Downfall | Lestrange

Chapter Five

[Chapter Five]

Roderick could easily say that he had never been in love as he had never shared in a relationship with another person, not even during his time in Hogwarts. He didn't see the point of it, knowing from a young age that he would have to marry someone else. However, even as a boy when he first met Elizabeth, one wouldn't find him complaining that she was to be his future wife. Of course, at the time, it was solely based on looks for the young boy. Elizabeth was extremely beautiful, the talk of many even when she was quite young herself, but he knew even then, that she was something special. 

What he had experienced during his first kiss shared with her and the kisses afterwards, there was nothing that magic could provide him, that would feel remotely close to the feeling that swelled in his chest. It was a foreign feeling, as he never really thought he experienced what it was like to be loved, at least, within his family. He had never seen the signs of a healthy and loving relationship between his parents, leaving him to gauge everything on his own. He didn't understand that the uncomfortable, yet pleasant feeling that fluttered in his chest was the actual early signs of falling with Elizabeth. Yet, he was sure it was safe to say that Elizabeth brought out a different side to him.  One where Roderick found himself feeling the happiest he had ever been and one where he felt the most comfortable just being himself.

Far too often as a boy growing up, Roderick had been told that he had to do things a certain way. He had to dress, talk and act the way his parents told him to. If he did anything different, it was frowned upon and usually ended up as a painful experience for Roderick.He had learned quickly after just a few painful encounters brought on by his father, that he needed to do what was asked of him at all times or there would be terrible consequences to follow.  Elizabeth's upbringing was similar, constantly being told what to do to become a proper lady.

However, whenever they were alone, it was different. They were free to be themselves, whether it was acting foolish or confessing things that they wouldn't dare to bring to light in front of their families. Not a soul, outside of Elizabeth, was aware that Roderick enjoyed Herbology. It was deemed as a wasteful subject, one that wouldn't benefit him in the long run, according to his family. He was told from a young age to focus all his attention in his other core classes such as Transfiguration, Charms, and Defence Against the Dark Arts.

He had to know the ins and outs of spells, counterspells, jinxes, and curses alike. It would help defend himself and attack those that he fought against on a constant basis. It was highly likely that they were trained to do the same against him. Roderick's older brothers were always fast with the drawing of their wands, far faster than Roderick could ever hope to be. With speed on their side, they normally caught their enemies off guard giving them the advantage in a battle. 

Unfortunately, Roderick was like his brothers in many ways despite sharing a surname. He didn't have speed on his side when it came to battles and that more than often left him as the one who was caught off guard. His lack of speed would also lead to him experiencing his first near-death experience moment of his life.