Deliciously So... (Editing)

Disclaimers and thanks: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters, and do not intend to make any sort of profit from the writing of this. Only Blink and some other minor characters are my own.

I thank Persephone who betaed this chapter beautifully as usual.

I also thank Die Hexe who let me use her computer to post it and did not kill me when I spilled ice cream on her keyboard o_O’

I thank all of you who have read my story so far.

Author’s Note: I am truly and utterly sorry for making you wait so long, but my pc had finally achieved what it has been threatening to do for years and has blown unexplainably up. So between not being able to write or receive emails, it has been very sad. To just make matters worse school has been very demanding recently. So it may take some time but then I will be back! YaY

La Bibliographe: I’m not sure about the Happy ending, and maybe Lucius is way beyond redemption…but I think there is a really strong chance he’ll change just a bit. I’m wondering about Snape myself, it’s so hard Waaaaah!

MistressMalfoy: thanks a bunch, love. I’ve been waiting for my new beta to do the older chapters. As soon as my pc comes back from the realm of the dead I’ll upload chapter 2-3. Thanks ^.^

999: sorry for taking so long. Not entirely my fault. Hope this chapter tickles your fancy as well.

Gaps of Misery: hullo love, no cannot expect Draco to be as smart as you. I know you were looking forward to the last instalment of “Meals from Hell” but dinner here was cancelled. Will have to make up to you somehow, ( and I don’t mean by letting you sit between Lucius or Severus -_-‘)

Die Hexe: Told you love, by the end of the story you will be thinking exactly like me…(ti ricordi la mia reazione al cinema quando Hermione ha preso a pugni Draco…ho rotto la lattina ih ih ih, ma adesso i miei gusti si sono evoluti, e mentre punto al padre posso maltrattare il figlio.)

Calliope: thanks, I’m glad you like my story and appreciate all the effort I put in it.

Linmo: I’m not too convinced of the pairing either, I mean one is the exact opposite of the other. I’m glad you like my Lucius. ^.^

Palaise: thanks a ton. Yeah I’m totally aware that R.A.B is Regulus a Black. Not only for the way it’s been translated in different languages, but also because of the fifth book. When Harry and the Weasleys are doing the spring cleaning and they find a locket no one can open. ^.^

Bloodythorns: hey thanks a lot. I’m glad you liked it so far.

Tempers flare


“I don’t think Lucius will be too pleased with our sudden arrival,” Rabastan Lestrange mused while looking around the sumptuous Entrance Hall.

“No, I doubt he will be,” replied his elder brother with a bored tone, leaning against one of the columns, as he started to massage his once muscular shoulders. Azkaban had almost destroyed the body he had once been so proud of; he was now rail thin, not an ounce of fat on him, let alone muscle. It would take him a lot of time and effort to get back to his original shape.

“To Hell with Lucius!” shrieked Bellatrix, pacing around the Hall, heels clicking on the marble, her long skirt swaying behind her. “He is so busy in this Grand Manor of his, he didn’t even come to our Master when he summoned us all. He and Snape were the only ones missing! I bet they were scheming together, those traitorous bastards!”

“Bella, be still. I have had enough,” the cold voice of her husband resounding in the empty Hall, “Not only did you practically force us with your incessant ranting to come here uninvited, but you also made us dress up, to show we are not inferior to anyone of this Household. Do not get me wrong, Bella; I do not mind acting my part. But if you continue pacing and shrieking in this manner it will all have been in vain. You look quite dishevelled already.”

“Rodolphus,” She started her tone matching her growing anger. But one icy stare made the words die in her throat, along with all her will to argue. “Fine,” she said gruffly.

“My, my. What an unexpected sight.” A sneering voice diverted their attention to the man descending the stairs, his black clothes as much of a trademark as the disdainful sneer, “Not only does dear Bella look like a lady, but she also does as she is told. Someone ought to take a photograph to remember this monumental moment in history.”

“Snape,” she hissed.

“No need for such animosity. Why, I even complimented you on your new appearance. Indeed, all three of you could outstrip Lucius with such fine clothing for an informal gathering between friends.”

It was clear that the Lestranges had sought to regain some respect in the house of their rich companion, as they were each fitted with lavish robes. Rabastan was wearing a pair of green trousers, covered by dragon-hide boots, accompanied by a matching green coat over a white satin shirt. Rodolpus had donned similar attire, though his main colour scheme was a silvery grey, and his overcoat was longer than his sibling’s, reaching his knees. Both Lestrange brothers had obviously tried to repair some of the damage to their appearances, having trimmed hair and beards accordingly. Bellatrix was wearing a black and burgundy satin dress, covered partially on the skirt and waist with black lace. Her ebony hair had been brushed into sleek splendour and tied into a bun at the back of her head; some strands of hair had been set into soft ringlets that framed her face. A silver necklace with a rather large opal pendant completed her surprisingly feminine look.

