pure bloody insanity. He'd liked him from the get go, for enabling him to get free, telling him everything Dumbledore kept from him and his looks…well he wasn't bad to look at, but he'd never expected this.
'Fuck me' he thought, 'I'm fucking crushing on Voldemort'
But even as he thought that, he knew, deep down, that it was more than just a mere crush.
So much more.
"Hey, we ready?" Harry asked Severus as he stepped into the potions lab, as always there were a few other potions brewing. Even the one brought in by Dumbledore was shelved on its own, with a few warning labels. Severus was actually enjoying himself, despite the fact the potion was dangerous. Not to their health, well, yes, their health at the end of the day. Harry heavily suspected what that potion would do, as did Severus it was just not mentioned. Considering the other potion that had been banished…neither one was overly shocked at this particular one. It was obviously an altered love potion, and knowing Dumbledore…they suspected a normal antidote would do sweet fuck all in reversing the damage.
"Will you tell me what it is now?" Luna asked, quite impatiently.
"You'll see," Harry said distractedly, as he had been since his earlier 'revelation'.
"We are," Severus replied, already moving to gather three of the potions still sitting cooling at the corner. Placing them on the table in front of Barty, Rabastan and Rodolphus, all of whom had Black blood running through their veins.
"You're sure this will work?" Barty asked cautiously, "It's more than six generations removed for me," he wanted the full effects not a cheap rendition. He didn't even bother insinuating that it wouldn't work full stop. Not only was this potion brewed by the Youngest Potions Master in the world…the creator could have very well have become his successor as Youngest Potions Master in the world. Harry was…he was downright amazing, a genius really, when it came to spells and potions. He certainly left him in the mud when they got talking, and he was smart himself.
"It will," Severus declared, "Any speck of Black blood is enough to activate it,"
"It worked on Esmerelda?" Harry asked, surprise evident in his tone.
"Of course it did," Severus replied, barely refraining from rolling his eyes, "You knew it would." But he understood having concerns about potions, and worries that it might not have the higher standards you'd wish to set. He and Harry hadn't half had a rocky relationship with that potion, but they'd got there in the end. Although, he did ponder on the prospect of Harry having given up at the first hurdle. He certainly had before, but he had been younger without the resources he could bring to bear now.
"I hoped it would," Harry corrected him, "It just seemed unlikely to work that far back, especially fully, diluted blood doesn't work as well as the full score,"
"Evidently not," Severus drawled, gesturing towards the potion as if to say, 'that there is all the proof you need' no, without them Harry would have eventually gone back to it. Judging by all the potions and spells he had created he wasn't one to give up, not completely anyway.
"I'm glad," Harry revealed sincerely, he was really glad that they had worked out all its kinks and made freely available for those who need it.
"Me first," Barty stated, grasping one of the vials he uncorked it and swallowed it in one go.
The Lestrange's watched closely, but absolutely nothing happened.
"Well, that was strangely anticlimactic," Corvus Lestrange stated, lips pursed, wondering if it just hadn't worked as he ventured further into the room having lagged behind them. He had told them to just head on that he would catch up with them momentarily.
"What did you expect? Barty to start bubbling in the face before clutching over in agony as he changed shape? It's not Polyjuice potion you know." Harry said wryly, smirking at the elder Lestrange who probably presumed the potion hadn't worked.
"From the information I've gathered, it's easiest to change the colour of your hair, why not try something simple to kick-start it?" Severus suggested, unperturbed by everyone's reactions. Mostly because it too was his reaction, at first, but the more they dug they learned and expanded their knowledge on this particular potion.
"You've written everything down?" Luna queried, seeing the stacks of parchment beside Professor Snape.
"Of course," Severus said dryly, "That's the point of fact gathering while experimenting with the draught,"
Rodolphus gnashed his teeth at Severus, warning him from mocking Luna. She'd suffered enough in school without adults doing the same thing to her. Severus was startled by his…feral actions but not overly surprised.
