FIC: "Tangled Webs" for r_grayjoy
Recipient: r_grayjoy
Author/Artist: snapesgirl_62
Title: Tangled Webs
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Poppy Pomfrey/Rabastan Lestrange; Rabastan/Evan Rosier, implied Rabastan/Severus, Rabastan/Rodolphus.
Word Count: 7728
Warnings: m/m, anal intercourse, voyeurism, Lestrangecest
Summary: Rabastan Lestrange must marry to satisfy his family obligations. Rab decides to be old fashioned with his courting and learns a few things about friendship.
Author's/Artist's Notes: You asked for some unusual/surprising characterizations for Rabastan Lestrange. And for first times (of all varieties), romance-not-schmoop, unlikely pairings and relationships, hurt/comfort, humor, snark, powerful women. I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it for you.
Disclaimer: HP is owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc.
***
Poppy Pomfrey was very tired. In fact, she was ready to hide in her private quarters and get smashed enough to sleep until this term was over.
"Three more weeks," she whispered while opening her office door. She stood staring in disbelief. There was a student lying face down over her desk. A half-nude, obviously male student with a perfectly lovely bum. "What is the meaning of this?"
"You're a smart lady, I think you can figure out what I am doing." The student turned his head and smirked at her.
"I think if you do not have something shoved up your arse, you would be wise to pull your clothing back on and get out of my office." She recognized the Seventh Year Prefect for Slytherin. "If you repeat this behavior, I will not be held accountable for my actions."
"Meaning?" he took his time pulling up pants and trousers, making sure she got a good view of his body.
"Meaning you will receive either a blistering, a bleeding, a purging or a puking." Poppy was satisfied to see his self-assured smirk disappear.
"You don't find me appealing?"
"I see a student in my office. I also see him attempting to make me lose my job. A position I worked long hard hours to earn." She stepped away from the door and gestured for him to leave. "I recommend you look up the definition of moral turpitude."
***
Rab sulkily left the hospital wing. He was an adult male and he knew he was good looking. All the females in this accursed school noticed him. If he wished, he could have any of the students in his bed. Point of fact, he'd had most of the males at one time or another.
Her rejection made no sense. Severus Snape displayed like that would have had Rab ready for a good hard shag. Maybe that was part of the problem? Could it be the sight of a firm arse didn't arouse women?
End of year exams and his N.E.W.T.'s were fast approaching. As a pureblood male, he was expected to sow some wild oats then settle down and set up a nursery. Rab's problem was his lack of interest in the female sex. Given a choice, he'd remain a bachelor and shag any male that took his fancy. However, Rodolphus was already hinting Rab should look for his own home.
"Blasted wife of his, ruining everything." Rab clumped down stairs while muttering to himself about his sister-in-law and how she was trying to wreck the family. "Ro's taking humoring her to an unhealthy extreme."
He pulled a crumpled bit of parchment out of his pocket and read the marriage offer. It still made him feel ill. Surely he was entitled to choose his own spouse. All he needed was to get Pomfrey to agree to a marriage of convenience and his life would be…not necessarily better, but tolerable.
***
Poppy settled into her favorite chair and took out her needlepoint. She wanted to work on the painted canvas for a few moments between tending to patients. Her needle was soon moving in and out, creating an elaborate pattern to mimic leaves on a tree. There was a scroll on the table next to her chart. Every once in a while, she'd glance at the fine calligraphy and fight back giggles.
Moral Turpitude is a violation of the standards for moral (read good) conduct. While this can be construed as a criminal offense, in the case of an instructor or school medi-witch it is related to their conduct with and/or around the students.
It sounds like a load of fertilizer to me. Why cannot a person act upon their physical needs and desires if they so chose? We are both legal adults and I see no reason why you cannot spend time with me. I am a good-looking, healthy pureblood wizard. You are a becoming witch of good family and pure bloodlines. I suggest we meet and come to terms over the possibility of an alliance.
R. Lestrange
The missive had arrived with her morning tea. She'd been highly amused by the young man looking up the definition of an alien legal term. Of all the propositions Poppy received each school year, this one was the most interesting. Why on earth would a handsome young man like Rabastan Lestrange seek an alliance with an older woman? While not as experienced as say, Minerva; Poppy was at least twelve years older than the young man. His apparent attraction made no sense to her.
A reply needed to be sent to her suitor before he showed up in her office or her private quarters. She tsked over a mistake in her needlework and removed the extra stitches before putting the canvas away. It was time to make her late night rounds of the hospital wing.
Two students were waiting for her when she left her office. She recognized the taller one as her would be suitor and suppressed a groan.
"What seems to be the problem?" Poppy moved closer, searching for something wrong with the smaller student.
"Well, go ahead." Rabastan nudged his companion who took a step forward and curtsied.
"Madam Pomfrey, related to the Malfoy family through their French ancestry. The family arrived in Scotland before the Founders created Hogwarts. There is rumor of a link to Rowena Ravenclaw but this has not been substantiated." The speaker next gestured with her right hand as if in introduction. "Master Lestrange is of the Lestrange family which traces their lineage back to the earliest times and while lamentably linked to the blood traitor Weasley clan, they are also related to the noble house of Black."
"When did you do this research, child?" Pomfrey was amazed at the girl's grasp of a very old and rarely used ritual of formal introduction. The only thing missing were witnesses, which were not necessary during a ritual of intent to court.
"I have read and memorized Debretts with the purpose of assuring I do not marry anyone of impure lineage, nor of too close a relation. I have no desire to spawn halfbloods, or worse, any squibs."
"Enough, Arachnia. Finish it." Rabastan sounded a touch bored and annoyed.
"Young Master Lestrange presents his compliments and formally expresses a desire to court you once he is no longer a student of this establishment. Your families have not been linked any time in the last two centuries, and neither bloodline has been tainted. It would be a beneficial alliance for you as Healing Matron of this establishment since Master Lestrange is not the heir to his family and has the ability to set up his household as he sees fit, instead of following tradition and attempting to establish a nursery within a year of marriage." She gave another brief curtsey then turned on her heel and left the hospital wing.
Pomfrey stared after her. "What an extraordinary child, how old is she?"
"Black is thirteen going on seventy-five. She has almost every pureblood family tree memorized and can recite them back up to five centuries given enough time. I can assure you, it is a very boring way to spend an evening."
"Why listen to her recitals then?"
"Most seventh years have requested this knowledge since her being sorted into Slytherin. It is of assistance when planning family alliances." Rabastan stepped closer and almost touched Poppy on the cheek. "I would seek permission from your eldest male relative to court you."
"That is not necessary, I have been of age for years and am old enough-"
"To be a sibling or a cousin or an aunt. You are not of a contemporary with my lady mother. You are much younger than you let on. Arachnia double-checked both birth and death records. It seems we have both been orphaned at an early age and raised by siblings. How long were you in the colonies? I assume that is where you learned about the moral turpitude laws."
"I apprenticed as a Healer at the Salem Witch's Institute." She shook her head. "Why are you so set on courting me?"
"I will explain after the leaving feast when we will be on equal terms." He smirked and bowed to her.
Poppy could not help laughing at his comment. "You are a cheeky brat."
"Blame my brother, he taught me all I know." Rabastan left the room.
***
Rabastan walked with a light step. He felt relief now that the ritual was over. Having a go between was the most important part. The school itself was witness to what had been declared. Rodolphus would know what Rab had done before the week was out. If things went well, there would be no Howler sent. After all, Rab followed proper form, if an almost sentient building didn't count as a witness, the various ghosts, portraits and whatever allowed the Headmaster to know all that happened on the grounds should stand as suitable witnesses to his beginning a formal courtship.
Now Rabastan could concentrate on his N.E.W.T.'s and not worry about his brother attempting to marry him off to some insipid chit. He entered the common room and looked about, there were few students up and about at this hour. None of the ones available interested him.
Damn, I need a good hard shag. Wonder if Evan is agreeable, or if I should wake up Snape? Rabastan entered the seventh year dorm and saw Snape's bed was empty. Must be brewing something for Sluggie. Evan it is. Rabastan tugged the covers off of his friend and flopped onto the other young man's bed.
"Wha?"
"I need a shag."
"Fags 're in the drawer." Rosier rolled over, presenting his back to a very randy Rabastan.
"Not a fag, you daft bugger, a shag." Rab tugged down Evan's pyjama bottoms.
"Go 'way,"
Rab licked and sucked on a finger then inserted it in Evan.
"RAB, you sick fuck!"
"I'm randy, Evvie and you have such a nice arse."
Evan grumbled and Carrow muttered a sleepy expletive.
"Shut it," chorused Evan and Rab.
Evan removed his pyjamas and reached for the bedside table. "At least use lube, you bastard."
"My parents were married well before I was born, unlike yours."
"Sweet talker, how did courting go? Ah, that's good."
"She seemed agreeable. Salazar, you're so tight."
"Sorry, I'm not a whore."