“You see, Severus, it has been some time since we have shown our… let’s say class, accordingly. We saw it fit to regain some respect that we thought may have been forgotten,” answered Rodolphus, hardly ruffled by Snape’s subtly slanderous remarks.

“Where have you been Snape? Do not think your absence has gone unnoticed.”

“I was busy, Bellatrix,” he said shortly.

“Hah! Busy plotting against the Dark Lord I expect. You and that traitor Lucius!”

“You disappoint me, Bellatrix. You’ve had four days to devote your warped mind to thinking up shocking reasons for our absence, and you can’t come up with something more original or interesting? Well, I suppose you’d have let me down sooner or later.”

“Why you -!”

Ignoring her, he turned to the two men, “Why are you here? Surely not just to parade yourselves in your finest clothes.”

“Well, Bellatrix wanted to find out what you two had been up to,” Rabastan said, observing the fuming woman with detached interest, “Whilst Rodolphus wanted to have a talk with Draco. If I’m not mistaken, tomorrow he will have to make his decision.”

“Yes, Lucius was discussing it with him right now. They should be here shortly.”

“I only hope Draco will be more faithful than his father,” Bellatrix muttered under her breath.

A sudden pop and she found herself face to face with the owner of the Manor, who had apparated along with his son “Now, now. No need to be so insulting.”

Looking around the now crowded Entrance Hall, he greeted cordially the two Lestrange men, before turning back to looking at the sole female Death Eater. “Is there a party I was unaware of hosting?”

“No, Lucius. Just one of Bella’s elaborate plans to put you in your place,” laughed Rabastan.

“Indeed. Now, unless you want to keep this little get together in the Hall, shall we retreat to the Drawing Room?” asked Lucius, and with that, he proceeded to lead the way without waiting to see if they would follow. After exchanging looks of approval the two brothers went after him, Draco and Snape at their heels, leaving the angry woman alone. Seeing no other option she stamped her foot and walked hurriedly to catch up.

After several minutes of walking, Lucius stopped and opened a wooden door. “Please,” he beckoned. The group entered the “small” room that hosted various paintings, all in golden frames against the creamy walls, several velvet armchairs and a crackling fire in the hearth. As they took their seats — all except Bellatrix who had remained near the door, unwavering in her foul mood and unfounded suspicions— he summoned a House Elf and requested five glasses of sherry, which appeared seconds later in crystal glasses rimmed in silver.

The four men picked them up and after raising them in a silent toast, sipped the amber liquid.

“Just like perfectly corrupted aristocrats,” Snape mused snidely.

“I suppose, as you are the only one who is not, you are enjoying yourself immensely. A full immersion in nobility, eh Severus?” Rabastan asked mockingly.

“As you wish,” he replied toasting again.

“Do you mind if I smoke Lucius?” Rodolphus asked, pulling out a small silver case from his coat pocket.

“By all means,” he said as he summoned a crystal ashtray to land on the table between the Lestrange brothers.

Bowing his head in thanks, he extracted a cigar from the case in his hands, while Rabastan took out a cigarette; fishing back into his pocket, the youngest removed a small amber stone, and placing it in between his index and his thumb it burst into flame. After lighting his own, he leaned over to his brother. With its purpose fulfilled, the flames disappeared and the stone was placed back into his pocket.

“Unborn salamander’s egg, very uncommon,” observed Snape.

“Well?! Have we gotten past the mundane pleasantries yet?” the woman barked.

“So sorry, Bellatrix. For once you were so silent we had forgotten your presence.”

She glared at him. “You seem to forget a lot, Lucius. You must have forgotten us while we were in Azkaban. You must have forgotten how much we suffered in prison while you managed to weasel your way out again. You must have forgotten because otherwise you would not have been able to remain in this swanky Manor!”

“Have you quite finished?” he asked coldly.

“As I said before, your insults and accusations are old news, Bella. It is always the same old story,” Severus said softly, black eyes alight.

“Did you just come here to show me your fine dress, Bella? Or are you going to prove your visit to be more worthwhile than I thought it would be?)

“I came to ask you where your loyalties lie, Lucius. Where have you been these past four days? Why did you not answer our Dark Lord’s summons?”

