Minds Stirred By Mutiny and Rage
Fear For Another
Unlike Rodolphus Lestrange, Lucius Malfoy could not say his choice was easy. He was constantly weighing up his options, ever since Severus had planted the seed of treachery in his brain. Every night as his beautiful wife snoozed peacefully, he tossed and turned restlessly; while during the day, he sat in his leather arm chair and stared into an empty grate.
Lucius knew the evil that lurked in the Dark Lord's soul. Time and time again he had endured hell because of it, they all had. He knew how his brother in law suffered; alone at night in bed, his belly full of scotch as he tried to rid himself of the image of his master on top of his wife. Malfoy leant over and lifted a crystal glass of wine to his lips and took a long sip. He shuddered. Lucius had never been more grateful that he had married Narcissa. She was nothing less than perfect - unbelievably beautiful, an amazing mother and always there for her husband. But she was both the reason for why he should act, and why he could not.
For a year he had seen her face pale to a chalky grey with worry, and her body contort and flail with pain as she suffered for her husband's failure. His pain he could live with, but her suffering he could not. He wanted to punish the man who had hurt his Narcissa, but Lucius knew full well if their plan to kill the Dark Lord failed a jet of green light would not just be headed for Lucius - but for his wife, and poor Draco too.
Uncharacteristically he took a large gulp of wine and emptied the crystal glass. Malfoys did not behave in such an unruly manner, but Lucius could not control himself this time, with such images haunting him. Even if he did nothing, it was possible that his wife could still be punished if Lucius made even the slightest slip up. As hard as Lucius toiled he knew eventually it would happen. It was unavoidable.
Small footsteps sounded behind him and Lucius raised an elegant blonde eyebrow as an elf appeared behind him. His grey eyes lazily examined the three foot tall creature; its over sized eyes were like quaffles, and lowered respectfully.
"Dotty is apologising master, there are a group of men at the door who wish to see you, sir." It squeaked hesitatingly, fearing the consequences for upsetting her master.
With a nod from her master the elf left the room to carry out his orders. Lucius placed the crystal glass back on the table by his right side and he pulled his thoughts together. He knew the Dark Lord could not be allowed to carry on the way he had. The praise the public was bestowing on his master made it clear. He was now nothing more than a dictator; he could clearly command anything from the people. Ultimate power to such an evil man was terrifying even to his old followers. But if Lucius could take down the Dark Lord and take his position, such power would be his! As long as they succeeded.
"Good evening," Lucius welcomed the figures of Severus, Rodolphus, Rabastan, Yaxley, and Avery who were led along the long hallway by an elf, each with anxious or hopeful expressions on their faces.
"Good evening, Lucius I do apologise for disturbing you at this late hour. But it was essential that I see you about the discussion we had about the Dark Lord the other day." Murmured Snape silkily as he advanced to the forefront of the group. Lucius examined his old friend curiously, he was certainly unusually candid and his face displayed an eagerness that was usually hidden behind an impenetrable blank expression. His grey eyes fell on the fellows who gathered around Severus and each looked up at Lucius hopefully with an almost desperate gleam in their eyes. Finally, Lucius thought, true appreciation for his own greatness.
"Of course. It has been weighing on my mind heavily as well."
"Understandable. It is a difficult decision to make - but I did not expect you to make it without more information. You see, the plan is already set. The Dark Lord is no longer immortal and we plan to simply ambush him at the meeting tomorrow where we have already made sure that only the Death Eaters loyal to our cause will attend. We intend to inform the rest that it has been rescheduled."
So it was planned out and it was a good plan, Lucius pondered. His grey eyes skirted the fireplace to his right to avoid the eager gazes of his comrades. The Dark Lord's alleged immortality could always have been an issue, but that was apparently no problem. As too were the loyal Death Eaters, but would they all believe that the meeting had been rescheduled?
"And they all believed that? Even if they did, would not they kill us all when they heard what we did to the Dark Lord?"