"May I see it?" Luna asked, truly curious to see what Harry had created fully. She preferred knowledge over visible evidence so to speak.
Severus waved her forward, letting her see for herself.
Barty's hair meanwhile turned bright neon green, this was where Bellatrix made herself known.
"Where is mine?" Bellatrix demanded, wanting the potion, for no other reason than the others had them. She stood in the doorway, so both Rodolphus and Rabastan were quick to uncork their own vials and drank the contents. Knowing from personal experience, that she would just take what she believed belonged to her – which was anything not nailed down – even something she had already of her own. Case and point to Rodolphus' calming draughts. Which had led to a longer recovery period to which Rodolphus was extremely angry about.
"I'm afraid that there is no more of the potion available, yet," Severus explained, it was much too complicated to brew two or three batches at a time. Very time consuming and required a strict watching and timeline, not enough time to prance from cauldron to cauldron.
Bellatrix's face contorted into rage and anger, becoming increasingly redder.
"But it will be brewed again," Rodolphus explained calmly, trying to stop the inevitable explosion. Nine times out of ten this was his life, trying to talk Bellatrix off the edge. "It only takes a few days,"
Luna ceased reading, watching the scene in front of her with quiet contemplation. Severus, the three Lestrange's and Barty were all tense, ready for a confrontation. Hands very close to their wands, but not quite touching. They were either scared or cautious of Bellatrix and her…tantrums. She knew how bad the outbursts could be, she'd seen one in a vision and it wasn't pretty. She could see how the woman had managed to lose her cool and turn Neville's parents into a drooling mess.
"That it does," Severus replied, his black eyes narrowed slightly, regarding Bellatrix with suspicion, he grudgingly added, "I'll set aside the first dose for you," Harry was carelessly standing with his back to the insane woman, his wand not even out, honestly, he could quite frankly kill the idiot for his actions. Bellatrix was dangerous when she went into one of her moods, but if Harry hadn't been here, he wouldn't have pandered to her whims. He loathed when the Lestrange's did that, it just pandered to her, made her worse, she was like a spoiled brat.
Harry just gave him a bland look in return, giving away how he felt about Bellatrix having the potion without words.
"Fine," she huffed, before turning on her feet and stomping out, exactly like a child having a temper tantrum.
"Do you do that often?" Luna questioned them, her blue eyes filled with blatant disbelief.
Rodolphus relaxed fully when Severus nodded that she'd left the vicinity. "Quite often," he revealed tiredly, "Too often," the good mood as always destroyed by just her mere appearance. It was better than enduring her endless fits to be frank, which were even more exhausting.
"This is awesome," Barty said, having conjured a mirror and begun to change his features, copying the glamour charm he often erected while following Harry around Muggle London. Now he could finally go out anywhere without the fear of discovery.
Rabastan followed Barty and begun to change his appearance. Elation coursing through him, his life would be his own again. It was more than he could have ever hoped for. No spell, no law enforcement officer could find out who he was, and with such abhorrence of blood magic, they'd literally never find out. They were safe, they were truly safe.
Luna sidled closer to Rodolphus, "How often does she do that?" Luna was very curious, and not afraid to ask Rodolphus anything. They'd been talking all week, often with Harry in the room along with Rabastan and Barty. They were all beginning to regain the closeness they had before Azkaban had robbed them of their lives.
Rodolphus glanced at Luna, mesmerised by her blue eyes, "It depends," he confessed, cautious as to why she was asking. Was she regretting spending time with him? Looking for a reason not to? Was she worried about her own wellbeing and was trying to decide if it was worth spending time with him over the danger that Bellatrix represented? Despite the worries that she might, Rodolphus was completely honest with her. "She has her good and bad days,"
"So, she's always been that way?" Luna whispered quietly, an intense look on her face.
"I believe so, we were…unaware of her condition when my father agreed to the contract to bind the Black and Lestrange families together again." Rodolphus explained. "She grew steadily worse as she aged, Azkaban has…ceased all her attempts at hiding it."