“If I were to say we had some business to attend to, commissioned by the Dark Lord himself, would you remain silent? Or would you, predictably, strive to know exactly what had transpired?” The blond retorted.

“Doubtlessly you have already accused us of treachery in front of the Dark Lord. You must have also asked him if he knew what we were up to… Well, did you?” asked Snape.

“Yes, I did,” she answered, eyes avoiding those of the two men staring at her.

“And what was his answer?” Lucius encouraged her softly to go on.

“He…well, he said…” she stopped, unwilling to continue.

“Possibly, he told you that we were doing a mission for him. Possibly he said that we were busy doing something that you could not. Did you fail to comprehend his words, so you had to come and ask us in person? Surely, someone that touts herself as the Dark Lord’s most loyal servant would not distrust his words and think to take the matter into her own hands.” Severus’ rich voice hardened, his dark eyes glinting with malice, as he saw the woman become ever more uncomfortable. “What did he say exactly?”

“Well…”

“He told her to stop her annoying whining and mind her own business,” interrupted Rodolphus, inhaling deeply from his cigar he continued, “Something, I dare say she has difficulty doing,” he commented dryly, his icy eyes stilling the flames flashing in those of his wife.

“Oh, now I understand,” Lucius mused, “Since the Dark Lord wouldn’t confide in you, you have finally realised you aren’t his favourite anymore. Poor Bella. You must feel so useless not being needed as much as before.”

“That is Lucius, if she was ever really needed,” Snape added.

“How dare you?!” she screeched, “How dare you insult me this way, when it was you two who never proved your loyalty?! Who always thought of their own personal benefit?!” She pulled out her wand, “Apologize!”

“Put that away, Bellatrix. You wouldn’t want to get hurt.”

“I can stand pain. What about you, Lucius?” she hissed.

He smiled as a jet of red light shot from his wand, sending the woman against the wall and her wand falling to her feet. She screamed with rage and was about to send a curse at the calm blonde who kept smiling coldly, uncaring of her wrath.

“Enough, Bella!” Rodolphus hissed, “You will hold your temper or leave at once.”

Glaring, she left the room, slamming the door behind her.

“Rabastan, kindly follow her and make sure she doesn’t damage too much. You know how she gets when she throws these little tantrums.”

The younger Lestrange considered his brother for a moment before nodding and exiting the room.


*****

“How dare they?! How dare they treat me this way?” she screamed as she paced through the corridors, smashing various vases and statuettes in the process. “The Dark Lord knows I am always his most faithful servant. He knows, he trusts me. He knows he can trust me. They want to take my place, yes, that’s it. They want to take my place,” she continued walking, oblivious of the man following her like a shadow.

“Those traitorous bastards! I’ll show them! They’ll pay!” She paused in front of a mirror, taking in how her hair had started to come loose, how her eyes were shining with rage. She tried to calm herself by taking a deep breath, wondering whether it was worth the trouble of fixing her dishevelled appearance.

“Not that your hysterics can surprise me anymore, but it’s certainly quite a temper you have.” A mocking voice came from behind her.

Without looking at the owner of the voice, she acknowledged “Rabastan. Aren’t you supposed to be with the others?”

“No, I’ve just been asked to make sure you didn’t do too much damage.” He extracted a cigarette from a silver case identical to that of his brother.

“Now they think I need someone to watch over me as if I were a child?!”

He shrugged while lighting it, “Apparently so. In case you hadn’t noticed, you left a trail of destroyed artefacts in your wake,” he pointed behind him. “I took care of them, although I was half inclined to leave them as they were.”

“Am I supposed to thank you?” she asked sarcastically.

“If you please.”

She glared at him, as her mind raced wanting to point her wand at him. He continued to observe her totally unabashed.

He bowed his head. “So are you calm now? Shall we return?”

“No, I will not set foot in that room just to be mocked. Go yourself.” She said, dismissing him with a hand as she walked away.

He flicked the stub of his cigarette on the carpet before putting it out with his boot; then continued following the dark haired woman.


*****


“Now, Draco. I will take for granted that your father has already clarified the difficulty of your position.”

The pale boy nodded, recalling perfectly well what his father had told him.

“Good. It would waste a lot of time had I been forced to go through it all again. I will not ask you what your decision is; I will just give you some examples so you have, shall we say, some tangible evidence of how it goes when you join the ranks...”


*****


Hermione was sure she had heard some sort of commotion as she had left her room: someone was shouting and then silence… everything was tranquil and calm once more. It hadn’t sounded like the voice of any inhabitant of the Manor either, more like a woman’s.

