Antithesis

Chapter 34: Rapture

Rowle was a good teacher. He was calm, and didn't tire. It was convenient since Apparation was even harder for Adrian to perform than he anticipated.

Bellatrix didn't always watch, she often had other things to do. Rowle was given a special Portkey to the manor, and the privilege of freedom only in the main training room. On the rare occasions he saw another person, it was either Wormtail being chased by Nagini, or Rabastan delivering another shipment of illegal goods.

Rowle was professional in terms of never asking for information about his student.

Adrian almost suspected that the man doubted that he was the Dark Lord's Heir, until he saw Adrian deep in discussion with Nagini.

Lutain then terrified the man by moving across the floor faster than any curse, five feet of lethal intent.

"Got you!" Lutain crooned happily, displaying his fangs horrifyingly, "you are not so fast."

"That's because father would kill him if he cursed you," Adrian sighed, rubbing his eyes with his palm, "Leave him, he's my tutor."

"Shame he isn't as good as Nagini," Lutain sniffed, but retracted his imposing body obediently, "we are well matched."

Rowle swallowed nervously, blue eyes focused on Lutain's strikingly dark scales. "An impressive snake you have, young lord."

"Young lord?" Adrian quoted questioningly, blinking slowly as his familiar hissed laughingly, "That's a new one."

"Is it?" Rowle asked calmly, hands trembling as they clenched only air- not daring to draw his wand, "It baffles me others do not show you proper respect, my lord."

"Considering only you, and the Lestrange's know of my existence," Adrian stated boldly, drawing his wand and pointing it at Rowle innocently, "I don't have many to base my standards on."

Rowle nodded, not so much as blinking at the threat, "Then allow me to thank you for the generosity of your presence."

"You flatter me," Adrian drawled, lips pressed thinly together, "I know you're supposed to be teaching me how to apparate. I want you to teach me a spell, or a curse. One that will be more useful than popping birds or tripping aurors."

"Hatchling," Nagini scolded, peering over at Adrian disapprovingly, "You are to learn different magics."

"I won't be of any help without knowing any useful spells" Adrian hissed in response, "What point is learning Apparation when father already said he didn't think I could master it before the raid? I should at least know how to defend myself for a while."

"You have our bite," Nagini's tail thrashed loudly, thumping heavily on the floor, "That is all that is needed."

"But I should know something- just the incantation," Adrian bartered, "I'll practice it on my own. Just one day for the spell, then I can master it along with Apparation."

Nagini looked unconvinced, "You will practice with yourself?"

"And I won't get far behind. Let me surprise father."

Nagini grumbled and looked at Lutain who was obviously waiting for her decision.

"Okay," Nagini huffed, "But strong spell! Only for your safety!"