"How much to do with the Longbottom situation did you have?" Luna then asked, her tone barely above a murmur.
Rodolphus inhaled sharply, he knew of Luna and Harry's friendship with the youngest Longbottom. Barty had informed him of his time at Hogwarts as 'Professor Moody' although mostly just to brag that he had duped Dumbledore himself. After all Dumbledore was meant to be very close to Moody and he had successfully portrayed himself. Perhaps his earlier thoughts had been correct. He would miss talking to her, she didn't treat him like an escaped convict, or as if he would break, they talked about everything and anything and he loved it.
He, Rodolphus Lestrange, loved spending time with Luna Lovegood.
Thank Merlin nobody could read his thoughts, he would have been mocked to hell and back.
"We aren't innocent in it all," Rodolphus stated, his voice colder than he would have liked, but Luna didn't so much as flinch. "We took part, we cast those spells, yes we tried to get her to ease up, but only so we could question them… but ultimately we could have stopped her but we didn't." This was it then, no doubt she'd avoid him. It shredded him to bits just thinking on it.
"She'll wreak havoc if she's allowed that potion," Harry said in dire warning, his full attention not on the conversation, instead he was half watching Luna and Rodolphus. Only he and Rabastan were probably close enough to hear what Rodolphus had just said to Luna. He'd gotten way too defensive and spoke harshly, that indicated it wasn't a time in his life he liked thinking or talking about. Whether it was because of his actions or if it was because he'd ended up in Azkaban, he wasn't sure. It didn't matter either way, Luna knew what the brothers had done and she'd still come to care for them, let them into her life.
"I know," Severus stated grimly, something he'd need to talk to the Dark Lord about, he was the only one who would be able to prevent her from taking it. Although if she was desperate enough, not even the Dark Lord would stop her, at least he didn't think so. It wouldn't be the first time she'd disregarded orders and went out on her own. He wasn't even thinking of the Longbottom incident either.
Luna remained silent after that proclamation; her face devoid of any emotion as she stared at Rodolphus. Only after a few moments did she nod, her head slowly, to indicate she'd head and understood what he said. Then without a backward glance, she went back to the handwritten book in front of her. Luna didn't know how to feel about his words, this was Neville's parents they were talking about here. She didn't know them but Neville had grown up without them because of it. She couldn't imagine growing up without parents, she loved her own so much. Was she having second thoughts? No, Neville's parents weren't what was really bothering her. She'd accepted all of Rodolphus' faults, good and bad, he was never going to be a law-abiding citizen after all. The visions she'd seen flashed through her mind's eye, all the horrific things that the future would bring to bear.
Rabastan seemed to be the only one to pick up on what happened, or so it looked, he clenched his hands into fists as he stared at the back of Luna's head. Desiring nothing more than to lay into her for hurting her brother. She'd known what the hell she was getting into, how dare she pretend to be interested only to fail at the first hurdle? Holding someone's past against them was so utterly pathetic, Rodolphus deserved someone better. Someone who could see all he had to offer and not just his misdeeds.
"Try it," Harry whispered in a deadly warning as he passed Rabastan, warning him to stay the hell out of Luna and Rodolphus' dispute. "If you ever touch her, I will make sure you die in excruciating agony," he promised, and he would keep it. Luna had given up her friends, her comforts to be here for him, he'd do anything in turn to protect her, even if it was from an over protective brother.
Rabastan inhaled sharply, narrowing his eyes at Harry in seething irritation at his interference. His brother looked fucking gutted and he was being threatened? It wasn't like he'd planned on touching the girl, just giving her a few home truths. It was the least she deserved for hurting his brother at the end of the day surely. What would Harry know about brothers anyway? He didn't have one, and never would. He knew it was unfair really, to think as such, but in heart of hearts, he knew Harry considered Luna his sister. They were both going through the same thing, wanting the best for their own 'sibling' and being protective of them. This acknowledgement made him deflate a little.
