CHAPTER 7: BONDS OF BLOOD
Andromeda's morning had taken an unusual turn when Alastor Moody summoned her to the ministry at the crack of dawn. With no one available to look after her mischievous nine-year-old daughter, Nymphadora, she had no choice but to bring the spirited youngster along. Nymphadora, having celebrated her ninth birthday just last month, was proving to be quite a handful.
Upon reaching the second floor of the ministry, Andromeda was directed to Head Auror Moody's office. Stepping inside, the seasoned auror guided her down to the holding cells, where her cousin Sirius was casually seated on a cot in the first cell on the right, appearing entirely nonchalant about the situation.
After exchanging pleasantries, Sirius detailed the circumstances that had led to his confinement and earnestly requested Andromeda to visit his mother's house. His intention was to ensure that his dear friend, who would undoubtedly be concerned about his well-being, received accurate information about his predicament.
Andromeda furrowed her brow, grappling with the unexpected responsibility now thrust upon her. "Sirius, you've always been a troublemaker, but this... this takes the cake," she remarked with a wry smile.
Sirius leaned against the cell bars, his demeanor a curious mix of nonchalance and concern. "Andromeda, you know how Mum can be. I don't want her worrying unnecessarily. Besides, James will be wondering where I am. Can't have him imagining the worst."
Andromeda sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Fine, I'll go. But you owe me for this, Sirius Black. Big time."
Nymphadora, who had been curiously eyeing the exchange, chimed in with her trademark enthusiasm, "Are we going on an adventure, Mum? Can I come too?"
Andromeda shot her daughter a warning glance. "This is not an adventure, Tonks. And you most certainly cannot come. Stay here with Auntie Bella. I'll be back as soon as I can."
As Andromeda made her way out of the ministry, a whirlwind of thoughts swirled in her mind. Little did she know that this seemingly mundane errand would set in motion a chain of events that would test her family bonds and plunge her into a world far more complex than she could have ever imagined.
Andromeda found herself in the opulent entrance hall of her Aunt Walburga's home, patiently awaiting the arrival of Sirius' friend. The air was thick with an unsettling stillness, and the grandeur of the surroundings seemed to accentuate the gravity of the situation.
"Nymphadora, do not touch anything," Andromeda admonished, interrupting her daughter's attempt to open the door of an ancient grandfather clock.
"Mum, I told you not to call me that," Tonks exclaimed, her vibrant pink hair seeming to mirror her spirited defiance.
A deep, male voice resonated from the top of the stairs, sending shivers down their spines. "Your mother's right. Everything in this house will try to kill you."
As the voice trailed off, a figure descended the staircase and came to a stop in front of them. Andromeda extended a polite greeting, "Hello, I'm Andromeda Tonks, and this is my daughter Nymphadora."
The man, who introduced himself as Harry, shook her hand with a courteous nod. "I am Harry. It's a pleasure to meet you as well."
"Call me Tonks," the pink-haired girl demanded, her casual tone belying the tension in the air.
"Why? Nymphadora is such a pretty name," Harry remarked innocently, seemingly unaware of the storm he had just stirred.
Andromeda shot a warning glance at Tonks, silently urging her to keep her composure. The interaction had barely begun, and already the atmosphere was charged with an unspoken tension. Little did they know that this meeting would unravel layers of secrets, revealing a connection that ran far deeper than mere introductions could convey.
Andromeda couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that this man, Harry, exuded an aura of danger. There was no overt aggression, but an intangible quality about him whispered of peril, oddly stirring something akin to attraction within her. He possessed a captivating handsomeness, his tall frame and penetrating eyes causing her to momentarily lament her marital status.
"Because it's a dumb name," Nymphadora pouted, pulling Andromeda out of her intriguing yet treacherous thoughts.
"So, what can I help you with?" Harry inquired, leading them up the stairs and into the drawing-room.
Andromeda took a seat on the sofa and began to explain, "I received a call from the Aurors this morning. My cousin Sirius needed to see me. He asked me to come here and fill you in on his situation."
Harry settled into a chair across from her, his eyes intent as he absorbed the information. "So, I take it they were successful in catching Pettigrew last night?"
Before Andromeda could respond, the atmosphere shifted as a new presence entered the room. Bellatrix, with an air of imperiousness, made her entrance, complaining, "Harry, I want ice cream, and Kreacher won't get it for me."
Andromeda eyed her estranged sister warily, aware of the tumultuous history between the Black sisters. Harry, seemingly unfazed, glanced at Bellatrix and quipped, "Well, that sounds like a pressing matter. Maybe after we discuss Sirius' situation."
Bellatrix shot him a withering look before turning her attention back to Andromeda. "So, what's my dear cousin been up to now? Is this another one of his grand escapades?" Her tone dripped with thinly veiled disdain.
"Oh bugger," Harry muttered under his breath as Andromeda and Bellatrix froze upon locking eyes with each other.
"What is she doing here?!" both sisters demanded in unison, prompting a giggle from Tonks.
"Kreacher," Harry called out to the elf appearing in the doorway.
