In Wiltshire, down a wide cleared snow-covered driveway, there is a towering, curved hedge that runs far off into the distance. There before visitors stands an impressive wrought-iron gate barring any intruder's ways and despite the cold a pure-white magnificent peacock struts majestically along the top of the hedge.
Past the great iron gates is a handsome manor at the end of a straight drive. Lights glint through diamond-paned windows as an enchanted fountain in the dark, frozen garden still flows with music like tinkling water. The manor is tastefully decorated with Christmas ornaments as inside the large main hall, it is brightly lit with candles, and great trees, sumptuously decorated as a magnificent carpet covers the stone floor. The eyes of the pale-faced portraits watch the chatting guests as they sip their drinks. The youths in attendance are 4th years and older and gathered together to make small talk.
Past the grand hall is a drawing room at the end filled with only men and various important pure-blood figures. The roaring fire crackles undereating a handsome marble piece with a surmounted gilded mirror above. On the elegant royal purple walls hang elaborate family portraits and grand sceneries. The impressive ceiling is 30 feet high where two grand golden chandeliers hang with candles brightly lighting the room. In the back of the drawing room is an organ propped against the wall that plays softly on its own.
The sophisticated figure of Lucius sips a sherry-filled glass as he listens to his father, Abraxas Malfoy, a handsome man with similar features to that of Lucius with the exception of his features being that much harsher. "I am telling you that the country is going to the mudbloods," Abraxas said. "We should have never allowed muggle-born wizards into our ranks."
"Hmm," tactfully grumbled, a dark-haired man with a glass spectacle over his left eye. "But even if that is the case, would you rather have us become inbreed otherwise," Stephen Flint pointedly remarked, much resembling his daughter, Silvia, with a sharp mind and blueish-gray eyes.
"That may be preferable," Grunted, a scowling, handsome dark-haired man with elegant features and gray eyes. Wearing an elegant black suit, Orion Black, the father of Sirius, coldly eyes Stephen. The two of them had never gotten along ever since their spat in their 3rd year at Hogwarts.
Taking a sip of his whiskey, Stephen Flint drily says, "Maybe be so, but I personally would much rather prefer our children breed with the muggle-born wizards to preserve our kind than to go and breed with magical creatures." Orion clamps his mouth in anger unable to counter Stephen Flint's argument as Stephen smugly takes a sip of his whiskey.
Seeing the two men glower at each other, Abraxas frowns and coolly says, "Still, I would prefer that not be the case at all."
"Don't we all," Flint remarked, causing Orion's forehead to twitch.
"But it can be," Abraxas loudly said as the room grows quiet as the rest of the men turn towards the host of the party, Abraxas Malfoy.
Lucius Malfoy purses his lips as his grip tightens on his glass in dread and embarrassment. "No father, not now," Lucius unhappily thought as his lips pressed themselves into a thin line.
"An extraordinary man by the Lord Voldemort is in agreement with us that the wizarding world is in need of change," Abraxas said causing many of the men in the room to mutter in agreement.
"And what does that entail?" Flint said with narrowed eyes.
"For god's sake, let the man speak!" Orion snapped causing sparks to fly between the two men.
Before Abraxas can answer, Lucius Malfoy hastily rises to his feet. "But what my father has yet to mention is that Lord Voldemort is nothing but a charlatan!" Lucius loudly declared as the men furrow their brows in bewilderment.
Abraxas narrows his eyes at Lucius, who gives his father a side look that promises to explain everything. Abraxas remains tactfully silent and steps back as Lucius steps up in the spotlight. Abraxas would not openly embarrass his heir/son in public.
"That so-called man's true name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, the product of a witch and a muggle man. This so-called champion of pure wizards is merely trying to pass himself as one of us and use us as cannon fodder in his quest for power," Lucius declared. "Why even his very muggle name spells his new charlatan's name, I am Lord Voldemort."
Abraxas's eyes widen as hundreds of thoughts pass through his mind. But being a competent wizard, Abraxas steps in and confidently says, "It is just as my son, Lucius stated, the man known as Tom Riddle has been corrupting our children with thoughts of grandeur. I highly agree that we need to protect our children from his and his highly idealistic friends."
"But Abraxas weren't you all for his ideas before," interrupted, a snivel-looking wizard.
"And though I agreed with part of his philosophy," Abraxas said. "I never fully trusted him as he is no Grindelwald." The men nod in agreement as Abraxas pointedly glanced at Lucius to continue.
