Love's Willing Prey - Bellatrix
Chapter Seven--Bellatrix
The past days blended together monotonously for Narcissa. She awoke whenever the sunlight prodded her, and slept away a large part of each day. She was steadily working her way through the case of Firewhiskey that she’d had delivered.
It had already been over a week since she had seen Severus, but his face still crept into her thoughts and dreams with disconcerting regularity. Narcissa was still wearing the locket Severus had given her, although she wasn’t sure how she felt about it...whatever would Lucius say if he knew? Really, it doesn't mean anything, he’s just doing it to protect me...maybe Lucius even contacted the other Death Eaters and asked him to...
She hadn’t had the mental energy to even eat meals with any regularity lately, let alone think about leaving the manor again. Not that she hadn’t enjoyed her visit with Severus, but it had been...awkward somehow, and draining. Likewise, Narcissa certainly didn’t fancy having visitors at the manor, even before Lucius was sent to prison. However, yesterday she had received a very unexpected message via owl, and so today she was out of bed, trying to pull herself together and make the manor presentable.
Bellatrix was coming to visit. She hadn’t specified when or how she would arrive, but she had requested that food be ready. Although it was a relief to hear that her sister was safe, Narcissa rather wished that Bella had given her more warning. She didn’t want Bella to know how desperate she had been since Draco’s death, but she feared that the dire state of Malfoy Manor would betray her, even in spite of an entire afternoon’s cleaning.
Narcissa had been working like a house-elf, and once again she wished that she still had one, especially for cooking. Although she wasn’t the domestic type, by evening she had managed to pull together a respectable dinner, which, Narcissa reminded herself, would probably look like a feast to her sister. Bella now had an even larger price on her head, and she had probably been hiding out in the forests - or worse - for the past year. The hour was already getting late, but Narcissa was still compulsively ridding the parlor’s many chandeliers of cobwebs when the dusty fireplace suddenly ignited with a rush of green flames. A moment later, Bellatrix Lestrange stepped smartly over the hearth and warily glanced around the room before spotting her sister.
“Narcissa!” she exclaimed, and rushed up to her quickly without even bothering to dust the ashes off of her worn cloak.
“Oh, Bella--how good it is to see you!” Narcissa breathed, somewhat flustered by the sudden entrance.
“Mmm, that’s some hunk of jewelry, Cissy,” said Bellatrix, eyeing her locket with an amused expression as they embraced rather tentatively. “Where’d you get it?”
Narcissa felt her cheeks grow warm. “Oh, well, I bumped into Severus the other day and he gave it to me.... It’s got protective charms on it,” she said pointedly. Narcissa knew her sister didn’t trust Severus in the least.
“Hmph. So you still talk to him, do you?” Bella demanded.
“Yes, I do. Because we’re friends,” Narcissa pleaded, “and don’t forget, he did agree to protect Draco, Bella.”
“Yeah, well, that’s water under the bridge now,” Bellatrix said, rather callously. “I still think you’d be better off keeping company with other purebloods.”
Narcissa was hurt by Bella’s cold assessment of her son’s passing, but she was in no state to discuss it with anyone yet, least of all Bellatrix. She knew her sister cared much more about upholding the Black family values than about the actual family.
“So...I didn’t realize you were coming by Floo, how did you manage?” Narcissa asked, hoping to steer the conversation into more neutral territory.
“Simple,” Bella said, not meeting Narcissa’s eyes but looking keenly toward the dining table. “I just broke into an empty Wizarding home...bit safer than Apparating. So whatcha got to eat, Cissy?”
“Oh, I just finished--lasagna and grilled zucchini with garlic bread. I hope it’s ok, I’m not much of a cook without help,” Narcissa said, somewhat annoyed.
Bellatrix didn’t appear to be the least bit concerned with how the food tasted. She crossed to the table without another word and started loading up a plate. Narcissa thought she looked thinner than she had before, and found herself feeling almost sorry for her sister. But then again, she had chosen to join the Dark Lord, and she never seemed at all disturbed or reluctant about what she was asked to do...
“So, how are you?” asked Narcissa, but it took Bellatrix a moment to answer because of how fast she was eating. It almost made Narcissa lose her own appetite to watch.
