The Love of a Thornbush

Information - Chapter TwentySix

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"Bella, this really isn't necessary!"

Narcissa raced to catch up with her older sister. The rain lashed hard against her face. Bellatrix lashed out, turning so suddenly that Narcissa jolted to a stop.

The rainwater nearly hid the desperate tears tracking their way down her face, but Bellatrix knew they were there. She had a way of sensing weakness in others that lurked just below the surface, even if they themselves didn't recognise it.

The Witch knew Narcissa was vulnerable. Something was creating a weakness in her heart... But she didn't know what. Bellatrix burned to know the answer. She too, was subject to her own vulnerability. She thought not having the little girl would free her, but it only made her weaker. She needed the relief her baby provided, the security. The unconditional love.

"Necessary?" Her voice hissed "we are beyond necessary, Narcissa!"

Bellatrix began marching again, her boots slick with moistened mud. Narcissa, ever the lady, trotted behind her attempting not to ruin her only pair of outdoor shoes.

"That doesn't mean we need his help. Sister, I only mean-" her sister turned a cobbled corner and Narcissa nearly stumbled in the mud, but quickly regained her footing on the new pathway and rushed to catch up with her sister "I only mean that we might be better off seeking help else where, the dark lord-"

Bellatrix cut her off with a yell over the crash of thunder overhead.

"He need not know about this at all, Cissy!"

Her fist hammered on the door. Frantic eyes searched across the frosted window pane, the whites of her eyes shone against the rain with maddening fright. Bellatrix felt Narcissa standing behind her, taller and more able to slide a calm expression onto her face. They stood in silence.

A face swam in the icy glass. Ugly and misshapen, warts and a pig nose on blotchy red skin. Wormtail ran his eyes over Bellatrix, a smirk tugged at his chubby cheeks. A wave of disgust washed over her as she watched him open the door.

"Ms Black" he licked his lips "a pleasure-" the little rat gave an exaggerated bow, eyes lingering on her chest. Bellatrix gritted her teeth in a sneer "take me to your master, Wormtail. I have no use for your squeaking"

His lopsided, rotten smile would have been sweet in a child if Bellatrix cared for them, but in a lumpy little man it was nauseating. He swept aside with a nod of his head, eyes sickeningly focused on the Sisters as they made their way inside.

The home was small. Dust filtered into Narcissa's nostrils as she attempted to wipe away the tear streaks. She looked down upon the dying plants, leaf litter spoilt the tasteful yet vintage carpet. They crunched beneath her shoes.

Bellatrix stormed ahead. Wormtail barely had time to reach the door before her palm slammed it open with force, probably breaking the lock. Narcissa paled at her elder sister's dreadful manners. Bellatrix shoved her way inside the room.

The man, more like a snivelling worm Bellatrix thought, didn't stir even as she stood above him. Her chest heaved, hands on her hips. Her voice hissed out as her nostrils flared.

"Where is she"

His dark eyes pierced through the black curtains that were his hair. Narcissa could smell the grease like that of a fryer in a chip shop. Bellatrix didn't move even as the man glared up at her.