Bellatrix
Dear Lana,
Hi, it’s your older sister, Narcissa, if you remember me, seeing as you haven’t sent me a letter in ages, I am well thank you for asking.
Just wondering if you’re free tonight, dinner at the manor, just small, me, Lucius, Bella and Rodolphus, make sure you bring Antonin.
Come at seven, I’ve got wine so you don’t need to bring anything.
I miss you and love you,
Cissy
12th March 1978
Solana hadn’t left her dorm all weekend, so when the letter arrived she sighed heavily. She couldn’t not go, Narcissa would end up sending a howler. She might have been fine if she didn’t insist on bringing Antonin.
She didn’t want to even look at him, let alone talk to him, but if she turned up without him her sister would have thought there was a problem.
Even though there was.
She walked down to the common room, she saw him sitting with Rabastan and Barty, by the entrance.
“There she is,” Antonin grinned, standing up, he pulled Solana into a hug, she fought to push him away as he cupped her cheek and kissed her she didn’t kiss him back. She turned her head away catching eyes with Rabastan, but she glanced away from him.
“Narcissa expects us at Malfoy Manor at seven,” she said, handing him the letter. She walked back up to her dorm, waiting until it was time to get ready.
☀︎
At 18:54 she looked at herself in the mirror, she had managed to stop crying after four, the redness had gone down a little bit so she covered it up with makeup.
She put her cloak over her robes before walking downstairs, Antonin wasn’t there, for a moment she had a little jolt of joy, maybe he wasn’t coming.
But at 19:12 he made his way downstairs, the common room was still a little full, most of the seventh and fifth years were studying for their exams so she would assume that Antonin couldn’t be as horrible as he would have wanted. But that didn’t stop him.
“How long do we have to be there?” his voice was already bored.
Solana shrugged, “I’m not sure,”
“For fuck’s sake,” Antonin rolled his eyes.
She wanted to tell him to stay here, and not go with her but that probably would have been a snarky comment and would have resulted in him getting angry.
“Lucius and Rodolphus will be there,”
“Yes, I read the letter, Solana, I’m not fucking stupid.” he spat.
She nodded. “Um, have you seen my wand anywhere?” She had searched the entire common room for it but she couldn’t find it.
“I have it,” He didn’t hand it to her like she assumed he would, instead he glared at her. “You need to earn it back,”
Solana swallowed hard, “Shall we go?”
“Whatever,” he said, gesturing for her to go first.
Moments later they were in the entrance of Malfoy Manor. Narcissa ran in pulling her sister into a hug, Lucius followed closely behind her.
“Lana! I’m so excited for you to be here!” she squealed.
Solana forced a smile.
“Hi, Cissy,”
“Oh, Antonin, you and Luce and go and get some drinks from the kitchen, Rodolphus is already there, me, Lana and Bella will be back around dinner time,” Narcissa said, linking her sister's arm, and dragging her into the conservatory.
Bellatrix was sitting on the window bench, a large glass of wine in her hands.
“Lana!” she said, getting up and hugging her. “I didn’t get to see you properly last time, how are you?”
“I’m good,” Solana nodded, Bellatrix pulled away slightly, looking at her and furrowing her brows, “I’m good, Bella.”
Bellatrix didn’t seem convinced but didn’t say anything. Solana hoped her older sister instincts didn’t kick in.
“Right, Lana, let’s get you a glass.” Narcissa said, pouring her a glass of wine and handing it to her. “Oh it’s so nice to see you two again, I’ve been sorting out the garden so when the summer comes we can actually sit outside, also I’m sorry about the mess I thought we would have had all the renovations done by now–”
“Cissy,” Bellatrix said, looking at her sister. “You can relax, it’s just Lana and I,”
Narcissa let out a small breath, then smiled softly. “I’m sorry I’m just… I’m really excited to see you both, and now we all have our partners it’s… nice.”
“Yes, well while the men play their silly little games we shall get drunk,” Bellatrix said, clinking her glass with Solana’s.
For the first time in ages she really didn’t want to drink, but she sipped the rich red wine, trying not to grimace at the taste.
Solana stayed quiet while her sisters spoke, which was the norm. Ever since they were kids Solana would always listen to them and they would add her in sometimes.
Narcissa was always closer with Bellatrix, and Solana was closer with Andromeda. Meaning she was always left out of their little conversations.
“Oh I have some news… I want to tell you both,” Narcissa said, as she propped up looking at the door. “We’re not supposed to be telling anyone, but you’re my sisters so it doesn’t matter… Luce and I… we’re trying for a baby,”
Solana tried her best to form a smile, mustering up all of her energy to hug her older sister. “That’s great news, Cissy,”
Bellatrix didn’t hug her but she gave a pursed smile. “Congratulations Narcissa, hopefully you will be able to provide Lucius with an heir,” she grabbed the bottle of wine and walked out of the room.
The two sisters gave each other a strange look.
“Did I say something?” Narcissa asked.
