Black Rose [Regulus Black]

53 - discomforted homeowners & forced spells

Alessandra missed the days her mind used to be clearer. Ever since her father had her moved into the Malfoy wing, her headaches had grown stronger. She didn't have it in her to disappoint her father because he said he'd let her stay in the Malfoy wing after noticing how much she liked the decor, but the pain was starting to grow unbearable. She'd wake up in the morning covered in a layer of sweat and struggling to breathe and would go to bed with a piercing headache that would stop her from sleeping. She'd ordered the house-elf, Dobby, to properly clean the entire wing as she suspected some sort of substance or magic might have been interfering with her health, but it still didn't help at all.

Her father had sent her to her room hours ago, telling her to come out only when she was summoned, and who was she to disobey? However, the pressure in her head was getting overwhelming and she needed some fresh air. So, she cast a warmth charm on herself before going out, making sure to braid her hair nicely and wear a black pair of wizard's robes so she looked more presentable. The daughter of the Dark Lord couldn't appear shoddy, after all.

She paused in front of Narcissa and Lucius' room, hearing voices behind the door. They were always so secretive around her, shutting up whenever she was around, so she couldn't help but overhear what they were saying. 

"-an odd girl before her captivity too," Lucius was saying.

"I don't know about odd," Narcissa said hesitantly. "But now, she's just creepy. Look at her eyes, Lucius!"

"I can't," he said blandly, before raising his voice in a poor imitation of the Dark Lord. "The Dark Lord's daughter is superior to all of us, we shouldn't even dream of looking her in the eyes."

"That's enough of that. If anyone hears you say that, you will be struck dead on the spot. Especially considering that," Narcissa's voice lowered. "his daughter lives in the same place as us now. I feel terrified just living in the same wing as her."

"You've been living with Bella your entire life," Lucius countered. "I'd say that's a more terrifying experience."

"Lucius."

He sighed, as though they'd had this conversation countless times before. "Cissa, this matter is out of my hands. It's the Dark Lord's daughter. What can I do?"

"I don't know," she hissed. "Why did you volunteer this place as the Dark Lord's headquarters anyways."

"I didn't. My father did."

"Well then, why didn't we decide to move somewhere else when we got married?" her voice rose. "This upbringing is not good for Draco. He's constantly wailing whenever he's within the Manor now. I think he senses the depravity in this place."

"Keep your voice down," Lucius snapped. "If the Dark Lord hears you say that, he will have our heads on a pike, Draco's included."

Alessandra couldn't hear Narcissa's retort because she heard footsteps coming down the passageway. She backed away from the door, forcing her face into a neutral expression so nobody would sense what she'd just heard.

Walburga turned the corner, her nose turned up as usual. "Ah, it's you." Even after Alessandra's elevated status, she would not stop looking down on the blonde. "The Dark Lord wishes to see you."

Alessandra wordlessly stalked past her, not bothering to grace the woman with her words or thoughts. No, her mind was focused on the fact that Narcissa had just insulted her. She wanted revenge, but not through her father. No, running to her father would appear weak; she would take care of matters on her own.

"Not there," Walburga snapped before Alessandra could enter the living room. She took the lead, heading down to a place Alessandra recognized as the dungeons. Before Walburga could enter the small, dark cell in the dungeons, she overtook her.