Harry seeing as he'd gotten his point across moved towards Rodolphus, "Giving in at the first sign of trouble?" Harry whispered sardonically, "If that's the case you don't deserve her."
"She's too good for me, too good for us," for this side went unsaid, she was good and pure, and probably what drew him to her. She shone like a beacon and he wanted her badly but he also found he cared enough to let her go. She'd seen the darkest nature of him and turned her back on him. "It's for the best," he tried to convince himself. Better he realizes that they don't have a future now than somewhere down the line before he got himself even more deluded of an actual life with her.
"You're completely clueless, aren't you?" Harry said wryly, eyes boring into Rodolphus' dark shadowed eyes.
Rodolphus wanted to snort at the hypocrisy of that statement, between his Lord and Harry they had enough sexual tension to fill Gringotts. He didn't know about his Lord but Harry was completely oblivious to it all. Bellatrix had some competition, but was it competition when the Dark Lord didn't care for Bellatrix the way she wished? If he'd loved Bellatrix, he would have been jealous of it, if anything he'd welcomed her constant distractions. It meant less watching over her, less having to deal with her and less tantrums.
"Go talk to her, you'll be surprised by what's really bothering her," Harry said softly, he could see how devasted the wizard was. How desolate he'd grown when Luna had turned her back to him. "Use my room," with Bellatrix around, they needed guaranteed privacy, and the only people who could get into his room was Luna and Rodolphus, Barty, Rabastan, which given the wizards look the day he got in, spoke of how un-lightly he took the admittance. Understanding he was gaining something that most others did not, and of course there was Voldemort, who could get in anyway, they were his wards first and foremost. "Go," he added, nudging Rodolphus nearer Luna, there was little doubt in Harry's mind that Rodolphus was thinking all the wrong things.
'Go talk to her, you'll be surprised by what's really bothering her' echoed in Rodolphus' mind, giving him the courage he needed to see this through. If there was even the slimmest chance that he had a chance with Luna, he had to take it. "We have to talk," his tone now soft, none of his previous coldness to be had. Wrapping his hand around her upper arm, gently guiding her towards the door, he didn't even bother to glance back at the others. Luna was his priority at the moment all else could wait, including learning how to change his features. Judging how fast Barty had gotten the hang of it, he suspected it wouldn't be too difficult. If he had been a good man he would have walked away, but he wasn't. He wanted Luna, even if it drew her further and further into his depraved life.
They both remained silent as Rodolphus led her towards Harry's room, it was rather improper – he had grown up to respect the rules of a betrothal after all – but technically this wasn't a betrothal – yet – not until a contract was signed between both parties, the Lestrange and Lovegood's. He wasn't sure how that would go, Luna seemed amendable to the idea…but the father? After their reputation? Well, he wouldn't be surprised if he vehemently denied their desire to be married to one another. Which would mean – if she still wanted to be with him – that they would need to wait until she was seventeen to elope. Considering it was her father, Luna might decide it isn't worth the risk of losing her father, she'd already lost her mother. That loss still cut deeply; he knew from the talks they'd had. He'd spent so much time talking this week, he was rather hoarse from it all.
Rodolphus waited patiently for Luna to open the door, while he was allowed entrance, he couldn't open the doors. It was quite an ingenious piece of magic if he didn't say so himself. Not that he was going to admit that to Harry Potter of all people, the last thing he needed was a bigger head. Even after only a few days of constantly taking those potions he was feeling better in and on himself. His emotions had settled down, it was…shocking really, how much easier it was to keep a grip on his emotions. Sliding into the room behind her, not giving her a chance to slam the door in his face – if she would do such a thing – but it wouldn't be the first time Bellatrix had done it. He didn't like to compare the both of them, but he did, constantly, Bellatrix was the only female he'd been around constantly. The two were as opposite as night and day, and not just because Luna was a blonde and Bellatrix had the customary Black hair. No, it was breath-taking not having to calm a woman down out of their rages and angers. They actually spoke to each other, he and Luna, about everything and anything. Bellatrix only ever spoke about missions and the Dark Lord.
