Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Upon entering the Black manor both Azalea and Sirius headed toward the Sun room that overlooks the massive garden and lake in the back of the estate. Azalea took a seat on a black leather sofa and pulled her legs up to the side.
“Alright pup I have to get going before the others find a way to trace me back to you.” Sirius said as he ran his hand over her hair soothingly. “I’ll be back soon and we can talk about our options going forward and what we can do about building a relationship with Evan.” His voice a warm timber that calmed her nerves from the earlier meeting.
Azalea picked up a cup of tea that had popped up in front of her and cradled it close to her chest. “Okay Siri. Be careful and use the house elf’s to pass on any message you think I might need. Owls can be tracked and intercepted by a skilled enough wizard and for some reason Dumbledore doesn’t know the meaning of privacy when it comes to me.” Azalea scoffed with a sardonic smirk. She sighed out then looked out over the garden.
Sirius let out a huff as he ran a hand through his curls. “I’ll see ya kiddo.” He told her before turning on his heel and strode out of the room and out of the manor to make his way back to Grimmauld place.
Azalea hadn’t been sitting alone for long when Cassiopeia had made her way into the room with a cup of tea of her own.
“Hello Azalea, how was your visit with your uncle?” Cassiopeia asked as she sat in a black leather club chair and crossed her ankles.
“It was certainly something. A little uncomfortable but I think it turned out fine all the same I think.” Azalea sighed out trying to release the negative thoughts she had along with her uncertainties. In truth it turned out way better than she had expected. She had thought that she would have to fight her way out in the beginning but it seemed like he might want a relationship. Honestly though she didn’t know how it would work out given that he is on the wrong side and all, unless he is willing to change sides.
“What are your next steps though if you don’t mind me asking?” The older woman asked with her silver eyes glinting in curiosity.
“Soon I’ll need to make my way to Gringotts to meet my group. They will be borrowing magic weapons for the war since the Potters seem to have more weapons than I can handle myself. I figure that it's time to outfit my army.” Azalea explained calmly as she turned her attention back out through the window. Throughout this conversation though she had reached into her shirt and pulled out the galleon she kept on a chain to send out a GG 2d 10am message to the rest of the V.A. She could feel it heat up as everyone responded to the message agreeing to the time and date. Soon, very soon everything will fall into place.
“Excuse me aunt Cassiopeia, I'm going to retire for the rest of the day. Do you think we can have breakfast together tomorrow? I’d love to hear stories about my grandmother and maybe we can duel together. I like to keep active as much as possible.” Azalea said as she moved to stand gracefully.
“Yes, of course. I’d love to spend time with you. It’s been so long since I’ve had anyone to duel with. Not since Arcturus died now that I think about it.” Cassiopeia replied as she too stood up from her seat in a fluid motion. “Do you want me to tell the house elves to bring dinner to your room tonight or will you be joining me in the dining room, my dear?” She inquired with a slight tilt of her head.
Azalea hummed out in thought as she shifted her weight to the side. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll take supper in my room. It’s been a tiring day for me.” She answered as she stepped close to her aunt and pressing a fast kiss to her cheek before walking out of the room. “Good night!” She called out from over her shoulder. She walked down the hall smiling as she heard her aunt call out a faint ‘good night’ in return. She made it to her room and sat down on the bed, wondering what she could do to pass the time as she waited for night to come. Eventual she settled on reading so she wandlessly summoned her bag to her and pulled out a book on enchanting and reclined against the backboard, relaxing to the sound of pages turning and the smell of parchment.
Nelda glanced around at the plants in her greenhouse as she went around and collected her tools to start caring for her medical plants. She had woken with the sun this morning and felt an anxious energy that she couldn’t seem to get rid of. She knew not what the cause of it was but knew she didn’t like it.
She had just gotten half way done trimming and watering her medical section when the sound of the greenhouse door opening caught her attention. She looked up only to tense as she saw her great uncle Algie lumber his way in.