Maybe Mrs. Black has come into the portrait here… she thought. As long as no one else has returned, I’ll be fine. Looking around once more, she started her descent towards the kitchens.

She thought she heard a muffled conversation somewhere near. Could it be the portraits? It seemed to be getting louder and louder, and more animated. She could tell it was a woman shouting about something…she turned into another corridor and was certain it was getting louder and clearer. Straining her ears, she was able to make out:

“…it’s not that! It’s the principle! I mean is it possible that after all I’ve done I do not get one bit of gratitude?!...” The female voice seemed to be getting ever more heated and angry, “And don’t nod your head in that condescending manner, it gets on my nerves. You’re like the rest of them.”

“Please calm down. You’re making the portraits nervous.”

“I will not calm down! I’m sure Lucius is hiding something and I’ll find out -”

It was then that Hermione found herself face to face with a very startled looking couple. They were dressed in very rich clothes, and although Hermione didn’t recognize the man, there was no mistaking the woman: Bellatrix Lestrange.

Oh my God.


*****

There was a sudden knock on the door that interrupted Rodolphus’ speech, followed by an extremely anxious Blinky entered bowing low. It scuttled to its Master’s side, and started jumping from one foot to the other, seemingly too agitated to speak.

“Yes, you pathetic excuse for a servant?”

“M-master, Mas-ster must come quick. Quickly. Trouble, big troub-ble. Da-danger,” it squeaked while looking around nervously.

“What are you on about?” he demanded impatiently.

The elf eyed the other occupants of the room before turning determinedly to its Master.

“Miss is in trouble! Mrs. Bellatrix and Mr. Lestrange found Miss! Miss in trouble!”


*****

“My, my. Looks like Lucius has been busy after all,” Rabastan commented calmly while taking in the sight of the terrified girl who was backing into the wall, trying to find something to support her weight. “Who is this?”

“You really don’t recognize her, Rabastan? It’s Potter’s Mudblood. She was at the Ministry, remember?”

“Why yes. It is her. But what is she doing here?”

Bellatrix’s face was alight with glee, “Don’t you see? She is what Lucius has been hiding. This is the proof he’s been plotting something against us. Oh, I’m going to get you, Lucius,” she cooed.

“She’s certainly grown these past few years,” Rabastan observed, his eyes roaming over her ample curves, but Bella wasn’t listening; her eyes were sparkling and she was whispering something to herself. Walking up to the trembling Hermione, her face turned into what she supposed was a sweet smile, she started stroking the poor girl’s face with one of her fingers.

“Hello, Mudblood. Tell Bellatrix what you’re doing here,” she said softly, her voice sending shivers up Hermione’s spine. “You tell Bellatrix what you’re doing here and I won’t hurt you. You tell me.” Her hand gripped Hermione’s hair, “You tell me!”

“Ow! Let go! You’re hurting me!” she wailed, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I’ll hurt you more if you don’t tell me. Come on, Mudblood. You tell me before I have to pull all your hair out,” she replied with the same frightening sweet voice that clashed horribly with the fierce expression on her face. “Tell me!” she hissed.

Her grip however lessened, as a hand took hold of her wrist. Looking around wildly she saw Rabastan shaking his head as if admonishing a small child. “Now, Bella. You don’t treat people that way. If she’s too busy crying you won’t get a sensible word out of her.”

“But I must know, Rabastan! I must. I can get Lucius, don’t you see?! This is my chance!” She wailed, clinging onto his coat.

“Yes, yes, Bella. I’ll find out for you, you watch.” Turning to Hermione who was on the floor her arms around her knees, hiding her face, “Now, now,” he soothed, “It’s all alright. Bellatrix just got a bit carried away. Don’t you understand why she is here? Look at her, she seems well fed, she’s got decent clothes. Why would she be so well kept? It’s obvious: she’s become Lucius’ toy. A pretty doll to play with.”

“No! He’s plotting against us! He must be! I’ll make her confess,” she said pulling out her wand. “Pretty Mudblood, you tell me why you are here, or you’re going to wish you were dead.”

“It-it’s as he said,” Hermione managed to say, her eyes looking pleadingly to Rabastan, as if relying on him to control the demented woman.

“See, Bella? Just as I said. No need to do anything rash now, is there?” he said calmly, noting the relieved look on the girl’s face. “You are pretty thing aren’t you?” he said smiling at her, “I wonder if Lucius would mind me playing with you too…” Brown eyes widened with horror as he started to come closer.

