All Hallow's Eve at Crystal Chamber

My lips curve upward into a smile.

Revenge is so sweet.

I will avenge my master. Even if it means punishing my nephew in the process.

Rabastian slinks around the corner, teeth flashing underneath his mask and hood. “We’re ready,” he hisses, a laugh escaping him.

“Excellent.”

This plan has been set in motion for weeks- we only had to wait for the perfect night. I hate to be patient, but I can be when the occasion calls for it. And tonight is the perfect night.

The narrow alley behind The Crystal Chamber is empty and silent and a lazy fog creeps in from the docks nearby. “Once inside Rodolphus, Rabastian- you go to the right, I’ll take the left.”

They both nod, readjusting their masks and hoods. “Ready?” my husband asks, withdrawing his wand.

I smile again. “You have no idea, my dear.”

Quietly, we charm the locked Delivery Entrance door open and sneak inside, sticking to the shadows. The music is pulsing loudly, reverberating off my own rapid, excited heartbeat. I’m sure we can take the first few lambs down without anyone even noticing… at least until they trip over the bodies.

I stifle a laugh.

Rodolphus leads the way down the long, narrow, dimly lit corridor, the music growing louder with each step. I truly love this moment- the build up, the anticipation, and the flashing lights and pounding beat only makes it better.

We meet eyes briefly, nodding once before dashing out of the mouth of the hallway into the cheerful atmosphere at the club. Rabastian fires the first hex beneath his brother’s arm and I quickly cut to the left and eye my first victim.

“Avada Kedavra!” I shout, aiming my wand at a boy no older than Draco. His dancing body freezes, odd expression plastered on his face in the glow of a green light- and then he falls.

I throw back my head and laugh.

I hear my husband and brother in law cast some magic of their own, but the poor little lambs have no idea what’s going on yet.

A few dancers lean over my first innocent victim, wondering why he’s stopped his gyrations. It’s almost too easy.

I utter the spell three times in rapid succession, the green light illuminating the hazy corner of the dance floor.

Three bodies fall over dead.

I laugh again as the panic and screaming sets in. Wild, scared faces gaze around the room, seeing the fate in store for them and they panic, running for the exits, leaving helpless victims at the back of the throng exposed.

Oh well.

“Crucio!” I shout, watching a young woman twitch and writhe in pain in front of me.

This really has been a lovely party.

Of all the nights...

I had told Draco I would occasionally stop by. I did so without letting him know a couple times before, but this time when I arrived, I let him know, by one of his people of course, that I was here. I did not intend to join the festivities as it were, but I stayed by the bar, taking the occasional drink, and watched my surroundings.


I caught sight of Severus as he came in the moment Bellatrix and her two started having fun. Or their version of fun. I should have realized when she planned on pulling off this attack. What better night than the night that Voldemort was finally defeated?

If I could use dark magic without repercussions, I would definitely try to draw Bella into a duel with me. As it is, I will have to be creative. But first...


Draco.

He needs to stay out of the way.

And, as much as I loathe to admit it, as I watch Severus take his stance... The man is about to use his signature... others will be needed.

I wonder what the Aurors would say if they knew a Malfoy would alert them to a problem at the Crystal Chamber? As long as neither Potter or Weasley come...

I hear a yell and I notice Draco. The message to the Aurors will wait. I quickly aim my wand at the floor and send a straight line of ice towards Rodolphus's feet. I watch with satisfaction as the idiotic wizard falls flat on his face. He will get up again soon, as the ice doesn't stay long. But at least he'll have to concentrate healing his nose first.

I take the opportunity to Apparate then. Next to Draco. He and I spoke earlier, so he'll know who I am.

I grab his arm, as he's about to wade into the battle arena so to speak. "Ever heard of the words Prime Target, Draco?" I do not even flinch as I feel a curse go brushing past the both of us, and I simply aim one back at one of the insane idiots without thinking.

He nods, and starts firing back. "I know they are here for me."

Yet he's still going to fight. "Then do not get yourself killed trying to protect someone who would not protect you." Out of the corner of my eye a curse comes flying towards both of us and I simply put up the defensive shield. It dissolves, and I move the both of us a bit out of Bella's view. "Because you know they would not."