"I know, I know." Rabastan opened his trousers. Shoving them and his pants out of the way, he slicked up his cock. "Can't wait."
"You can never wait. Foreplay for you is a lubrication spell." Evan pressed back, taking Rab's cock in. He reached down to stroke himself and was mildly surprised when Rab's hand grasped him.
"Let me, I'll make it good."
"Better after waking me up."
The sex was hard, fast and uncomplicated. It was everything Rabastan wanted. He came with a grunt, Evan spurting after him. They held still for a moment, just breathing heavily. Rab eased out of his partner and cast cleaning charms on them.
"Want a fag?" Evan sat up. He pulled a pack of cigarettes out of the nightstand's drawer, offering them to Rab before taking one for himself. They used charms to light their smokes and sat back. "Are you going for the full formal marriage?"
"If it will make Ro happy."
"What about the bedding ceremony?"
"I'd rather not think about it right now."
"If she's not a virgin, there could be problems. Not to mention your lack of interest in females. How will you mount her if you can't get it up?"
"Not now Evan. I'll worry about all of that after leaving feast."
"I did a bit of studying on the customs. The witnesses to the bedding don't have to view everything. You can shag behind closed bed curtains."
"What good will that do, Evan?"
"An arse is an arse in the dark."
Rabastan raised one eyebrow. There was a great deal of truth to this observation. "Evan, sometimes, your genius astounds me."
"Just name a kid after me."
Rabastan swatted his friend with a pillow. He would never be a father, they both knew this.
***
Poppy's day began with an invitation to have tea in the staff room. She was not surprised to find the Headmaster, his deputy and Horace Slughorn waiting for her. Taking a seat next to Professor Slughorn, she noticed Minerva appeared to have been sucking on a lemon.
"It has come to our attention that one of the students is formally courting you." McGonagall didn't wait for the usual platitudes from Dumbledore.
Poppy smiled. "He declared his intent last night. I have offered the usual enticements of a blistering, bleeding, purging or puking. The stubborn fellow either is masochistic or he is desperate."
"How can we help you manage this situation?" Dumbledore offered her a cup of tea while speaking.
She silently accepted the tea and added a drop of lemon to the beverage. "I believe he will not make his next move until after the leaving feast. He mentioned us being on equal footing at that time. Perhaps his Head of House could inform the young man that the staff have duties here for a few days after the students leave?"
"I can pass along that information. Will it help you?" Horace Slughorn added sugar to his tea while speaking.
"Mr. Lestrange is determined, and he wants to follow the full formal courtship. That means he'll want to court me at home, not at my place of employment. I'm hoping his family will take that time to talk some sense into him."
"If you'd cover your hair and not smile so much, maybe the students would cease to be infatuated with you." Minerva McGonagall's observation came with a withering look.
"Are you jealous that I am seen as an object worthy of courting and not as a withered old prune?" Poppy smirked at the older instructor.
"Ladies!" Dumbledore's voice held a warning.
Poppy sat back gritting her teeth. This was becoming an annual battle between her and Minerva. One would think Poppy was trying to seduce every student by being cheerful and less starched than the typical matron.
"If that is all, Headmaster, I have duties to attend to." Poppy abruptly stood up. She was glad her job meant taking few meals in the Great Hall. Today was one day when eating alone sounded ideal. Perhaps she'd take all of her meals in the hospital wing until the school year was over.
***
It was a sunny day when Poppy returned to her cottage. She changed out of her uniform and into soft summer robes of pale blue before beginning to unpack and settle in. One of the nice things about being from an old family of modest means was having access to a house-elf. The family retainer made sure her cottage got a thorough cleaning each month and aired the building before her returning home. The downside was the regular owls from the head of her family. Her older brother wanted her married off and he wanted to retain full control of the family vault.
Poppy shoved thoughts of family intrigues and power plays to the back of her head. Today was a day to relax and maybe indulge in some needlework in her garden. A knock at the front door made her frown. She left off getting settled in and went to see which neighbor was in need of a Healer.
"How did you find me?" She gasped when she discovered Rabastan Lestrange standing at the door.
"Now that's a fine way to greet a gentleman who has spent long hours toiling over registries trying to find his elusive intended." The young man offered her a small parcel.
Poppy accepted the package and gestured for him to enter. "I'm afraid I have little to offer in the way of hospitality since I've just arrived."
"Being in your presence is all the treat a man could desire." He entered her front room and waited for her to be seated.
She couldn't help it, she laughed at this outrageous flattery. "I hope you don't talk like that to all the ladies." Poppy settled on a wing chair. He had pretty manners to go with his pretty looks. She placed the present on a side table and clasped her hands in her lap.
"Only to the one I am courting." Frowning slightly, he took a seat in the matching chair. "Was the phrase incorrect? I've not much practice at this. If a fellow were to show anything that could remotely be construed as interest in a pureblood female, both families would be drawing up a marriage contract before he could regret opening his mouth."
"You did fine, that is part of the expected flattery for a young lady, especially if you were to be seriously courting her."
"I am seriously courting you. You may not be of an age to need a duena, but I do want to do this correctly. There is a small gathering this coming Saturday, would milady do me the honor of allowing me to escort her?"
"I will be delighted to attend with you. Will this be an informal or formal gathering?"
"The Parkinson family is hosting a musical evening. They have announced a late supper buffet, and the possibility of dancing."
"Since you have decided to flout convention and court an older woman, what other things will you be doing that are not quite normal for a man your age?"
"I'm not certain I understand." He fidgeted a bit before leaning back in his chair.
"If there is dancing, a courting couple is only allowed two dances together. The same with any couple. It's considered bad form to not dance with others. When going in to supper, you might escort me, or you may escort an older female relative if an older relation requests the honor of escorting me."
"Oh, those." He waved a hand. "I've no older relations other than Ro. He'll be with his friends or his wife. He has no interest in me."
Poppy wondered if Rabastan had sought her out as a surrogate mother. It wouldn't be the first time a wizard did such a thing. Her other instinct was that there were other manipulations going on, and she was being used in a bit of family intrigue. Perhaps she'd learn the truth at the upcoming gathering.
"Does it bother you, having to heal Mud…Muggles?" Rab blurted while looking at a framed certificate on the wall.
"Touch the frame," she ordered.
He glanced at her before standing up and obeying. His gasp of surprise was followed by a soft exclamation. Rab sat back down. "There's a Wizarding Vow attached to that thing."
"Yes, all Healers take a vow that is almost as binding as the Unbreakable Vow. We are to help anyone in need of healing within the limits of our powers. It is phrased so that a Healer won't damage his or herself in caring for a patient."
"Why take such a vow?"
"Why not?" She challenged him. "Perhaps it's better to explain this way, I am driven to Heal. A person's politics, race, or species does not matter. I will treat a Muggle in need the same as a goblin or a pureblood Wizard. Does this bother you?"
He chewed on his lower lip. "I need to think this over. What color will your gown be for Saturday?"
"One shade of blue or another."
Rab glowered at her. "Now you are being difficult."
"Come with me," she stood, holding out a hand to him. This was beyond proper convention, however, it might make him see sense. Poppy led him upstairs to her bedroom. Her wardrobe was wide open and her trunk sat next to it. Clothing was scattered about the room.
"What is all of this?" He looked a bit panicked at the sight of so many feminine garments.
"You interrupted my getting settled in. This includes me going through my entire wardrobe and deciding if anything should be replaced. I only have eight weeks out of the year when I can focus on such a foolish task." Poppy pulled two different formal gowns out of the mound of fabric on her bed. She laid them out side by side.
Rabastan looked at the gowns with a critical eye. While he was male, he was also a clotheshorse and knew what would be the best accent for him. The one dress was a deep blue with a plunging neckline. He thought it may have been in style ten years ago, but was not certain. The silvery-blue dress next to it was simple, elegant and would not let the wearer outshine him.
"That one." He pointed to the paler dress.
"You sound quite certain."
"It will complement what I will be wearing." Rabastan took one quick look around the room and nervously licked his lips. He shifted his weight and backed up a single step.
"I shall wear the light blue one then." She softly assured him.
"Since I interrupted you, I think maybe I should be leaving."
Poppy escorted him back down stairs and to her front door. "I enjoyed your visit, Rabastan."
He mumbled something that sounded like it was all his pleasure and left after giving her right hand a quick peck.
She closed the door and giggled the entire way back to her seat. Her giggles fell into gales of laughter when she opened her present. The silly youth had not given her the usual box of candies. Instead she was the owner of a collection of essays on the superiority of pureblood witches and wizards.
***
Poppy wandered in the Parkinson family's garden. She was not alone in traveling the gravel paths. There were couples and small groups enjoying a break in the musical entertainments. Her escort had been hauled off by his older brother for a brief conversation. Somehow, she doubted Rabastan was going to do much talking. From the look on Rodolphus' face, she thought the elder brother had a lot to say about her. She heard voices and wandered a bit closer.
"I cannot believe you were so foolish!"
"What was I to think when I received an announcement of impending acceptance?"
