The Allure of Darkness

Bella

Riddle Manor [August 17th]

Sirius Black glanced at the Harry, or Hadrian, the name he apparently went by now a days. His eyes were narrowed in distrust and he shook his head and adamantly, insisted, "No, Harry. Your father wouldn't do that to me. James was my best friend, remember? Of course he'll believe me. Don't worry, kid. I'll get us out of here."

Hadrian sighed with impatience and pinched the bridge of his nose, turning to grab the box of newspapers he had brought inside with him. Ever since his father had tasked him with the responsibility of ensuring Sirius Black's loyalty to the dark side, his life had been hell. Sirius was actually quite entertaining to speak to, although he insisted on calling him Harry, and also refused to speak about his time in Azkaban, despite his curiosity. Not to mention, the task of "converting" Sirius Black was proving to be rather difficult, since Black was unwaveringly loyal to Dumbledore and his Order of Chickens.

"I didn't want to show you this," Hadrian paused dramatically, "But you have to know, Uncle Sirius."

He shoved a newspaper in Sirius's lap, crossing his arms as Sirius read the headline aloud: "Head Auror Potter warns wizards to protect their families, their lives are threatened with a mentally deranged criminal, Sirius Black on the loose."

Sirius froze, and Hadrian could almost physically see the trickle of doubt in his mind. He handed the man stack of newspapers, these ones dated just in the last couple of days.

"No he couldn't have." Sirius whispered in disbelief, but his eyes were conflicted as he held the evidence in his hands. The several issues of the Daily Prophet had pictures of James Potter all over them, the headlines declaring, "Head Auror Potter denies any standing friendship with convict Sirius Black."

"Head Auror Potter leads search for criminal Sirius Black, claims Black is a madman that was always unstable and would do anything-even murder- for himself."

"Head Auror Potter claims the Ministry will find Sirius Black, and he himself will be the first to sentence Black to the Kiss when found."

"These are fake! They must be, James wouldn't do this." Sirius declared, but even his own voice seemed doubtful. "He knew me. We were best friends. He wouldn't think I'd actually do this. I never killed anyone in my life. James has to believe me. He wouldn't desert me."

Hadrian hid the triumphant smile that threatened to appear on his face. He plastered on a dejected expression, and prepared to tell the story of his parent's painful desertion, embellishing a bit here and there for the greatest intended effect. His voice was solemn as he concluded, leaning back against the chaise, "They deserted me too, Uncle Sirius. If they can do that to their own son, what makes you think it would be any different for you?"

Lestrange Estate [August 17th]

Rodolphus Lestrange prided himself on being part of the Dark Lord's inner circle. He was a brilliantly efficient killing machine, and his Avada-count was second to only his wife. He could decapitate someone faster than they could say, "Please, spare me."

Those that had the unfortunate experience of meeting him immediately feared him. Those that saw themselves on the receiving end of his wand knew they would suffer, for mercy was not a part of his vocabulary.

Yet, Rodolphus Lestrange was frightened of only two things: The Dark Lord, of course, and his own slightly murder-crazy wife, Bellatrix Lestrange née-Black. He wasn't sure whom he was afraid to disappoint more.

If he failed Lord Voldemort, it was a straight passage to Hell.

If he failed Bellatrix Lestrange, she'd probably withhold sex and practice her newly invented curses on him.