✧GOSSIP AND RUMORS✧

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Sirius was called shortly after the Slytherin's departure, but they too didn't get a good explanation in. Aurora was simply talking in circles, but she was defiantly more entertained by the marauders and Lily than her supposed boyfriend and her brother.

"So...So Rabastan isn't my boyfriend?" 

"Nah, you two had a spat, been off for a few weeks now." Sirius laughed, and it just confused the poor girl even more. "Then why'd he say—" 

"Save his arse princess, you're very scary when you want to be." She didn't feel scary, she felt rather scared of everyone around her.

What wracked her brain were questions, hundreds of them, but she felt too self-conscious on the out chance that it'd look dumb to ask. Madam Pomfry however had been working on a quicker paced potion to return her memories, and the second it was in the vial she was thankful. Especially after the countdown timer.

"Bless you Madam Pomfry, that was a nightmare." 

"Sure it was entertaining, just a bit on this end of it...Get some proper rest now darling. And don't force yourself for the full moon. Mr. Lupin will understand." She let out a fitful smile before walking down the hall, complete and utter confusion warped her mind as it was shocked expression being sent her way...

She knew there was bruises still on her face, but people didn't need to be so rude about it.

And when she finally did arrive in the grand hall, it felt like every eye managed to stop and stare off in her direction. Yet she somehow continued off to her seat beside her friends, only for Clementine to wrap her arms around her in the instant.

"Merlin Rory, you can never ever ever do that again!" She returned her friends hug and looked to the rest of her table. 

"Do I look that bad?" It was a hurricane of comments that suddenly bombarded her as she finally had to plant her hands over her ears.

"Alright I need one person to blood speak or you are all getting a detention for bringing back my headache." There had been more than a few chuckles, although the first years took her warning seriously.

"Well there's been an investigation on how your charm worked for everyone else but not yourself," Harper whispered, and she stilled. "What...? An investigation over what?" Harper started to see the temperament, this was going to be a massive fight.

"Lestrange and those snakes, Dumbledore checked their wands to see if they made any tampers with that necklace of yours." 

"They checked the Gryffindors too Stefan. And they didn't find anything." Aurora was at a loss as she saw how Harper seemingly stood her ground against their own classmate.

The conversation started to turn into an argument and it just whirled around, and the only way to pull everyone out of it was to slam her fist to the table. 

"Instead of blaming someone else, perhaps it was my failure to secure the spell...Shame on all of you." She spoke, taking her plate and storming out of the bloody grand hall. Most of the students cleared a path from her, but it was when she reached the main hallway, Avery and the rest of the Slytherin had turned their own corner.

Yet Rabastan didn't realize why his mate had paused. 

"Oh sweet Merlin, what a sight for sore eyes." He nudged towards Lestrange and his eyes looked up to see Aurora standing with a plate of dinner in her hand.

"A sight indeed..." He nicked his head for them to go along anyhow. She offered a bit of a smile, but looking at Rabastan she shook her head.

"I check out for a few days and the school goes downhill." He lets out more than just a chuckle as he nods about. 

"Hm, but seeing you not know a single thing might've been my worst nightmare. Please love, don't do that again." She hummed along and kissed his cheek.

"You just liked seeing me flushed at hearing about you being my boyfriend." 

"Still a possibility..." She blinked for a moment and she turned away.

"Thank you Rabastan...But I do think I owe you a date to the Christmas party." He took that as a victory. But gesturing to her plate he offered to bring her to the grand hall and sit with his own house.

"I rather stay away from the crowds, not a fan of all that whispering." He gritted his teeth at the fact that she was hiding away, but then again she was never one to really be the center of attention.

"My charm didn't work." That took his guard, his attention drifting off from his tempted anger. "What do you mean?" 

"Sirius wouldn't hurt me. And in what world would you? It was on my end." That was never an option in anyones mind, and so Rabastan held up her plate. 

"Why don't we go and eat in the kitchens." For once he had said the right thing, the two walked fairly close all the way towards the dungeons and in complete seclusion to the rest of the Hogwarts population...

*

Although it had only been a quick visit into the Gryffindor common room, Sirius had been more than happy to see her knocking on their dorm room coming inside so bubbly.

They began apologizing like they had done anything wrong, and James wouldn't allow anything less than a dozen hugs in fear that she thought he wanted this to happen.