"Idiot! Everyone has multiple negotiations happen. I would never marry you off to someone that was not worthy. After all, you are mine."
Poppy moved away from the heated discussion. She moved deeper into the hedges, following an ancient labyrinth. From the sounds of things, her courtship should soon end. In a way she was saddened by this knowledge. Rabastan was a source of continued surprises. Tonight, she learned he played the violin. She also learned he did not play for just any audience. Her amusement ended when she rounded a corner and saw two men.
The one on the ground appeared to be nude. The one leaning over…no, shagging him was partially clad. They were fully engrossed in their activity.
She should leave them. However, being a bit of a voyeur, she found it difficult to retrace her steps. Perhaps if she remained still, they wouldn't notice her. Her nipples became hard while her body became moist at the soft grunts and moans. The upper male had a nice arse and the lower one was moving a hand. She bit her fingers to smother a moan when she realized he was wanking. If she became any more aroused, Poppy was going to need to sit down.
Things between the males became a bit more heated. Their movements were faster and a bit rougher. The sound of flesh slapping against flesh had her quivering. Her moan mingled with theirs when one immediately followed by the other came. A soft sound of satisfaction drifted out of her throat, making both men look at her.
"Shit." Rabastan's disappointment was obvious.
"Well, enjoy the show? Why not come closer little one?" The speaker stood up, cast a cleaning charm and moved his clothing back in place
Poppy found her feet moving forward and she was soon kneeling next to the men.
"Are you completely disgusted?" Rabastan tugged at his scattered clothing.
"No, not at all. I must say, the two of you are really quite lovely. Very beautiful in a masculine way." She reached out a finger to touch a bite mark over his collarbone. "I promise not to say a word about your encounter." It was the work of seconds to heal the injury. "Rabastan, are you a homosexual?"
"I would not know what to do with a female if some one used the Imperi us curse on me and told me to mate with one." He sounded a bit put out.
"We should Obliviate her."
"I think you might consider the advantages of opening negotiations for my hand in marriage to your brother. I come from an old family. I assure you while my brother would be flattered, he will not easily agree to anything. In fact, it's guaranteed he'd drag things out for years."
Rabastan looked relieved. He continued to tug at his garments and was soon dressed. He swallowed hard before softly confessing. "Milady, I could kiss you."
"What am I missing?" Rodolphus knelt next to them.
"Under the old forms of courtship, families may continue to negotiate for alliances just in case the couple does not suit. With my limited availability for courting activities, we'd need to take years before deciding to announce a betrothal or to go our separate ways."
"See, this is why I chose her. I knew a Ravenclaw could grasp all the subtle nuances of this ritual. Anyone my age will expect marriage within a year if I so much as danced twice with them. Madam Healer is old enough to know better, doesn't need to have a chaperon, and can be seen in public with me at repeated events because we are supposed to be getting to know each other."
"The matter is not closed." Rodolphus stood up and frowned at them. "We should return to the party."
"You gentlemen go ahead, I need to freshen up a bit."
"Why you little pervert, did you cream yourself while watching us?"
"Ro! That's just…eww." Rabastan looked a bit ill as he stood and moved away from his brother.
Poppy winked at Rodolphus and motioned for the men to leave her. She cast quick charm to clean herself once they were out of sight. It was no surprise to find both men were waiting at the next turning of the maze to serve as her escorts.
***
Rabastan eyed the antique shop with dismay. He could tell at a glance why Ro didn't have many sales in the last month. The place was cluttered. There was no artistry to the displays, and what in the name of Salazar was that thing doing in a fine antique shop? Rab banished a Formica table to the back room. Maybe it could be transfigured into something less appalling.
While he moved stock around, bringing order out of chaos, he contemplated his immediate future. Sharing a townhouse with Evan and maybe Mulciber would be nice. They could have parties, shag who they wanted, when they wanted. Snape needed to be taken care of. That boy was not going to survive being alone. Then again, he could have family stashed away somewhere.
Thoughts of the family brought Poppy Pomfrey to mind. She was full of surprises. Rab wondered how she'd react to his bringing along a friend on his next visit. Getting sucked off in front of her sounded nice. To be honest, receiving fellatio was preferred to what he was doing.
Does Ro's clerk think this crap will sell itself? Rab waved his wand, arranging some furniture in a pleasing display. Better, now maybe a few of the vases and such on that sideboard? He looked through the shelves of smaller items for something to make the front window more appealing. I shouldn't bitch. Ro does have a knack for finding rare items. Hello, what have we here?
Rabastan lifted a thick book and began to look through its pages. It was an older volume on Healing. He decided this would make a nice gift for Poppy and set it back in his personal stash.
The recent party had been a success as far as having proper society believing he was seriously courting a slightly older lady. Comments about her being a bluestocking amused him to no end. Her conversation skills were remarkable if a bit unconventional. Rab wondered if she'd agree to being artificially inseminated should they actually marry. Ro could milk him…he groaned at the mental image of his brother helping him collect semen.
Rab's hands trembled as he placed the thick book on a shelf in the back room. He needed a quick wank. Should he close up the shop, or just duck into the water closet? Deciding it was safe to toss off in the loo, Rab went to take care of his aching prick. I need to ask Poppy if it's normal to be this randy. Surely she will not mind a frank discussion of sexuality. I mean, she's the one who brought up having the Perversion Acts repealed and allowing two men to marry. Thinking of politics did not make his erection wilt. He knew he had to be a pervert.
After a quick wank and washing up, Rab returned to the front of the store. He eyed the displays and moved a few items. Really, the place looked much better, more polished. Now if only Ro would arrive so they could be off on their outing, and where was that idiot clerk? "This is the last time I let the miserable sod wander off for a meal break."
Rab hated being separated from his brother. There were not enough hours in the day as far as he was concerned. That or the world should just accept his devotion to his older sibling.
Where is he today? What are his friends doing that's so important? Rab walked over to the sales counter and pulled out some parchment. Writing to his intended might make the time go faster.
***
Poppy dropped her needlework when she heard someone pounding on her back door. She trotted to the rear of the cottage and peeked out the window before allowing Rodolphus Lestrange to enter.
"What happened?" She looked Rabastan who was limp in his brother's arms. It was impossible to miss both brothers disheveled appearance, and the younger one's singed clothing.
"Just a mishap. He insisted I bring him here."
"There on the table, then get out."
"I'm not leaving."
"You will not only leave, you will Apparate up and down these islands. Pray you leave enough of a trail to entice whoever did this to follow you, instead of my being interrupted by them while I'm working on your brother." Poppy snapped at the large male as she began to peal clothing away from her patient's side.
Ro snorted, snarled something about taking good care of Rab and slammed the door when he obeyed her order.
"Let's get you more comfortable." Poppy pulled out her wand and levitated Rab. She took him upstairs to her guest bedroom.
After lighting several candles and placing them in front of a mirror to make the room brighter, she undressed the unconscious man. He had burns from a spell along with assorted cuts and bruises. She took her time making sure to get every bit of debris out of the injuries before beginning covering the burns in a Healing ointment. Next she Healed his cuts. Poppy dosed him with a few potions and finished with cleaning his battered body.
She noticed his Dark Mark when she tucked him into bed. Chewing on her lower lip, she examined his clothing. There was a mask in his cloak pocket that confirmed her worst fear.
"Rabastan, why did you do this foolish thing?" She sat next to him, holding his left hand and caressing the skin just below the ugly mark.
"Ro joined them and I wanted to be with him." Rab's voice was weak.
"If your brother jumped off the Astronomy tower at Hogwarts, would you follow him?" Her voice was dripping with scorn.
"It's not like that! We're doing important work."
"We will talk about this later, after you've Healed. For now, you need to rest."
"Want to talk now." His voice was slurred.
"Sleep." She lightly tapped him in the middle of the forehead and was amused when he immediately obeyed. "No use bolting the door once the horses have fled." Poppy murmured after cleaning and folding his clothing.
The cottage was dark when Ro returned from leaving a false trail. The Healer entered her kitchen as he came in the back door.
"If you promise to not disturb him, you may visit with your brother. He's sleeping and will be for several hours." She softly closed the door and locked it. "This way, I moved him upstairs." Poppy was aware of the large man following her. She worried over his reaction to her having undressed his brother. There would soon be no need to worry. "He's in here."
Rodolphus entered the indicated room, closing the door in her face.
Poppy returned to her room and settled on the bed with the collection of essays on pureblood superiority. There was a glass of elf made wine on the bedside table and a light meal. She nibbled at a slice of cheese and shook her head over something in the book.
"You undressed him!" His voice was filled with menace.
She looked up at the mountain of rage in her doorway. "Would you rather I Healed him with bits of dirt and fabric still in the injuries? In case Rabastan has not informed you, I am a Healing Matron. When a person comes to me their politics, bloodline, religion, color and gender mean nothing. All that matters is how badly they're injured. Your brother will live. He'll have scars from this encounter, but he'll be able to do whatever it is you lot are attempting to do."
