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“I..” His voice faultered as he stared at the scene in front of him. Dudley didn’t know what to do. He had never known his father was capable of such a thing. Sure he knew his father had been firm with Harry but this wasnt being firm… this was cruel and wrong, “I’m going for help.”
Harry groaned as he heard the steps grow fainter in the distance. He didn’t know why Dudley suddenly cared what was happening to him. Help. What a cruel word that was. Noone ever helped him. Not really. They would fix the problem they could see or understand but the moment it went beyond their understanding or out of their sight. Help no longer mattered. Everything felt so wrong. It all hurt and this time, it didn’t feel like it was something he could come back from.
The silence of the room was deafening only broken by the creeking sound of an opening door. The soft giggling of a broken woman, “Oh Potter, found you.” When she had been seen by the muggle she had expected tohave her fun then go back before it was noticed she had snuck out at all. But when the muggle had asked if she was a witch. Curiosity had gotten the best of her broken mind and she had followed the muggle back to a home they had been stalking for weeks. The invitation had gotten her past the wards and not here she was feet away from her master’s greatest enemy.
She pushed the door open the rest of the way and froze. Blood was the first thing she saw, splattered and pooled on the floor, the smell of it hit her next. Mixed with the pungent smell of pain and magic. This was just short of a murder scene. This was not how she expected to find the boy who lived. She was slow, making her way into the room towards the collapsed bloody form of her enemy. A gentle hand checking for a pulse, anything. A ragged breath was her only response and she let out her own breath in relief. This was not how magical children were meant to be treated. Something nagged at the back of her mind and carefully she bundled the limp form into her arms and against her, “I have you now Potter. It will be okay.” This is why she hated the so called light side. They would see innocent children dead, like her little one. So young, so innocent.
She made sure he was tucked against her before activating the portkey on her bracelet and with a snap, they were gone. Bellatrix Lestrange had the greatest trump card in the Wizarding world. When the world stopped spinning she was in a large black hall, thick carpets of red spread about the atrium, “Rodolphus!” Her high pitched screech carried through the halls and the sound of feet carried from one of the side halls and the man threw open the doors.
“Bella! Where have you been? Our Lord has been asking why you haven’t been… Bella whats in Merlin’s name do you have?”
Another set of feet and another cold voice joined his that sent a shiver down her spine, “Has she finally shown herself?”
Bella gripped the child in her arms tighter, “I’m fine. I was retreiving a gift for Our Lord, but I changed my mind. He cant have him anymore.”
The Dark Lord frowned and stepped forward, “Bella who is that?” He knelt next to her and the red eyes widened, “Potter? Who did this?”
Bella shook her head, “Those muggles he lives with. One of them found me while I was staking the place. Asked if I was magical and that his cousin needed magical help. I got curious and I found him on the floor. Master…”
The man shook his head, “No, your not in trouble. You did the right thing Bella. Good job. May I take him now? He needs medical attention.” He waited for her to nod before scooping the pale form up and carrying him down the hall, “Summon Severus and Lady Malfoy. He needs immediate care.” He left the room carrying the dying teen in his arms.
Bellatrix stayed close to the room as Severus and Cissa worked on their guest. Something in her wouldn’t let her go to far. She didn’t know if it was because seeing the child in a pool of blood reminded her so much of her own lost child. So innocent. Something in her was clinging to the boy, demanding that she be there for him. A motherly instinct that she thought long dead. When the two finally left the room Cissa came up to her and the two shared a long quiet hug before she left with Severus. Bella watched the empty space for another moment before turning and heading into the room they had just left. The teen was on the large bed, tucked in and bandaged to the best of their ability. His face obscured in shadow, probably magic. Her master sat at his side on the far side of the bed watching the pale prone form.
“Master… is he?”
“He is alive, though just barely. I obscured his face so they would not know who they were working on. I want his presence here as secret as possible only you, the brothers, and myself are to know he is here.”
She nodded and stepped closer, perching herself on the side of the bed and reaching to take the pale hand into hers patting it softly, “How could they treat him like that?”
“I don’t know. I know I have not been in my right mind but I have never harmed a child.”
Bella snorted she was not so innocent, but she only retaliated in many ways, “So, what do we do now?”
The man peered at her with dark red eyes, “We won’t be returning him. You said he had been staying with muggles?”
“Yes, the big child alerted me to the situation.”