"Dobby?" Luna called, as she sat on the couch, the fire was blazing keeping the room toasty warm. After being in the duelling room and the potions lab, she was grateful for the heat.
"What can Dobby do for Master Harry's Luna?" Dobby asked, he used to call her Loony but one look from Rodolphus had put a very quick stop to that. Dobby hadn't meant it in any particular mean way. He called Ron – Wheezy – when the pair had been friends, yes, the names had never been maliciously intended.
"Bring us up a platter of foods and something warm to drink, please," Luna said, smiling at the creature who promptly disappeared to do her bidding.
Rodolphus grimaced at the sight, having never seen such a thing before in his life. Smiling at House-elves, it just wasn't done. There was no denying that Luna loved her creatures though, her eyes lit up when she spoke about them. Rodolphus wouldn't be surprised if Luna went into a career that dealt with animals on a daily basis. They weren't as bad as the Malfoy's when it came to House-elves though, he'd heard rumours and stories about how Lucius treated Dobby. In fact, Harry went out of his way to constantly try and get a rise out of Lucius by mentioning it often. They weren't kind to House-elves nor did they smile at them, but they weren't constant ordered to mutilate themselves.
It didn't take long for Dobby to pop back in with a huge platter of food and a click of his fingers brought the hot beverages.
"Thank you, Dobby," Luna called out just before the little thing disappeared.
Rodolphus bit his tongue as he busily begun filling their cups, knowing by now how Luna liked to drink her beverages. Like her it was an eclectic lot, teas, coffee's and hot chocolates with odd things in them. He decided on one of the hot chocolates – that had been brought in a mug – enjoying the taste it's the first thing he'd had after his release from Azkaban. It had been ambrosia after over a decade of slop they fed everyone on the island. It tasted like freedom to him even now, and he'd always have a fondness for it.
"You wanted to talk?" Luna prompted, curling up on the sofa, cup between her hands, warming her as she took little sips.
"You knew what I had done, it was no secret, hell, everyone knows what we did," Rodolphus stated, still quite frankly confused by her sudden turn around. "If you did not want to hear the answer to that question, why ask it?" now demanding answers getting very quickly frustrated.
Luna's face contorted in surprise, "Oh," she whispered, a thoughtful look on her face, "No, it was nothing to do with your confession, Rodolphus," although if she was honest with herself, she didn't like the thought that Rodolphus might do it again. To leave someone a drooling catatonic mess was…worse than killing them.
Rodolphus blinked, perhaps Harry was right after all, "Then what was it?" finding himself baffled now.
"The fact that I don't care, the reason I don't care," Luna confessed, her blue eyes filled with sadness. She felt trapped between a rock and a hard place having to deal with all these visions. Which were becoming increasingly more violent each night, even Harry didn't know what her visions entailed only that she wasn't getting much sleep because of them.
Rodolphus arched an eyebrow in surprise, well, that was unexpected. She was young, she was just growing into her own, the thought of death, killing and fighting probably scared her in the sense of her morals. Which had been up until lately been on an entirely different level. She'd been on the light side, that was what was troubling her. She was having to accept being here she'd be seeing death happen, knowing it was being done by people she loved. At least until they won the war, and things would settle down, they had no interest in killing children or people who didn't want a part in the war. They were only interested in wiping out their opposition. The Order mainly. The corrupt Ministry workers and Aurors who were fighting them.
"Luna…why don't you care?" Rodolphus asked quietly, a frown marring his features, he had a feeling this went deeper than this. "What have you seen?" he'd never discussed her abilities, not wishing for her to think he was using her on orders by the Dark Lord or just because of her abilities full stop. While it was intriguing, it wasn't why he liked her, he'd been drawn to her well before he found out about her seer abilities.