"When will the Aurors be here?"
"Never, so long as you did not lead them here." She took a sip of wine, showing a calm she did not feel. It was a relief when Rodolphus left for the guest room. That was a bit closer to death than she wanted to be.
She checked her patient three times during the night. Each time Rodolphus watched her every movement as if he suspected her of intending to murder the lad in his sleep. It was difficult, but somehow she kept her hands from trembling while casting the diagnostic charms. Rabastan was awake at sunrise when she came to check on him.
"Will I live?" His voice was raspy.
"I think so. That is, if your brother doesn't haul you into further dangerous activities like taming Manticores." She poured him a glass of water and helped him to sit up and drink it.
"Tell him to leave?" Rab whispered.
"No, he's your brother. You tell him and if he should decide to amuse you, remember what society will think of you being under my roof. I could become accused of ravishing you."
Rodolphus joined her in laughing at Rabastan's horrified expression.
"Will he be all right?"
"Yes, he'll be fine. It is better if you kept to your normal routine and maybe let it be known Rabastan is taking the air in the Alps, or visiting family. If necessary, you could say he's become very serious about courting me." Poppy smiled down at Rab. "What would you like for breakfast? You need to eat before taking your next round of potions."
"Bangers, eggs, toast, and porridge."
She wanted to tussle his hair. With that big an appetite, the young man would be up and about in no time. He really was too adorable even if there was a hint of stubble darkening his jaw. Poppy retreated to the kitchen. It was a relief to have Rodolphus leave her home while breakfast was cooking. It felt lighter, perhaps even larger without his being in it.
"Food for the young master," she cheerfully announced when she levitated a tray with his breakfast into the bedroom.
Rabastan appeared to have been sulking. He sat up, pummeled the pillows and leaned back. The tray was carefully settled across his lap without comment. Poppy started to leave the room.
"Stay."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I remember you said we'd talk about my new marks."
Pinching the bridge of her nose, she sat on a chair next to the bed. "I think this was an ill advised move on your part."
"Ro is one of them. We're doing great things."
"Does the leader of this group share his power, or does this person create tension in the ranks to keep others from becoming stronger? If your goals are political, are there members of your group who are in the Wizengamot and at the Ministry working to legally change our ways?"
Rabastan ate his meal without answering her.
"Rab, do me the courtesy of answering my questions."
"I am new to the group, so I cannot really say how the leader functions. I know we have members at the Ministry. Pureblood rights need to be protected. We are naturally superior, which you would know if you read those treatises I gave you."
"There were some worthwhile essays in that collection. I have to say the main one appeared to be nothing more than the efforts of an ape to type coherent sentences."
He almost threw the tray at her. She watched his hands clench and unclench.
"Primitive primate metaphysics will not sway the general populous to your cause."
"Is insulting your patient a new way to insure their improved health?"
"This is the price of having Binns teaching. You and too many others do not fully know our history."
"Maybe you should enlighten me." He crossed his arms and glared at her.
Poppy moved the tray. She saw no need to have food and drink strewn across the floor. Instead of sitting on the chair, she sat facing him on the bed.
"Not all that long ago, the Wizarding world would take magically gifted children from Muggle families. It always looked like an accident, or as if the infant sickened and died. Squibs were often left as foundlings, or as a changeling with the magically talented one."
"Everyone knows this," Rabastan snorted.
"Not everyone knows if you look far enough in the past of the current batch of talented Muggleborns, you will find squibs on both side of their parentage. Are you familiar with genetics?"
"Not really, no."
"I have a text book that might explain this better than I ever could. Suffice to say, when most Muggleborns come to Hogwarts, they have a recessive trait from both parents and it has manifested as magic." She reached out and traced one of his hands. "Rab, you're a very intelligent young man. I hate seeing you tossing away your life to fulfill someone else's agenda."
"I'll read your book since you read mine." Rab was pouting.
"If you stick that lower lip out far enough, a bird will come along and poop on it."
"What?"
"That's something my mother used to tell us."
"It's a horrid thing to say to a child. You could mentally scar them for life."
Poppy couldn't resist. She leaned forward and kissed him. It was a chaste brushing of lips on lips. He jerked in response as if startled before kissing her back.
"What do you think?" Her voice was husky.
"It's different than kissing a male. Your cheeks are smooth." He twined his fingers with hers, holding her hand in a gentle grip. "If you had a prick, you'd be perfect."
Poppy laughed. "I promise you will be the first to know if I decide to have my sex changed."
He gave her a shy smile. "I thought your idea about artificial insemination was brilliant. Maybe some day, you will carry a baby for me and Ro." Thinking of his brother gave Rab the usual reaction. He blushed. "Is this normal?"
"Rabastan, you are what, eighteen? Yes, this is a typical reaction for a young man. At eighteen, most males can get hard watching paint dry. I'm sure things are rougher for you. You've spent the last seven years surrounded by stimulating sights."
"My being what I am doesn't bother you?"
"Not really. I'd be lying if I said it doesn't make me sad. After all, you're the first man to court me and you do have a very nice body. It's a pity I will never know you intimately."
"The other night, you mentioned how no one can satisfy a Black like a Black. Are they the only family that practices incest?"
"Not really. Some families have a tradition of it. They could be influenced by the desire to remain pure. Or the custom has to do with how brides must be virginal yet the grooms have to be experienced. How better to satisfy these dictates than with a same gender sibling? I was not lying when I said you and your brother were beautiful to watch." It was Poppy's turn to blush.
Rab smirked. "What if I brought a friend here to give me fellatio while you watched?"
"I think it is too early in our courting for such treats. Perhaps if we become betrothed." She released his hand. "You need to finish your breakfast and you need to drink two potions."
"I hear and obey."
"Only because you want to be shagged by your brother in the near future." She teased as she gave him back the tray.
"You are just jealous!" He chuckled while teasing her.
"Perhaps I am, perhaps not." She kissed him on the tip of the nose. "Now, eat up." She left the room with a sassy swish of the hips that most likely was not appreciated by her patient.
***
Rabastan thought about the complex person who he was considering being tied to while he ate his breakfast. He wondered if tied was the correct verb, maybe shackled was a better one. Granted the only married couple he'd ever spent time around were his parents, and theirs was not a stellar alliance.
Is it possible to feel affection for a person and not be forced into changing to please them? Love is a trap. It's sole purpose was to snare the unwary and make them behave in an unnatural manner. He knew this as a fact. His parents were proof of it, and Ro was trying to avoid a similar fate. Rab was well aware that women were not the only ones to entice, ensnare and enslave the unsuspecting. He'd seen a few bad relationships at Hogwarts, and there was that family which lived near the Lestrange townhouse. They were a prime reason to avoid the marriage trap.
The mark on his arm began to ache. Rabastan muttered an oath and set the tray to one side. He eased out of bed. Standing was not too difficult, and he was soon fully clothed. Scooping up a banger and wrapping it in a slice of toast, he left the room.
"Where do you think you are going?" Poppy was angry when she saw him come down the stairs.
"I need to leave." He rubbed at his left arm. "I promise to be careful and not to play with Manticores."
"Don't come back looking for further Healing if you do more damage to your side."
Rabastan rolled his eyes. "I will be careful. I need to hurry." He bit his lower lip. "I'm sorry I dragged you into this mess. I want to read that book on genetics. Owl it to me?" He surprised himself by brushing a kiss across her cheek.
"Go on. I'll send you the book. And stay out of trouble." She made a shooing motion.
It was as he Apparated to the meeting site that he realized something terrifying. He felt affection for a woman. Not the kind where he wanted to take her to bed, but he wanted to make her proud of him. Had Poppy slipped him something in the potions she gave him?
Rab's mind kept wandering back to how he felt about the woman he supposedly was courting. Fortunately, no one noticed he was distracted during the meeting. He accepted congratulations on his speedy recovery. It was a relief to be sent home once the Dark Lord was finished speaking to his loyal followers.
Poppy's owl arrived that evening with the promised book and a letter. Rab took the parcel up to his room and curled up in a comfortable chair to read. The note amused him to no end. His lady alternated between scolding him, recommended other books to read and practically ordered him to use the legal system to change Wizarding laws. Here was his proof that women wanted nothing more than to change a man. At least Poppy went about it in an open manner. He re-read her closing and smirked.
If you want people to honestly believe you are courting a known bluestocking, the least you can do is cultivate the appearance of having an intellect and putting it to use.
His lady was brilliant. Rab really wished either he found women sexually attractive, or she were a man. They'd have the most delicious marriage if only one of these alternatives was reality. Rabastan shifted in the chair and stared at the ceiling. He realized maybe the Death Eaters might not be the only way to make changes happen.
"She's right. I do need to improve my education. I don't just want the perversion act repealed. I want it gone and I want to marry the man of my choosing. And if I have Poppy Pomfrey stand as one of my attendants, it will be my right to have her there." Rabastan summoned a quill and ink. Turning over her letter, he began to make notes of what he might need to read in order to force some changes on the Wizengamot.
