PRETENDING TO LIVE~ {The Lestrange Daughter #2}

𝟒𝟓. Grawp

When Valentine kicked open the Potion's room door, she didn't bother with a greeting. Although what would have been new about that?

She'd spent the entire Easter break jotting down everything in her mind that she wanted to complain about the second she had the chance. Every annoyance from big to small. And unfortunately for Snape, with Dumbledore gone, he was quite literally her only option.

"Was she always so freaking annoying?"

"Close the door before you start blabbering." He glared at her from the storage closet.

Valentine groaned loudly at that, backtracking so she could push the door closed with her foot.

"Can I continue you now?" She huffed.

Snape cast a weary look into the closet. He looked exhausted at the mere sight of her and he probably was.

"...if you must."

"Good." Valentine didn't pause for beginning again. "So, as I was saying. Was she always such a childish, irritating pest?"

"I'm assuming you're not talking in third person?"

"You're assuming right." Valentine pursed her lips.

"Then I shall also assume that you've met your mother then?"

"She never shuts up!" Valentine exclaims, starting to pace. "And do not get her started on Voldemort. It's always 'my power Lord' this and 'my brilliant Lord' that! I swear it never ends! The very first night she told us all about the damage she's already done since the breakout- in graphic detail mind you- and she acted like we were supposed to cheer her on! Poor Draco could hardly eat a thing!"

"I see she hasn't changed then."

"She's deranged. The wheel is spinning, but the hamster is dead. She's knitting with only one needle. She's an ace short of a deck."

"In her case, I think you'll find the entire deck is missing."

"And I had to sit there and listen to it every night! Draco's terrified of her and Lucius is just about ready to kill her himself- not that I would complain. The only reason she's even around is because Narcissa has a stupid soft spot for her. I understand that they're sisters and all and Narcissa loves her and blah blah blah, but Bellatrix is completely insane!"

"I doubt you'll be rid of her anytime soon." Snape shut the closet door and turned to watch her pace. "She never has much interest in being alone for long. Not enough attention for her."

"The holidays are going to be utter hell from now on." Valentine gritted her teeth. "She can't even get my damn name right. She's already called me about fifteen different things and that's when she acknowledged me at all- again, not that I'm complaining. I didn't even realise there were so many names starting with 'V'. I think most of them weren't even in English."

"I warn you not to expect much more from Rudolphus should he rear his head anytime soon."

"I've already been warned." Valentine scoffed. "From both Narcissa and Bellatrix. Even my uncle said so although he wasn't aware I could hear. What's worse is that Narcissa wants us to play happy families! She even tried to guilt Bellatrix into spending time with me, after I told her that I don't care! And let me tell you, Bellatrix crushed all of Lucius's dreams with her disinterest in me. He really thought that since my parents are free that they'd just take me off his hands! It's madness! Draco is afraid in his own home, Narcissa is more stressed than ever and Bellatrix- well Bellatrix just wants to drink and lick Voldemort's feet."

Snape pulled a particularly disgusted face at that and Valentine couldn't disagree.

"Honestly, I'd do anything to have the psycho locked up again." Valentine shook her head, finally halting in her pace as Snape moved over to his desk. "So. That's how things have been on my end. How's the situation been here? Any word from Dumbledore? How much did Leah cry when you took down the blanket fort?"