"My father is an open-minded man, and he gives all wizards a fair chance, but sadly Tom Marvolo Riddle did his best to charm, my wise father and miserably failed," Lucius confidently said. "Keeping his suspicions in his heart, my father kept Tom Riddle close in an effort to further sound his intentions. And what my father found is truly terrifying!"
"How bad are we talking about?" Flint asked with narrowed eyes.
"Murder and deceit," Lucius said causing many of the men to furrow their brows. "My father spent many hours reviewing the past of Tom Riddle to suspiciously find that Tom Riddle's biological muggle father and family were all slaughtered in a single night. But to top it all off, his uncle a pure-blood confessed to the murder." Causing many of the men's brows to furrow and frown in displeasure.
Lucius dramatically paused, "Which my father found unlikely as Morfin Gaunt lived in that small village with the muggle father of Tom Riddle for many years and had never hurt him before. Why do you ask? Because Morfin Gaunt believed his sister was a blood traitor and deserved to die in childbirth, which she did. And if Morfin, believed such a truth, then why kill the muggle man known as Tom Riddle Sr.?"
Lucius eyes the silent fixed room and fervently says, "I will tell you why because Morfin Gaunt's memories were changed via the Imperius Curse. During Morfin Gaunt's trial, no Auror, checked Morfin's mind for tampering as he readily confessed. But my father in his wisdom suspected that exactly is the case but given the unfortunate mishap with Nobby Leach; Father was reluctant to come out with the truth."
Flint furrows his brows and slowly says, "If this is true, then I will have the Department of Magic reinvestigate the case. We cannot allow an innocent man to rot away in Azkaban for the crime of another." The room bursts into a hush of whispers as the men largely, now discuss who is associated with the charlatan, Tom Riddle.
"Barty Crouch won't like that," Orion Black pointedly remarked to his rival.
"Maybe, but I am not so easily detained," Stephen determinedly replied.
"Thank you," Abraxas said as he subtly gestured to Lucius to step back. Lucius raises his glass to his father, before moving away to socialize with others.
It was a sincere concern to Abraxas from where his son had gotten the information on Tom Riddle, but if it proved true, Abraxas had saved himself a great deal of embarrassment. And especially, if Stephen were to investigate and proved true Lucius's words, Abraxas would have earned himself a great deal of power. However, if it was all a lie, his son's life would be in danger.
Abraxas's thoughts are interrupted by Stephen Flint, who says, "You are most welcome, Abraxas."
With a bit of a smirk, Stephen speaks directly to Orion Black. "Isn't that niece of yours, oh wait cousin of yours," Stephen deliberately emphasized the too-close relationship between the Black's. "Bellatrix and her husband are bosom friends of Riddle, are they not?"
Orion Black stiffens and his jaw clenches in anger. "I am certain that it is merely misguided friendship."
"Mm, so you say," Stephen taunted.
Before the two men can jump at each other, Abraxas tactfully says, "Let us go and try the Christmas pudding. It is quite excellent this year."
"As long as I don't get the silver sickle," Stephen drily commented.
"Don't tell me you're afraid," Orion sneered.
Stephen ignores Orion's comment as they head back to the great hall and naturally the rest of the men follow. For Abraxas as the host was the man to follow. And truthfully speaking, many men would follow in Abraxas's footsteps. If Abraxas Malfoy stepped right, they too would follow. And if Abraxas did not like the said person, the individual in question would be shunned. Therefore, shortly after, Tom Marvolo Riddle would desperately find himself short of allies.
The pureblood standard exists, it's fine for them to marry a Veela, (pretty sure that's where the Malfoy hair color comes from.) But not a muggle-born witch or wizard nor much less other creatures such as goblins or giants.
And I don't wish to be weird about this about the whole conception of Hagrid still disturbs me. I try not to think about the quantum physics required to conceive him when his mother was a giant and his dad was a normal human being.........
Following the Christmas party upon his immediate return home, Orion Black sent a rather pointed, urgent letter to his cousin, Cygnus Black.
"Dear cousin,
Cygnus, you must immediately separate your misguided daughter, Bellatrix from Lord Voldemort. I know you find him darling, but he is a bloody muggle-born wizard himself! Luckily, I never endeavored to acquaint myself with that nauseating fellow as his true muggle name is Tom Marvolo Riddle.