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Author/Artist: snapesgirl_62
Title: Tangled Webs
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Poppy Pomfrey/Rabastan Lestrange; Rabastan/Evan Rosier, implied Rabastan/Severus, Rabastan/Rodolphus.
Word Count: 7728
Warnings: m/m, anal intercourse, voyeurism, Lestrangecest
Summary: Rabastan Lestrange must marry to satisfy his family obligations. Rab decides to be old fashioned with his courting and learns a few things about friendship.
Author's/Artist's Notes: You asked for some unusual/surprising characterizations for Rabastan Lestrange. And for first times (of all varieties), romance-not-schmoop, unlikely pairings and relationships, hurt/comfort, humor, snark, powerful women. I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it for you.
Disclaimer: HP is owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc.
***
Poppy Pomfrey was very tired. In fact, she was ready to hide in her private quarters and get smashed enough to sleep until this term was over.
"Three more weeks," she whispered while opening her office door. She stood staring in disbelief. There was a student lying face down over her desk. A half-nude, obviously male student with a perfectly lovely bum. "What is the meaning of this?"
"You're a smart lady, I think you can figure out what I am doing." The student turned his head and smirked at her.
"I think if you do not have something shoved up your arse, you would be wise to pull your clothing back on and get out of my office." She recognized the Seventh Year Prefect for Slytherin. "If you repeat this behavior, I will not be held accountable for my actions."
"Meaning?" he took his time pulling up pants and trousers, making sure she got a good view of his body.
"Meaning you will receive either a blistering, a bleeding, a purging or a puking." Poppy was satisfied to see his self-assured smirk disappear.
"You don't find me appealing?"
"I see a student in my office. I also see him attempting to make me lose my job. A position I worked long hard hours to earn." She stepped away from the door and gestured for him to leave. "I recommend you look up the definition of moral turpitude."
***
Rab sulkily left the hospital wing. He was an adult male and he knew he was good looking. All the females in this accursed school noticed him. If he wished, he could have any of the students in his bed. Point of fact, he'd had most of the males at one time or another.
Her rejection made no sense. Severus Snape displayed like that would have had Rab ready for a good hard shag. Maybe that was part of the problem? Could it be the sight of a firm arse didn't arouse women?
End of year exams and his N.E.W.T.'s were fast approaching. As a pureblood male, he was expected to sow some wild oats then settle down and set up a nursery. Rab's problem was his lack of interest in the female sex. Given a choice, he'd remain a bachelor and shag any male that took his fancy. However, Rodolphus was already hinting Rab should look for his own home.
"Blasted wife of his, ruining everything." Rab clumped down stairs while muttering to himself about his sister-in-law and how she was trying to wreck the family. "Ro's taking humoring her to an unhealthy extreme."
He pulled a crumpled bit of parchment out of his pocket and read the marriage offer. It still made him feel ill. Surely he was entitled to choose his own spouse. All he needed was to get Pomfrey to agree to a marriage of convenience and his life would be…not necessarily better, but tolerable.
***
Poppy settled into her favorite chair and took out her needlepoint. She wanted to work on the painted canvas for a few moments between tending to patients. Her needle was soon moving in and out, creating an elaborate pattern to mimic leaves on a tree. There was a scroll on the table next to her chart. Every once in a while, she'd glance at the fine calligraphy and fight back giggles.
Moral Turpitude is a violation of the standards for moral (read good) conduct. While this can be construed as a criminal offense, in the case of an instructor or school medi-witch it is related to their conduct with and/or around the students.
It sounds like a load of fertilizer to me. Why cannot a person act upon their physical needs and desires if they so chose? We are both legal adults and I see no reason why you cannot spend time with me. I am a good-looking, healthy pureblood wizard. You are a becoming witch of good family and pure bloodlines. I suggest we meet and come to terms over the possibility of an alliance.
R. Lestrange
The missive had arrived with her morning tea. She'd been highly amused by the young man looking up the definition of an alien legal term. Of all the propositions Poppy received each school year, this one was the most interesting. Why on earth would a handsome young man like Rabastan Lestrange seek an alliance with an older woman? While not as experienced as say, Minerva; Poppy was at least twelve years older than the young man. His apparent attraction made no sense to her.
A reply needed to be sent to her suitor before he showed up in her office or her private quarters. She tsked over a mistake in her needlework and removed the extra stitches before putting the canvas away. It was time to make her late night rounds of the hospital wing.
Two students were waiting for her when she left her office. She recognized the taller one as her would be suitor and suppressed a groan.
"What seems to be the problem?" Poppy moved closer, searching for something wrong with the smaller student.
"Well, go ahead." Rabastan nudged his companion who took a step forward and curtsied.
"Madam Pomfrey, related to the Malfoy family through their French ancestry. The family arrived in Scotland before the Founders created Hogwarts. There is rumor of a link to Rowena Ravenclaw but this has not been substantiated." The speaker next gestured with her right hand as if in introduction. "Master Lestrange is of the Lestrange family which traces their lineage back to the earliest times and while lamentably linked to the blood traitor Weasley clan, they are also related to the noble house of Black."
"When did you do this research, child?" Pomfrey was amazed at the girl's grasp of a very old and rarely used ritual of formal introduction. The only thing missing were witnesses, which were not necessary during a ritual of intent to court.
"I have read and memorized Debretts with the purpose of assuring I do not marry anyone of impure lineage, nor of too close a relation. I have no desire to spawn halfbloods, or worse, any squibs."
"Enough, Arachnia. Finish it." Rabastan sounded a touch bored and annoyed.
"Young Master Lestrange presents his compliments and formally expresses a desire to court you once he is no longer a student of this establishment. Your families have not been linked any time in the last two centuries, and neither bloodline has been tainted. It would be a beneficial alliance for you as Healing Matron of this establishment since Master Lestrange is not the heir to his family and has the ability to set up his household as he sees fit, instead of following tradition and attempting to establish a nursery within a year of marriage." She gave another brief curtsey then turned on her heel and left the hospital wing.
Pomfrey stared after her. "What an extraordinary child, how old is she?"
"Black is thirteen going on seventy-five. She has almost every pureblood family tree memorized and can recite them back up to five centuries given enough time. I can assure you, it is a very boring way to spend an evening."
"Why listen to her recitals then?"
"Most seventh years have requested this knowledge since her being sorted into Slytherin. It is of assistance when planning family alliances." Rabastan stepped closer and almost touched Poppy on the cheek. "I would seek permission from your eldest male relative to court you."
"That is not necessary, I have been of age for years and am old enough-"
"To be a sibling or a cousin or an aunt. You are not of a contemporary with my lady mother. You are much younger than you let on. Arachnia double-checked both birth and death records. It seems we have both been orphaned at an early age and raised by siblings. How long were you in the colonies? I assume that is where you learned about the moral turpitude laws."
"I apprenticed as a Healer at the Salem Witch's Institute." She shook her head. "Why are you so set on courting me?"
"I will explain after the leaving feast when we will be on equal terms." He smirked and bowed to her.
Poppy could not help laughing at his comment. "You are a cheeky brat."
"Blame my brother, he taught me all I know." Rabastan left the room.
***
Rabastan walked with a light step. He felt relief now that the ritual was over. Having a go between was the most important part. The school itself was witness to what had been declared. Rodolphus would know what Rab had done before the week was out. If things went well, there would be no Howler sent. After all, Rab followed proper form, if an almost sentient building didn't count as a witness, the various ghosts, portraits and whatever allowed the Headmaster to know all that happened on the grounds should stand as suitable witnesses to his beginning a formal courtship.
Now Rabastan could concentrate on his N.E.W.T.'s and not worry about his brother attempting to marry him off to some insipid chit. He entered the common room and looked about, there were few students up and about at this hour. None of the ones available interested him.
Damn, I need a good hard shag. Wonder if Evan is agreeable, or if I should wake up Snape? Rabastan entered the seventh year dorm and saw Snape's bed was empty. Must be brewing something for Sluggie. Evan it is. Rabastan tugged the covers off of his friend and flopped onto the other young man's bed.
"Wha?"
"I need a shag."
"Fags 're in the drawer." Rosier rolled over, presenting his back to a very randy Rabastan.
"Not a fag, you daft bugger, a shag." Rab tugged down Evan's pyjama bottoms.
"Go 'way,"
Rab licked and sucked on a finger then inserted it in Evan.
"RAB, you sick fuck!"
"I'm randy, Evvie and you have such a nice arse."
Evan grumbled and Carrow muttered a sleepy expletive.
"Shut it," chorused Evan and Rab.
Evan removed his pyjamas and reached for the bedside table. "At least use lube, you bastard."
"My parents were married well before I was born, unlike yours."
"Sweet talker, how did courting go? Ah, that's good."
"She seemed agreeable. Salazar, you're so tight."
"Sorry, I'm not a whore."
"I know, I know." Rabastan opened his trousers. Shoving them and his pants out of the way, he slicked up his cock. "Can't wait."