“Oh, well, how do you think I should be? I’ve been in hiding ever since I got out of Azkaban, and after the Ministry fiasco, they raised the price on my head even more. Can’t go anywhere for fear of being seen--I’m worried there’s Aurors lurking around every corner...at least you get to lead a normal life here,” said Bellatrix, with somewhat of an edge in her voice.
Normal life, Narcissa thought incredulously. My son’s been murdered and my husband’s in prison...how can that bear any semblance to 'normal'? She didn't want these thoughts to show on her face, however--it wasn’t worth the trouble of explaining. Narcissa came round and sat next to Bella, who was finishing off the lasagna with zeal.
“What would you like to drink?” Narcissa asked tentatively. Her sister had never been much of a drinker, but Narcissa suspected the war might have changed that.
“Whatever,” Bella said distractedly as she finished off her food. “Cissy, aren't you going to eat?”
“No, actually, I...I’m not that hungry.” Narcissa cast around for a neutral topic of conversation. “So...I saw in the Prophet that there was a battle several weeks ago, and you were mentioned as ‘evading justice again’--I was so worried about you! I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”
Bellatrix snorted derisively, “I bet they didn’t mention that I took out one of their best Aurors though, did they?”
“Nooo, they didn’t! Who?” Narcissa asked with interest as she got up to grab a fresh bottle of firewhiskey and two glasses.
“Shacklebolt,” Bella said carelessly, leaning back in the chair with a satisfied expression. “He never saw it coming,” she exaggerated, “although I’m sure the Prophet told it different,” she finished with an arrogant sneer. Narcissa rather thought the expression suited Bella as she nodded in response.
“Thanks for dinner, by the way. It must be frustrating to not have an elf to do stuff like cleaning, huh?” Bella looked appraisingly around at the dusty bookshelves and the melted wax on the chandeliers.
“Yeah, it really is,” said Narcissa earnestly, but then she got the feeling that her sister was mocking her slightly. Bellatrix certainly had never had the luxury of chandeliers, let alone a house-elf since she had moved out of their parent’s house before the age of 20. Narcissa suddenly felt rather uncomfortable and changed the subject.
“So where have you been staying all this time?” she asked with concern.
Bellatrix shrugged. “Wherever, mostly empty houses. We have to keep moving around so as not to attract attention to ourselves. It’s no big deal, really--except we don’t always get to eat properly.” Narcissa handed her a glass of Firewhiskey as she gazed concernedly at her sister. Bella took a disinterested sip and then abruptly looked at the glass with a frown.
“This Firewhiskey, Cissy? Since when do you drink the strong stuff?”
“Oh, yeah, sometimes I do,” Narcissa muttered, trying to sound offhand.
Bella narrowed her eyes shrewdly. “You never were a good liar,” she accused. “You’re pretending to be worried about me, when you’re the one who’s in trouble.”
Narcissa looked indignant. “What! I am worried about you!” She insisted, “how could I not worry, you’re my sister! Besides, you’re in constant danger with those Ministry fools after you!” She paused to take a gulp of her drink, hesitated, then added skittishly, “What do you mean I’m in trouble?”
“Cissy, you’ve lived in luxury your whole life,” Bellatrix explained, somewhat irritated. “You’ve never had to lift a finger to take care of yourself. But now you’re alone - probably bitter and scared - anyone can see you’re not dealing with your new independence well,” Bella said matter-of-factly.
Narcissa momentarily swelled with anger, met her sister’s dark eyes, and sighed resolutely. “Is it that obvious?”
“Yes.” Bella’s eyes suddenly flashed brightly. “But I know what will make it better...” she said conspiratorially, leaning forward.
Narcissa frowned, utterly confused at this change in Bella’s demeanor. “What?” she said with a frown, and a bite of impatience at her teasing.
"Your husband’s coming for you,” she grinned wickedly.
The words echoed in Narcissa’s subconscious over and over, like the crashing of waves. “What...?” She asked, her voice flat and hollow. It was not at all what she had expected to hear.
“I’ve only just found out--that’s why I came today, to tell you!” Bellatrix said excitedly. “They’ll be breaking Lucius out of Azkaban--maybe at soon as next week--and he’s coming to take you away from here.” She smiled encouragingly at her little sister. “The Dark Lord has granted Lucius’ plea for forgiveness, and he’s given him a new assignment...in Scandinavia! Nobody knows the Malfoy name up there, Cissy--it’s a chance to start over!”
Narcissa remained silent for several moments, still reeling. “Scandinavia?” she said blankly, disbelievingly. “But, when...how...why Scandinavia?”