"Yes, what does master want of poor Kreacher?" the little elf inquired.
"Please get Bellatrix and Nymphadora an ice cream cone, and whatever Andromeda wants," Harry instructed.
"A mint chocolate chip cone," Andromeda responded distractedly.
With a distinctive 'pop,' Kreacher disappeared to fulfill the sweet request. Harry took charge, firmly stating, "Now, there is a child here, so there will be no drawn wands," as he cast a pointed look at Bellatrix.
"Fine," Bellatrix huffed, sitting on the arm of Harry's chair and glaring at her sister with her arms crossed beneath her chest.
"So, what are you doing here?" Bellatrix demanded, her tone sharp and accusatory. The tension in the room thickened, a palpable undercurrent running beneath their conversation. It was a delicate dance, navigating the intricacies of family ties and unspoken histories that lay dormant but far from forgotten.
Andromeda's voice was edged with curiosity as she leaned forward, her eyes fixed intently on Harry. Bellatrix, still simmering with resentment, shot a suspicious glance at Harry before narrowing her eyes at Andromeda's sudden interest.
"Sirius asked me to come and fill Harry in on what happened last night," Andromeda said with a hint of formality, though her tone softened a bit as she addressed Harry directly.
Bellatrix couldn't resist interjecting. "I knew the little worm was behind this somehow," she exclaimed, her irritation palpable.
'pop'
Kreacher materialized in the room, a curious assortment of ice cream cones floating before him. The clinking of the treats echoed in the room as he distributed them among the group. "Master Harry's favorite," he muttered before disappearing, grumbling under his breath about the presence of blood traitors.
As the silence settled, Andromeda, her voice delicate but curious, broke the quietude. "So, not to be rude, but who are you? I have never seen you before."
"All I can tell you is I met Sirius in Azkaban and helped him find Pettigrew," Harry replied simply, his gaze steady.
Nymphadora, between enthusiastic bites of ice cream, chimed in, "You were in Azkaban?"
"I was," Harry affirmed, his tone unassuming.
The curiosity in Andromeda's voice couldn't be concealed. "Are you another one of those pureblood fanatics like my sister there?" she asked pointedly, gesturing subtly toward Bellatrix.
Harry's hand gently rested on Bellatrix's thigh, halting any angry retort that might have sprung forth. "Nope," he said firmly, meeting Andromeda's gaze evenly. "We all bleed red as far as I'm concerned."
"And why were you in Azkaban?" Andromeda pressed on, her interest now piqued beyond mere curiosity, her questions hanging in the air like unspoken tensions.
Harry's bluntness cut through the air, causing a smug expression to grace Bellatrix's features as she perched on the arm of his chair, relishing her ice cream. Andromeda, incredulous at Harry's response, couldn't help but voice her surprise.
"Mum!" Nymphadora exclaimed, her eyes wide, having never heard her mother curse before.
"Harry trusts Bella. He shared my cell with me for months," Bellatrix chimed in, her voice taking on a mocking, almost childlike tone.
The revelation hit Andromeda like a thunderbolt. "What?!" Her gaze shifted between Harry, who was glaring at Bellatrix, and Bellatrix, who appeared entirely unaffected.
"Yes, there was a clerical error, and I was placed in an occupied cell," Harry explained delicately, trying to diffuse the tension.
"And the guards never did anything?" Andromeda probed further, her disbelief evident.
"No, they didn't. Harry did keep me warm at night, though," Bellatrix said with an unsettlingly cheerful tone.
"I'll bet he did," Andromeda muttered under her breath, feeling an inexplicable twinge of annoyance at Bellatrix's remark.
"The situation was complicated," Harry interjected, his tone carrying an air of exasperation.
Andromeda, unable to shake off her discomfort, ventured into a territory she wasn't sure she wanted to explore. "So, are you two... together?" she asked tentatively.
"No," Harry replied swiftly, a hint of urgency in his voice. "Now, what happened with Sirius?" He tried to steer the conversation away from the uncomfortable subject, eager to focus on more pressing matters.
Andromeda's words carried a sense of impending resolution. "He will get a trial in a few days. Pettigrew was captured and interrogated under veritaserum, so the trial is more of a formality. Sirius insisted I come here as early as possible and fill you in," she explained, a faint glimmer of satisfaction dancing in her eyes as she observed her sister's disgruntled expression.
"I knew he ruined our shower time on purpose," Bellatrix pouted playfully, seemingly enjoying Harry's embarrassment.
"You shower together?" Nymphadora asked, her tone innocent and curious.
Harry, eager to redirect the conversation, hastily responded, "Yes, we have to conserve water," shooting a pointed glare at a smirking Bellatrix.
The innocent line of inquiry took an unexpected turn when Tonks chimed in, her curiosity piqued. "Is that why you and daddy share a shower?" Her question caused Harry to snort, watching as Andromeda blushed furiously.
"Yes, that's why," Andromeda replied quickly, attempting to brush off the subject.
Bellatrix, her voice laced with a cold edge, pressed on. "So, you're still married to... him?" Her disdain was palpable.