"You can never wait. Foreplay for you is a lubrication spell." Evan pressed back, taking Rab's cock in. He reached down to stroke himself and was mildly surprised when Rab's hand grasped him.
"Let me, I'll make it good."
"Better after waking me up."
The sex was hard, fast and uncomplicated. It was everything Rabastan wanted. He came with a grunt, Evan spurting after him. They held still for a moment, just breathing heavily. Rab eased out of his partner and cast cleaning charms on them.
"Want a fag?" Evan sat up. He pulled a pack of cigarettes out of the nightstand's drawer, offering them to Rab before taking one for himself. They used charms to light their smokes and sat back. "Are you going for the full formal marriage?"
"If it will make Ro happy."
"What about the bedding ceremony?"
"I'd rather not think about it right now."
"If she's not a virgin, there could be problems. Not to mention your lack of interest in females. How will you mount her if you can't get it up?"
"Not now Evan. I'll worry about all of that after leaving feast."
"I did a bit of studying on the customs. The witnesses to the bedding don't have to view everything. You can shag behind closed bed curtains."
"What good will that do, Evan?"
"An arse is an arse in the dark."
Rabastan raised one eyebrow. There was a great deal of truth to this observation. "Evan, sometimes, your genius astounds me."
"Just name a kid after me."
Rabastan swatted his friend with a pillow. He would never be a father, they both knew this.
***
Poppy's day began with an invitation to have tea in the staff room. She was not surprised to find the Headmaster, his deputy and Horace Slughorn waiting for her. Taking a seat next to Professor Slughorn, she noticed Minerva appeared to have been sucking on a lemon.
"It has come to our attention that one of the students is formally courting you." McGonagall didn't wait for the usual platitudes from Dumbledore.
Poppy smiled. "He declared his intent last night. I have offered the usual enticements of a blistering, bleeding, purging or puking. The stubborn fellow either is masochistic or he is desperate."
"How can we help you manage this situation?" Dumbledore offered her a cup of tea while speaking.
She silently accepted the tea and added a drop of lemon to the beverage. "I believe he will not make his next move until after the leaving feast. He mentioned us being on equal footing at that time. Perhaps his Head of House could inform the young man that the staff have duties here for a few days after the students leave?"
"I can pass along that information. Will it help you?" Horace Slughorn added sugar to his tea while speaking.
"Mr. Lestrange is determined, and he wants to follow the full formal courtship. That means he'll want to court me at home, not at my place of employment. I'm hoping his family will take that time to talk some sense into him."
"If you'd cover your hair and not smile so much, maybe the students would cease to be infatuated with you." Minerva McGonagall's observation came with a withering look.
"Are you jealous that I am seen as an object worthy of courting and not as a withered old prune?" Poppy smirked at the older instructor.
"Ladies!" Dumbledore's voice held a warning.
Poppy sat back gritting her teeth. This was becoming an annual battle between her and Minerva. One would think Poppy was trying to seduce every student by being cheerful and less starched than the typical matron.
"If that is all, Headmaster, I have duties to attend to." Poppy abruptly stood up. She was glad her job meant taking few meals in the Great Hall. Today was one day when eating alone sounded ideal. Perhaps she'd take all of her meals in the hospital wing until the school year was over.
***
It was a sunny day when Poppy returned to her cottage. She changed out of her uniform and into soft summer robes of pale blue before beginning to unpack and settle in. One of the nice things about being from an old family of modest means was having access to a house-elf. The family retainer made sure her cottage got a thorough cleaning each month and aired the building before her returning home. The downside was the regular owls from the head of her family. Her older brother wanted her married off and he wanted to retain full control of the family vault.
Poppy shoved thoughts of family intrigues and power plays to the back of her head. Today was a day to relax and maybe indulge in some needlework in her garden. A knock at the front door made her frown. She left off getting settled in and went to see which neighbor was in need of a Healer.
"How did you find me?" She gasped when she discovered Rabastan Lestrange standing at the door.
"Now that's a fine way to greet a gentleman who has spent long hours toiling over registries trying to find his elusive intended." The young man offered her a small parcel.
Poppy accepted the package and gestured for him to enter. "I'm afraid I have little to offer in the way of hospitality since I've just arrived."
"Being in your presence is all the treat a man could desire." He entered her front room and waited for her to be seated.
She couldn't help it, she laughed at this outrageous flattery. "I hope you don't talk like that to all the ladies." Poppy settled on a wing chair. He had pretty manners to go with his pretty looks. She placed the present on a side table and clasped her hands in her lap.
"Only to the one I am courting." Frowning slightly, he took a seat in the matching chair. "Was the phrase incorrect? I've not much practice at this. If a fellow were to show anything that could remotely be construed as interest in a pureblood female, both families would be drawing up a marriage contract before he could regret opening his mouth."
"You did fine, that is part of the expected flattery for a young lady, especially if you were to be seriously courting her."
"I am seriously courting you. You may not be of an age to need a duena, but I do want to do this correctly. There is a small gathering this coming Saturday, would milady do me the honor of allowing me to escort her?"
"I will be delighted to attend with you. Will this be an informal or formal gathering?"
"The Parkinson family is hosting a musical evening. They have announced a late supper buffet, and the possibility of dancing."
"Since you have decided to flout convention and court an older woman, what other things will you be doing that are not quite normal for a man your age?"
"I'm not certain I understand." He fidgeted a bit before leaning back in his chair.
"If there is dancing, a courting couple is only allowed two dances together. The same with any couple. It's considered bad form to not dance with others. When going in to supper, you might escort me, or you may escort an older female relative if an older relation requests the honor of escorting me."
"Oh, those." He waved a hand. "I've no older relations other than Ro. He'll be with his friends or his wife. He has no interest in me."
Poppy wondered if Rabastan had sought her out as a surrogate mother. It wouldn't be the first time a wizard did such a thing. Her other instinct was that there were other manipulations going on, and she was being used in a bit of family intrigue. Perhaps she'd learn the truth at the upcoming gathering.
"Does it bother you, having to heal Mud…Muggles?" Rab blurted while looking at a framed certificate on the wall.
"Touch the frame," she ordered.
He glanced at her before standing up and obeying. His gasp of surprise was followed by a soft exclamation. Rab sat back down. "There's a Wizarding Vow attached to that thing."
"Yes, all Healers take a vow that is almost as binding as the Unbreakable Vow. We are to help anyone in need of healing within the limits of our powers. It is phrased so that a Healer won't damage his or herself in caring for a patient."
"Why take such a vow?"
"Why not?" She challenged him. "Perhaps it's better to explain this way, I am driven to Heal. A person's politics, race, or species does not matter. I will treat a Muggle in need the same as a goblin or a pureblood Wizard. Does this bother you?"
He chewed on his lower lip. "I need to think this over. What color will your gown be for Saturday?"
"One shade of blue or another."
Rab glowered at her. "Now you are being difficult."
"Come with me," she stood, holding out a hand to him. This was beyond proper convention, however, it might make him see sense. Poppy led him upstairs to her bedroom. Her wardrobe was wide open and her trunk sat next to it. Clothing was scattered about the room.
"What is all of this?" He looked a bit panicked at the sight of so many feminine garments.
"You interrupted my getting settled in. This includes me going through my entire wardrobe and deciding if anything should be replaced. I only have eight weeks out of the year when I can focus on such a foolish task." Poppy pulled two different formal gowns out of the mound of fabric on her bed. She laid them out side by side.
Rabastan looked at the gowns with a critical eye. While he was male, he was also a clotheshorse and knew what would be the best accent for him. The one dress was a deep blue with a plunging neckline. He thought it may have been in style ten years ago, but was not certain. The silvery-blue dress next to it was simple, elegant and would not let the wearer outshine him.
"That one." He pointed to the paler dress.
"You sound quite certain."
"It will complement what I will be wearing." Rabastan took one quick look around the room and nervously licked his lips. He shifted his weight and backed up a single step.
"I shall wear the light blue one then." She softly assured him.
"Since I interrupted you, I think maybe I should be leaving."
Poppy escorted him back down stairs and to her front door. "I enjoyed your visit, Rabastan."
He mumbled something that sounded like it was all his pleasure and left after giving her right hand a quick peck.
She closed the door and giggled the entire way back to her seat. Her giggles fell into gales of laughter when she opened her present. The silly youth had not given her the usual box of candies. Instead she was the owner of a collection of essays on the superiority of pureblood witches and wizards.
***
Poppy wandered in the Parkinson family's garden. She was not alone in traveling the gravel paths. There were couples and small groups enjoying a break in the musical entertainments. Her escort had been hauled off by his older brother for a brief conversation. Somehow, she doubted Rabastan was going to do much talking. From the look on Rodolphus' face, she thought the elder brother had a lot to say about her. She heard voices and wandered a bit closer.
"I cannot believe you were so foolish!"
"What was I to think when I received an announcement of impending acceptance?"