Thankfully Abraxas Malfoy has swiftly brought the truth to our attention during the Christmas party of the imposter's true intentions. I urgently advise you to distance yourself as quickly as possible from that man! Nothing good will come of it, mark my words!
Sincerely,
Orion Black.
P.s. I suggest that you posthaste separate Narcissa from Bellatrix's influence lest she is misguided as a result."
Cygnus rises to his feet as his rugged, handsome features twist with fury. His hair is slightly sprinkled with early silver dangles at his rapid pace as he narrows his icy blue eyes that blaze with a frost-bitten chill. Despite the late hour, Cygnus storms through the stone castle into his youngest daughter's quarters. The portraits on the stone walls shiver and fade away at the wrath of Cygnus. Still rather tall, a strong man with broad arms that still showed his prowess as a Quidditch beater.
In her grand poster bed, Narcissa Black wakes up in fright. Her blue eyes blink in confusion at the loud entrance of her father as the door slams roughly against the stone wall. "Father, what is it?" Narcissa anxiously stammered.
"Did you know about this?!" Cygnus roared as he waved the written letter in his hand.
"What father?" Narcissa stammered in confusion.
"Read it!" Cygnus bellowed as he shoved the letter in front of her nose.
Narcissa's eyes dart back in forth as she reads the letter from her father's cousin, Orion Black. Narcissa pales as guilt and shame cross her face as Cygnus now incited says, "Did you know about this, and you did not speak of this a word to your mother and I?"
"It just recently came to my attention, I didn't know if father or mother would believe me," Narcissa hastily replied.
Cygnus coldly studies his youngest daughter and says, "Was it, Lucius Malfoy, who told you?"
Narcissa's eyes flash as she lies, "Yes, father."
"Very well, but does your sister, Bellatrix know?" Cygnus said as his voice lowered to a dangerous level.
"I-, I don't know," Narcissa replied as she recalled, Lucius's rude words about her sister.
Seeing Narcissa hesitate, Cygnus abruptly strikes Narcissa with his hand causing a red, violent bruise to form on her cheek. Slammed painfully into the bedboard, Narcissa holds her enflamed cheek as she warily eyes her father. "I said, tell me the truth," Cygnus dangerously threatened.
"I don't know father, but Lucius-," Narcissa quickly bit her lips as she stopped.
"Lucius, what?" Cygnus perilously said as he drew nearer to Narcissa's quivering form.
"Lucius said, that despite all this time, Bellatrix still has no child," Narcissa tremblingly said. "Lucius said it was no wonder given her lack of interest in Lestrange and how Bellatrix fawned over L-."
Narcissa immediately corrected her speech at her father's glower. "How Bellatrix fawned over Tom Riddle like a lovesick puppy. Lucius said that even if we told Bellatrix the truth of the matter Bellatrix would not hear a word said against Tom Riddle as he could do no wrong in her eyes."
Cygnus wrenches the letter off the bed as he icily says, "Bellatrix, will immediately desist or she will see herself stricken off the family tree. I will not have another Andromeda in the family!"
"But-," Narcissa protested.
"But what?!" Cygnus bellowed causing Narcissa to flinch.
"But Lestrange is a loyal follower of Tom Riddle as well as his younger brother, Rabastan Lestrange," Narcissa quietly replied.
Cygnus narrowed his eyes and said, "Is that so? Then we will see about that?" Cygnus storms out of Narcissa's room leaving Narcissa shivering in bed as her eyes fill with unfallen tears.
Despite the freezing wind and snow, Cygnus pulls on a cloak and boots and marched out into the harsh weather. A thin layer of frost and snow begins to form on top of Cygnus's cloak, but given his raging mood, nothing short of a blizzard will stop him. Far enough from the castle, Cygnus apparated away to appear outside of a dark leaky pub in Albany.
Cygnus fiercely storms into the seedy pub filled with Death Eaters and other dubious characters. The pub is dimly lit as shadows crawl all over the place and things creep over the crumb-filled floor. "Where is Bellatrix?!" Cygnus roared as the door slammed behind him shut.
Bellatrix blinks in surprise and moves to rise from her seat as Cygnus's infuriated blue eyes fall onto her. Suddenly, Bellatrix finds she is unable to move from her seat as her father storms toward her. "Father-in-law," Rodolphus Lestrange greeted Cygnus with a wry smile. Lestrange's thin, dark features seem gaunt in the tavern light.