Voldemort stood and looked at Bella, “I am going to go clean up the situation with the Brothers. You are to stay here and watch him. He won’t wake for some time. He is under your care now Bella.” He kissed the top of her head before exiting the room. Leaving Bella alone with the prone figure on the bed.
Days passed in a blur and life in the manor was mostly returned to normal except for the rotating observance of the youngest now reciding in the manor. Though many of the injuries had been cured, the mind was not so easily healed. Nor was the trauma of the body.
It wasn’t until the new school year started that a pair of green eyes finally opened in the room. Confussion was the first emotions the teen felt, followed by a burst of panic as he sat up quickly. Pain was next, it burst behind his eyes and in his ribs most of all. Taking him by surprise as he tried to move and find out what was happening.
A cool hand pressed against his hand and green eyes turned to meet soft brown and the teen blinked in confussion, “Where, I… who?” He winced at the pain in his throat and the woman grabbed the glass next to him and gently eased it to his lips and he drank from it greedily.
“Your alright. You were very badly injured when I found you. Do you remember anything?” The fact that the teen wasn’t already screaming at her meant something was wrong. Amnesia wasn’t unheard of in trauma.
He finished off the glass and shook his head, “No, I…”
“It’s alright. You went through something traumatic. Don’t force yourself sweetheart.” She moved the glass out of the way before joining him on the bed and pulling him carefully against her and into the hug, “You don’t have to remember anything if you don’t want to. Your safe now sweetheart.”
Tears gathered in the teens eyes and he leaned into her. Something in him craved the gentle affection. He felt wrong and off. Why couldn’t he remember anything? Everytime he tried his head would throb and he got this feeling of dread. “Who am I?”
Bellatrix ran a gentle hand through his hair, “Who do you want to be?”
“I don’t know.”
She smiled and brushed her nose against his in a platonic butterfly kiss. “Can I tell you a secret?”
Green eyes widened and the amnesiac teen nodded. Secrets where important.
She smiled, something about her was beautiful when she smiled, “I once had a beautiful son. Curly dark hair. Just like yours. Bright blue eyes. He got those from my side of the family.”
The young wizard swallowed, “What happened?”
“He was taken from me when he was young.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I avenged him you see. I know he wouldn’t want me to be sad.”
“What was his name?”
She smiled and kissed his cheek, “Cephius.”
The wizard smiled, “That sounds like a good name.”
She nodded, “I liked it to. You see, all the children of the Black family are named after stars and constellations. It’s a tradition and one I kept.”
He nodded and hugged her, “I’m sorry you lost him. I… I don’t think I have parents. I can’t remember.”
Bellatrix gave him a sad smile, “It’s alright sweetheart. We have each other. I know, how about you and I be family?”
Green eyes widened, “We can be family?”
“Of course. We can be family for as long as you want. Even after you get your memories back, if you want.”
A smile spread on his face, “I want that.”
Bellatrix pulled him into a tight warm hug, “Ophiucus, that will be your name.”
“I like it.” His soft words a balm to her soul.
“I’m glad.” She kissed the top of his head and the two stayed there holding one another, soaking in the calm that both seemed to crave.
A soft knock alerted them to someone at the door and Ophiucus looked up to see a tall man with sharp red eyes. He was dressed in flowing dark robes and his dark hair was tosseled around his face. “Bella, oh I see our guest is awake.”
Bella nodded and spoke quickly, “Ophiucus doesn’t remember much it seems. We were bonding.”
Red eyes regarded them carefully before he nodded as understanding dawned on his face, “Ophiucus, a strong name. Welcome to our little family.” He stepped over and peered at the boy who posed such a risk to his legacy and found that he couldn’t see him as such any longer. This wasn’t his enemy. He let his hand touch the pale cheek a pulse of familiar warmth sunk into his chilled hand. “I am Voldemort.”
No fear or recognition played in the green eyes and the young wizard smiled at him. “Thank you sir. A..Are you my Uncle?”
Red eyes narrowed just slightly before he huffed in disbelief, “Sure. You can call me Uncle.” What harm would it be? Bella seemed so happy. “I came to get you for dinner Bella. I suppose you should both come to dinner then. The rest of the family will be happy to meet our newest addition. I will inform them while you get ready.”
Bella smiled, “Thank you My Lord. Come Ophi, lets get you in the shower and dressed for dinner. I am sure you are hungry yes?”
The wizard nodded and Bella helped him from the bed and to the bathroom, making sure he could stand and walk alright before going to her room that she shared withher husband and searched for something he could wear. She would just shrink it to fit him if needed. Perfect.