"Yes, I love him. You and the rest of the family never understood that," Andromeda responded quietly, her words tinged with a sense of sadness and defiance, revealing a deeper layer to the family dynamics.
Tensions flared, the air crackling with the weight of unresolved family grievances. Bellatrix's voice pierced the room, laden with accusation. "You deserted us! Because of you, Father entered me and Cissa into contracts with those blubbering morons!" Her words echoed sharply as she leapt to her feet, her fury palpable.
"You should have left too! Instead, you followed the family line and joined that raving lunatic!" Andromeda countered, her own anger rising as she rose to her feet to meet her sister's gaze.
"And what? Be disowned like you were? I would rather die than bring shame to my family!" Bellatrix's declaration reverberated with stubborn pride.
"You were always a bit mad. Why did you accept Father's decision? Those contracts are not magical. If you had run away, then Father would have had to pay compensation to the Lestranges, and that would have been the end of it," Andromeda said wearily, her frustration evident.
"And then Grandfather would have struck me from the family like he did to you," Bellatrix argued, her voice edged with defiance.
"No, he wouldn't. The only reason I was disowned was because I eloped with a Mudblood," Andromeda replied, her tone carrying a mixture of weariness and conviction, shedding light on the complex family dynamics that had shaped their lives.
The tension hung thick in the air as Bellatrix stood her ground. "I did my duty to the House of Black," she retorted stubbornly.
"And then joined that madman," Andromeda countered sharply.
"He wanted to purge the Mudbloods from our world, and after you ran off with that Tonks boy, I was eager to help with that," Bellatrix explained with a casual shrug, her convictions firm.
Harry, sensing the escalating conflict, intervened. "Come on, Tonks, let's go get some lunch."
"Are you sure about that, Harry? She can be quite a handful," Andromeda remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Yeah, we'll be fine. You two need to talk this out," Harry insisted as he walked out of the room, Tonks trailing behind him.
Once they entered the kitchen, Tonks couldn't help but voice her curiosity. "So, that's Mum's sister?" she asked, glancing around the room, taking in the somewhat austere yet elegant setting.
"Yep," Harry affirmed, rummaging in the cold cupboard for sandwich supplies.
Tonks settled herself at the table, her curiosity piqued. "Why are they so mad at each other? Mum doesn't yell very much," she pondered aloud.
"They had a big fight years ago," Harry explained, assembling a sandwich for her and placing it alongside some crisps on a plate.
"She doesn't seem to like my dad very much. What is a Mudblood anyway?" Tonks queried, popping a crisp into her mouth.
"It's a mean word for a Muggle-born," Harry clarified, pouring her a glass of pumpkin juice before fixing himself a sandwich and taking a seat opposite her. They began to eat in quietude, the atmosphere softened by the tranquility of the moment.
But the peaceful interlude was short-lived. Tonks accidentally knocked over her glass, spilling pumpkin juice across the table. Without missing a beat, Harry swiftly waved his wand, causing the spilled liquid to vanish before it could trickle onto the floor, leaving the surface spotless once more.
"I take it you're a bit clumsy," Harry remarked, refilling Tonks' glass with juice.
"Mum says I am," Tonks replied with a casual shrug before resuming her sandwich.
"I think she's right," Harry observed thoughtfully, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Tonks, her curiosity unabated, leaned forward. "So, are you one of those purebloods?" she inquired.
"Nope, I'm a half-blood like you," Harry responded, pouring himself some juice.
Tonks, seizing the opportunity, performed a quick metamorphosis, changing her nose into a pig's snout. "Oh, cool! But I bet you can't do this," she challenged, a playful glint in her eyes.
"You're a Metamorphmagus?" Harry asked, his grin widening at her display.
"Yeah, I'm still learning how to control it, but I can do loads of stuff with it," Tonks boasted proudly.
"How old are you?" Harry queried, curious about her abilities.
"Nine," Tonks answered between bites of her chicken sandwich.
"It's rude to talk with your mouth full," Harry chided her in amusement, a lightheartedness in his tone.
"Quite right, Nymphadora, use your manners," Andromeda's stern voice echoed in the kitchen as she walked in, followed by a sulking Bellatrix.
"I want a sandwich," Bellatrix declared as soon as she caught sight of what Harry was eating, her demeanor demanding yet petulant.
Harry's smirk grew as he flicked his wand, conjuring a sandwich that seemed to assemble itself before gracefully landing on a plate, floating over to rest on the table beside the chair to his right.
"Are you hungry, Andromeda?" Harry inquired politely.
"I'm starving. We skipped breakfast this morning," Andromeda responded gratefully, eyeing the sandwich.
With another flick of his wand, a plated sandwich floated to the table beside Tonks, who eyed it with a mixture of curiosity and appetite.
The two sisters settled into their seats and began to eat. After a few moments of quiet, Harry broke the silence. "Did you two get everything sorted out?"
"More or less," Andromeda replied in between bites.
"Good. I think Sirius sent you here just to stir the pot," Harry remarked candidly, his observations astute.
"That sounds about right," Andromeda agreed, nodding in acknowledgment.