Ms.Black simple fixed the entire situation when she and Dumbledore check the initial charm and it wasn't as strong as the others she produced.

And just like that, she was attempting to prepare herself for the likes of this winter break. 

Her final winter break.

She was also preparing Clementine, as she apparently was being invited to the party as well. Meaning that Aurora had been doing her job properly, when in reality it simply was her families doing.

The eldest Black heir still on the family tapestry was the perfect setter in knowing what to expect on these gatherings. And the way things are headed, it won't be much longer.

Regulus on the other hand was rather conflicted, part of him wanted to tell his parents about the accident at school. But then a whole line of people would be facing his parent's wrath.

Another issue would be the 'break' that was going on with his sister and Lestrange. He was at ends meet, Rory wanted distance but the persistence of this was always met with his begging eyes.

It was a betrayal on using her empathy against her, she could be the sweetest souls...But one misstep, she could easily fight back. Gods above did he want to see that, wouldn't miss it for the world.

Although he couldn't rightly ignore the fact that Rabastan was actually trying to get her attention and make amends, he thought Lestrange was going about it all wrong.

Luckily at the train station, it was their father who picked them up right beside Mrs.Malfoy. Who was in place of getting Rabastan as they would be heading over to the Lestrange manner together.

Aurora kissed Rabastan's cheek in worry it would look out of place, and even that light effection act, it caused a rile in his heart.

He missed her terribly, this friend relationship surely did not work.

When he managed to come into his brother's home, it was much more calming atmosphere than being bombarded by his parents. Their thoughts were usually only concerned that of Rory, academics and the Dark Lord. More or less in that order as well.

Sure his mother was defiantly more of the one on his side when it comes to the emotional aspect. But otherwise their parenting stopped. He was already closed to eighteen anyhow.

However, when it was solely his brother...It was obvious that something was wrong, and a mere few sips of whiskey loosened him up.

"A break?... Oh this is rich." Rodolphus had laughed into the air of his empty manner. His wife was having drinks with her sister on this fine winter evening, but truthfully...Rabastan was already dreaming of the nights he would be able to spend Rory.

"I've been a foul git." 

"Are you being truthful or are you reinstating what she's said?" He hummed along with his brother before running a hair through his long locks. Damn he'd need a haircut soon.

"That I'm distracted." 

"Ahh, she's not getting attention." It was sort of strange to suddenly speak to someone who doesn't know the whole situation. 

"Not quite." It just made it worse as the taunting continued in the form a laughter.

Turning bitter he snapped, which his brother took as a white flag with his hands up.

"Aight aight, then what happened then?" 

"I called her a heartless bitch, course I didn't say it directly but Avery and his big mouth said it in front of Sirius and..." Trailing off Rodolphus simply rolled his eyes.

"Cassi's like a bloody kitten." 

"Oh no she bloody isn't! I think I've been given all her physical attacks." The playful smirk managed to come out and he groaned. "She's slapped, kicked and—" 

"That's what you're into brother?" It was just too easy to get him aggravated, and so Rabastan huffed in pure annoyance.

"I called her a heartless bitch like Bella." It was a slick inhale through Rodolphus' teeth, followed by a single tut. "How long has this break been going on then?" 

"Early November."

Silence took over the brothers for a moment until the youngest popped up once again. "I think she's forgiven me, and we're going to the party together..." 

"You're in luck, she's been you fiancee for how long now? About sixteen years or so." It didn't rightly help that his own brother didn't side with him, which caused him to frown.

"Oi, you bad mouthed my wife to insult your future wife." 

"Yes but deep down she likes being called that." There was a light smile on either of their faces, until it was another hint into the future.

That when he returned for the summer he will learn about the contract.

"Why didn't mother and father tell me, or why don't we know of it? You knew about marrying Bella for how long?" 

"That's something you'll have to ask mum, but it must've been due to Sirius." It was a click of an understanding, course that fucking Gryffindor would ruin his life once again.

"The contract almost broke actually, mother continued to push and Cassi's parents were a little desperate about it. But then father couldn't say much after the two of you started dating." The proud smirk had rendered the conversation at an end...

But a similar conversation mirrored the one the Lestrange brothers had spoke of, however it was between Aurora and Regulus. The two had managed a quiet dinner downstairs their first day back.