By the time they made it to the dinner hall food had been served but the three men sat around the table waiting. Talking softly under their breaths. Bella tugged him gently to a chair and sat him down, “Ophi this is my husband, your new papa Rodolphus and his brother, Your Uncle Rabastian.”
Green eyes watched them, a blush forming on his cheeks as he mumbled a hello and took the chair next to his mother. The two new men seemed to take it all in stride and the meal went well. Bella took the time to explain proper table decorum and explain what certain dishes where and slowly the atmosphere became comfortable. A moment in time when noone seemed to need anything more than the company that was there.
Days turned into weeks, turned into months and Ophiucus fit into the home with an ease that it was hardly noticed as odd. He would learn magic from both his Uncles and ettiquette from his Mother and Father. Life was good and soon they were celebrating his eighteenth birthday. Ophiucus unaware of the world outside of his home. Knowing nothing of the world outside, only of his small family and what they have given him.
Ophiucus flopped back onto the chair in his Uncle’s office. The man had busy over the past month or so. Always sending people off on missions or having large gatherings.
“Your Mother would not be happy seeing you flop on the furniture like some fish.”
“Mother wouldn’t be happy to know your drinking brandy before 4pm so I think we should keep this a secret between us.” He retorted calmly.
“Like the secret of how you remember who you are?”
The now young man froze and then he sighed and slumped on the chair, “I wish I didn’t.”
Voldemort stood from his desk and walked over to him and perched on the arm of the chair, “It won’t matter that you remember. You have clearly left that life behind. Though part of me is curious why you chose to remain here after you remembered.”
Harry.. no he was Ophiucus looked up at the man, “She gave me what I truly wanted all this time. Family. I didn’t care about the war, not really. I just wanted to be loved. To have a family. To be in a place where I belonged.”
The Dark Lord nodded, “You found that here.” Pale fingers brushed the dark curly hair away from the scar and his thumb rubbed it gently, “Are you still willing to be my heir?”
He nodded, “Of course Uncle. My thoughts haven’t changed. I came to terms with everything already. I’m Ophiucus Lestrange. Son of Bellatrix and Rodolphus, Heir to one of the most powerful Dark Lords to ever exist. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The man chuckled and pressed his thumb against the scar again, the thrum of magic echoed back to him and he smiled, “You should tell her, nothing will change and I know its eating you up inside. It will be alright.”
The younger sighed and nodded, “I will.”
“Good.”
——-
Ophiucus hummed as he watched the ball fall into full swing. The wizarding world was so much different from what he remember from his younger years. Now here he was 24 at the height of his power, heir to the greatest dynasty of magic sense the time of the founders. He had slid into his roll like he had been born to do it. His mother was so proud of him and his father, though not the most affectionate of people, cared and played his roll with the firmness and properness of his roll. It didn’t take long for him to know that the life he had chosen was the best life he would ever have.
Everyone he once knew had either died or submitted to the new rule. Some had tried to rescue him in a vain attempt to win him back but nothing would have ever worked. They had left him there to die. He had begged for their help and he had never received it, so why would he listen to them beg in return? That being said he had very little roll in the actual war itself. He had asked to not be involved and Voldemort had kept to his word. Winning it on his own and letting Ophiucus grow up and sink into the family that had carved itself out just for him. Now tonight they were celebrating the third anniversary of Voldemort becoming the leader of Wizarding Brittain.
Ophiucus drained the last of his wine before stepping up to the throne where the man sat and taking a seat in the smaller throne next to him, “Uncle, I see your enjoying yourself.”
The man snorted at him, “I see your already two drinks in. Been bored?”
He shrugged, “Not much to do at these parties.”
“Didn’t you bring a date?”
“Ah, you mean the date that barely stayed at my side before wondering off like some butterfly seeking sweeter nectar. I’m afraid it won’t work out between us. Clearly he only cared about amusing me long enough to get into this party.”
“Your young you will have many chances to find your great love. For now just have fun. Your mother put so much work into the ball, you should enjoy yourself. Even if it isn’t here. She worries that you have been drifting lately.”
“I am not drifting, I am just bored and seeking a bit of fun. I have this itch that I can’t seem to scratch.”
Voldemort groaned, “Then go scratch it, your far too young to hold back.”
Ophiucus raised a brow, “I will simply take that as permission then.” Before the older could ask what he had just given permission for the younger was off down the couple of steps up to the dancefloor to join the throng of dancing individuals. mischeif written on his face as he interupted a couple dancing and grabbed the man, pulling him into a different dance, “I will be taking this dance.”