He continues firing hexes and curses at his aunt and the other two. "If I don't fight back, they will think I was a part of it."

He has a point. And he was not a part of it. I suppose it's time to alert the stupid and incompetent Aurors. "You have a Floo in your office? And can I get into your office without any issues? I just need to send a message." I almost want to swear as I hear something shatter near us.

He nods distractedly. "Yes - you can." He glances behind him. "Of all the nights for her to come here..."

"Just watch your back, and do not trust anyone to do the same," I tell him and then Apparate upstairs and head into his office. I'll send my note to the Aurors and then go back downstairs. I have no idea why though.

One of these days I am going to figure out what has happened to me.

Something's changed. The club was noisy before with people screaming to be heard over the music, but now they were screaming in earnest over the sounds of explosions and curses. One of the men dancing next to me hit the floor in a flash of green and I feel my stomach twist. I’d liked him! I turned to look for the offending wands-man but there was more than just one. Death Eaters. I felt my stomach twist a second time, this time in fear and anger.

That scheming bastard! This was Draco’s club; he was one of them. Death Eaters would only attack if he asked them to. I let out a yell of pain as a curse slams into my right shoulder and my arm goes dead. Swearing to myself for getting hit and being grateful it hadn’t hit me dead on I tug my wand out awkwardly with my left hand using it to cast a shield charm around the remainder of my dancing group.

I really need to learn some healing charms. Warmth spreads through my right arm as feeling returns and I glance up at another young man, the friend of the dead boy at my feet. He looks scared, he has every right too, but at least he isn’t falling apart like the rest of the group. He nods to me.

“Thanks now get these out of here!” I command, he looks like he’s going to argue but right now I have as much authority as anyone else around here. “If you want to fight come back once you’ve got them out, now GO!”

He grabs the shoulders of the two hysterical girls closest to him and indicates for them to reach the others as he disapperates with them. I crouch down next to their dead friend. I’m sorry... I think as I take his wand out of his pocket, better me than one of them taking your wand and using it on your friends, right?

I pocket the spare just in case and cast another shield around myself just in time, as another curse sent my way hits it and ricochet’s off. I search the room, returning fire occasionally, until I see what I’m looking for. There, that flash of blonde.

“You foul, low life, flea bitten sonnuva...” my cursing is cut off by a flash of red that hits the wall next to my head. That was close...too close...far too close! I break into a run, dodging between Death Eaters and club patrons.

I’m within arms reach of Draco before I’ve made up my mind whether to slap him or curse him. My wand whips out, but so does his. At this distance I’m dead, there’s no way he could miss. I double my shield, but he isn’t aiming at me, or any other of the innocents caught in this trap. The curse he released whizzes past my arm and I follow its course to where it slams into the back of a Death Eater who drops to the floor instantly.

I move to the side and forward slightly, guarding his back. I only hope he has the same consideration for yours, my mind hisses at me. If he’s changed sides he’ll be a prime target, and I don’t intend on letting the ferret get killed before I get some answers. Prime target...with your luck you’re positioning yourself next to a prime target. Oh well, if I die I’ll at least die in style.

“You didn’t set this up I take it?” I whip my wand around causing another deadly curse to rebound upon its caster.

She can't be serious! I duck and fire curses back at the Death Eaters who are now terrorizing my patrons. "No, Bell, I did not set this up!" Out of the corner of my eye I see a figure Disapparate away, but before they left I got a good look at their face. Taking the coward's way out, as usual

"Just checking. It's not something you see everyday...a Malfoy fighting to protect Mudbloods." She grits her teeth, firing off her own curses. "Anyone you know?"

"I do know them, unfortunately." Aunt Bellatrix - it figures you would choose tonight, of all nights, for your attack. I see another figure out of the corner of my eye, someone also dressed in black, but it's someone that I know will be here to help. Professor Snape.

"Don't mind if I don't take too much care about what happens to them then." She growls in between curses and shields, covering herself and my back I notice. "You'd better have my back Malfoy or I'm gonna regret not going public."

I glare at her but say nothing, continuing to fight.

