Bad Romance

Chapter 92

Chapter 92: All in the Family

When guests arrived at Raven's Nest manor as early as breakfast, it was usually someone from the Ministry. This time, though, it was Cassius Winterhaven. When Harold showed him in, Lyra lit up and gave a squeal of joy, launching herself away from her chair at the table and into his arms. Cassius grinned, giving her a quick embrace as his eyes lit up. Before Rod could do more than glare, he was stepping back. "Though I am happy to see you, love, do keep in mind that my life is still very literally on the line when it comes to your parents."

Lyra pouted, flashing them a resentful look.

"Are the bloody Malfoys refusing to feed you?" Rodolphus growled at Winterhaven, not bothering with a good morning.

"Actually they did offer breakfast, but I told them I'd like to pop in and dine with you all," Cassius replied cheerfully. "I figure it gives me time to get to know everyone considering all of our days will be busy with work. Also, to be honest, though the Malfoys were polite and relatively gracious, I can't say that I feel as comfortable with them as I do with you."

"So you're comfortable living on the edge," Bellatrix asked. Lifting her raven shaped coffee mug she took a sip before turning her attention to the eggs and toast on her plate.

"It honestly depends on the situation," Cassius answered. His grave expression suggested he actually put some thought into the question."Getting to know the bloody Lestranges is worth a bit of danger." He grinned.

"So does Harold give him breakfast," the elf asked, the round goggles of his mask fixed on Rodolphus.

Rodolphus sighed. "I suppose so, if Bella doesn't mind."

Bellatrix shrugged.

"Thank you, oh great and crazy ones," Lyra said, taking Cassius's hand and pulling him to sit in the chair beside hers.

"Be nice to them," Cassius chided lightly, then grinned at Bellatrix and Rodolphus. "Thanks."

Harold left to bring Winterhaven a plate of breakfast.

"So you're off to the Ministry today, then," Rabastan asked, and Cassius nodded.

"I get to meet the actual Grindelwald. I mean, compared to the three of you, it shall definitely be a little anticlimactic, but I am looking forward to it nonetheless. It is quite certain that he shall work me within an inch of my life, though, so breakfast will really help to fuel me up for the rigors of the day."

"Flattery will probably get you nowhere," Rabastan said with a grin.

"Not even if it's completely honest and heartfelt," Cassius asked plaintively.

"Is it wrong to feel myself relenting a little," Rabastan asked, turning to his brother and sister-in-law.

"Perhaps not," Rodolphus said grudgingly. "He is protecting Lyra, after all. Aren't you, Boy?" he demanded, turning to Winterhaven.

"Of course," Cassius said. "Sir, I would protect Lyra with my life, I swear it."

"I can take care of myself, you know," Lyra grumbled under her breath. "I have a very nice Mind Ripping ability in case anyone forgot."

"And if Delphini is somehow able to turn it back onto you?" Bellatrix shot back, a lump rising in her throat at the very idea of something befalling her baby.

She would never forget her Aunt Walburga's soul deep misery at the loss of Regulus. She knew she would break under such grief were something to befall Lyra. The fact Walburga had died before she knew that Regulus hadn't, made the entire mess more depressing. Bellatrix's feelings must have shown clearly on her face, and fortunately Lyra thought they were all about her rather than in part about Walburga and Regulus.