Luna sighed and closed her eyes, she found it odd to hear people asking that. Especially after going her entire life keeping, it a closely guarded secret. Her father and mother had made sure she understood it was to be kept secret, and her father had enforced that after her mother died every single day. Even more so after rumours of Voldemort being alive had begun to surface. It hadn't been a true concern; due to the fact her visions weren't anything to boast about. She didn't see much of anything to be worthy of kidnapping in her books. Until things had begun to take shape.
"Luna?" Rodolphus questioned cautiously when she didn't reply. The Dark Lord had made it clear that nobody outside of the group was to ever catch wind of it. So, Barty, Harry, the Dark Lord, and his brother and father were the only ones who knew besides himself. It wasn't something that was ever shared anyway, seers were considered sacred, but to keep them safe, it had to remain a close guarded secret. Hell, if it got out the light side would kidnap her in order to get the upper hand. It wouldn't be the first-time rumours of Dumbledore using divination to win the war, between prophets and seers. Whether there was anything to these rumours he still had no solid proof.
"You realize what it entails?" Luna asked, being a seer is seen as something amazing, awe inspiring and desirable. "Being a seer?"
"Why don't you tell me?" Rodolphus, did Harry already know all this? Was this why he had said what he did? No matter, he was just glad that his actions over a decade ago weren't going to destroy his chances with her. Anything else he could live with. She obviously wanted someone to talk to and he was very happy that it was him she was confiding in
"It's not so bad when you're young," Luna said, setting the cup aside and standing up making her way to the window, staring out at the lush perfectly kept grounds of Slytherin manor. "You don't see much, what you do see is bits and pieces, I lost faith in my abilities when I didn't see what happened to my mum. Losing faith didn't stop the visions of course, but they were just as puzzling as before."
Rodolphus stood up and made his way over to her, wrapping his arms around her, comforting her, mostly being selfish because he'd wanted to do it for ages now. "You shouldn't blame yourself," he replied, "It's life, and it's downright hard and cruel at times." Merlin, she felt better in his arms than he'd imagined so often.
"Do you know why I chose to save Harry?" Luna questioned pensively.
"Because he's your friend?" Rodolphus was thrown by the question.
"Of course, but there are deeper reasons, that day I saw things while I was awake, which has never happened. I saw the future so clearly, felt as though I was actually there and not just seeing it. It's as if my abilities were warning me, if that can actually happen. Up until that day the visions I were seeing were peaceful really, I saw my own future, which was…beautiful." Her family, children and Rodolphus was part of that. "I knew if he took that potion…everything would change."
"And they've stopped?" Rodolphus questioned, stiffening as his mind reeled. What did that mean? Why would her visions of her future change? Tightening his hold on her. Was he part of her future? Had she seen them together? Hope kindled anew, as it blazed in his stomach.
"The warning visions are still there, just different, it's almost like what I did that day doesn't have any affects," Luna sighed, rubbing her eyes as she leaned more fully back against Rodolphus. "Except from saving Harry, which I don't regret…I just don't understand what it's trying to warn me off, I can't see the full picture." Exasperation clear in her tone.
"Maybe you're looking at it too closely," Rodolphus said thoughtfully, almost distractedly as he inhaled Luna's scent, from where he perched his head on her shoulder. "Or taking too much pressure onto yourself. Why not let the Dark Lord see them? He's one of the smartest wizards in the magical world, if anyone could figure it out it would be him."
"Him and Harry," Luna replied, a small smile twitching at her lips.
Rodolphus chuckled darkly, seeing that smile, "I'm assuming we're…I'm going to be serving two Lord's soon? Hmm," not that it was a surprise really, he'd been expecting it for a while.
"Oh, yes," Luna answered without pause, feeling rather smug. Arching her head up, to get a look at Rodolphus, the reminder that she didn't need to do this alone was all she'd needed. "Thank you," she whispered softly, feeling very content at the moment.
Rodolphus kissed her on the forehead, not exactly where he wanted to kiss her but it would do for now. He was content just to have her actually in his arms for once. "How do you think your father would react if I asked for your hand in marriage? Would he sign a Betrothal contract between us?" expecting a straight up no, despite his hopes.