"I mean it." She swears briefly, dodging to the side as a curse narrowly misses her shoulder. "How many are there do you reckon in total? I'd like to know what odds we're facing." Why does it sound like she's trying to make small talk whilst battling Death Eaters?!

"I don't know, I see at least three. Look, Bell, if you don't pay attention you are going to get yourself killed!" I practically shout at her.

"Wouldn't be the first time." I hear her mutter.

I came to the club to have dinner with Draco and perhaps some dancing, though since his leg was injured, he never seemed to want to. I don't know if the potion is working or not, but he hasn't said much about it.

I was waiting for Draco to return when, over the music, I heard a scream. This was followed by a few other shouts and I knew that whatever it was it was probably dangerous, judging from the shouting I heard. I pull my wand out of my wand pocket and step outside of the office. I can hear everything a lot more clearly from here. I know that my last duel had not gone well, but I refuse to stay up here just listening to this.

Wand in hand, I creep down the stairs and to the main area of the club. I see the problem immediately. Death Eaters, including Bellatrix. I frown and tighten my hand on my wand. I can't tell how many there are, but I see patrons falling as spells, hexes and curses are shouted. I scan the area. Where is Draco?

Before I can make any sort of move for Draco, a hand grabs me and pulls me out of the main area and back into a secluded area.

"Neither you nor my son have sense of any self preservation," an unfamiliar voice drawls.

As soon as I'm grabbed, I attempt to pull away. I don't recognize the man when I see his face, not do I recognize his voice. However, hearing his words, I cease my struggle, though my wand is still held tightly in my hand. "Your son?" I repeat.

"Draco's never learned self preservation, Pansy. Tell me you will stay out of Bellatrix's view." It is not a question, but an order almost. "And use your head, I may not look like him, but I think you know who I am."

"I'm not a fool, I know who you are," I answer. This is the second time he has come to my aid.

"Then prove it," Lucius Malfoy lets go of my arm. "Stay out of the way. Bellatrix would take one look at you and decide to go after both Draco and you. Hopefully the Aurors won't take too long to get their incompetent selves here." A yell is heard, and I can see flashes of light. "Or maybe they will."

"By the time they get here..." I trail off. I never was overjoyed to see Aurors, but I would like to see one now, even Draco's cousin would suffice.

"Stay out of the way," he repeats and then walks away from us, going into the main area.

I frown after him. I hate being ordered around and treated like a child. I am an adult. Then I realize what he said and what it means. Lucius Malfoy actually contacted the Aurors? Yet another surprise this evening. I hesitate and then look out into the main area again.

Against my better judgment, the last time I talked with Draco, I agreed to come see his club while it was active, to enjoy the entertainments he offered. I have never been a man who enjoyed entertainment for entertainment's sake but I decided to see everything the Crystal Chamber could offer.

Sounds of screams and patrons fleeing out the front door is not what I felt Draco would have in mind for entertainment.

Pulling out my wand, I push my way through the front door and off to the side, letting the crowd resume its fleeing. Crouching I scan the chaos, assessing what was going on. It doesn't take long for me to figure out what is going on.

Death Eaters, three of them as far as I can see, were attacking Draco's patrons. Already I could see a half dozen down, dead or unconscious. then I heard a maniacal laugh and I realize who the slighter of the three Death Eaters is. Bellatrix! Just the witch I have been looking for. Nice of her to come out in the open.


Rising from my crouch I snarl "Sectumsempra!" as I slash with my wand.


A hand grabs my arm and pushes me against the wall. "The last time I heard that curse uttered, I wound up cutting my son's leg, my son wound up using it on me, and Bellatrix ended up killing a childhood friend of mine," I hear an unfamiliar voice drawl softly, but it still had something familiar to it. "Really, Severus, can you use something else other than that?"



I glance at the wizard who grabbed my arm and pull away. I don't recognize the face but the posture and the way he drawls is very familiar to me. Not to mention his knowledge of one of my favorite curses. I don't linger looking into his face but I realize who it must be. Instead I search the panicking crowd for Bellatrix. I didn't want her to get out of my sight.


"Perhaps it is best if you leave that spell to one who can wield it properly." I retort. "I have never failed to hit my target with it, not even by an inch."