Solana shook her head, “Maybe something’s wrong,”
Narcissa nodded, chewing on her lip, the door opened and the Malfoy’s house elf bowed down. “Madam Malfoy, dinner is ready.”
“Thank you Dobby, we’ll be out in a moment.”
Dobby bowed down and left the room.
Narcissa let out a small breath, and smiled at her younger sister. “I think I’m just a little overwhelmed.”
Solana took a hold of her hand, “This is great news, Cissy, I can’t wait to be an aunt,”
There was a small silence as Solana thought of Andromeda and her daughter, but she quickly brushed her away.
“Let’s go, I’m starving.” Narcissa said, standing up.
The two entered the magnificent dining room, Bellatrix, Rodolphus, Lucius and Antonin had already taken their seats, the only two empty were next to either Lucius or Antonin.
Narcissa went straight to her husband, leaving the seat next to to Antonin free, Solana walked over slowly, sitting down, she flinched subtly as Antonin put his hand on her leg.
She slowly turned her head towards him but he didn’t look at her, and he didn’t let go.
Solana looked down at her plate, the oysters stared back, the sick feeling back in her stomach as Antonin’s thumb began to stroke her leg.
She placed her hand on his, trying to push it away but he dug his fingers into her skin.
“Antonin,” she whispered, her voice a small plea. “Please, not in front of my sisters..” she wasn’t sure if he had heard her but a moment later he took his hand off her.
She let her shoulders relax, but that didn’t stop the sick feeling erupting in her stomach, wondering how long she could keep up the act before she told someone. Would they even help her?
She looked at Antonin again, his jaw was tight as he chewed his food. A flash reminded her of what he used to be like.
☀
7th August 1974
“Solana, mi amor ?” Druella called up from the foyer.
“Coming, mama,” Solana said, looking at herself in the mirror, she brushed through her hair making sure every curl was perfect, she practiced her smile once more before leaving her bedroom and walking down to the drawing room.
“They will be here soon,” Druella said, she took a look at her daughter and smiled. “Look at you all grown up,”
“Mama, I’m only fourteen,” Solana rolled her eyes, as her mother stroked her cheek.
“ You will always be my little girl ,” she said, in Spanish.
Cygnus Black walked in causing silence to creep among the two, it had been the first time Solana had seen her father out of his study all summer.
“The Dolohov’s will be here momentarily,” he announced, looking at Solana, his eyes tightened for a second. “You will not embarrass this family, Solana, do you understand? The Dolohov family is very well respected in Eastern Europe.”
Solana swallowed hard as she nodded, her eyes begged to look towards her mother but she knew that it wouldn’t have been wise to do so.
“Solana is prepared, Cygnus,” Druella nodded.
Cygnus bared his teeth, “As long as she doesn’t cause an embarrassment like…” he didn’t finish his sentence, Solana knew he was thinking of Andromeda, he shook his head. “Just don’t embarrass me.”
“Yes father,” Solana nodded.
A knock on the door made her heart jolt, Druella gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, “You’re going to be fine, and remember to smile.”
She stood by the door waiting for their arrival, she straightened out her dress once again.
She had seen Antonin around school but they had never spoken, now they were to be engaged.
She heard her fathers laugh from the corridor as he welcomed them into the house, Solana looked at her mother, but she tutted. “Don’t look at me, mi amor, smile.”
She turned away, her stomach churned as their voices got closer. She wondered what her father would do if she just ran away.
But she didn’t run away. She stayed right where she was, her heart beating faster than ever as she saw Mr Dolohov walk into the drawing room, he was wearing what looked like a very expensive robe, the Dolohov crest stitched with gold thread, his beard was coal black, with a streak of white, Mrs Dolohov was a very slender woman, her hair was the same black, her eyes were a light grey, her legs were long and she was definitely at least a foot taller than her husband.
Mr Dolohov spoke in a thick Russian accent. “This is the girl?” He gave a little sneer as he walked closer towards her, he nodded towards his wife who stepped forwards, she circled around Solana, her eyes burning into her skin.
“This is her natural hair colour?” Mrs Dolohov asked, her face was just as stuck up as her husbands.
“Yes,” Druella nodded, watching her daughter.
Mrs Dolohov took a hold of Solana’s cheek, her hands were soft; she’d probably never done a day of work in her life. She tilted Solana’s head up, she stared at her for what felt like a lifetime before giving her husband a satisfied nod.
Mr Dolohov called out into the hallway, a moment later Antonin walked in, his hair had been gelled down, it had never been like that at school, his robes were identical to his father, he held an awkward smile on his lips and he held out a bouquet of sunflowers.
“It’s nice to formally meet you, Miss Black,” he bowed his head.
Solana followed the steps her mother had taught her, she smiled and held out her hand for him to kiss and he handed over the bouquet.
“Sunflowers are my favourite,” she said, admiring each flower.
Antonin smiled at her, one he didn’t have when he was laughing with his friends, it was a smile just for her. At that moment all her nerves disappeared, she didn’t feel scared anymore, she knew that he wouldn’t hurt her, she knew that her life would never be like her mothers.
