Prologue
The bright spring sun was mirrored in the almost golden eyes of a young girl, Rhea Amaryllis Lestrange knew many things at her not-so delicate age of six-
First, mother was not fond of her.
Second, Father was quite opposite to her mother and adored her.
Third, Dreams can be real sometimes, like the time when she dreamt that mother was cursing her, which unfortunately happened 2 days later. Not that Rhea was fond of getting cursed but she has proof in her mind.
Fourth, her older twin brother was possibly the most annoying and amazing brother in the world, but even he was powerless against mother.
Fifth, Crucio hurts. Rhea doesn't know the full name of the spell her mother casts in anger but she knows it hurts and causes her to tremble for hours afterwards.
Rhea still was only six and didn't know a multitude of things like-
Father doesn't care for his wife, he has never felt anything positive towards her, not even a speck of care or love.
Father loves his little darling daughter more than life and magic.
Mother wasn't aware that she was treading on a fine line between life and death for hurting Rhea.
Heir Maksim Xavier Lestrange was quite aware of all the above facts unlike his oblivious sister. He knows mother would heavily pay for her actions and was awaiting for the moment when his plan succeeded. Even though, Maksim knows father would believe him, he needs evidence to make sure that mother would never get anywhere near his sweet little sister ever again.
Lord Xavier Alexander Lestrange, has never despised his absent father more than the day he signed a marriage contract with Heiress Aria Charlotte Dimitry of Greek Nobel House of Dimitry. The heiress was a vile, foul- mouthed and hateful women who, he only ever laid with to consummate the bonding and never again. The one good act of hers was giving life to his children and that marked the end of their marital relationship. His children, beautiful and lovely, brightest stars of his life, his Rhea and Maksim were taken care of by the loyal house elves of Lestrange, never by their mother, just as he would prefer.
The beautiful spring morning would not end in the same way for one, Aria Lestrange née Dimitry.
Once again, Lord Lestrange had decided to attend Lord Magnus Flint's informal meeting rather than accompanying Lady Lestrange to a family gathering with his in-laws.
Aria Lestrange was well aware of her husband's dislike regarding her and her family. She was also quite inclined to believe that it was all because of her devil child. Angered by her husband's indifference towards her and the humiliation she felt while declining another invitation from her mother, Aria ordered her daughter to come to the living area.
"This is all your fault! You devil child! You should have died in my womb!" Aria screamed in anger. Her eyes darkened with rage and hatred as slapped her 'daughter'.
Rhea was scared and trembling in fear. Her mother had never been physically violent before. Her hatred towards her would mostly be hidden behind sharp-nailed grips and well aimed curses. She had never stooped low enough to physically hit her like a muggle. Rhea was aware that father had a meeting and would not return until later. Her expressive eyes were full of fear for her life and for the first time, she genuinely prayed for a savior.
Maksim Lestrange could not believe his mother's audacity, to hit his sister and spew such degrading vitriol, Aria Lestrange truly was a despicable woman.
Maksim called "Tilly", a house elf appeared waiting for direction from the young Heir Lestrange. "Call for father immediately tilly, there shouldn't be any delay. Tell him to make haste". Tilly apparated away and appeared in the Flint Manor. She approached her Master and quietly relayed the young heir's message. Lord Lestrange was astonished and slightly annoyed by his heir's demands, never in his tenure as a Lord, he has ever been demanded to appear before anyone. Nonetheless, in his worry for his child, he could not feel any anger. He took his leave from the gathering and apparated back home.
Outside his manor, he was surprised to feel a thick fog of resentful magic. Magic, that was violating in a way that it could only belong to his spiteful wife. He quickly followed the magic and was apoplectic to find his wife in the middle of casting the cruciatus curse on his young child.
**
"Aria! Woman have you lost your mind!" He roared in fury.
His vision turned red in anger as he quickly casted 'Experilliamus' and 'Incarcerous'.
"How dare you turn your wand on the child you birthed, my youngest child who has never done anything wrong in her life, you vile witch" roared Xavier.
"Tilly, take Rhea and Maksim to my study and heal the spell damage as much as possible. Give Rhea the required potions as well" ordered Xavier. Tilly apparated both the children to her Lord's study. The study was spelled and warded silent from the inside and therefore no outside noise could generate the wards.
"My lord, the child is a devil who behaves like an angel in your presence. Please spare me my lord, I lost my patience. I wouldn't ever dare to repeat this mistake again" begged Aria as she fell on her knees.
Xavier backhanded the woman and whispered menacingly, " This was how you hurt my child, you are fortunate that Rhea is my first priority currently or else even the most adept seekers would be unable to find the pieces of your soul."
"Ferventi Sanguine" Xavier cursed the vile, spiteful bitch and revelled in her pained screams as he banished her to the deepest dungeons of the Oakcreek Manor.
**
Upstairs, Rhea was inconsolable, he fear regarding her father's reaction overwhelmed her completely; No amount of Calming draught could stop her from hyperventilating.
Xavier gently knocked on the door. "Enter" called out his son. Maksim and Rhea were huddled at the end of the sofa warily watching their father.
Xavier was heartbroken by the fear in his children's eyes. He kneeled in front of them trying to console Rhea.
"Papa, I have no clue as to what lead to mother's outburst and anger. Please believe me papa" sobbed Rhea. Maksim's grip tightened on his sister's shoulders. "You have to believe Rhea papa, that woman is spiteful, she is not fit to be called our mother." Maksim spat out.
Lord Lestrange soothed his children, and assured them that, "There is no love lost between me and that wretched woman. Never will I ever believe anyone over you children keep that in mind."
Lord Lestrange spelled both his children asleep and moved them to the Lord's suite. Then, he made his way to his most trusted advisor and companion, Lord Arcturus Sirius Black's townhouse.
Six years old Heir Orion Arcturus Black was well-aware that eavesdropping was not encouraged in the Black household, especially eavesdropping on the Lord of the family. Orion couldn't help himself, Father's close friend Lord Lestrange had flooed to the house in such a rage and was currently rambling in drunken fury. It was an astonishing sight, the prim and proper Lord Lestrange had never allowed himself to look anything less than perfect; it truly was a dreadful sight!
"Orion" Mother's stern voice startled Orion, bad enough that he hit his head on the door.
"Have I not raised you right, Orion Black" scolded Melania Black. Orion pouted and started to defend himself but found himself silenced by his mother's glare, which was quite scary as mother usually wouldn't glare at her children.
Orion stomped all the way to his room where his sister, Lucretia Melania Black was waiting.
Ten year old, Lucretia Melania Black knew that her parents wouldn't appreciate eavesdropping, this decided to wait for her brother. As Orion entered his room, she gave him a mocking smile, "I told you, did I not Ori?" Lucretia asked mockingly.
Orion rolled his eyes, 'Mother and Tia never let me satiate my curiosity!' Lucretia scolded him for sulking, "You are lucky dear baby brother, that it was mother who found you not papa" Orion pouted but did not retaliate, he knew mama wouldn't appreciate him arguing with Tia especially after him getting caught.
Maybe it was Orion's luck, but his father had planned for an outing with his close friend's children the next day as an escape from the horrid situation.
Orion knew he was similar to Maksim as in, they both have a disposition to being shamelessly curious about everything. He hoped that Maksim would tell him everything and satisfy his curiosity (it's not nosiness tia!)