Given Cygnus's strength, Cygnus easily shoves Lestrange aside as Bellatrix opens her mouth to speak, but Cygnus raises his right arm and strikes Bellatrix across the face. The blow is so hard that Bellatrix flies out of her seat onto the ground as a trail of blood trickles down the side of her mouth.
"Father-in-law, what is this?" Lestrange exclaimed as he ran over to help Bellatrix.
"You will desist in this futile endeavor now, Bellatrix," Cygnus said as his wand suddenly appeared in his hand.
Bellatrix tremblingly touches her face as her husband, Rodolphus Lestrange aids her to her feet. "What is wrong with you?" Bellatrix roared back.
"Do you think, I wouldn't find out?!" Cygnus bellowed enraged.
"What are you talking about, father-in-law?" Lestrange interjected in perplexion.
"Do you think I would not find out that your precious Lord Voldemort is muggle-born?" Cygnus spat out. "Are you trying to follow in your foolish sister's footsteps?!"
"Lies!" Bellatrix growled with hatred. "Who told you such false words?!"
Cygnus strikes Bellatrix again across the face causing Bellatrix to flatter back onto her knees as a trickle of blood this time pours out of her nose. "Anyone with a mind can find out, what that mudblood's name is!"
"That is his common wizard's name," Lestrange said with feverous zealot eyes. "His true name is Lord Voldemort."
"Do you take me for a fool, boy?!" Cygnus thundered. "I don't care, what that bloody man's name is, he's a muggle-born wizard!"
"Lies, lies, I say!" Bellatrix shouted as she rose to her feet.
"Oh, lies?" Cygnus sneered. "Then tell me, why his mother a witch, a no-good rotten slut, who went down her knees and f*cked a muggle man by the name of Tom Riddle? Did he tell you that he was even named after his muggle born father? Well, did he?!"
Seeing the shocked faces of some of the Death Eaters in the bar, Cygnus scornfully says, "I guess he didn't. How very astute of the impostor."
Lestrange opens his mouth to defend the dark lord, but Cygnus gives Lestrange a dirty look as though he was staring at trash. "But I suppose you're too blind to see the truth at this point. I should have never let my daughter marry you, boy," Cygnus grunted.
Turning to his daughter, Cygnus briskly barks, "We are leaving, Bellatrix."
Cygnus roughly reaches for her arm, but Bellatrix wrenches her arm back out of her father's painful grasp. "I won't!" Bellatrix shrieked. "What we are doing will change the entire wizarding world as we know it! I don't know who's been telling such foul lies about the dark lord, but he will pay!"
Bellatrix narrows her eyes at her father in emphasis and spits on the ground a bubble of blood. "As for you, father, you will regret ever turning your back on him. For I have no such father," Bellatrix hissed in promise.
A cold light appears in Cygnus's eyes as he says, "Then I have no such daughter, I won't make that mistake twice." Before anyone can react, Cygnus draws his wand and screams, "Avada Kedavra!" A green light bursts out from Cygnus's wand as Bellatrix's eyes widen with shock and horror as her body becomes limp and still.
Lestrange and the rest of the Death Eaters are in utter shock as Rodolphus whispers, "You've killed her."
"I will not have her mating like a rutting dog with that mudblood," Cygnus spat. "If you cannot even see that boy, then you are more of a fool than I thought." The Death Eaters are too in shock to react as Cygnus easily makes his way through the pub without being stopped.
Rodolphus Lestrange numbly touches Bellatrix's face as he turns to gaze at Cygnus's retreating back. "He'll come for you," Lestrange quietly stated.
"Tell that imposter, I shan't be waiting. The only one I owe anything to is you, boy," Cygnus fearlessly answered over his shoulder, before stepping out into the snowy night.
Perhaps, a part of Cygnus Black eagerly waited for death. Or maybe in the deepest crevice of his soul, a part of him regretted his course of actions and hoped for retribution. Either way, only Cygnus himself knew as he traversed through the snowy night and returned home.
Cygnus Black killing his daughter would not be out of the question. His second daughter, Andromeda already ran off and he won't have a second time.
Secondly, why I think he was an arsehole is because Cygnus was the youngest son of Pollux Black, with Walburga being the oldest, and Alphard the middle child. But still, according to the date given for Bellatrix's birthdate, Cygnus would have to have been thirteen years old, when Bellatrix was born! Cygnus probably came from an unstable home as well given that Walburga was born when Pollux was just thirteen years old as well. As such, I don't find it out of character for him to be so violent or nonchalance about it.
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