Bellatrix, her curiosity piqued, interjected, "So, have you talked to Cissa lately?"
"No, not since her husband's trial. I can't believe he bought his way out of Azkaban," Andromeda said, her voice tinged with disgust, reflecting on the outcome of her sister's husband's legal proceedings.
Lucy was always elusive," Bellatrix remarked, nodding in agreement.
"Perhaps a visit to Narcissa might be necessary soon," mused Harry, his thoughts deep.
"Truly?" Bellatrix's tone was tinged with an almost fervent anticipation.
"Not immediately, but in a few days. You mentioned your sister has a method to erase that mark from your arm, didn't you?" Harry inquired.
"Yes, if anyone can, it's her. She's a prodigy with runes, and short of severing my arm, a runic array seems the sole solution," Bellatrix responded, her voice bearing a weighty seriousness.
"You wish to rid yourself of the mark?" Andromeda's surprise was evident in her tone.
"Yes, Harry doesn't approve," Bellatrix replied casually, shrugging.
"I thought you were his most loyal follower?" Andromeda probed further.
"Perhaps once, but Harry surpasses the Dark Lord in power," Bellatrix explained, as though it were a simple truth.
"Hmm, that's difficult to believe," Andromeda expressed her skepticism.
"In terms of sheer power, Voldemort and I are evenly matched. He may have decades of experience on me, likely making him more adept with a wand," Harry confessed.
"Voldemort's dead, so it's irrelevant," Andromeda dismissed the topic with finality.
"True," Harry concurred, cautious not to alarm the pink-haired girl eavesdropping on their conversation, unaware that Voldemort still loomed as a threat.
As the grandfather clock in the entrance hall chimed, indicating the changing hour, Andromeda glanced at her watch and rose from her seat.
"I've got to meet Ted for lunch. Thank you for the sandwich and the ice cream," Andromeda expressed her gratitude while waiting for Tonks to prepare herself.
"Don't mention it, and please, keep mum about Bellatrix," Harry urged, casting a glance at Tonks, who nodded in acknowledgment.
Bellatrix remained seated, observing silently as her sister and niece departed. Despite the mended fences between her and Andromeda, their relationship remained fragile. Andromeda's interruption this morning hadn't helped matters, disrupting Bellatrix's plans with Harry.
Their reconciliation was a delicate balance, marred by past grievances and simmering tensions. Bellatrix couldn't shake the feeling that Andromeda's interference had thrown a wrench into her interactions with Harry, creating an unsettling unease between them.
Despite her icy demeanor, Bellatrix harbored a clandestine sense of joy at seeing Andromeda once more, a reunion that hadn't occurred since she was nineteen.
Maintaining her frosty treatment toward Andromeda remained Bellatrix's intention, yet beneath the surface, a secret desire lingered for another visit from her sister, preferably without the presence of her offspring.
However, Bellatrix diverted her attention to other pressing matters. Her pet was proving evasive, playing a game of cat and mouse, but she harbored unwavering confidence that she'd eventually attain what she sought in due time. Her determination fueled her plans, unwavering in her pursuit despite the obstacles in her path.
Seated at the breakfast table, savoring a plate of bacon and eggs, Harry awaited Kreacher's return with the 'Daily Prophet'. He couldn't help but feel genuinely surprised that there was no mention of the escape in the papers yet.
With Sirius' trial scheduled for the day, Harry suspected the Ministry's strategy was to delay any publication until Sirius was proven innocent, effectively halving the number of escapees. Politicians, in his experience, followed predictable patterns, often prioritizing public protection over revealing inconvenient truths, especially if those truths jeopardized their chances of reelection.
"Good morning, Harry," Bellatrix's voice broke his thoughts as she entered the kitchen.
Over the past week, Bellatrix had intensified her efforts to capture his attention. Since Andromeda's visit, she hadn't joined him in the shower, but her teasing demeanor reminiscent of their interactions at Azkaban had resurfaced. Despite his attempts to remain focused, her persistent attempts at flirtation had been noticeable. Harry couldn't deny the complexity of the situation, feeling both wary and oddly intrigued by Bellatrix's renewed interest in him.
"Good morning, Bella," Harry greeted, lifting his gaze from the breakfast spread.
Bellatrix inquired, her curiosity evident, "So, what's on the agenda for today? I'm starting to feel a bit cooped up in this house."
"Sirius' trial is scheduled for this morning, so I thought it might be a good opportunity to pay a visit to Narcissa," Harry replied thoughtfully.
"Really?" Bellatrix exclaimed, her surprise evident as a plate of food materialized before her.
"Yes, Lucius will likely be at the trial. I'd rather not encounter the sanctimonious bastard unless I'm standing over him with a knife," Harry stated casually, shrugging.
Between bites of her breakfast, Bellatrix inquired, "How many people have you killed?"
"Less than a dozen," Harry responded, his tone reflective.
"And you didn't keep count?" Bellatrix prodded further.
"No, I don't particularly enjoy it unless it's absolutely necessary," Harry admitted before turning the question, "How many people have you killed?"
"Two, and it was to earn the mark," Bellatrix confessed.