“Cissy, do you not understand me?” Bella asked with raised eyebrows, “You’re gonna have Lucius back!” She reached over and playfully shook Narcissa’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll still be able to come visit you guys up there.”
“Wow,” Narcissa stammered, “I...I don’t know what to say. This is big news, Bella. Are you sure?”
“Yes, of course I’m sure! So, you’d better pull a bag together--no doubt he’ll come at night, and you’ll probably need to leave quickly. It’s a shame you’ll have to abandon the Manor, but the Dark Lord might have plans for it once you’ve gone.”
Bellatrix downed the rest of her Firewhiskey and got up suddenly. “I’ve got to get going, but I just had to tell you the good news in person.... Cissy, are you ok?”
Narcissa was staring blankly ahead of her with an odd, closed expression on her face. The hand holding her drink was white-knuckled because she was gripping it so tightly.
“Me? Oh--yeah. I’m just...really surprised, that’s all,” Narcissa said in a strained voice.
“Oh Cissy.” Bellatrix put an arm around her, “Our lives are so different, but...well, I really am happy for you--you deserve to have a quiet life. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you’ve missed Lucius all this time.”
“Wait!” Narcissa cried, still mentally goggling at the notion that anyone could think her life ‘quiet’ or ‘happy’. “Do you have to go so soon?”
Bellatrix nodded and pulled her sister into a one-armed hug. “I don’t know when I’ll be able to see you again, but don’t worry about me,” she winked slyly and crossed back to the hearth.
“I--I’ll miss you, Bella!” Narcissa called after her, but Bellatrix had already pulled a handful of Floo powder from a pocket of her cloak and threw it into the fireplace.
“ Take care,” Bella said nonchalantly, and disappeared in a rush of green flames.
As the fire died down again, Narcissa slumped back against the sofa cushions, her head spinning. She downed the rest of her firewhiskey in one gulp, and tried to let the reality of Bella’s news sink in. Did Severus know about this, she wondered? Bella was right--she ought to be elated, looking forward to Lucius’ return, but for some reason the feeling wouldn’t come.
Narcissa Summoned another bottle of her favored drink and retired early that night, feeling more alone than ever.
The past days blended together monotonously for Narcissa. She awoke whenever the sunlight prodded her, and slept away a large part of each day. She was steadily working her way through the case of Firewhiskey that she’d had delivered.
It had already been over a week since she had seen Severus, but his face still crept into her thoughts and dreams with disconcerting regularity. Narcissa was still wearing the locket Severus had given her, although she wasn’t sure how she felt about it...whatever would Lucius say if he knew? Really, it doesn't mean anything, he’s just doing it to protect me...maybe Lucius even contacted the other Death Eaters and asked him to...
She hadn’t had the mental energy to even eat meals with any regularity lately, let alone think about leaving the manor again. Not that she hadn’t enjoyed her visit with Severus, but it had been...awkward somehow, and draining. Likewise, Narcissa certainly didn’t fancy having visitors at the manor, even before Lucius was sent to prison. However, yesterday she had received a very unexpected message via owl, and so today she was out of bed, trying to pull herself together and make the manor presentable.
Bellatrix was coming to visit. She hadn’t specified when or how she would arrive, but she had requested that food be ready. Although it was a relief to hear that her sister was safe, Narcissa rather wished that Bella had given her more warning. She didn’t want Bella to know how desperate she had been since Draco’s death, but she feared that the dire state of Malfoy Manor would betray her, even in spite of an entire afternoon’s cleaning.
Narcissa had been working like a house-elf, and once again she wished that she still had one, especially for cooking. Although she wasn’t the domestic type, by evening she had managed to pull together a respectable dinner, which, Narcissa reminded herself, would probably look like a feast to her sister. Bella now had an even larger price on her head, and she had probably been hiding out in the forests - or worse - for the past year. The hour was already getting late, but Narcissa was still compulsively ridding the parlor’s many chandeliers of cobwebs when the dusty fireplace suddenly ignited with a rush of green flames. A moment later, Bellatrix Lestrange stepped smartly over the hearth and warily glanced around the room before spotting her sister.
“Narcissa!” she exclaimed, and rushed up to her quickly without even bothering to dust the ashes off of her worn cloak.
“Oh, Bella--how good it is to see you!” Narcissa breathed, somewhat flustered by the sudden entrance.