☀
12 March 1978
Dessert was crème brûlée, despite her stomach gnawing for food, Solana couldn’t eat, she wouldn’t be able to keep it down. She used her spoon to crack the hardened sugar on top but she didn’t eat any.
“Lana, are you excited for the school year to be over soon?” Narcissa asked, taking a spoonful of her dessert.
Solana cleared her throat, “Uh, yeah,” she nodded.
“Have you decided on a wedding date yet?” Bellatrix asked, splashing wine all over the table as she poured more into her glass, Solana couldn’t remember how many glasses it had been now, even Rodolphus seemed to notice, taking the glass away from her.
Solana looked over at Antonin, shaking her head. “We haven’t planned a date yet,”
“I told Lana a few months ago that you two should wait a while whilst you're still young,” Narcissa told her soon to be brother-in-law.
Antonin put his arm around Solana’s shoulders, she shuddered internally as he smiled at her sister. “Solana and I are very eager to begin our lives together, isn’t that right, my love ?”
Solana looked up at him, he smiled at her, but it wasn’t his usual, she could see a hint of hatred or maybe she hadn’t noticed it had been there all along.
“Solana?” he said, his eyes pierced into her.
She cleared her throat, smiling back at the table, but before she spoke the glass Bellatrix was holding smashed in front of her, she glared at her husband before storming away from the table.
Rodolphus wiped his mouth with a tissue before excusing himself to go after her.
Solana looked at Narcissa but she looked down at her dessert, that was when Antonin placed his hand back on Solana’s leg.
“I’m going to the bathroom quickly,” Solana said, standing up, Antonin gave her a glare to stay but she walked away and into the hallway, leaning against the wall, she closed her eyes, she couldn’t cry. Not now. She had to wait until she was back at the school.
She couldn’t let her sisters know she wasn’t okay.
“You are embarrassing me, Bellatrix,” Rodolphus’ voice hissed from around the corner.
“I can’t fucking do anything right, can I?” Bellatrix’s voice was annoyed. “Every single fucking time we do something I always do something wrong–”
Solana winced as she heard a smack, she rounded the corner and saw Rodolphus gripping her cheeks, holding her against the wall, she caught eyes with her watery eyed sister.
“Rodolphus–” Bellatrix whispered, her eyes flickered towards Solana, Rodolphus snapped his head towards Solana and let go of his wife, his hands flexed.
“We were just having a talk,” Rodolphus said to his sister-in-law, he brushed past her heading back into the dining room.
“Bella–” Solana began but Bellatrix shook her head, as she walked closer Solana could see the redness begin to form on her cheek, just like her mother’s had and as her own had done nights before.
Bellatrix cupped Solana’s cheek. “I swear Solana, if Antonin ever hurts you like that, I will kill him.”
Tears formed in Solana’s eyes as she pulled her sister into a hug, her heart shattered.
Both girls had believed that they would never be like their mother, they would never let their husband raise a hand towards them but they wouldn’t have known that their lives would be exactly like their mothers.
“I’m okay, Lana, you don’t have to worry about me,” Bellatrix whispered as she stroked her sister's hair.
Solana cried for the both of them, dreams of a happy family were gone. That's why Bellatrix had stormed out of the room when Narcissa announced her plans.
Neither of them would ever feel safe with their husbands.
☀︎
All Solana wanted to do when she got back to school was sleep, as she and Antonin entered the Slytherin common room she began walking towards the girls dorm but he grabbed her wrist pulling her back.
“You owe me for tonight,” he snarled.
Solana swallowed hard, her body ran cold. “What?”
He gritted his teeth, he tightened his hand around her wrist. “I went to dinner with your family and now you owe me.”
She shook her head, her heart beating against her chest. “Please don’t do that to me again,”
Antonin stared down at her, the vein in his forehead pulsed but he let go of her wrist. “Very well,”
She stepped away from him, her brows furrowed but she didn’t say anything as she turned around, walking towards the staircase.
“Stop.” Antonin said.
She stopped in her tracks.
“Turn around.”
She did as he said he held his wand up at her.
“Come back here.”
A force pulled her towards him, he placed an unwanted hand on her waist.
“Kiss me.”
She tried to fight it. She tried to pull away with every ounce of strength but she couldn’t. She tiptoed kissing his lips, tears cascading down her face.
“Stop crying.”
She stopped.
“Go up to my dorm, and take your dress off.”
“Antonin–” she whispered as her legs moved automatically.
“I always get what I want, Solana. One way or another,” he growled, “Go.”
She walked up to his dormitory, pulling her dress off and leaving it in a pile by her feet.
She flinched as Antonin came up behind her, his rough lips began kissing her neck.
“Get on the bed.”
She swallowed hard as she got on the bed, she tried her hardest to come out of his spell but she couldn’t.
He stroked her cheek as he got on top of her. “That wasn’t so hard was it?”
She hated him.
She hated him.
She hated him.