Downfall | Lestrange

Chapter Four

[Chapter Four]

The parties never seemed to differ, no matter how many were thrown, they were usually all the same and it always led to Roderick becoming bored. However, as he looked over at Elizabeth, he could see the same expression she wore, even when in the company of her brother. She was overwhelmed, whether it was by the number of people gathered in one place, whether it was how they laughed obnoxiously loud or how they told stories that they knew weren't true. Wine would flow and the conversations never seem to cease, leaving the young woman with a developing headache as she wanted to escape. Looking ver and her and offering his hand, Roderick wanted to be her escape.

It took her a few moments to notice the hand being offered to her, but as she spotted it and proceeded to look up at Roderick, she was met with a welcoming smile. Elizabeth didn't know where he was offering to take her, but as one woman let out a shrill laugh, she honestly didn't care as she took his hand to get as far away as possible. Taking his hand, it was incredibly warm compared to her hands that were always so cold. He must have felt how cold her fingers were as he held her hand just a bit tighter. 

They didn't go very far, travelling outside as Roderick offered her to walk around the gardens surrounding the home. She didn't seem to mind taking part in that as they walked alongside each other, taking in the night air. As he focused his gaze forward, Elizabeth seemed to be preoccupied with the stars that lit up the sky that evening. At one point, she came to a full halt, leaving him to stand there and watch her. It left him nervous as they had yet to say a word to each other since venturing outside and Roderick only knew one way of calming his nerves. 

Hearing the movement beside her, Elizabeth looked over to see that Roderick had lit up a cigarette, bringing a small frown to her lips. She hated the smell of the smoke and she didn't think any good would come from smoking the things, even if it helped him feel less nervous temporarily. As she faced him, Roderick looked directly at her and saw her eyes fall upon the cigarette that was between his lips, quickly urging him to take t between his fingers and blow the smoke off to the side. 

Clearing his throat, he rubbed his hand over his mouth for a split second before deciding to lead the conversation. "Do you like the stars?" 

"Hmm?" The question seemed to catch her off guard as she was so focused on the smoke that lingered in the air before it was captured by a light breeze. Her eyes quickly met his, holding confusion as she looked at him. "What?"

He couldn't help but laugh at her expression before he asked her the question again. "I asked if you liked the stars?"

"Oh," Elizabeth was thankful that the night concealed the majority of her blushing, but Roderick was still able to see the slight discolouration before she looked down at her feet. And yet, she had still yet to answer his question, leaving him to prompt her once more. 

"So do you?"

"I suppose I do," she finally answered. "I used to adore Astronomy class back in Hogwarts, it was always so peaceful to look up at the stars and map them out."