“There you are, niece. I’ve been looking for your ditzy ass for an hour. I need you to make yourself useful by carrying my potion supplies that I’ll be buying today. Go get yourself clean, what were you doing rolling around in the mud again?” His crouchty voice rang out obnoxiously.
“Did you tell Nan that we’re going?” Nelda asked in a strained voice.
“Bah, why would I need to tell that woman anything? She doesn’t dictate what I do.” He grunted out irritably. He grunted as he shifted his weight more onto his cane while staring down his niece with his cutting grey eyes. “Let’s go.” He rasped as he turned to start walking out.
She wiped her hands down her apron before going over to a basin to wash better. She dried her hands with a towel laid down next to it then untied the apron revealing a green long sleeve tunic with a brown belt and brown dragon leather pants with brown dragon leather gloves tucked into her back pocket and shin high brown dragon leather boots. On her left side she had a dagger strapped to her belt that Azalea had given her.
“Daisy tell Nan that I’m going out with uncle Algie to help run errand please.” She sighed out to her house elf as she walked toward the door following her least favorite relative. She just knew that today was going to be dragon shite she just hoped that the errands wouldn’t take too long. As she approached the front of her manor she tugged on her gloves so that at least she wouldn’t have to touch him as he apparated them to Diagon alley. He roughly grabbed her arm as he spun them away while seemingly accidentally whacking her in the shin with his cane causing her to wince and stumble as they landed.
“Useless girl.” He muttered under his breath as he dragged her roughly toward the potion supply store and walked in, not noticing two sets of eyes watching them from an alleyway.
“Uncle I can walk on my own, let go.” She stated firmly while tugging at her arm to get him to release her.
“Don’t talk back to your betters girl.” Her uncle snarled back as he continued to man handle her.
“I don’t see anyone better right now uncle, I only see you.” She snarled back as she finally yanked her arm free of his bruising hold.
“What did you just say to me you squib!” He spat out.
“I said I don’t see anyone better. Don’t forget yourself I am the heir to House Longbottom, I don’t see any Lords in front of me. Remember your place.” She growled out as she stood with her back straight and head up.
“You insolent little wench!” He growled while reaching for his wand only to stop and pale, leaving her confused for all of a minute until she felt a large warm hand drop onto her shoulder.
She whipped her head around only to flinch in shock. Staring down her uncle were the enraged jade eyes of Rabastan Lestrange who was clad in a long hooded cloak. Next to him stood a stone faced Rodolphus whose own seafoam eyes held distaste for the elderly man across from him.
“Is there a problem here?” Rabastan practically purred out as he shifted close enough to Nelda that she could feel the heat radiating off of the front of his body. She could feel her body betray her as it relaxed slightly against him, instinctively knowing that her soulmate won’t cause her harm even if her mind said otherwise.
“No. No problem here.” Algie practically squeaked out his anger rapidly turning to fear.
“Leave.” Rodolphus sneered.
Without thought Algie complied, apparating back to Longbottom manor while leaving his great niece in the clutches of whom he knew was the torturers of her parents. Nelda could only watch in shock over being abandoned by family. Even if she hated him she would never have left him like this. She felt her eyes water as she tried to process what had just happened only to be gently turned and pulled into a firm chest engulfing her in his soothing scent as one of his arms wrapped around her waist and the other cradled her head. All to abruptly she felt the effects of an apparation as Rodolphus took them to Lestrange manor, landing in the courtyard.
“I’ll leave you two alone now that it’s safe Rabastan, take care of your girl.” He murmured softly resting a hand on both of their shoulders before taking off into the manor.
“Shh little love, it’s okay. I got you.” Rabastan murmured into her hair as he pressed his lips to the top of her head. He gently ran his fingers through her honey coloured locks, trying to calm her down as she pressed her face tighter against his chest.
“He left me. Just like that. Why would he do that. I thought being family meant something.” Her voice came out watery as she tried to hold back her tears.
“Some people are just bad little dove.” He said soothingly.
“I knew he didn’t like me so why does it hurt this bad? What did I do?” She asked as she clutched at the back of his cloak.