He scowls, a flash of light goes by us, missing and the wizard, Lucius, aims his own wand at one of the others. A red light goes flying out and sends Rodolphus into a wall. He looks back at me. "Now what is the good professor doing out of the castle at a time like this?"

"I was hoping to enjoy some of the fine entertainment this establishment is rumored to hold. I did not expect it to be this exciting." I spot Bellatrix dive behind some tables and send a binding curse at her. She screeches as my spell immobilizes her legs and sends her crashing into various tables. Immediately another of her cronies retaliates, causing both myself and Lucius in disguise diving for cover. It is about then I wished the bystanders would just apparate out of the way so I could ensure Bellatrix doesn't get away. Even as I look in her direction, I see her comrade has already removed my binding curse.

Lucius hurriedly drinks something from a flask, and then puts it back in his robes pocket. "If you don't mind, I think I will go see if Draco is all right. He never was much of a dueler."

"Yes, please do check on him." I tell Lucius. "Call if you need my assistance there." I turn to look at Lucius, or at least the polyjuice wizard he choose to disguise himself as. "I had hoped we would be reunited in a much better situation than the middle of a fight."

"Do not count on another meeting for a while," is all he says before he Apparates somewhere else in the club.

I spare a moment to look over at Lucius but only catch a flash of dark robes as he Apparates elsewhere. Turning back to the fight, I wonder why Lucius is reluctant to meet with me. Giving a mental sigh, I decide I will talk to Narcissa about it later; right now I want to stop Bellatrix.

"Bellatrix, time to end these foolish games," I call out to her. "It is time for us to settle our old differences once and for all. The Dark Lord is no longer here to prevent what we have been longing to do for years."

At my challenge, Bellatrix laughs and tosses hex after curse at me. I meet her onslaught with determination. Keeping my eyes on her as much as possible, I do my best to pick up her thoughts, to anticipate the spells she casts but she is a good enough occlumens not to give away her intentions.

I dodge to the side as she sends a killing curse my way, shattering a large chunk out of a marble pillar in the process. I feel tiny shards of stone cut into my cheek but ignore it. It is nothing to be concerned over. My shield spell deflects her next attack and I get in a few rapid fired hexes. All are designed to keep her busy blocking and to slow down her reactions, slowing her down, should any get through her defenses. None do.

As we dual I realize we are both risking harming innocent bystanders. Most of the patrons have fled the club but a few are standing fast, doing their best to defend themselves and friends from the Death Eaters. So far I have resisted using more destructive spells but the Lestranges have not shown any such hesitation. But my desire to stop Bellatrix so she cannot harm Narcissa or any of the other Malfoys pushes all thoughts about innocent lives out of my head. To protect my friends, I can live with a few bystanders getting hurt in the frey. If they were smart, they would all flee this fight. I am not going to concern myself if they choose to stay and fight.

A blast from the side forces me to dodge behind an overturned table. I hear Bellatrix's cackle even as I look for who cast the spell that nearly struck me. I spot one of the Lestranges running across the room flinging more curses in my direction. I whip my wand back and forth, deflecting the spells but the distraction allows Bellatrix to skip away. Furious I send hex after hex after either her husband or her brother in law, I am not sure which with their masks.

Things are really getting heated. I know that my father is here, and so is Professor Snape, but things are really getting bad. I watch as patron after patron falls, either unconscious or dead, and I wonder how in the name of Merlin I'm still standing. Out of the corner of my eye I see Aunt Bellatrix raising her wand to the ceiling, pointing at something over top of where Katie and I are standing.

A chandelier.

"Get out of the way you stupid mudblood!"

The unexpected impact from my side, slightly behind me knocks me off balance, sending me sprawling across the floor and knocking the air out of my lungs. Gasping, I force myself to my feet and spin around.

"YOU BASTARD!" I see a chandelier come crashing down in the place I would have been had he not pushed me. Crystal shards fly everywhere, and I see that Draco has been hit by it.

I swear loudly. I don't normally let my temper get the better of me but now...I drop to my knees next to him, ignoring the bite of broken crystal as it cuts into my knees.