“Mmm, that’s some hunk of jewelry, Cissy,” said Bellatrix, eyeing her locket with an amused expression as they embraced rather tentatively. “Where’d you get it?”
Narcissa felt her cheeks grow warm. “Oh, well, I bumped into Severus the other day and he gave it to me.... It’s got protective charms on it,” she said pointedly. Narcissa knew her sister didn’t trust Severus in the least.
“Hmph. So you still talk to him, do you?” Bella demanded.
“Yes, I do. Because we’re friends,” Narcissa pleaded, “and don’t forget, he did agree to protect Draco, Bella.”
“Yeah, well, that’s water under the bridge now,” Bellatrix said, rather callously. “I still think you’d be better off keeping company with other purebloods.”
Narcissa was hurt by Bella’s cold assessment of her son’s passing, but she was in no state to discuss it with anyone yet, least of all Bellatrix. She knew her sister cared much more about upholding the Black family values than about the actual family.
“So...I didn’t realize you were coming by Floo, how did you manage?” Narcissa asked, hoping to steer the conversation into more neutral territory.
“Simple,” Bella said, not meeting Narcissa’s eyes but looking keenly toward the dining table. “I just broke into an empty Wizarding home...bit safer than Apparating. So whatcha got to eat, Cissy?”
“Oh, I just finished--lasagna and grilled zucchini with garlic bread. I hope it’s ok, I’m not much of a cook without help,” Narcissa said, somewhat annoyed.
Bellatrix didn’t appear to be the least bit concerned with how the food tasted. She crossed to the table without another word and started loading up a plate. Narcissa thought she looked thinner than she had before, and found herself feeling almost sorry for her sister. But then again, she had chosen to join the Dark Lord, and she never seemed at all disturbed or reluctant about what she was asked to do...
“So, how are you?” asked Narcissa, but it took Bellatrix a moment to answer because of how fast she was eating. It almost made Narcissa lose her own appetite to watch.
“Oh, well, how do you think I should be? I’ve been in hiding ever since I got out of Azkaban, and after the Ministry fiasco, they raised the price on my head even more. Can’t go anywhere for fear of being seen--I’m worried there’s Aurors lurking around every corner...at least you get to lead a normal life here,” said Bellatrix, with somewhat of an edge in her voice.
Normal life, Narcissa thought incredulously. My son’s been murdered and my husband’s in prison...how can that bear any semblance to 'normal'? She didn't want these thoughts to show on her face, however--it wasn’t worth the trouble of explaining. Narcissa came round and sat next to Bella, who was finishing off the lasagna with zeal.
“What would you like to drink?” Narcissa asked tentatively. Her sister had never been much of a drinker, but Narcissa suspected the war might have changed that.
“Whatever,” Bella said distractedly as she finished off her food. “Cissy, aren't you going to eat?”
“No, actually, I...I’m not that hungry.” Narcissa cast around for a neutral topic of conversation. “So...I saw in the Prophet that there was a battle several weeks ago, and you were mentioned as ‘evading justice again’--I was so worried about you! I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”
Bellatrix snorted derisively, “I bet they didn’t mention that I took out one of their best Aurors though, did they?”
“Nooo, they didn’t! Who?” Narcissa asked with interest as she got up to grab a fresh bottle of firewhiskey and two glasses.
“Shacklebolt,” Bella said carelessly, leaning back in the chair with a satisfied expression. “He never saw it coming,” she exaggerated, “although I’m sure the Prophet told it different,” she finished with an arrogant sneer. Narcissa rather thought the expression suited Bella as she nodded in response.
“Thanks for dinner, by the way. It must be frustrating to not have an elf to do stuff like cleaning, huh?” Bella looked appraisingly around at the dusty bookshelves and the melted wax on the chandeliers.
“Yeah, it really is,” said Narcissa earnestly, but then she got the feeling that her sister was mocking her slightly. Bellatrix certainly had never had the luxury of chandeliers, let alone a house-elf since she had moved out of their parent’s house before the age of 20. Narcissa suddenly felt rather uncomfortable and changed the subject.
“So where have you been staying all this time?” she asked with concern.
Bellatrix shrugged. “Wherever, mostly empty houses. We have to keep moving around so as not to attract attention to ourselves. It’s no big deal, really--except we don’t always get to eat properly.” Narcissa handed her a glass of Firewhiskey as she gazed concernedly at her sister. Bella took a disinterested sip and then abruptly looked at the glass with a frown.