“It’s not you, love. It’s him, he’s the problem.” He replied while rubbing his hand up and down her back. “Let’s get you inside, eh?”
“I’ll be safe?” She sniffed out softly.
“You’ll always be safe with me.” He answered firmly as he slowly unwound his arms from around her to take hold of her hand. He led her slowly through the courtyard and into the manor. He took her to the library and led her over to the two armchairs by a large window overlooking the gardens. As soon as she sat down a tray of tea popped up on the table that stood in between the two chairs.
“Looks like Roddy was a step ahead of me.” Rabastan murmured as he wrapped a light blanket around her shoulders from behind then knelt down in front of her and reached up to brush a strand of hair out of her face. “Hello there little witch.” He breathed out causing a faint smile to tug at her lips.
“Hello.” She whispered back leaving him beaming. She reached up to the hand now caressing her face and tugged it into her lap as she laced her fingers through his. She glanced down at his face through her lashes to see the look of soft adoration being aimed at her making a soft flush spread across her cheeks.
“You look as radiant as when I first saw you, love.” He uttered softly while looking straight into her eyes.
Nelda let out a watery chuckle at his words. “I look like a right mess you mean.” Her voice wavering slightly as he reached out with his other hand to whip under her eyes gently.
“You could never look a mess my dear.” He answered back softly as he brought his hand back down.
“I should let Nan know I’m safe.” She said reluctantly, not really wanting to move when her soul felt warm and whole for the first time. “She is going to kill him, you know.” She continued as she closed her eyes, feeling content.
“Who?” He inquired curiously.
“Nan. She is going to kill uncle Algie when she finds out he abandoned me even though she knows you're my soulmate.” She informed.
“You told your Nan about me?” He asked, bewildered yet happy.
“Of course. I had to make sure she wouldn’t kill you or your brother seeing as he is Luna’s bonded.” She stated matter of factly. “She was quite proud of me killing Bellatrix. Though I think she might have been disappointed that it wasn’t her doing it.” She continued on.
“Oh?” He asked, urging her to go on.
“People forget that she is an eight time dueling champion who still practices. I’d pay to see the face of any one who’d think that she’d be an easy target.” She answered with a smirk, clearly proud of her grandmother. “She also raised me so I know she’s going to worry when he returns without me. Do the wards here prevent the ministry from picking up magic?” She asked only to receive a nod. “Good I don’t need to move then.” In a smooth motion she had her wand out of its holster on her forearm and in her hand, casting a patronus charm. Her bear lumbered out and stood in front of her waiting for a command. “Tell Nan that I’m safe and uninjured and with Rabastan. Uncle Algie left me there when he saw both Lestrange brothers and I’ll return soon.” She said then flicked her wand, sending it off before registering her wand.
“You're brilliant.” Rabastan breathed out in awe. “A corporeal patronus at your age is astounding.”
“Azalea taught us. All of my friends can do it.” She tried to wave off only for him to bring their entwined hands up to kiss the back of hers.
“Sweet girl I know a lot of adult wizards who cannot cast even the shield patronus let alone a corporeal one. Take pride in it.” He said, furthering her blush.
She was about to open her mouth to respond when she felt her galleon heat up causing her to jolt. She quickly pulled it out from under her tunic where it hung on a chain to read the message written on it. Quickly taking it in she responded with affirmative before tucking it back under her top. She glanced back up to continue what she was about to say when she caught sight of the curiosity burning in his gaze.
“It’s a form of communication.” Was all she could give him with a guilty smile.
“Aah I understand.” He smiled back reassuringly before moving to stand causing her to tighten her grip on his hand. “Come my dear let’s go over to the couch it might be more comfortable.” He said as he tugged her up and lead her to the back of the library in a more secluded spot before sitting on a brown leather couch and tugging her down into his side. She curled up further into his warmth and released a sigh as she rested her head on his shoulder, fully relaxing into him. She felt safe there, engulfed in his scent and soothed by the warmth of his body that it didn’t take long for her to drift off to sleep not knowing the chaos unfolding at her own manor nor feeling him drape another blanket over her.