"You mean Bellatrix no doubt," A silent nod was the only answer Snape needed before he continued. "I saw her as a problem too. She would no doubt ask the Dark Lord if we told her the meeting was cancelled, so Rabastan volunteered to lead her out of the room when we do the deed."
Rabastan nodded his blonde head swiftly in the middle of the group, his blue eyes enthusiastic as they always were, despite a bleak decade and a half in prison. Lucius could never understand that, especially when he was compared to his brother who had been eaten away by Azkaban. But his smiling face was still not enough to convince Lucius, so he continued his line of questioning.
"But when she does find out, her reaction will be worrisome."
"Indeed it is a possibility. I personally think that it would be safer to just kill her as well."
"No!" Cried Rodolphus from the back of the crowd as he pushed through; his wand was in his hand, which shook slightly with horror. "You can't! You can't touch her! Without the Dark Lord she will not do anything."
Despite himself Lucius found himself staring into Rodolphus's blue eyes. In some ways they looked like his own; begging and pleading but tearless. Passionately they silently begged for his wife's life. It was so unlike Rodolphus who was usually so composed. Lucius felt his own heart twinge for the man, even if the woman he wanted to protect was a bitch and a whore.
"Don't worry Rodolphus, Bella is not the one we need to kill," blue eyes gazed at him hopefully as his brother wrapped a comforting arm around his broad shoulders. "We can calm her down, and only if we can't control her will we have to deal with her."
Rodolphus nodded back, his gaze on the floor. There was nothing else Lucius could do if Bellatrix decided to act up. Which was highly possible considering her questionable mental state.
"And I shall convince a few more to join us. I am sure at least Macnair and maybe Gregory Goyle will join us." Lucius added to the room and again he felt in control as they all stared back at him leaning into his voice. The power was nice.
"Perhaps Draco too?"
"No Severus!" Lucius felt himself cry, losing the Malfoy dignity again.
"I am just making a suggestion." Severus answered back calmly and Lucius was not sure if he really understood. The ice in Lucius's grey eyes melted and he glared fire at his old friend. How could he suggest involving Draco? His gaze seemed to have impacted Severus who changed his tone. "Well we best be off for now. The meeting is tomorrow morning and a few of us need to check with our fellows and Rodolphus you said you would check to make sure the Dark Lord is coming when you deliver some paper work."
Rodolphus nodded before he left without a word, his brother trailed along behind him. The others followed suit, though a few did shake Lucius's hand and thank him for his support. Lucius smirked to himself at the thought, as he resettled into his leather arm chair and refilled his glass. Now his mind was set, it was all a matter of preparing, if the event was to happen at his home he may need to secure exits.
Lucius was interrupted from his musings when the drawing room door opened, again. His wife stood in the door way, her light blue eyes focused on him, her eyebrows creased in worry, and her blonde hair was disheveled from sleep.
"Lucius, there you are! Why are you not in bed?" Her voice was a soft whisper, and as the feminine tones reached him, Lucius felt his racing heart calm a little. Wordlessly he rose to greet his wife, his eyes focused on her flawless features. His arms wrapped around her small waist and he leant his head on her shoulder. The scent of roses reached his nose from her hair. Her arms held him close and rubbed his back, and her expression was full of worry. "What is wrong my dear? Just talk to me."
Lucius did not comment straight away, he just enjoyed the feeling of his wife's embrace. She and Draco really were his world. No one else would ever see him like this; troubled and unsure of himself, desperately seeking comfort. His heart urged him to open his mind to her, let her in and soothe him, but his head knew he could not.
"I'm sorry Cissy I can't. It would put you in too much danger." He replied his voice muffled by her hair.
At the sound of the word danger her shoulders shuddered a little and she drew away from him, her blue eyes focused on his grey eyes with worry.
"What are you planning?"
"I just want you to be safe," and this time he found her carefully manicured hands and squeezed them lightly. "I need to do this. So we no longer need to live in fear. So we can go on living the life we used to."
