Dark Blood // D.M.

KICKING & SCREAMING

Armena Riddle-Lestrange 

We landed in front of my childhood home. I stood there watching as the dead trees swayed back and forth that lined our path. On top of the gate stood a bronzed raven, with its claws gripping onto two gold L's that intertwined together as one. Our family crest with our motto written below it

'Un jeu différent'

"A different game" I whispered. 

I remembered learning about our history as a child. Rabastan told me that our family motto came from one of our ancestors, Procrustes Lestrange. He was advising his son on how to defeat his enemies. He told his son that "you cannot lose if you are playing a different game." 

You have to be strong.

Don't think about your emotions.

You cannot show them how you feel.

I kept repeating those words in my head, over and over again as I stared up at our family crest. I knew what was awaiting me on the inside of that house, but I couldn't let them see how I really felt. In order to win this battle, I would have to play a different game than everyone else. I wouldn't be able to chose sides, I would have to create my own third party. 

"Are you sure you are okay?" Draco asked for the hundredth time.

I nodded my head as we made our trek down the gravel path, towards the daunting home. I had to pull myself together, this was life or death at this point. There was no one there to tell us if we did something wrong and just try again. If I fucked up, someone's life was on the line.

"Ready as I'll ever be..." I gave him a smile.

I waved my wand, throwing up the huge double doors to my childhood home. To much of my surprise, the foyer was completely empty. I held my hands out, stopping the two boys behind me. I tilted my head slightly, waiting to hear what came next. The sound of female screams echoed loudly in the halls. I felt Oliver push forward, knowing whose voice those screams came from. 

"Wait" I whispered through my teeth. 

I felt my jaw clenching as I looked around the empty space. This was either a test or they were really not expecting Oliver to complete the task. 

"Enough!" I screamed, letting my voice carry down the vacant hallways and into occupied rooms.

I listened as the screaming stopped and the sounds of footsteps echoed the halls. Fenrir Greyback walked forward, his claws gripping around Naomi's petite arm. I felt my heart break when I saw Naomi's disheveled appearance, with her torn Hogwarts jumper and the white blouse had dark stains on it. Tears streaked her face, as she shook under the werewolf's tight grasp. I gave her pleading eyes, feeling that familiar feeling bubble up in my chest. I let out a deep breath, shaking off the nerves I was feeling. I felt my hands clench at my sides, my anger running through my fingertips.

You have to be strong.

"Let her fucking go" I said, through clenched teeth.

The monster just smiled at me, wickedly showing his fangs. One scratch from him and Naomi would be infected, transformed into the beast that was holding her hostage. I could hear the other Death Eater's chuckle from the side lines.

'Weak, pathetic men... ' my subconscious hissed.

"Did you not hear me? I'm sorry I don't speak dog, let me try that again..." I took a few more steps forwards, "let her fucking go."

I could feel my blood boil in my veins. The power tingled under my skin down into my wand. I could sense it absorbing my emotions.

"Dragon heartstring is a very powerful core. The wand strongly bonds to its owner and it is known to be easiest to turn to the Dark Arts. While red oak, Quercus rubra, is often reflective on the owner's hot temper. These wands make great masters for wizards and witches who have fast reactions and make it the perfect dueling wand."