“ALGERNON YOU OLD BASTARD WHERE IS MY GRANDBABY!” Augusta’s voice could be heard echoing down every hall of the manor as she blasted the door to his room open.
“Why the hell would I know where she is? She is probably still in the greenhouse playing in the dirt again.” He grizzled out while refusing to look at her.
“She had an elf tell me that she was running errands with you! I saw you leave with her from the window, don’t lie to me you spineless fool!” She seethed out clenching her teeth.
“You must be imagining it, you old wench.” He snapped back before grunting in shock as Augusta whipped her wand out and bound him to his chair.
“You have five seconds to explain yourself before I start taking chunks out of your hide.” She ground out.
“Now wait a minute! You can’t do this!” He blubbered out.
“You find that I can and will. Five.” She hissed back.
“Now August just stop we can talk this out.” He gulped out.
“I’m done talking. Four.” She stated while staring him down. When he still didn’t say anything she intensified her glare. “Three.”
“Just untie me and we can talk about this like adults Augusta, please.” He pleaded out while he started to sweat.
“Two.” Was all she said as she lifted her wand.
“Please!” He cried out as he clenched his eyes shut.
“One.” With that she was bout to cast the first cutting curse but a bear patronus lumbered through the wall stopping her though the message she received in her granddaughter’s voice left her apoplectic with rage. How dare he was all she could think before casting a stinging curse straight at Algie’s face. “YOU LEFT HER!” She howled out.
“I had to, they would have hurt me!” He yelped back in shock at actually being casted upon.
“Then you should have died to protect her you useless spineless coward!” She shouted back. “Without her your house is dead. If one hair is misplaced I will see to that myself, do you understand me?” She threatened as her voice went eerily calm. When all he did was nod back she cast a bone breaking curse on his dominant hand. “Get that fixed you bastard.” She spat as she turned on her heel and strode out to the sound of his whimpers, not bothering to cut him loose.
Susan was having a wonderful day so far. She had woken up to the sound of birds chirping and the soft stream of light pouring in from her window. She took her time stretching lazily in her bed before meandering towards her bathroom and taking a long hot bath in aromatic potions. When she got out she toweled off and slipped into a warm fluffy robe before making her way back into her bedroom and picking out an ice blue tunic with billowing sleeves with a silver belt and black dragon leather pants. She then slipped on fuzzy socks and padded towards the library to curl up on her favorite armchair to read with her morning cuppa. The silence of Bones manor never bothered her, having lived here all her life still the quiet made her think about how her friends were doing. Soon her regular breakfast popped in front of her. She read as she ate her spinach, mushroom, sausage, and brie omelet. All too soon it was gone and her tea drained so she got up with a huff and started her morning walk through the manor and its grounds. She had started doing this in second year as a form of light exercise but noticed that the routine had helped her occlumency along as well. By the time she was done it was nearing noon so she made her way to the family dinning room. Without fail her aunt made sure that they would eat lunch together every day. She would take an hour and a half off of work to spend time together and help her with the summer homework or her dueling.
“Auntie! How was work?” She called out to the stern looking woman who was standing behind a chair while resting her hands on the back of it.
“Hello darling. It was fine except for that fool of a man Fudge forking his work onto me. I swear I’ve never met a more incompetent man in my life.” Amelia answered in her calm soothing lilt, her voice smooth as honey. The bite in her tone caused Susan to giggle out in amusement.
“Now auntie I’m sure that he’s just floundering due to madam Umbridge’s medical leave. Such an unfortunate accident she had wasn’t it?” Susan tittered out, the only sign of what she truly thought about the accident was the glint of malicious humor in her eyes.
“Yes, quite unfortunate indeed.” Amelia replied back with a similar look in her eyes as her niece.
“Such unfortunate luck. Really, who thinks it would be a smart idea to take an evening stroll in the forbidden forest?” Susan continued, trying to hide the smirk tugging at her lips.