"Hmm, given your reputation, I would've thought the count would be much higher," Harry remarked, considering her admission.
"Interrogation has always been my forte. I'm a natural Legilimens and possess a certain affinity for the Cruciatus Curse. The Dark Lord often utilized me to extract information from tight-lipped prisoners," Bellatrix elucidated.
"So, you weren't extensively involved in the raids?" Harry inquired.
"A few, but most were mundane. The people we targeted were utterly inept with a wand, couldn't duel their way out of a paper sack," Bellatrix lamented with a pout.
"Are you truly okay with removing the mark?" Harry pressed, concern lacing his words.
"Yes, I'd rather stand by your side now," Bellatrix asserted matter-of-factly.
"I don't need a follower," Harry responded firmly.
"Then how about a wife?" Bellatrix asked hopefully, her gaze fixed on him.
"I care for you, but we're not there yet," Harry replied seriously.
"Yet?" Bellatrix's tone held a glimmer of hope.
"Yet," Harry affirmed.
"In that case, yes, I want the mark removed," Bellatrix said, a soft smile playing on her lips as she glanced down at her breakfast plate. The prospect of a future where the mark no longer bound her held a quiet but tangible joy.
Narcissa had been taken aback when Dobby, ten minutes prior, barged into the kitchen to announce her sister's unexpected arrival. Puzzled by Andromeda's sudden appearance, she was still grappling with the reason behind it as she made her way to the greeting room.
Her initial surprise skyrocketed when she laid eyes on Bellatrix, accompanied by a tall, dark-haired man with striking emerald green eyes that seemed to radiate an unfathomable power.
"Please, take a seat," Narcissa invited, gesturing toward some chairs placed to the side of the greeting room.
"Thank you, Cissa. You look well," Bellatrix greeted as they all settled into their seats.
"Thank you. Now, forgive me for being direct, Bellatrix, but what brings you here?" Narcissa inquired, cutting straight to the chase. Her curiosity was piqued by this unexpected visit from her sister, especially accompanied by an enigmatic companion.
As Bellatrix spoke, her words threaded a tale of escape, veiled in the shroud of Azkaban's mystery, the shadows of her evasion casting a web of disbelief. "It's been nigh a week since my departure from Azkaban. Quite astonishing, really, that the Prophet hasn't made a raucous announcement yet," she divulged, her casual tone juxtaposing the gravity of her statement.
Narcissa's gaze bore into Harry, suspicion weaving through the tendrils of her scrutiny. "At least have the courtesy to introduce me to your... companion," she demanded, her eyes never leaving Harry's face, a silent inquiry etched in her expression.
Bellatrix, seemingly delighted by the intrigue, gestured toward Harry with an air of satisfaction. "Oh, how remiss of me! This is Harry. Harry, allow me to present my youngest sister, Narcissa," she chimed, a faint hint of mischief dancing in her eyes.
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Malfoy," Harry conveyed with measured politeness, inclining his head in deference.
Narcissa, her curiosity piqued, couldn't help but inquire further. "And how is it that you're acquainted with my sister?" Her tone betrayed a subtle mix of wariness and fascination, hinting at the unspoken mysteries that lay beyond the surface.
Harry's simple admission hung heavy in the air, casting an unexpected shadow over the conversation. Narcissa's demeanor shifted, her nerves becoming palpable as she grappled with the revelation.
Bellatrix, however, seemed to pivot effortlessly, redirecting the conversation with a curious blend of casualness and familiarity. "So, Cissa, how fares Lucius these days?" she inquired, an attempt to tether the conversation to something less disconcerting.
"He is doing well, but why are you here, Bella?" Narcissa's voice bore an edge, her discomfort evident, especially with Draco lingering in the adjacent room, unaware of the unfolding scene.
"I require your assistance," Bellatrix declared matter-of-factly, the gravity of her request cutting through the tension. "I need you to rid me of this mark. I am convinced that a runic array is the only means to erase it," she revealed, unveiling the faded Dark Mark etched on her left forearm.
Narcissa, her wand materializing almost instinctively, began to cast spells over the Mark, her brow furrowing in deep concentration. Her actions spoke volumes of her conflicted emotions—a mix of concern for her sister's predicament and apprehension about the consequences of their clandestine meeting.
Harry found himself momentarily entranced by Narcissa's striking appearance—a vision of elegance with her tall stature, cascading platinum blonde hair, and piercing, contemplative blue eyes. Her focused scrutiny of Bellatrix's Mark, combined with the subtle nervous habit of nibbling her lip, painted a portrait of intense concentration.
Shaking off his reverie, Harry refocused on the conversation, awaiting Narcissa's verdict on whether she could indeed rid Bellatrix of the cursed Mark.
"I believe I can remove it, but I'll need to consult various sources to ensure its eradication," Narcissa declared, her tone shifting to a more businesslike demeanor. "However, my assistance in this matter will require something in return."
Bellatrix, unsurprised by the condition, inquired without missing a beat, "What is it that you seek?"
"I require an... adjustment in Lucius's circumstances," Narcissa stated, her gaze flickering pointedly toward Harry.