Yet it would only get demanding from there and either side knew it.

"Do I get a proper story of it...Because his mates wouldn't dare mention it after—" 

"Not worth it, mother and father will be beyond angry if this is why we broke it off." Regulus returned his gaze up to the ceiling above them, the northern lights finally coming on the projector as he smirked.

"Of course it's worth it, incase he does it in the future." She hummed, biting her lip and shrugged upward. "Nobody wants to be called a heartless bitch, or be compared to Bella like that." 

"He didn't..." She nodded to confirm it, her lip still bitten as it'd stop it from quivering.

"What a bastard, you're as scary as Omen...Unless it's in certain scenarios." Rory curled up into her brother further, staying silent. It wasn't so much the 'heartless bitch' aspect. It was how Rabastan could simply compare her to his sister in law so quickly.

Especially after denying a task such as not wanting to get close to Sirius. "I'm glad you said no." 

"I can't fathom being close to him, I don't trust myself not getting attached." Regulus knew what she was getting at so easily, he was there the moment he had left.

He held her down when she wanted to save him from their mother's wrath, she begged him not to go...He held her when Sirius' name was burned off the tapestry.

Smelled the smoke of the aftermath.

She lost her fire, and Rabastan knew where to rebuild...But he didn't witness the worst of it all.

"You're giving Lestrange another chance though?" He mumbled, knowing that even if he said something...The wedding would still be months away anyhow, little to his own sister's knowledge.

"He's attempted to make it better, and he's learned not to be cold or take his anger out on his mates...I do love him Reg, hard to know what to do when everyone is saying different things." Even Regulus wasn't helping the situation, if he could he'd say keep the break on another few months. It was humbling Lestrange, the lack of her attention and all that was brilliant to say the least.

Regulus attempted to discuss it with her again, but she didn't budge. He saw it in her eyes that she wanted to deny the love she had for that bastard of a man, but in reality he could've done a lot worse.

Dorcas said something that day, him asking to shag his sister. Merlin he could barely take it when it was a small kiss! That image suddenly plagued his mind and he groaned further into his pillow.

It was safe to say that he hadn't fallen back asleep after the nightmare of walking into Lestrange's dorm room only to find him on top of his sister. 

It scarred him more than anything.

After that he simply gave up on it all. On sleep that is, he almost dreaded this bloody party to see them back together.

Hopefully this will turn out for the better.

However, seeing how depressed his sister was in the household...How could he be so selfish into not wanting her happy? Even if it was with that bastard...

*

Ms.Cassiopeia Aurora Black stood at attention as the first heir of the Black family, her brother escorting her inside as apparently the plan was to meet everyone there. Unlike other times where Rabastan came and picked her up.

The Dark Lord was holding a meeting prior, and now a few dozen were missing throughout the party invitation. But Regulus was quick to separate from the family as he had seen Avery and Harper among the groups.

The conversation continued for a few moments before a pair of arms suddenly snaked up before her, and before Aurora could properly take a look around, a head settled on top of hers to secure her in place.

"Enjoying yourself love?" 

"I don't rightly recall this in the bet." He was gaining this fiery side of hers and he had lived for it since they parted, truth be told...Being friends wasn't as bad as he had to admit, he learned a lot when he wasn't allowed to share affection of any kind.

"A bet?! Oh, this is gold!" Avery laugh, but he was instantly elbowed by his own date not to be rude. 

"Come on love, I was only joking...Besides, you owe me a dance." Harper rolled her eyes but never the less managed to nod along.

"May I have this dance lil Ravenclaw?" Perking her lips she hummed about. 

"I dunno, suppose you've earned it. Avery says the Dark Lord's pleased with your performance at school." The winning grin snuck out, he liked this ego feeding moment. Never the less he didn't allow it to get to him as he to found his foot and led his date to the dance floor.

"Have you given second thoughts about...us?" The smile brightened on her face for a single moment before she nodded. 

"Of course I have, you're not very easily forgettable Raba." It was another victory in his mind, thus earning her a playful spin before changing directions with the rest of the couples around them.

"I'd think that's a good thing." 

"Or I've turned obsessive, either or...I do love you Rabastan. And it's unfair for you to be dragged along because I'm being a—" He kissed her as though nothing had happened the last few months. "My parents are going to be mad Raba, cut it out." 