“Honestly some people just don’t have a lick of common sense.” Amelia tagged on as she pulled out her chair and took a seat at the table while gesturing for Susan to do the same.
Their lunch today turned out to be grilled Scottish salmon with fresh herbs and a side of jasmine rice with green onion and lemon zest. They shared a pot of Darjeeling tea as they continued to gossip about what’s going on in the Ministry and how their day has been going so far.
Susan couldn't help but flinch at the warming of her galleon against her wrist as the message Azalea sent came through. She unlike most had made hers into a bracelet with the metal against the inside of her wrist so she could be more inconspicuous. She turned her wrist over subtly and glanced at them messages before sending back a reply.
“My friends are meeting up in Diagon alley in two days at ten. Do you mind if I join them? Hannah will be there.” Susan asked as she folded her hands together on the table.
“Sure, just be careful. People are getting real weird lately and I don’t want you to get hurt.” Amelia answered back as she leaned back further in her chair while eyeing her niece.
“I promise I’ll be safe. It’ll be quite a large group with Azalea, Luna, Theo, Hannah, Blaise, Daphne, and probably more. We created a study group last year so we got close with a lot of new people.” Susan said with a fond smile.
“That’s great honey. I’m glad that you're expanding your group to include other houses. I’m proud of you, now do you want to duel for the last bit of time I have off or do you want to do homework?” Amelia inquired.
“Maybe some light dueling if you’re up to it. It’s something that my study group has been working on. Azalea is the best at it with Luna coming up second if she bothers to actually participate.” Susan said as she stood up from the table.
“I’m not too surprised by that actually the Potters have been warriors since forever and James was no slouch himself. It was bred into them. Xeno is no slouch either but Pandora was wicked with a wand, Luna probably takes after her mother.” Her aunt said as she pushed back away from the table to stand and follow after her niece.
The walk to the dueling room passed in a comfortable silence as the two women walked side by side. Once they reached the room though Amelia shed her outer robe to reveal black and smokey grey auror robes that came down to mid calf though it split down the middle from her waist revealing black dragon leather pants and smokey grey mid calf dragon leather boots. She then took off her hat revealing her auburn hair pulled back in a militant bun. Susan on the other hand only had to pull her hair back in a tail to be ready as she took her spot on the other side of the room and unsheathed her wand, keeping it at the ready.
“Ready when you are.” Susan called out with a smirk and she shifted her center of gravity lower.
Amelia smirked back at her niece before unsheathing her own wand and without warning cast a silent stunner only for Susan to flick it away from herself. Susan countered with a knockback curse but Amelia had already cast a protego causing it to bounce off the shield harmlessly. Amelia then cast out ice javelins at her niece but Susan was already prepared for her aunts favorite move and cast out a wall of fire so hot it shone blue. Susan the used the steam created from the clash of the two spell you cast an expelliarmus and a binding jinx, shooting rope out of her wand and binding her aunts wrists together effectively winning for the first time since her aunt had started to teach her. She waved her wand and vanished the steam still in the room with a beaming smile.
“I told you that we’ve been practicing.” She said proudly as she took in the look of pride on her aunts face.
“Excellently done Susan. Well done in using the change of visibility to your advantage. When I get home from work today I’ll bring back cake to celebrate your win.” She said with a smile as she cast a wand less finite to get rid of the binds. She walked over to Susan and dropped a kiss on her niece’s forehead. “I’m proud of you sweetheart. I’ll see you soon, okay?” She said as she patted Susan’s shoulder.
“See you soon!” Susan called after her auntie as she took off down the hall. She looked around for a second before leaving the room herself to head back to the library to pick out a book on healing. She had a feeling that she was going to need this knowledge soon and it never hurt to know more about magic. “Bapsy more tea please.” She called out as she brought her book to the chair she had been in earlier. Taking a deep sip of her Darjeeling she curled up further on the large armchair and settled in for a day of reading, not knowing that this day was going to be one of the last relaxing days that she would have.