“Stop it, Rabastan. Can’t you tell she’s lying? She’s trying to fool you! But she won’t fool me, oh no, she won’t. Crucio,” she hissed.

“I don’t see why you are the only one who gets to have fun,” he called over the girl’s screams.

Bellatrix ignored him and ended the curse with a lift of her wand. “Well, why are you here?” she demanded holding Hermione’s face up by her hair.

“I to-told you, it’s a-as he sa-said!” she panted.

“Lies! All lies! Crucio”

“P-please…enough…” she pleaded when the curse was lifted again.

“Tell me the truth!” Bellatrix ordered, still holding Hermione’s hair.

“You’re insane…” Hermione whispered, only now fully understanding that no matter what she said, this woman would not listen.

“Insane am I? Sectum” she roared, thrusting her wand at Hermione. At once the girl’s head hit the floor, while her long brown mane remained in Bellatrix’s hand, who, laughing, let the mass of hair fall around the girl.

“What a waste,” Rabastan sighed.

“Next time it will be your neck. Do you understand, Mudblood?”

It was then that Lucius Malfoy arrived, followed by Snape and Rodolphus, all three looking on the scene with shocked confusion. There was the weeping girl at Bellatrix’s feet and all around them were the locks of her brown hair.

“Just in time eh, Lucius? Is this your pretty Mudblood doll? Not very pretty anymore, eh?”

“Get away,” he said coldly.

“Why is she here, Lucius? She wouldn’t say exactly. Honestly, it’s her fault she’s like this now. She should have talked sooner,” she said placing her foot on Hermione’s outstretched arm, and gradually putting more and more weight on the fragile limb.

“Get away!” he roared. Her only response was a sick smile as she stamped her foot, earning a high pitched scream of agony.

Pulling his wand out he yelled “Expelliarmus!” sending the woman flying a dozen feet behind, finally slamming into a wall, where she fell to the floor unconscious.

“Rodolphus, collect your wife and brother and leave.”

After studying the blond he nodded, walked over to Bellatrix and picked her up, “We will have to discuss this sooner or later, you know?”

Lucius just stared at him, his grey eyes smouldering. Nodding again he disapparated, followed by Rabastan who was still smiling.

“Lucius,” Snape called out, “She’s not in good shape: she’s loosing consciousness and her arm is broken. Get her to her room; I’ll be there soon with the potions.”

“Right. Come along, Miss Granger,” he said softly, lifting her up and apparating to her room. He placed her gently on the bed, “Just hold on. Severus will be here soon; he’ll make you feel better.” He looked at her pale, weeping face, at her butchered hair. Why had he reacted so? Why had he taken such violent revenge? Was it just his usual possessiveness? He stroked her cheek gently, wiping away her tears.

His thoughts were interrupted when his friend arrived, various little bottles in his hands. “Make her drink these two vials. She may need some sleeping potion as well.”

“Yes, give it here.” Holding her head up he tried to coax her to open her mouth, “Miss Granger, please try to drink this. Be a good girl.” She managed to drink down the two potions with difficulty, choking on them as they burned her injured insides. Her face started to colour slowly and her breathing returned to a normal pace.

“She should be alright now. I’ll go to find Draco,” Severus said before exiting the room.

Managing to open her eyes, she noticed she was being held by the concerned wizard and instantly tried to move away. “Shush, I won’t hurt you. Drink this and sleep. No one will harm you anymore.”

She looked at him disbelievingly, and he understood. She doesn’t trust me. She thinks me as dangerous as the others. But can I really blame her?

“If you’re not afraid of remaining alone, I’ll leave you.”

She nodded and said in a raspy voice, “Yes, leave.”

As he was walking to the door, he turned and said softly “Miss Granger… Hermione, I’m sorry.”

It seemed she hadn’t heard him though, as she continued to look away. Sighing he opened the door but before he could close it he heard her small voice quietly saying, “Thank you”.


Author’s Note: I know some of you may be thinking that my Bellatrix is quite insane, demented, mad, violent and around the bend, and if I have to tell the truth, you’re absolutely right. She is violent and has mood swings that are faster than the new magnetic Japanese train. But that is exactly how I see her. (Can’t wait to see her in the film *rubs hands together*)

Rodolphus is cold, bored and uncaring the total opposite of his wife, for whom I expect he feels no love or affection.

Rabastan on the other hand entered Azkaban nervous and insecure and has turned out to be what he is now…total bastard ^.^

The idea that they both smoked I got from seeing fanart from my new found god, Makani. If you have never seen her works go now!!!! (acciobrain)