"Now that, Ms.Black, sounds like an excuse rather than a no." she perked her lips and rolled her eyes.

The idea of wine was a relief and Rabastan couldn't deny her a drink, he'd do anything for her. Mostly without question, and looking at her dress at the current moment...He couldn't even begin to daydream about what the summer will hold, or else his hard-on would be noticeable.

Perhaps she was nervous, he couldn't rightly tell. But her drinking as much as she had was confusing from where he stood, he had to admit...it was very good wine. 

But he wasn't much of a wine fellow.

Her giggling and smiling about blessed the night. She deserved it at this point in her life, working hard for the top spot of Hogwarts.

Rabastan hoped that he wasn't the reason of pushing her to drink, but seeing her turn tipsy he quickly took action to make her stop.

Rory wasn't ever a light weight, so his suspicion rose up tremendously that she had been spiked. There were too many guests to properly suggest anyone, so he had gone to the first person he trusted with something like this.

His sister in law. The nicer one.

"Oh goodness Cassi, go and take her to the side room. I'll bring some water." She ushered, but it was entirely amusing to see her younger cousin a giggling mess. 

"Come on love, why don't you tell me about that project you're working on." Although he assumed it would work, Aurora was perfectly content on placing her head in the crook of his neck.

He smelled delicious.

"Cassiopeia!" Narcissa hissed, and that snapped the girl into place. 

"Cissy! See, I told you that this was the better dress!" Rabastan had to bite his laugh as guests started to look about.

"Circi have you Cassi, Raba has a surprise for you in the other room." The girl pouted, she didn't rightly show enthusiasm, but she did calm down enough to be persuaded otherwise.

He sat beside her on the couch, and automatically she leaned into his frame to closer her eyes. "You drank maybe three glasses Rory." 

"Sleepy." He chuckled, moving aside the locks of hair that shield her face.

"I can see that, should I bring you home love?" Her disagreement was an obvious sign of distaste for the Black Manner. "Wouldn't you be more comfortable in a bed?" 

"You're comfy, and you smell nice." His laughter met Cissy's eyes as she was holding a glass of water for her almost asleep cousin.

"Has it been the over-studying that's caused this?" The man hummed along. 

"Nervous it'd seem, something we're going to talk about this break Rory." She groaned and nuzzled him further, although she did take the order of drinking the water.

"I'll go and get Orion, she needs proper rest." Rabastan agreed, shushing his girlfriend, but using this time to give her a small kiss. 

"We'll have some tea at your house love." He promised, along with an apology about how she would feel in the morning.

Orion had been called to the side by Narcissa and directed to this given room, he simply knocked before peeking his head in. "Rabastan, is Cassi feeling alright?" He looked more than concerned with how his daughter was feeling.

"She had a bit of a headache, and a bit too much wine I believe...Is it alright if I take her home? Sure she'd want some proper rest." Orion was caught in a dilemma, not wanting her to suffer but he knew that both himself and Cassi would never hear the end of it.

"I'll tell Kreacher to keep an eye if you wish for me to return sir, but I really don't want to leave her alone." The master of the manner allowed them to head on home. But as Rabastan carefully lifted the man's daughter, he caught his shoulder.

"I trust you Rabastan, it's my wife. Don't be discouraged, I will have a word with her." 

"She always finds a way to punish Cassi...This isn't her fault sir." The two nodded to one another while Orion prepared the floor network for both of the younglings to go through.

"Mothers...Going to be madmad." Aurora mumbled into Rabastan's coat, and the two men chuckled at her term of 'madmad', and it had her distracted when the two were engulfed in bright green flames.

"Whoa..." She cooed, blinking around and about. This was going to be a journey, he continued towards the stairs, kissing his girl's temple.

"Going to have to help me love, I've never been to your room." A yawn escaped her before she mumbled 'the second door.'

He smirked to see that the placks had their initials, and considering that the first had 'R.A.B', it was all to obvious to see the 'C.A.B'.

"Master Lestrange, is young mistress alright?" The elf had come out of nowhere, but he simply asked him to open the door and make a hangover tea to lessen the effects for tomorrow.