"Idiot! Everyone has multiple negotiations happen. I would never marry you off to someone that was not worthy. After all, you are mine."
Poppy moved away from the heated discussion. She moved deeper into the hedges, following an ancient labyrinth. From the sounds of things, her courtship should soon end. In a way she was saddened by this knowledge. Rabastan was a source of continued surprises. Tonight, she learned he played the violin. She also learned he did not play for just any audience. Her amusement ended when she rounded a corner and saw two men.
The one on the ground appeared to be nude. The one leaning over…no, shagging him was partially clad. They were fully engrossed in their activity.
She should leave them. However, being a bit of a voyeur, she found it difficult to retrace her steps. Perhaps if she remained still, they wouldn't notice her. Her nipples became hard while her body became moist at the soft grunts and moans. The upper male had a nice arse and the lower one was moving a hand. She bit her fingers to smother a moan when she realized he was wanking. If she became any more aroused, Poppy was going to need to sit down.
Things between the males became a bit more heated. Their movements were faster and a bit rougher. The sound of flesh slapping against flesh had her quivering. Her moan mingled with theirs when one immediately followed by the other came. A soft sound of satisfaction drifted out of her throat, making both men look at her.
"Shit." Rabastan's disappointment was obvious.
"Well, enjoy the show? Why not come closer little one?" The speaker stood up, cast a cleaning charm and moved his clothing back in place
Poppy found her feet moving forward and she was soon kneeling next to the men.
"Are you completely disgusted?" Rabastan tugged at his scattered clothing.
"No, not at all. I must say, the two of you are really quite lovely. Very beautiful in a masculine way." She reached out a finger to touch a bite mark over his collarbone. "I promise not to say a word about your encounter." It was the work of seconds to heal the injury. "Rabastan, are you a homosexual?"
"I would not know what to do with a female if some one used the Imperi us curse on me and told me to mate with one." He sounded a bit put out.
"We should Obliviate her."
"I think you might consider the advantages of opening negotiations for my hand in marriage to your brother. I come from an old family. I assure you while my brother would be flattered, he will not easily agree to anything. In fact, it's guaranteed he'd drag things out for years."
Rabastan looked relieved. He continued to tug at his garments and was soon dressed. He swallowed hard before softly confessing. "Milady, I could kiss you."
"What am I missing?" Rodolphus knelt next to them.
"Under the old forms of courtship, families may continue to negotiate for alliances just in case the couple does not suit. With my limited availability for courting activities, we'd need to take years before deciding to announce a betrothal or to go our separate ways."
"See, this is why I chose her. I knew a Ravenclaw could grasp all the subtle nuances of this ritual. Anyone my age will expect marriage within a year if I so much as danced twice with them. Madam Healer is old enough to know better, doesn't need to have a chaperon, and can be seen in public with me at repeated events because we are supposed to be getting to know each other."
"The matter is not closed." Rodolphus stood up and frowned at them. "We should return to the party."
"You gentlemen go ahead, I need to freshen up a bit."
"Why you little pervert, did you cream yourself while watching us?"
"Ro! That's just…eww." Rabastan looked a bit ill as he stood and moved away from his brother.
Poppy winked at Rodolphus and motioned for the men to leave her. She cast quick charm to clean herself once they were out of sight. It was no surprise to find both men were waiting at the next turning of the maze to serve as her escorts.
***
Rabastan eyed the antique shop with dismay. He could tell at a glance why Ro didn't have many sales in the last month. The place was cluttered. There was no artistry to the displays, and what in the name of Salazar was that thing doing in a fine antique shop? Rab banished a Formica table to the back room. Maybe it could be transfigured into something less appalling.
While he moved stock around, bringing order out of chaos, he contemplated his immediate future. Sharing a townhouse with Evan and maybe Mulciber would be nice. They could have parties, shag who they wanted, when they wanted. Snape needed to be taken care of. That boy was not going to survive being alone. Then again, he could have family stashed away somewhere.
Thoughts of the family brought Poppy Pomfrey to mind. She was full of surprises. Rab wondered how she'd react to his bringing along a friend on his next visit. Getting sucked off in front of her sounded nice. To be honest, receiving fellatio was preferred to what he was doing.
Does Ro's clerk think this crap will sell itself? Rab waved his wand, arranging some furniture in a pleasing display. Better, now maybe a few of the vases and such on that sideboard? He looked through the shelves of smaller items for something to make the front window more appealing. I shouldn't bitch. Ro does have a knack for finding rare items. Hello, what have we here?
Rabastan lifted a thick book and began to look through its pages. It was an older volume on Healing. He decided this would make a nice gift for Poppy and set it back in his personal stash.
The recent party had been a success as far as having proper society believing he was seriously courting a slightly older lady. Comments about her being a bluestocking amused him to no end. Her conversation skills were remarkable if a bit unconventional. Rab wondered if she'd agree to being artificially inseminated should they actually marry. Ro could milk him…he groaned at the mental image of his brother helping him collect semen.
Rab's hands trembled as he placed the thick book on a shelf in the back room. He needed a quick wank. Should he close up the shop, or just duck into the water closet? Deciding it was safe to toss off in the loo, Rab went to take care of his aching prick. I need to ask Poppy if it's normal to be this randy. Surely she will not mind a frank discussion of sexuality. I mean, she's the one who brought up having the Perversion Acts repealed and allowing two men to marry. Thinking of politics did not make his erection wilt. He knew he had to be a pervert.
After a quick wank and washing up, Rab returned to the front of the store. He eyed the displays and moved a few items. Really, the place looked much better, more polished. Now if only Ro would arrive so they could be off on their outing, and where was that idiot clerk? "This is the last time I let the miserable sod wander off for a meal break."
Rab hated being separated from his brother. There were not enough hours in the day as far as he was concerned. That or the world should just accept his devotion to his older sibling.
Where is he today? What are his friends doing that's so important? Rab walked over to the sales counter and pulled out some parchment. Writing to his intended might make the time go faster.
***
Poppy dropped her needlework when she heard someone pounding on her back door. She trotted to the rear of the cottage and peeked out the window before allowing Rodolphus Lestrange to enter.
"What happened?" She looked Rabastan who was limp in his brother's arms. It was impossible to miss both brothers disheveled appearance, and the younger one's singed clothing.
"Just a mishap. He insisted I bring him here."
"There on the table, then get out."
"I'm not leaving."
"You will not only leave, you will Apparate up and down these islands. Pray you leave enough of a trail to entice whoever did this to follow you, instead of my being interrupted by them while I'm working on your brother." Poppy snapped at the large male as she began to peal clothing away from her patient's side.
Ro snorted, snarled something about taking good care of Rab and slammed the door when he obeyed her order.
"Let's get you more comfortable." Poppy pulled out her wand and levitated Rab. She took him upstairs to her guest bedroom.
After lighting several candles and placing them in front of a mirror to make the room brighter, she undressed the unconscious man. He had burns from a spell along with assorted cuts and bruises. She took her time making sure to get every bit of debris out of the injuries before beginning covering the burns in a Healing ointment. Next she Healed his cuts. Poppy dosed him with a few potions and finished with cleaning his battered body.
She noticed his Dark Mark when she tucked him into bed. Chewing on her lower lip, she examined his clothing. There was a mask in his cloak pocket that confirmed her worst fear.
"Rabastan, why did you do this foolish thing?" She sat next to him, holding his left hand and caressing the skin just below the ugly mark.
"Ro joined them and I wanted to be with him." Rab's voice was weak.
"If your brother jumped off the Astronomy tower at Hogwarts, would you follow him?" Her voice was dripping with scorn.
"It's not like that! We're doing important work."
"We will talk about this later, after you've Healed. For now, you need to rest."
"Want to talk now." His voice was slurred.
"Sleep." She lightly tapped him in the middle of the forehead and was amused when he immediately obeyed. "No use bolting the door once the horses have fled." Poppy murmured after cleaning and folding his clothing.
The cottage was dark when Ro returned from leaving a false trail. The Healer entered her kitchen as he came in the back door.
"If you promise to not disturb him, you may visit with your brother. He's sleeping and will be for several hours." She softly closed the door and locked it. "This way, I moved him upstairs." Poppy was aware of the large man following her. She worried over his reaction to her having undressed his brother. There would soon be no need to worry. "He's in here."
Rodolphus entered the indicated room, closing the door in her face.
Poppy returned to her room and settled on the bed with the collection of essays on pureblood superiority. There was a glass of elf made wine on the bedside table and a light meal. She nibbled at a slice of cheese and shook her head over something in the book.
"You undressed him!" His voice was filled with menace.
She looked up at the mountain of rage in her doorway. "Would you rather I Healed him with bits of dirt and fabric still in the injuries? In case Rabastan has not informed you, I am a Healing Matron. When a person comes to me their politics, bloodline, religion, color and gender mean nothing. All that matters is how badly they're injured. Your brother will live. He'll have scars from this encounter, but he'll be able to do whatever it is you lot are attempting to do."
"When will the Aurors be here?"