"He never had a Betrothal contract made up for me, he doesn't believe in them, they're very restricting after all." Luna replied, Rodolphus' arms around her made her feel invincible, protected and cherished. "He always wanted me to find love just like he did, he and my mum loved each other since they were children, and eloped when mum turned seventeen and was officially allowed to marry without parental approval." There had been two years age difference between them.
"That wasn't a yes," Rodolphus said dryly, nor was it a no really.
"You're previous Betrothal didn't last long and your marriage wasn't exactly…stable," Luna pointed out, "So why do you want to go through with another Betrothal? Why not just see where it goes and go from there?"
Rodolphus cocked his head to the side very briefly to acknowledge her point. It was true enough, his Betrothal to Bellatrix had been three short weeks before they married. Only a few meetings in which her father had accompanied her, he'd never been alone with her, but that was expected. Perhaps if he hadn't been in a Betrothal – or adhered to the strict practice – he would have realized there was something wrong. Would have asked his father to cancel the Betrothal, but he hadn't.
"Personally, I wouldn't want a Betrothal getting in the way, we wouldn't even be able to stand like this…" Luna trailed off, "How about you?" a secretive grin splitting her face, already knowing the answer. Already able to feel the affect she was having on Rodolphus from where she was clutched tightly to the wizard.
"You're a little devil, are you sure you were meant for Ravenclaw?" Rodolphus grunted, not used to this gentle teasing, he liked it.
"Never considered anywhere else," Luna replied smugly, very proud of her placement, even if the bullies she'd endured had made her Hogwarts years rather…hard to bear. She could have gotten the better of them, of course, she knew a lot of magic, more advanced for her age, but she'd never stooped to their level. It got better when she became friends with Harry and Neville, mostly because of Harry. Everyone knew better than to mess anyone Harry was friends with. Mostly because of the rumours, of things he'd done to his aunt – like blowing her up for instance – everyone knew Harry's friends were off limits. Well, everyone except Draco and his cronies had gotten the message, those three didn't know when to stop, even now actually.
"Nor for me," Rodolphus agreed smugly, and it was true, it had shouted Slytherin mere forty-five seconds after it slid onto his head. Considering how long it took the hat to speak, if it didn't then he'd say fifteen seconds maybe twenty-five at a pinch. "So, shall we?" he wanted to help Luna, and if getting insight into her visions by Voldemort and Harry would help her somehow…then he'd do it.
Luna stared pensively out the window once more, she'd never shared her visions before, not even with her father. Sure, she'd described things but viewing entire memories in a pensive – and she had no doubt that's what he meant – hadn't been done. It felt wrong on every level to let go of those visions and place them in a pensive and she wasn't even acting it out yet. Was it her own senses warning her of something or was it a lifetime of it being drummed into her, not to reveal herself, her gift. "Okay," she said shoring herself, a problem shared is a problem halved. Considering there was more than one person, hopefully then these visions wouldn't weigh quite so heavily upon her. Just having Rodolphus to talk to eased her somewhat, she didn't think on them quite so much until she was on her own that's when they bothered her. Then of course, there was the damn visions at night. No, being a seer wasn't a bloody godsend, it was a constant nightmare.
"Then let's go," Rodolphus said after a few more minutes of just relishing in being close to her. She was right, perhaps it was best not to go down the Betrothal route, otherwise he'd be giving up this. He'd only just got a little piece of it, fuck if he was going to give it up. Not for a contract at any rate, no, but the fact she hadn't shot him down meant she did see a potential marriage with him. Had she seen a future with him? He thought, his mind trying to envision a potential future.
"He could be busy," Luna pointed out, he was trying to take over the magical world after all, no doubt that took up a lot of his time.