"I suppose I'll forgive you this once..." I tell him carefully inspecting the damage. Shards of crystal sprayed full force across his face leaving him with dozens of razor-sharp cuts...he's lucky none of it got in his eyes. My next words are going to hurt, but I'm not sure which of us it will hurt the most.

"Thanks." I force out. As much as I hate to admit it Draco Malfoy just saved my life...

He must really be in pain, but he's not letting his guard down for a moment. "I wasn't about to let you die after I apologized to you." It's a typical Draco response, but I don't care.

We hear the sounds of Apparation, although we're not sure who is coming or going. But then I see a flash of red hair and I remember Hermione telling me that Ron was now an Auror.

"Just hold still." I tell him, doubling, tripling the shields around us. "Those crystal shards have to come out, I don't want you injured worse than you already are from trying to save me." I hate the fact he had to get so noble, I hate the fact it now feels like I'm in debt to him. I am. I owe him my life.

I follow his eyes and see who he is looking at. Pansy is coming towards us.

I've been dodging spells and curses, using a few myself. It isn't just Death Eaters, but some patrons are panicking and ready to attack anyone that gets too close. I hear the sound of something crashing and look around to find where it came from. However, it isn't hard to find, seeing that the chandelier is no longer where it usually is. I scanned around the crowd and then quickly cast Protego as another spell came too close for comfort. I don't see Bellatrix, but I know she is here and I don't look forward to seeing her again.

As some of the crowd moves, I see a familiar figure on the ground and rush over. "Draco?" What is Katie Bell doing here? And with him?

He looks up at me and I see that his face is full of cuts from the chandelier. Katie Bell excuses herself to go talk to the Aurors.

"Did you just come down here?"

"I came down when I heard the shouting," I answer, kneeling beside him.

I wince in pain as I feel something hit my arm. The curse that Rodolphus through at me, hit something else, a piece of marble hit my arm, cutting it. I hiss out a healing spell, quickly, temporarily healing the cut. I will have to tend to it later. I take a sip from my flask and feel the usual slight twist as my Polyjuiced form stays together.

I tense as I hear Draco shouting something at someone, (I couldn't quite figure it out) and then see a chandelier fall.

I duck as another curse goes flying past me and I aim one quickly at who cast it, Rodolphus or Rabastian doesn't matter, and then Apparate next to Draco. I wait first for the witch near him to move out of the way, and I surpress a sigh as I see Pansy taking her place next to Draco.

Foolish witch did not listen to me.

I keep a wary eye out, Aurors should be here soon and I kneel halfway down to Draco.

His face is cut up. Due to his pushing that other witch out of the way. "Gryffindor attitude doesn't really suit you," I say softly, "but at least your alive."

He grimaces. "I couldn't let that hit her."

Before I could say anything to that I hear the familiar sounds of Apparation and I catch a glimpse of Auror robes. "Time for me to go. I won't Apparate. I'll just quietly leave out the back." I pause and give him a smirk. "Think anyone would believe that a Malfoy alerted Aurors?"

His eyes crinkle in a smile. "Doubtful, very doubtful. Thank you."

I nod, and as people rush by, I stand and step back, and quickly Disillusion myself and make my way out to the back of the club. Once outside, I Disapparate.

The crash of the chandelier echoes through the room but I concentrate on Bellatrix. I want her stopped and concentrate on her over everybody else. However, having to dodge her curses and the careless spell casting of the patrons does make it difficult to get a bead on her. Out of all the Dark Lord's followers, Bellatrix is the one closest to my skill level, but she has learned alot since we last fought side by side. I am starting to think she may be surpassing my skill.

I hear the sound of several people apparating into the club. I see a flash of red and realize somebody must have alerted the Aurors about this attack. This comes as a blessing and a curse, for as soon as help arrives, Bellatrix calls to her allies and Apparates out before I or anybody else can stop them. Cursing I turn to make sure Draco was not injured during the fight. I find him easily enough, but not injury free. Apparently the chandelier fell close enough to him to knock him off his feet. I approach and see he has several lacerations on his face and hands but none look serious. He may have a few scars but I do not worry about that. I can see Pansy is already with him so instead I leave her to care for her fiance.

Continued here