"An accident?" Harry questioned cautiously, a twinge of eagerness betraying his tone.
Narcissa's response was measured. "A fatal one. Lucius is already casting shadows on Draco's future. If nothing is done, my son will tread the same dark path as his father."
"Isn't that a bit extreme?" Harry interjected, caught off guard by the gravity of Narcissa's request.
Narcissa's fervor underscored her desperation to shield Draco from mirroring Lucius's shadowed legacy. "He's already steering my son away from me. I won't allow Draco to echo that haughty, wretched man. My father imposed this marriage upon me, and I loathe Lucius. I refuse to witness my son's transformation into a replica of him," she exclaimed, her emotions raw and fervent.
Harry, grappling with the weight of her words, acquiesced, extending his hand in agreement. "Understood. When you've removed the Mark, I'll ensure some unfortunate events befall Lucius," he affirmed, his resolve apparent as he offered his hand for a handshake.
"We have an accord. How can I reach you?" Narcissa inquired, shaking his hand firmly, determination etched in her features.
"Join us at Aunt Walburga's. That's where we're currently residing," Bellatrix divulged, a note of satisfaction coloring her voice.
"Agreed. I'll be in touch the day after tomorrow," Narcissa confirmed after a brief moment of consideration.
"Right. We ought to depart before Lucius returns," Harry interjected, taking the lead and guiding Bellatrix toward the fireplace.
Before stepping into the floo, Narcissa issued a directive, her tone carrying a sense of authority. "I'll arrive around noon. Have Kreacher prepare a light lunch this Wednesday."
With a nod of acknowledgement, Harry and Bellatrix vanished into the green flames, leaving behind a promise and a plan to be set in motion.
As they emerged from the flickering flames of the fireplace, Bellatrix couldn't contain her surprise. "Cissa truly caught me off guard," she admitted, her tone reflecting a mix of disbelief and admiration.
Harry, walking alongside her toward the drawing room, echoed her sentiment. "Absolutely. That was unexpected," he concurred, their steps echoing softly against the polished floorboards.
Curiosity piqued, Bellatrix turned the conversation toward a more somber subject. "I never inquired—did you dispatch Rudolphus and his brother?" she asked, a curious gleam in her eye.
"Yes, I did. I couldn't risk the vow. Besides, your poisoning incident pushed my bracelets beyond their limit. So, technically, you upheld your end of the bargain," Harry confessed, his honesty evident in his words.
"Excellent. Shall we go take a sh—" Bellatrix began before their conversation was interrupted by Sirius's exuberant entrance into the drawing room, with Andromeda trailing behind him.
"I'm free!" Sirius exclaimed jubilantly, his announcement breaking the flow of their conversation.
"How wonderful," Bellatrix responded, though her tone carried a hint of sourness. Sirius, inadvertently yet again, seemed to have inadvertently disrupted her plans.
Sirius's cheerful announcement cut through the air, breaking the solemnity of their conversation. "They're kissing Peter at sundown today. He's been convicted of all my charges, plus they pinned on him the framing of the heir to an ancient, noble house," he revealed, plopping himself down on the couch between Harry and Bellatrix, a wide grin adorning his face.
Andromeda, seated nearby, barely concealed a giggle at the incredulous expression Bellatrix shot Sirius when he settled between her and Harry. "How was your morning?" she inquired innocently, diverting attention from the unfolding tension.
"Productive. We paid a visit to Cissa. She's agreed to join us for lunch on Wednesday," Bellatrix announced, a sly smirk aimed at Sirius.
"Merlin's beard, I'll make myself scarce then. She's always been the most formidable of you three," Sirius quipped with a shudder, attempting to lighten the mood.
"I highly doubt that," Harry chimed in with a chuckle, his attempt at humor met with silence from the others, causing his laughter to taper off awkwardly.
"Don't be deceived by her angelic appearance, Harry. When she feels wronged, she's utterly ruthless," Andromeda warned, her tone carrying a weight of truth that echoed in the quiet room.
The atmosphere shifted as Harry's muttered words hung in the air. "That might explain why Lucius is on her list," he remarked, his voice tinged with contemplation.
Sirius, not catching the undercurrent of the conversation, continued with his plans. "I'm stepping out tonight to celebrate. Might not be back until tomorrow morning," he announced to Harry, unaware of the gravity of the previous exchange.
"Ensure you cast the charm, mate, so there's no unwanted outcome," Harry advised earnestly, a note of seriousness in his tone.
"Oh, relax. I always do," Sirius replied nonchalantly, dismissing Harry's concern.
"Actually, he already has a date for tonight," Andromeda interjected with a knowing smirk.
"With whom?" Harry inquired, taken aback by the unexpected news.
"Amelia Bones. I returned her wand when they released me, and she gave me mine after my clearance this morning. I asked her out for dinner tonight," Sirius declared proudly.
"You do realize she's the one who poisoned Bellatrix?" Harry stated coolly, his words cutting through the moment.
"No, I didn't. But that doesn't sound like Amy at all. She's usually as by-the-book as they come," Sirius exclaimed, shock evident on his face.