Narcissa's eyebrows knitted in confusion and fear leaked into her eyes. Lucius could tell she was worried and he wanted to hold her close and protect her from the world. That is what he had always wanted. It was why he was now convinced he must dispose of his former master. If he was gone. They could possibly finally be safe with nothing to fear.
Another pair of footsteps sounded in the hallway and Lucius drew his eyes away from his wife to see his son in the doorway where Narcissa had appeared before. His pointed face, which was so similar to his father, was directed at his parents, his expression curious.
"Father I saw Severus when he was leaving and he said you wanted to see me about something."
Before Lucius could reply Narcissa had wrenched her hands from his and turned to him, her eyes fiery, and lips stretched into a thin line that made her appear alarmingly like her elder sister. Lucius felt himself flinch and knew how she was going to react.
"No! Absolutely not! You tell me you are involved in something dangerous and now you attempt to drag your twenty year old son into it when his life has just settled down." Her voice was high pitched and alarmingly like a shriek; so unlike his dainty wife. Lucius's eyes settled over his son, and even though he had said a similar thing to Severus not long ago, he was beginning to realise he would need to call on his son again. Draco was going to be at the meeting anyway.
"I know Cissy, but we need more allies or the plan will not work. And Draco will be at the meeting tomorrow anyway. We need as many people as possible. We will only have one shot at him."
Both Narcissa's and Draco's eyes widen in surprise as they realise what he planned to do. Draco cringed at the thought but he managed to draw himself up a little.
"Say no more father, you know you can count on me."
Lucius could tell Draco was afraid, but despite it he seemed eager to help out. Pride for his son bubbled inside him and Lucius felt this overwhelming urge to embrace him. After the Dark Lord was taken care of Lucius swore he would never put his son in another dangerous position again.
As Lucius explained what they had to do, Narcissa remained quiet. She felt like her life was spiraling out of control again. The Dark Lord had finally forgiven them for their actions in the war. They were no longer constantly tortured and humiliated. But if Lucius's plan failed they would all be in danger again and most likely killed and tortured. Every inch of her body hoped it went as planned.
Unlike the rest of the unfaithful colleagues and traitorous snakes that surrounded the Dark Lord Bellatrix Lestrange was sure of her loyalty. That loyalty was not just shown by the fact that she was lying naked in the Dark Lord's bed, her eyes glued to his tall, thin frame. His red eyes focused on the blood red sunrise outside as he leant on the window frame wearing nothing but a black dressing gown.
"My Lord, you are awake." Bellatrix called and broke the silence, her voice husky from sleep. Her Lord heard but he did not show his recognition by lifting his gaze from the window. "My Lord, are you troubled?"
"No, why would I be?" The Dark Lord replied carelessly his back still turned to her.
"I just keep thinking about what Trelawney. I can't help but think…"
Swiftly he turned on his heel his red eyes fixed her with a harsh glance.
"You are still worried about what that fool said?"
"My Lord..."
"No!" He snapped. Fury laced his voice as he stepped forward and, before Bellatrix could react, his long fingers clenched around her shoulders and slammed her head up against the headboard. It dizzied her for a moment and, even though his nails drew blood, she did not attempt to move. "Don't you dare doubt me!"
Black eyes only stared at her Lord, little fear evident in her gaze. He was angry, that much was obvious. But her faith in him made her sure that any punishment he chose to bestow on her, she would take without fuss. Her master was always right and must never be doubted. To be honest with herself she was a little turned on by this position; his breath hot on her face, his lower body only half a foot away, covered only by a sheet and the dressing gown that he wore...
But no, she thought. Bella was not quite insane enough to think such thoughts were helpful now. Not quite anyway.
"How could I doubt your greatness when it surrounds me constantly? I just..." She choked on her words for a moment before continuing. "I know it is impossible, but if there was even the slightest chance that anything could happen to you. I…"
Bella trailed off. Her eyes for the first time left his, ashamed at her weakness.
"Blakey is apologising master, but there is a man downstairs to see master." A high pitched voice of an elf squeaked, it's over sized head bowed in submission from where it had appeared. Bella's dark eyes looked up for a moment to see her Lord dismiss the creature.