It took him a long moment to take in the likes of her room, it wasn't cluttered in terms of a mess per say. But the tall walls were crowded with books, a small nook off in the corner screamed his little Rory.

"Alright love, I'm setting you on your bed..." She hummed and let go from clinging to his shirt any longer. Her body seemingly curled up in a small ball, having her dress starting to curve up on her sides.

Rabastan closed his eyes and forced himself to look away, and instantly a meow that allowed him a safety net. "Omen, what a surprise darling." He cooed back, having the cat start rubbing up at his ankles.

"Alright...What's father always saying when he takes care of mother when she's like this...?" He questioned to himself, and thus it brought him to taking off her heels.

Which they looked very uncomfortable from the looks of it.

However the mere concept of something touching Aurora's feet had her giggling and squirming. "Oh? Is someone ticklish?" Aurora curled up further, attempting to hide them away. 

"Nooo." She groaned, causing him to crack another grin.

Reaching over he managed to wrap a blanket around her. 

"I have to change...Mum's gonna—" Rabastan huffed, this was going to be more than just the normal bit of self-control. He took one look at the dresser and shook his head.

"Think that's going against the promise I made with your father, I'll hold you up." She mumbled something in her pillow before managing to sit back up. Her pout was causing him to struggle with simply saying no to her.

"Can you hand me my shorts and jumper then?" She asked, exhausting completely swaying on her now that he stared back at the dresser.

"I might find something I don't mean to." 

"Third door is shorts...And I think my sweater is—is in my trunk." He took that as a sign, and he blessed the gods above that there were no signs of panties in the mist of him searching for the clothes.

He managed to find a pair of shorts, and then moved along towards the trunk. His luck still managing while finding a Ravenclaw sweater in the mists of all the books.

"Found the damn bugger!" He cheered, handing it on over. But like a child she rightly didn't care on who was watching, causing Rabastan to spin around with a hand over his eyes.

He couldn't do it, the restraint was a longing struggling. Especially when she undressing mere steps away from him. The giggling commenced, which was Omen's effort in curling up beside her human.

He turned around and gods was that a mistake. She looked breathtaking just simply in those short shorts. Her jumper almost reaching the entire length passed the given cloth that the pants had given.

"Are you staying Raba?" She tiredly mumbled, her eyes blinking but not simultaneously. He was currently quiet due to his pinned attention being on a certain someones brassier. 

The lace...The color...The size.

All this just meant that she wasn't wearing anything under that jumper.

"Raba?" It caught him out of his transaction as he nodded. 

"I'll stay until your family returns...Are you cold?" He asked, instantly throwing a spell towards the fireplace as well as summoning a blanket. It flew into his grasp from the given nook in the corner.

"Dunno what I expected from your room love...But this is fulfilling it all." Her tired smile came about as shined it up to her Raba. 

"Can...Can you put on the radio?" She mumbled, and he couldn't help but adore her childlike antics.

It was better than seeing his sister in law drunk, Salzar save them if she wasn't in a good mood. But he moved forward and switched it on, only to hear the soft music that flowed along. The little smile crept up, and her eyes opened for a moment.

"I enjoyed our date Raba..." She mumbled, which caused him to sit down in the middle of the bed with an award-winning smile. "There a reason as to why you were drinking so much then?" 

"Carrow said it'd help my headache." So it was Carrow's doing then?

"Is this going to be a gal talk, or shall I step in against the other twin." Addie shook her head, her hand reaching out to pull him closer. But in truth, she heard a few death eaters claim that they have a student from Hogwarts and are planning accordingly.

That panic and dread for the next coming days of their break had her on edge. How was she meant to celebrate Christmas when someone is being starved and counting down the days until their death?

But all those thoughts and guilty counsious disappeared, she turned bubbly. Excited. Or as Avery would say 'lacking that stick up her bum', and Rabastan agreed, until it became too much and she started using words such as 'madmad'.

Kreacher came in a few moments later, Rabastan thanked the Elf before settling the tray onto the bed. "Come on love, you're going to be full of regrets tomorrow." She turned off in the other direction, having her back towards him. Although it gave him the perfect view of her arse in those shorts, he was much more inclined of getting this liquid down her throat.

"How about you drink this as payment for ending our date early?" 

"Noooo. I don't wanna." He groaned in frustration, but then eyed her feet rather deviously.