"She poisoned Bellatrix?" Andromeda echoed, sounding equally stunned.
"Yes, she gave her a chocolate bar laced with belladonna," Harry revealed in a quiet tone.
"That woman!" Andromeda exclaimed, a mixture of disbelief and anger lacing her words.
"My sentiments exactly," Harry concurred, nodding his head in agreement. The revelation casting a shadow over their opinions of Amelia Bones.
"Did they pry into our affairs?" Bellatrix redirected the conversation, seeking to shift the focus away from the unsettling revelations.
"No, Andromeda skillfully diverted their inquiries when Crouch interrogated me under veritaserum," Sirius confirmed, acknowledging his sister's efforts to protect their secrets.
"You represented him?" Harry inquired, turning to Andromeda with curiosity etched on his features.
"Yes, I am a certified solicitor in the Muggle world," Andromeda responded proudly, her dedication evident in her tone.
"Muggle," Bellatrix sneered, unable to resist the opportunity for a jab.
"The qualifications are recognized in both worlds," Andromeda clarified, defending her expertise despite Bellatrix's dismissiveness.
"Hmm," Bellatrix responded, her interest waning as the topic veered away from her immediate concerns.
"Keep your guard up around Bones," Harry cautioned Sirius, a note of concern in his tone as he locked eyes with him.
"No worries. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to prepare," Sirius announced, rising from his seat and exiting the room swiftly, leaving the conversation hanging in the air.
"Did Cissa agree to remove your mark?" Andromeda inquired, turning her attention to Bellatrix.
"Yes, that's the hope behind her visit on Wednesday," Bellatrix confirmed, a flicker of anticipation in her voice.
"Good. I might be able to petition for your case to be dismissed, or at least retried once the mark is removed," Andromeda suggested, her mind seemingly consumed by strategic possibilities.
"How? I still willingly went there and used the torture curse more than once," Bellatrix countered, her skepticism evident as she questioned the impact of any potential legal maneuver.
"Ah, but you were tried before the Imperius defense became recognized," Andromeda remarked smugly, her confidence in her legal insight apparent.
"You've got to be kidding," Harry interjected, disbelief coloring his words as the implications of this revelation sank in.
Andromeda's explanation unraveled a strategic legal avenue, sparking a glint of hope in their conversation.
"Not bad at all. It's a gamble, but it might just work. Worst case scenario, I'll have to break you out again," Harry mused, his mind considering the potential outcomes.
"I'm inclined to agree. I'd rather frequent Fortescue's without the looming threat of arrest," Bellatrix conceded after a moment's contemplation.
"I'll initiate the process then. I'll be in touch shortly," Andromeda declared before gracefully exiting the room, her determination palpable.
"I hope she can pull it off," Harry remarked, a trace of uncertainty lingering in his tone.
"We'll see," Bellatrix responded, her guarded optimism evident as if not wanting to raise her hopes too high, cautious of the volatile nature of their circumstances. The prospect of a reprieve, however distant, lingered in the air, fostering a glimmer of possibility amidst the uncertainty.
A peculiar atmosphere enveloped the night, and Harry sensed an unspoken shift that eluded his understanding. After Sirius departed, Harry and Bellatrix shared a subdued evening, retiring to bed with an inexplicable tension lingering in the air.
Presently, Harry lay on his bed, eyes closed, on the verge of drifting into slumber. Bellatrix, expressing a desire for a relaxing bubble bath, had ventured into the lavishly equipped master bathroom with its inviting full-sized bathtub.
The bedroom door creaked open, and Harry, still with closed eyes, perceived the subtle descent of the mattress as Bellatrix joined him under the covers, drawing near. A mysterious energy hummed in the air, intensifying the charged ambiance.
"You've kept me waiting long enough," Bellatrix whispered into his ear, her hand boldly venturing beneath the waistband of his boxers. The soft touch sent shivers down Harry's spine as he grappled with a mix of anticipation and confusion.
"Bella, uh, what are you—oh, my, what are you doing?" Harry stammered, his voice betraying a blend of surprise and arousal as her gentle hand explored the contours of his hardening member.
The room seemed to hold its breath, caught in a moment suspended between the familiar and the unknown. Bellatrix, undeterred, continued her playful exploration, her words and actions imbued with an enigmatic intensity that left Harry both intrigued and unsettled. The dim light cast dancing shadows on the walls, as if mirroring the uncharted territory their night was about to navigate.
"Seducing you," she whispered, her breath a tantalizing caress against his ear before capturing his lips with her own. Harry groaned in response as her lips pressed into his, the intensity of the kiss deepening. Her hand continued its sensual exploration, stroking him with a deliberate rhythm that mirrored the quickening beat of their hearts.
In the midst of their passionate exchange, Harry surrendered to the moment, his moans blending seamlessly with hers. As their connection intensified, Bellatrix skillfully pulled his arousal free from the confines of his boxers, casting them aside in a swift, decisive motion.