Red eyes met her for a moment and again she felt foolish as she stared into those bottomless fiery pits. He withdrew his gaze and pushed himself off the bed. He turned on his heel and began getting dressed, his back to her.
"My Lord..."
"Get dressed and come downstairs. Then if you must, have your foolish concerns." The Dark Lord murmured. A feeling of relief settled in her and she rose and complied.
They walked together out of the room and down the dark, polished, wooden staircase. Each step Bella wanted to lunge for his hand and hold it tight and urge him not to go downstairs. She had no idea why she felt that way, though it was very early in the morning, and there was Trelawney's prophecy. She had to keep telling herself that, everything had to be alright. It had to be.
Bellatrix and her master reached the bottom stairs and examined the man who awaited them. His once brown hair streaked with grey and his frame tall and imposing.
"My Lord, I am sorry for such an early arrival but I was eager to present this report for you to examine before the meeting this morning." Rodolphus's tone was brisk and professional as he extended the parchment to his Lord who summoned it into his hand. "The meeting is at eight o'clock is it not, my Lord?"
Bellatrix felt fear bubble at her stomach. Rodolphus had come to check that her Lord was going to the meeting and there he would be surrounded by the likes of Malfoy and Snape whose loyalty could not be trusted. He would be alarmingly vulnerable, even with all his awe inspiring power.
She visibly shuddered and stared at her Lord, her black eyes begging him to reconsider. To her surprise his red eyes briefly met her gaze.
"Yes that was correct, however now I may not come." Inside she sighed with immense relief.
"And take away the immense pleasure we all feel in your presence, my Lord. It has just been so long since we have been with you." Rodolphus gushed and Bellatrix was reminded in a strange way of herself.
"The Death Eaters do deserve such an honour. Perhaps I may come."
"Thank you my Lord I am glad you understand," and with a low bow he was dismissed.
Bellatrix stood frozen at the bottom of the stairs, her Lord beside her. Her mind was reeling unable to process what had happened. Every thought that went through her brain ended in the same conclusion.
"He came to convince you," she murmured quietly her eyes wide and voice breathless. The Dark Lord turned to her and faced her directly.
"Rodolphus is loyal - you of all people should know that." His voice was low and all she could do was nod, she wanted to believe what he had said. "It will be fine. No- one can harm me."
His long cold fingers stretched out from his side and stroked her face, her hair, and her cheeks and settled near her lips. His thin lips met hers. Her arms settled around his neck and his arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. But Bella was shocked, completely surprised. The kiss itself was unexpected by its unusual gentleness. Its rarity. The embraces that they shared were normally only full of fire and passion, never gentle. It was unusual but there was no way Bella was complaining, she just enjoyed the moment.
It ended a moment later. The Dark Lord's hands settled on her shoulder and he pushed her back. She stumbled a little but remained upright her eyes glued to his red irises.
"Go. Go home; I shall see you again in a few hours. Everything shall be fine; you have no need to worry." His voice was cold but not as determined as he usually was. There was some kind of hesitancy in the way he spoke, almost as if he was trying to convince himself as well as her. Her own heart felt frozen, this was not the strong and mighty master she knew.
"My Lord..."
"Bellatrix! Go, don't make me say it again." He snapped and this time her old master was back. His eyes were fiery as they glared at her and this time he seemed to have convinced himself. His own arrogance conquered his fear of death.
For the first time Bellatrix considered disobeying him; staying with him and making sure he could not go to the meeting. But again her Lord's power compelled her to follow his orders. She bowed low.
"Goodbye, my Lord."
"Goodbye Bella."
With a final bow Bella smiled and turned from her master and urged her feet forward, step by step. She pulled the heavy wooden door open and her face did not turn to him. Her mind was fighting a battle with itself; one side telling her it would be fine, the other worrying. She had to erase the side that worried she could not allow herself to even consider what would happen if something happened to him.
How she could survive even for a moment? He was her everything, after all.