I looked at the haunting image feeling disoriented. I felt dazed and confused. This was surely some kind of mistake.. Azkaban is supposed to be the most secure place on Earth, next to Gringotts.
The room seemed to go quiet, everyone immersed in the front page story they were reading. Slowly but surely, heads started to turn towards me. I could feel hundreds of eyes boring into the back of my head as I sat slumped over the copy of the Daily Prophet. I could sense the fear in every one of these students as their eyes' drilled holes through me. I could only imagine the questions they had or what they were thinking..
Is she involved in this massive breakout?
Will she join her mother and go over to the dark arts?
I could barely feel George's hand come to rest on my
shoulder, only tearing my eyes from the paper when he gave me a gentle shake.
"Liz.. are you okay?"
I looked up at George, my eyes wide and unsure. Was I okay? I never thought I would have to deal with her. I never once made a plan for something like this happening.
I looked around slowly at my friends, all eyeing me with concern. I opened my mouth to say something, but closed it once again when I realized I didn't have anything to say. All I knew was I wanted to get away from all these people. The sound of hushed voices began to grow, filling the room like a helium balloon. It was clear what and who they were talking about.
Without a word, I grabbed my bag and turned quickly, nearly running out of the Great Hall.
People all around paused their conversations when they caught sight of me speeding from the room, no doubt waiting to see how I would react.
I quickened my pace until I was far enough from the Great Hall, leaning against a wall in a deserted corridor to catch my breath. It felt like I had forgotten to breathe once I saw the article.
"Miss Lestrange, may I have a word?" I jumped at the kind voice, turning to see Professor Dumbledore smiling at me, as if nothing was wrong.
Still unable to form words, I nodded and followed the headmaster towards his office.
We walked in silence until we reached the gargoyle leading to Dumbledore's office staircase and he said "Fanged Frisbees" causing the gargoyle to leap aside and reveal a staircase behind it.
I followed him up, trying to steady my breath with each step I took. Dumbledore opened the door, walking in first while I followed.
My breath, once again, caught in my throat as I saw the tall, dark haired man standing by Dumbledore's desk.
"Sirius," I nearly cried out, flinging myself into my guardians open arms.
"Shh, it's okay." Sirius comforted me as I cried into his chest.
I stood like that for awhile, not bothered by the fact that Professor Dumbledore was watching this vulnerable moment between my uncle and I.
Sirius was my second cousin, my mother's first cousin. But ever since he became my legal guardian, being my only non-death eater family member, we decided it was easier to say he was my uncle. It saves time, that's what Sirius always said. He took me in when I was three years old, he having been in Azkaban for a crime he didn't commit those first years of my life. He now lived in secret, undetected by the Ministry so he could watch over me.
I pulled back a bit to look at him, "When did you get here? How-" I started.
"I contacted Sirius as soon as I'd heard the news and then I managed to sneak a portkey, under the Ministry's nose of course, so he could come and see you." Dumbledore answered me, his voice calm and collected.
I nodded, Sirius helping me into a chair and him sitting next to me while Dumbledore sat at his chair behind his desk, crossing his hands in front of him.
"Well, it seems we need to discuss a plan now, Eliza. I have no doubt that now that your mother has broken out of Azkaban she will attempt to make contact with you and find you."
Dumbledore was speaking so serenely, as if this was no big deal. I wish I could have his strength and be as calm about this as he was.
Sirius could clearly sense my hesitance of the situation, "I know this is a lot to take in. And I am so sorry you are having to deal with this, but right now
your safety is my number one priority. We need to make a plan, but we both decided that you should be involved in the making of this plan, as it is your life."
I nodded, looking between the both of them.
"My mother.." I croaked out, sounding like I've been battling a sore throat for some time now, "why does she want to find me?"
"Well, when you were a baby she wasn't the best mother to you, but-"
"I know that, so why does she want me now? Why does she even give a damn about me?!"
All of a sudden a wave of anger rushed over me, and before I knew it I was standing, my fists balled at my side.
Sirius sighed, but not in annoyance of my sudden change in attitude towards the situation. He understood my anger, and it was more of a sigh in agreement, and almost pity.
"We think she is looking to recruit you. There is no doubt you are an extraordinary wizard Eliza. However, Bellatrix does not know of that yet. I guarantee you she has heard nothing of the sort within the walls of Azkaban. I am concerned she sees you as a source of pride, being a one hundred percent pureblood witch, coming from one of the purest wizarding families of all time. She believes you are bound to be incredibly talented, just as she is. I believe she wants to train you in the dark arts, so that you too can follow in her footsteps and serve Lord Voldemort."
I could feel Sirius watching me closely.
"Pardon my language headmaster, but it will be a cold day in hell before I join the death eaters." I said more calm than before.
I looked at Sirius, who smiled at my response. If I was a source of pride for anyone, it was Sirius. Being raised by him I have become somewhat of a miniature version of him.
"I would expect nothing less. But unfortunately she is ruthless, and will not be opposed to using you against your will. This brings us back to our plan we would like to enact, to ensure your protection." Dumbledore continued, smiling slightly at my devotion of opposing her. "We are, naturally, increasing security here at the school. We will have members of the Order on watch, and the protective enchantments used in protecting the grounds have been increased tenfold by Professor McGonagall."
I nodded. It seemed reasonable, not just for my sake but for the entire student populations' safety as well.
"And unfortunately, you will no longer be able to visit Hogsmeade." Sirius spoke quickly, trying to gauge my reaction.
"No! No, no, no. I'm sorry but I have a date!" I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth, watching Sirius' eyebrows raise and his demeanor stiffen.
"I'm sorry, but with who?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Ah, to be young and in love." Dumbledore murmured, a dreamlike look taking over his features.
"That's neither here nor there, but I refuse to put a damper on my personal life just because my psychotic mother is on the loose. I'm in my last year at Hogwarts, and I want to enjoy what I can of it, not spend it locked up in my dormitory." I said sternly, not removing my eyes from Sirius.
"Sirius, I am sure some members of the Order wouldn't mind keeping watch on Hogsmeade as well. And it does seem it is close enough to the castle. I'm not sure she would try anything too close to the school whilst I am here.." Dumbledore said quietly, surprising me slightly by taking my side.
Sirius looked agitated, running a hand through his long hair, "It's too risky. Eliza, you don't understand the lengths she will go to get what she wants. Bellatrix is truly deranged, I hate to tell you-"
"No. I am almost of age, and it is my life. I know you are trying to protect me," I placed a hand on Sirius' arm, "and I love you for that. But I refuse to live in fear and hiding because of her. You taught me how to be strong, and I'm going to show her that. I won't let her scare me."
Sirius seemed to swell with pride, his eyes softening and his voice becoming calmer.
"Well, I can't say I'm not surprised."
YOU ARE READING
Royalty (George Weasley) (Completed)
Fanfic"we've all got both light and dark inside of us, what matters is the part we choose to act on" DISCLAIMER: this story does NOT follow the HP books 100%. this is just a story i write for fun and to have a creative outlet.