In a mesmerizing blur of desire, it seemed as though mere seconds later, Bellatrix was astride him, their bodies entwined. The kiss persisted, each exchange a symphony of need and longing. Harry felt the electrifying heat of her body, her moist warmth pressing against his shaft, stoking the flames of arousal within him.
Bellatrix, now positioned high on her knees, arched her back, her chest pressed into his. The undeniable evidence of her arousal heightened Harry's senses, adding a new layer of urgency to the night. He could feel the wetness between her thighs, a physical manifestation of their shared desire that fueled his own escalating passion.
Breaking away from the kiss, Bellatrix sat up, her violet eyes fixed upon his with a captivating intensity. In a bold move, she reached behind, seizing his shaft and teasingly rubbed the head against her entrance. The anticipation hung in the air, a tantalizing prelude to the ecstasy that awaited them. With a deliberate drop, she took him in, a few inches disappearing within the heated confines of her core.
Harry groaned, the internal battle to restrain himself waging within. He looked up, locking eyes with Bellatrix, their shared gaze a silent agreement that transcended words, acknowledging the depth of their connection in that charged moment.
"You're mine now," she whispered possessively, her words a sultry promise, before leaning down to capture his lips in another searing kiss. Harry groaned in response to her commanding tone as she took him deeper into the warmth of her embrace. Slowly, deliberately, she sank down further, each inch bringing them closer until he was entirely enveloped by her.
"Does that feel good? Do you like being inside your Bella?" she purred, her hips beginning a slow ascent. "Yes! It feels, ah, amazing," Harry gasped out, the pleasure evident in his voice.
Bellatrix didn't respond with words; instead, she reclaimed his lips, setting a faster pace that left them both panting and moaning in unison. Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, a synchronized dance as they chased the elusive peaks of pleasure.
After a spell of shared ecstasy, Bellatrix sat back, placing her hands on his chest, and started rocking back and forth with an intensity that sent the headboard banging against the wall. Harry watched, utterly entranced, as moonlight cascaded over her form, her breasts bouncing with every gyration of her hips, her head thrown back in ecstasy.
She moaned and panted, a symphony of desire that echoed in the room. Harry, teetering on the edge, knew he wouldn't be able to hold out much longer under the intoxicating rhythm she had set. The culmination of their passion loomed on the horizon, promising a crescendo that would shatter the stillness of the night.
Harry felt the rhythmic tightening and pulsing of her walls around him, the crescendo of pleasure building to a fevered pitch. Bellatrix unleashed a loud, wailing shriek that echoed in the room, a testament to the intensity of their shared climax. Unable to resist any longer, Harry yielded to the overwhelming sensations, thrusting his hips upward and releasing with an audible groan that resonated in the aftermath of their passion.
Bella leaned forward, resting on top of him, a contented sigh escaping her lips. "I have never had a shag like that before," she admitted, her voice breathy with satisfaction.
"That makes two of us," Harry responded with a chuckle, the shared humor lightening the postcoital atmosphere.
"Next time, I want you to shag me," she said softly, her words carrying a hint of anticipation.
"I don't know, that had to be the sexiest thing I have ever seen," Harry replied with a grin, acknowledging the unparalleled allure of the experience.
"It would be just as sexy to bend me over the kitchen table and shag me silly," Bellatrix assured him, her voice holding a provocative promise that left Harry's imagination ablaze with possibilities. The air hummed with the lingering echoes of their passion, and in that moment of shared vulnerability, the unspoken promise of future adventures hung tantalizingly in the air.
Harry felt a subtle twitch in his still-engaged cock, and he couldn't deny that Bellatrix had a valid point. "Alright, I guess it's only fair," Harry conceded, a playful grin tugging at his lips. With a swift movement, he rolled them over into the missionary position, taking charge as he began to move his hips with deliberate intent, eliciting approving moans from Bellatrix.
The remainder of the night unfolded in a passionate blur as Harry and Bellatrix tended to the considerable reservoir of pent-up sexual tension that had been building for months. The room became a symphony of shared desires, whispers, and laughter, as they explored the depths of their connection in a dance that left them both sated and content. Each touch, each kiss, and each shared moment forged a bond that went beyond the physical, carrying with it the promise of more adventures in the uncharted territories of their newfound intimacy.
Harry was jolted awake by a high-pitched scream emanating from the other side of the bedroom door.
"I knew he would try again, go back to sleep, Harry," Bellatrix muttered sleepily, her words carrying an air of nonchalance.
"What was that?" Harry inquired, his curiosity overriding his drowsiness.
"Sirius just tried to barge in here and found the wards I set up," Bellatrix replied, sounding decidedly smug in her triumph over the intruder.
"What does it do?" Harry questioned, though his fatigue was already pulling him back into the embrace of sleep.
"It gives anyone who touches the doorknob a good zap," Bellatrix mumbled, her words laced with a hint of satisfaction.
"Serves him right," Harry thought, a fleeting grin tugging at his lips as he succumbed to the soothing pull of slumber. Bellatrix, already snoring lightly on his chest, seemed unperturbed by the commotion beyond their door, and the night resumed its tranquility as the couple drifted into a peaceful sleep.
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