The man seemed startled before he controlled his face frowning, “Heir Lestrange. It is good to see you this evening.”
“Come now Lucius, You know to call me Ophiucus.”
“Oh yes, and incur your mother’s wrath? I rather not.”
“Mother was only upset because of how you said it, not that you did say it.” He twirled them around. His smaller form leading them in the dance flawlessly. His mother had nailed dancing into him nonstop until he couple preform well. It had taken a long time before he perfected it.
“Regardless, I rather not being tortured.”
“You won’t be tortured. I’ve decided to claim what I want you see.”
The man stiffened in his arms, “Ophi we can’t.” His mask cracking slightly as silver eyes darted about them as if looking for the threat.
“No, I am tired of hiding it Luc. Your mine. Aren’t you tired of hiding it?”
Silver eyes kept glancing around as he spoke, “I am a married man.”
“Oh please, she has been cheating on you since the day Draco was born. You know she has. You have been nothing but loyal to that insepid whore and she repaid you by sleeping with your best friend.”
Lucius’s head hung and he could say nothing for a few long moments, “I ruined her life… how could I ever expect her loyalty.”
“You did not ruin her life. She did. She knew that you and her would marry. She knew that she was going to be marrying someone she didn’t love. So she trapped you to make it seem like you where the perpetrator. You did nothing wrong Lucius. Please know that.”
Those bright silver eyes regarded him before nodding and leaning into the warm hand no cupping his cheek, “Your right. I’m just scared.”
“You don’t need to be. I’ll handle everything.” He looked up at the throne and smirked, “Well, I will ensure it is handled.” He turned his attention back to Lucius and leaned forward pecking him gently on the lips. “Let’s get out of here. You don’t have to worry about a thing. I want to spend the night in your arms. Please.”
Lucius smiled and kissed him more firmly, “Of coure love.” Before the two left the ballroom ignoring a few eyes watching them go. It was a good evening to simply dissapear together.
Ophiucus dragged them out into the gardens, the soft fairylights dancing about them as they made their way to the large greenhouse in the back of the property. Ophiucus tended to his favorite plants in it, a little haven that he had nurtered with his own hands. He had several hobbies now that he had the ability to do so.
The greenhouse was gently lit and Lucius dragged the younger down to the ground, using his body to ensure the other had a gentle landing, “You are so very beautiful. I am in awe everytime you let me hold you.”
Ophiucus straddled his hips, “Your the beautiful one Lucius. Everything about you is like a jewel. I makes me want to take you apart so that I can fashion you into the finest jewlery.”
“That doesn’t sound very healthy, to break apart things you find beautiful.”
“Oh but it is healthy. I plan on making you shatter tonight Lucius. Feel free to scream as loud as you like.”
The older wizard flushed and a rush of magic burned over him, their clothes turning to ashes before Ophiucus leaned down and sucked at the exposed rosebud, pebbling it with a swipe of his tongue. Sliding his body down to slot himself between Lucius’s legs. Green eyes watching as the man’s eyes closed and his head fell back against the warm soil. He growled and bit down on the pale skin until his teeth left red marks, “Look at me.”
Silver eyes snapped open and watched him, “Ophi…”
“You will look at me and you will not look anywhere else. You will not close your eyes, or I will force you to. Do you understand? I will have you watch me as I take you apart.” The tip of his wand finding the older ones entrance. A murmurred spell and wet warmth rushed inside of Lucius and the man shuttered in pleasure.
Ophiucus took his time taking the man apart. A stroke here, a bite there. Suckling and lapping at heated skin, leaving behind mark after mark. Claiming the man he came to love with each boring party and ball. Now that he had the other, he would make sure noone ever touched what was his ever again. He sunk his teeth into the thin hip and listening to the gasping moan above him, green eyes meeting silver as he tongue trailed in before wrapping his lips around the other’s shaft while sliding his wand into the other’s body. He would claim him in every way imaginable. He worked the wand deeper, pressing into the warm body where he would soon be himself. He let raw magic slide through his wand and into the pliant form. The cock in his mouth twitching as the pleasure grew.
The scream was the only warning he got before warmth flooded his mouth, choking him as he swallowed around the release quickly. Not able to catch the bit that dribbled past his lips. He sat up, sliding his wand from inside the other as he licked at the corner of his lips. Those silver eyes still watching him as the form panted desperatly. “Thats right Luc… watch me. Only me for the rest of your life.”