Chapter 5*
After the unsettling events surrounding Lucius, Harden wasted no time in reaching out to Rodolphus Lestrange and his family. He explained everything that had happened, emphasizing Lucius's fragile state, his voice carrying the weight of a father's worry. Harden pleaded with Rodolphus to come talk to Lucius, hoping that seeing his friend might offer some comfort.
Rodolphus didn't hesitate. He flooed over immediately, stepping out of the fireplace to find Harden and Abraxas waiting in the living room. Their faces were etched with concern, but there was also a flicker of relief when they saw him.
"He's in his bedroom," Harden said, his voice low and thick with worry.
Rodolphus nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He moved quickly, his footsteps soft on the carpet as he headed to Lucius's room. He knocked gently on the door before opening it. "Lucius, can I come in?"
Lucius, sitting on the edge of his bed, looked up. The sight of his friend brought a flicker of light to his otherwise pale, drawn features. "Yeah, you can. Thank you for coming," Lucius said softly, his voice laced with gratitude and a hint of desperation.
Rodolphus entered, his gaze taking in the dark circles under Lucius's eyes and the way his hands trembled slightly. He sat down beside Lucius, the mattress dipping under his weight. "Tell me what happened, Lucy," he said, his tone gentle yet urging.
For a moment, Lucius hesitated, his eyes flickering with pain. But then, the words tumbled out. He spoke of Severus, of the abuse, the constant fear, and how the anxiety gnawed at him, triggering the panic attacks that he had once thought he'd conquered. "I don't feel safe anymore," Lucius admitted, his voice breaking as he finally let the tears spill over.
Rodolphus's heart ached for his friend. "Oh, Lucius," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He wanted to say something comforting, to reassure Lucius that everything would be alright, but the words got stuck in his throat.
A soft cry broke the silence. Rodolphus turned, lifting the small bundle he'd brought with him. "Look at her," he said, his voice filling with affection as he cradled his daughter, Emmy, in his arms.
Lucius's expression softened at the sight of the baby. "Can I hold her?" he asked, a longing in his voice that only the innocent comfort of a child could fulfill.
Rodolphus smiled and handed Emmy over to Lucius. "Of course."
Lucius held Emmy close, his movements gentle as he rocked her. "Hi, baby," he whispered, his voice tender as he kissed her tiny nose. "Aww, who is the cutest little girl ever?"
Emmy giggled, her small hands reaching out and making soft cooing noises. For the first time in days, a genuine smile touched Lucius's lips. But the moment of calm was brief; Lucius's face suddenly contorted as a wave of nausea hit him. "Take her," he said quickly, thrusting Emmy back to Rodolphus.
Rodolphus took Emmy, his concern deepening as he watched Lucius summon a bucket. Lucius doubled over, retching violently, his body shaking with each heave. A pained moan escaped his lips, the sound raw and desperate.
Rodolphus set Emmy down in her carrier and moved to Lucius's side, his hand rubbing comforting circles on Lucius's back. "Breathe, Lucius. It's okay. Just breathe," Rodolphus murmured, his voice calm and soothing, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside him. He knew all too well the misery of morning sickness. It had taken him six months before the nausea had finally left him alone.
Lucius coughed and wiped his mouth, his eyes brimming with shame. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," he croaked, his voice rough.
"It's okay, Lucius. I understand," Rodolphus said gently. "I was in the same boat eight months ago, remember?"
Lucius looked up, the lines of his face softening with the memory of those difficult months when Rodolphus had faced his own struggles. "What did you feel about Emmy? Were you scared?" Lucius asked, his voice small, almost childlike, brimming with vulnerability.
"I was terrified," Rodolphus admitted, glancing down at Emmy, who was now content and quiet. "But I had one person who kept me going through it all."
Lucius blushed, his eyes reflecting the deep bond they shared. "I didn't want you to be alone. I would do it all over again if I had to."
Rodolphus smiled, his heart swelling with affection. "Lucius, you were my strength back then. Now, I'll be yours. I'm going to ask to stay here with you, just like you did for me. I'll be right back."
Lucius nodded, his heart lighter knowing he wasn't alone.
Rodolphus found Harden and Abraxas in the living room. Their eyes met his, questions unspoken but understood.
"How is he?" Abraxas asked, his voice tinged with a father's worry.
"He's struggling," Rodolphus admitted, his voice steady. "I want to stay here with him. Can Emmy and I move in for a while? I don't want him to be alone. And if Severus comes near him again..."
Harden's eyes narrowed, understanding the unspoken threat. "Of course you can stay. You're part of the family."
Rodolphus nodded, a sense of determination settling over him. "Thank you."
He returned to Lucius's room, finding Lucius lying on his bed, looking more at peace. Rodolphus felt a surge of protectiveness. No matter what it took, he would keep Lucius safe.
Lucius sat in his bedroom, the familiar surroundings now feeling suffocating. A surge of anger bubbled inside him, raw and uncontrolled. The memory of Severus's betrayal twisted his insides, turning pain into a dark, burning fury. With a growl, he grabbed the nearest thing—a book—and hurled it across the room. The satisfying crash as it hit the wall only fueled his rage. He grabbed another, then another, throwing them with all his strength. Pillows, candles, anything within reach was hurled to the ground.
The sound of his own anger filled the room, drowning out the crushing silence that had enveloped him since the truth came out. Severus had done this to him—left him broken and afraid. Alone.
Lucius's vision blurred as hot tears welled up, but he blinked them back, too angry to cry. His breath came in ragged gasps, each inhale sharp and painful. He wanted to scream, to lash out at something, anything that could make him feel better.
In the next room, Rodolphus heard the crashing noises. He sighed, recognizing the sound of Lucius's anger. "Harden, will you hold Emmy?" he asked quietly.
Harden took the baby from Rodolphus's arms, holding her gently as she giggled, unaware of the turmoil around her. Rodolphus headed towards Lucius's door, knocking softly. "Luc, let me in," he called, his voice calm but firm. When there was no response, he sighed and opened the door, slipping inside. He quickly put up a safety spell to prevent any further damage.
"Luc, stop," Rodolphus said, his voice a gentle command. He approached slowly, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "I know you're upset. I know you're scared. But I'm here. You're not alone."
Lucius turned to him, his face a mask of fury and pain. The anger drained from his expression, replaced by tears. He stumbled towards Rodolphus, collapsing into his arms. "I can't do it alone, Rod. I'm so scared," he sobbed, his voice breaking, his body trembling with the force of his emotions.
Rodolphus held him tightly, his own heart breaking at the raw vulnerability Lucius displayed. "It's okay, Luc. I've got you," he whispered, his hand stroking Lucius's hair. "I think it's time to see the mind healer again, Luc. Your panic attacks are getting worse."
"No," Lucius said, his voice rising in panic. "Not him, please. I don't like him."
Rodolphus's gaze met Harden's, who stood in the doorway, watching. Harden nodded in agreement. "We'll find a new one," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "Someone you can trust."
Abraxas stepped forward, his hand resting on Lucius's shoulder. "We'll make sure you're taken care of," he promised, his voice filled with a father's determination.
Rodolphus squeezed Lucius's hand, his touch grounding. "You're not alone, Luc. We're all here for you. We won't let anything happen to you," he vowed.
Lucius nodded, his breathing slowing as he leaned into Rodolphus's embrace. "Okay, Rod," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Within the hour, a new mind healer was at the house. She had kind eyes and a gentle presence that immediately put Lucius at ease. "Lucius, can we talk?" she asked softly, looking between him and Rodolphus.