“This Firewhiskey, Cissy? Since when do you drink the strong stuff?”
“Oh, yeah, sometimes I do,” Narcissa muttered, trying to sound offhand.
Bella narrowed her eyes shrewdly. “You never were a good liar,” she accused. “You’re pretending to be worried about me, when you’re the one who’s in trouble.”
Narcissa looked indignant. “What! I am worried about you!” She insisted, “how could I not worry, you’re my sister! Besides, you’re in constant danger with those Ministry fools after you!” She paused to take a gulp of her drink, hesitated, then added skittishly, “What do you mean I’m in trouble?”
“Cissy, you’ve lived in luxury your whole life,” Bellatrix explained, somewhat irritated. “You’ve never had to lift a finger to take care of yourself. But now you’re alone - probably bitter and scared - anyone can see you’re not dealing with your new independence well,” Bella said matter-of-factly.
Narcissa momentarily swelled with anger, met her sister’s dark eyes, and sighed resolutely. “Is it that obvious?”
“Yes.” Bella’s eyes suddenly flashed brightly. “But I know what will make it better...” she said conspiratorially, leaning forward.
Narcissa frowned, utterly confused at this change in Bella’s demeanor. “What?” she said with a frown, and a bite of impatience at her teasing.
"Your husband’s coming for you,” she grinned wickedly.
The words echoed in Narcissa’s subconscious over and over, like the crashing of waves. “What...?” She asked, her voice flat and hollow. It was not at all what she had expected to hear.
“I’ve only just found out--that’s why I came today, to tell you!” Bellatrix said excitedly. “They’ll be breaking Lucius out of Azkaban--maybe at soon as next week--and he’s coming to take you away from here.” She smiled encouragingly at her little sister. “The Dark Lord has granted Lucius’ plea for forgiveness, and he’s given him a new assignment...in Scandinavia! Nobody knows the Malfoy name up there, Cissy--it’s a chance to start over!”
Narcissa remained silent for several moments, still reeling. “Scandinavia?” she said blankly, disbelievingly. “But, when...how...why Scandinavia?”
“Cissy, do you not understand me?” Bella asked with raised eyebrows, “You’re gonna have Lucius back!” She reached over and playfully shook Narcissa’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll still be able to come visit you guys up there.”
“Wow,” Narcissa stammered, “I...I don’t know what to say. This is big news, Bella. Are you sure?”
“Yes, of course I’m sure! So, you’d better pull a bag together--no doubt he’ll come at night, and you’ll probably need to leave quickly. It’s a shame you’ll have to abandon the Manor, but the Dark Lord might have plans for it once you’ve gone.”
Bellatrix downed the rest of her Firewhiskey and got up suddenly. “I’ve got to get going, but I just had to tell you the good news in person.... Cissy, are you ok?”
Narcissa was staring blankly ahead of her with an odd, closed expression on her face. The hand holding her drink was white-knuckled because she was gripping it so tightly.
“Me? Oh--yeah. I’m just...really surprised, that’s all,” Narcissa said in a strained voice.
“Oh Cissy.” Bellatrix put an arm around her, “Our lives are so different, but...well, I really am happy for you--you deserve to have a quiet life. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you’ve missed Lucius all this time.”
“Wait!” Narcissa cried, still mentally goggling at the notion that anyone could think her life ‘quiet’ or ‘happy’. “Do you have to go so soon?”
Bellatrix nodded and pulled her sister into a one-armed hug. “I don’t know when I’ll be able to see you again, but don’t worry about me,” she winked slyly and crossed back to the hearth.
“I--I’ll miss you, Bella!” Narcissa called after her, but Bellatrix had already pulled a handful of Floo powder from a pocket of her cloak and threw it into the fireplace.
“ Take care,” Bella said nonchalantly, and disappeared in a rush of green flames.
As the fire died down again, Narcissa slumped back against the sofa cushions, her head spinning. She downed the rest of her firewhiskey in one gulp, and tried to let the reality of Bella’s news sink in. Did Severus know about this, she wondered? Bella was right--she ought to be elated, looking forward to Lucius’ return, but for some reason the feeling wouldn’t come.
Narcissa Summoned another bottle of her favored drink and retired early that night, feeling more alone than ever.