"He'll make an exception for us," Rodolphus insisted, he hoped that was true, the old Dark Lord wouldn't have borne it, but this one…this one had patience, something he wasn't used to. It was the Dark Lord who his father was more used to, one that had utter confidence in his moves. He preferred this one, if he was honest, he wasn't sure anyone had been cursed since his return, at least not the way he preferred that spell back in his day. He had no idea what his Lord had done to make himself better and changed his looks but he didn't care. They were winning and more importantly…he found himself with a woman he could evasion a future with. One that actually had a nurturing bone in her body, they hadn't spoke of kids yet, but he had hope.
"Okay, just let me shower first," Luna said, still sticky from sweat that had long since dried in from her hours of duelling she'd just done. It wasn't magic making her sweat but trying to avoid Harry who was throwing spells left and right, and she was supposed to stop them hitting her. He never threw anything dangerous, just tickling jinxes and very minor spells that first years learn. In between teaching her actual spells, it kept things interesting for sure, and she had no idea how out of shape she really was until he'd given her that first training session. He'd make a good teacher that was for certain.
Rodolphus groaned when that implanted a thought in his mind he definitely didn't need when they were going to see the Dark Lord. Closing his eyes, wondering if Luna – the little minx – had done that on purpose to torment him. "I'll wait," already sitting himself – rather uncomfortably might he add – plucking the book he'd been reading from time to time when he was here.
Luna's tinkling laugh was all Rodolphus heard before the door closed, definitely did it on purpose. She might look like an angel but she was a bloody little devil in disguise.
Despite the book in his hands, he didn't manage to absorb even a word of it, too deep in thought about everything that had just happened. He'd thought for sure he had lost her given the way he spoke and what he'd said. He could have lied and said he had hardly anything to do with it, that it was all Bellatrix. Which in a way it was, but they had taken part, and were just as guilty, they also could have stopped Bellatrix, between the three of them anyway. It was however, Bellatrix's fault they were caught, and even worse that they were found 'guilty' she just couldn't keep her trap shut.
Although, frankly, he believed Luna would have given him a few days to stew over the fact before stomping up to him and dealing with it herself. She was just that sort of girl, the kind he needed to keep him on the straight and narrow. By Merlin, he was so enamoured it was pathetic really, even to him. Yet he couldn't find it in himself to care one iota. His father didn't seem to mind, in fact he was extremely pleased in the duelling room.
Yep, pathetic, he thought sardonically, finally giving up his attempts to read and flung the book aside.
"Rod?" Luna's voice came through the closed door slightly muffled.
"Yes?" Rodolphus asked, his tone cautious, wondering what his little devil was up to now.
"Can you grab me something to wear?" Luna asked.
Rodolphus groaned, "Are you trying to kill me woman?" he grumbled as he stood, opening her trunk and grabbing a few of Luna's favourite things, he knew because she wore them more often than anything else. He slid the door open just a tad, tempted to peek but refusing to do so, he kept his eyes closed and dropped the clothes and let the door close with a click once again privy to Luna's giggling.
She-devil he thought wryly, wandering over to the table and eating some of the food the House-elf had brought up. Anything to try and keep his mind preoccupied.
Ten minutes later, Luna appeared, "I'm ready," time to get this burden of her shoulders.
"You look lovely," Rodolphus told her, a soft look on his face.
Luna smiled sweetly at him, as they wandered over to the door, but the second it opened, Rodolphus' face became a blank mask. His fingers nonetheless brushed against Luna's and unable to help himself, he clutched her hand to his for a few moments while she closed the door. Only once they began moving down the corridor did Rodolphus let go, with Bellatrix around he couldn't take any chances.
Luna fortunately was used to this by now, even if Bellatrix wasn't around, she knew he would be like this outside of his close group. He was never going to be one for displaying his love to the world. He hadn't been raised that way, and saw it as a weakness of sorts, or rather letting everyone else see he had a weakness. Her parents had been different and it would take some getting used to, but as long as he cared about her…she didn't care about anyone else's perception of her life.
From around the corner, Bellatrix' eyes flashed malevolently as she watched them, fury etched on every line of her face. "You're going to regret this," she vowed angrily.
R&R