"Then I suppose I'll have to have a go at those lovely feet, Christmas spirt even on these litt—" Her fit of giggles filled the room as she tried to hide her toes. So much so she was fighting and kicking.

"Finish this cup and I'll leave them alone." Sitting up in defeat did she hold the cup in her hands. Already knowing that they would be cold to the touch, along with her needing to blow at the hot liquid.

The tea itself didn't taste bad, but it staying down was another story. Rory felt immensely dizzy and sick, even if Rabastan was good company. Sleep was just more appealing.

"Still a bit more in there love." 

"Have a feeling you put more in." He chuckled, obviously being called out in the moment, but there wasn't anything she could spew back in the realm of wit so he went for her feet once again.

"You promised!" 

"And you promised to finish what was in that cup there." She continued to sip, but eyed him in suspicion.

"Yes?" 

"What are you up to?" The way she spoke almost sounded like she had sobered up, but that theory ended within half a second when her reaction to Omen pretending to claw clearly showed her lack of coordination.

"Lets not get any tea on the bed love...And why would I be up to anything?" 

"How should I know! You've been super nice this entire school year!" Her voice was growing louder, so he shushed her a small bit and pushed the cup closer to her lips.

My god was she acting like a child.

"Am I meant to be a bastard?" 

"Nooonononooo. I think you're hiding something from me." Her clever smile shined bright, but he was too trained on hiding a secret that he smirked.

"The only thing I have a secret is your Christmas Gift." Once again that childish enthusiasm, and once she showed up her cup he rolled his eyes.

"Go to sleep love, I'm going to find a book from your collection to pass the time." Although she wanted him to join her in the bed, something pressed against it. Sirius and Reg were the only boys allowed in this bed of hers, and she stuck to it when she smiled and laid back down.

She was out like a light, so much so that Omen thought her as unentertaining. So she too seem to wander over towards Rabastan as he was finding himself instantly comfortable in the little nook.

It was enclosed by windows behind him, the fire close enough to echo in the small space. But then the chill of where he was crept in, even hidden here he could feel the eery continuation of the elf heads just in the foyer.

He barely found interest in the book he was reading, instead he caught his darling little Rory speaking German in her sleep. Although he'd have to ask Reg what she was saying here and there, he had gotten the gist that something was scaring her.

Hearing his name throughout it was relieving, whatever the dream was, him being there for comfort rested nicely on his shoulders.

"Master Lestrange, Good master and Mistress Black have returned." He nodded, thus hurrying to give Rory a kiss on her cheek before continuing down.

"Rabastan..." Walburga spoke, narrowing her eyes and then flickering them over to her husband. 

"How's Cassi?" Orion interjected, and the future spouse of their daughter relayed what happened.

Walburga was the smallest bit proud that nothing happened, that the Lestrange boy hadn't taken advantage of her daughter like she would've assumed.

"Orion and I will be out tomorrow morning into the afternoon, Regulus has found plans. Perhaps you could take Cassiopeia out?" It was a lingering mention, but the shock was barely contained on Rabastan's behalf.

"I'll take her out for brunch then, what time should I bring her home?" Orion waved that off, and the young lad noted that Walburga was forced to hold her tongue in this moment.

"Rumor is that there's a meeting coming along, I don't know if Cassiopeia will be present just yet." The two nodded before Mr.Lestrange wished them a goodnight and hurried along back home.

He already had one of Aurora's gift on his nightstand, a picture from the Halloween ball. Their parents were reigning in the compliments for how intertwined their relationship had steamed. It was the picture perfect relationship sure, but he was worried that Rory still didn't believe he trusted her.

How would he accomplish that bit?

Leaning upward for a moment did he begin writing a very threatening and assertive letter to both the Carrow twins. Whether they had or hadn't done something to the tea, it was a general warning.

One of which caused Regulus to see his friends in a much different light.

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Date Posted: 04-09-19

Time: 5:26

Words: 5444

HAD TO WAKE UP HELLA EARLY TO SIGN UP FOR FALL SEMESTER CLASSES. WHY OH WHY IS COLLEGE SET UP LIKE THIS ?!?! YA GIRL CANNOT COORDINATE THAT QUICKLY SMH THEY GONE IN LIKE POINT TWO SECONDS