"Never, so long as you did not lead them here." She took a sip of wine, showing a calm she did not feel. It was a relief when Rodolphus left for the guest room. That was a bit closer to death than she wanted to be.
She checked her patient three times during the night. Each time Rodolphus watched her every movement as if he suspected her of intending to murder the lad in his sleep. It was difficult, but somehow she kept her hands from trembling while casting the diagnostic charms. Rabastan was awake at sunrise when she came to check on him.
"Will I live?" His voice was raspy.
"I think so. That is, if your brother doesn't haul you into further dangerous activities like taming Manticores." She poured him a glass of water and helped him to sit up and drink it.
"Tell him to leave?" Rab whispered.
"No, he's your brother. You tell him and if he should decide to amuse you, remember what society will think of you being under my roof. I could become accused of ravishing you."
Rodolphus joined her in laughing at Rabastan's horrified expression.
"Will he be all right?"
"Yes, he'll be fine. It is better if you kept to your normal routine and maybe let it be known Rabastan is taking the air in the Alps, or visiting family. If necessary, you could say he's become very serious about courting me." Poppy smiled down at Rab. "What would you like for breakfast? You need to eat before taking your next round of potions."
"Bangers, eggs, toast, and porridge."
She wanted to tussle his hair. With that big an appetite, the young man would be up and about in no time. He really was too adorable even if there was a hint of stubble darkening his jaw. Poppy retreated to the kitchen. It was a relief to have Rodolphus leave her home while breakfast was cooking. It felt lighter, perhaps even larger without his being in it.
"Food for the young master," she cheerfully announced when she levitated a tray with his breakfast into the bedroom.
Rabastan appeared to have been sulking. He sat up, pummeled the pillows and leaned back. The tray was carefully settled across his lap without comment. Poppy started to leave the room.
"Stay."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I remember you said we'd talk about my new marks."
Pinching the bridge of her nose, she sat on a chair next to the bed. "I think this was an ill advised move on your part."
"Ro is one of them. We're doing great things."
"Does the leader of this group share his power, or does this person create tension in the ranks to keep others from becoming stronger? If your goals are political, are there members of your group who are in the Wizengamot and at the Ministry working to legally change our ways?"
Rabastan ate his meal without answering her.
"Rab, do me the courtesy of answering my questions."
"I am new to the group, so I cannot really say how the leader functions. I know we have members at the Ministry. Pureblood rights need to be protected. We are naturally superior, which you would know if you read those treatises I gave you."
"There were some worthwhile essays in that collection. I have to say the main one appeared to be nothing more than the efforts of an ape to type coherent sentences."
He almost threw the tray at her. She watched his hands clench and unclench.
"Primitive primate metaphysics will not sway the general populous to your cause."
"Is insulting your patient a new way to insure their improved health?"
"This is the price of having Binns teaching. You and too many others do not fully know our history."
"Maybe you should enlighten me." He crossed his arms and glared at her.
Poppy moved the tray. She saw no need to have food and drink strewn across the floor. Instead of sitting on the chair, she sat facing him on the bed.
"Not all that long ago, the Wizarding world would take magically gifted children from Muggle families. It always looked like an accident, or as if the infant sickened and died. Squibs were often left as foundlings, or as a changeling with the magically talented one."
"Everyone knows this," Rabastan snorted.
"Not everyone knows if you look far enough in the past of the current batch of talented Muggleborns, you will find squibs on both side of their parentage. Are you familiar with genetics?"
"Not really, no."
"I have a text book that might explain this better than I ever could. Suffice to say, when most Muggleborns come to Hogwarts, they have a recessive trait from both parents and it has manifested as magic." She reached out and traced one of his hands. "Rab, you're a very intelligent young man. I hate seeing you tossing away your life to fulfill someone else's agenda."
"I'll read your book since you read mine." Rab was pouting.
"If you stick that lower lip out far enough, a bird will come along and poop on it."
"What?"
"That's something my mother used to tell us."
"It's a horrid thing to say to a child. You could mentally scar them for life."
Poppy couldn't resist. She leaned forward and kissed him. It was a chaste brushing of lips on lips. He jerked in response as if startled before kissing her back.
"What do you think?" Her voice was husky.
"It's different than kissing a male. Your cheeks are smooth." He twined his fingers with hers, holding her hand in a gentle grip. "If you had a prick, you'd be perfect."
Poppy laughed. "I promise you will be the first to know if I decide to have my sex changed."
He gave her a shy smile. "I thought your idea about artificial insemination was brilliant. Maybe some day, you will carry a baby for me and Ro." Thinking of his brother gave Rab the usual reaction. He blushed. "Is this normal?"
"Rabastan, you are what, eighteen? Yes, this is a typical reaction for a young man. At eighteen, most males can get hard watching paint dry. I'm sure things are rougher for you. You've spent the last seven years surrounded by stimulating sights."
"My being what I am doesn't bother you?"
"Not really. I'd be lying if I said it doesn't make me sad. After all, you're the first man to court me and you do have a very nice body. It's a pity I will never know you intimately."
"The other night, you mentioned how no one can satisfy a Black like a Black. Are they the only family that practices incest?"
"Not really. Some families have a tradition of it. They could be influenced by the desire to remain pure. Or the custom has to do with how brides must be virginal yet the grooms have to be experienced. How better to satisfy these dictates than with a same gender sibling? I was not lying when I said you and your brother were beautiful to watch." It was Poppy's turn to blush.
Rab smirked. "What if I brought a friend here to give me fellatio while you watched?"
"I think it is too early in our courting for such treats. Perhaps if we become betrothed." She released his hand. "You need to finish your breakfast and you need to drink two potions."
"I hear and obey."
"Only because you want to be shagged by your brother in the near future." She teased as she gave him back the tray.
"You are just jealous!" He chuckled while teasing her.
"Perhaps I am, perhaps not." She kissed him on the tip of the nose. "Now, eat up." She left the room with a sassy swish of the hips that most likely was not appreciated by her patient.
***
Rabastan thought about the complex person who he was considering being tied to while he ate his breakfast. He wondered if tied was the correct verb, maybe shackled was a better one. Granted the only married couple he'd ever spent time around were his parents, and theirs was not a stellar alliance.
Is it possible to feel affection for a person and not be forced into changing to please them? Love is a trap. It's sole purpose was to snare the unwary and make them behave in an unnatural manner. He knew this as a fact. His parents were proof of it, and Ro was trying to avoid a similar fate. Rab was well aware that women were not the only ones to entice, ensnare and enslave the unsuspecting. He'd seen a few bad relationships at Hogwarts, and there was that family which lived near the Lestrange townhouse. They were a prime reason to avoid the marriage trap.
The mark on his arm began to ache. Rabastan muttered an oath and set the tray to one side. He eased out of bed. Standing was not too difficult, and he was soon fully clothed. Scooping up a banger and wrapping it in a slice of toast, he left the room.
"Where do you think you are going?" Poppy was angry when she saw him come down the stairs.
"I need to leave." He rubbed at his left arm. "I promise to be careful and not to play with Manticores."
"Don't come back looking for further Healing if you do more damage to your side."
Rabastan rolled his eyes. "I will be careful. I need to hurry." He bit his lower lip. "I'm sorry I dragged you into this mess. I want to read that book on genetics. Owl it to me?" He surprised himself by brushing a kiss across her cheek.
"Go on. I'll send you the book. And stay out of trouble." She made a shooing motion.
It was as he Apparated to the meeting site that he realized something terrifying. He felt affection for a woman. Not the kind where he wanted to take her to bed, but he wanted to make her proud of him. Had Poppy slipped him something in the potions she gave him?
Rab's mind kept wandering back to how he felt about the woman he supposedly was courting. Fortunately, no one noticed he was distracted during the meeting. He accepted congratulations on his speedy recovery. It was a relief to be sent home once the Dark Lord was finished speaking to his loyal followers.
Poppy's owl arrived that evening with the promised book and a letter. Rab took the parcel up to his room and curled up in a comfortable chair to read. The note amused him to no end. His lady alternated between scolding him, recommended other books to read and practically ordered him to use the legal system to change Wizarding laws. Here was his proof that women wanted nothing more than to change a man. At least Poppy went about it in an open manner. He re-read her closing and smirked.
If you want people to honestly believe you are courting a known bluestocking, the least you can do is cultivate the appearance of having an intellect and putting it to use.
His lady was brilliant. Rab really wished either he found women sexually attractive, or she were a man. They'd have the most delicious marriage if only one of these alternatives was reality. Rabastan shifted in the chair and stared at the ceiling. He realized maybe the Death Eaters might not be the only way to make changes happen.
"She's right. I do need to improve my education. I don't just want the perversion act repealed. I want it gone and I want to marry the man of my choosing. And if I have Poppy Pomfrey stand as one of my attendants, it will be my right to have her there." Rabastan summoned a quill and ink. Turning over her letter, he began to make notes of what he might need to read in order to force some changes on the Wizengamot.
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