Chapter Text
Chapter Twenty-Nine:
Once Richard Padgett had written a letter to Mr. Lawrence Snide’s legal team requesting drafts of the marriage contract between his eldest son and Miss Lovegood, Luna resumed her work on the mural. The Padgett wizards left and Maia had laid her son down for a much needed nap. *Maia stood quietly at the entrance to her son’s nursery, watching him sleep with the steady breath of a child exhausted by the weight of curiosity and play. Her thoughts lingered on him for a moment, the soft rise and fall of his chest as he slumbered, before she slipped out silently. She found herself in the hall, where a quiet urgency stirred within her. She needed to find her father.
Summoning Nixy, her loyal house-elf, came to mind at once. Not a moment later, the house-elf appeared with a delicate pop, bowing so low that the tips of his ears nearly brushed the floor. Nixy was a loyal creature, with eyes sharp as the polished silver in the family’s heirloom collection. Maia couldn’t help but soften at the sight of him. The elf’s loyalty was an old and treasured comfort.
“Mistress calls for Nixy?” came the elf’s voice, trembling with years but as dutiful as ever.
“Nixy,” Maia addressed gently, her voice lilting like the murmur of distant water. “Have you seen my father?”
“Oh, yes, Miss,” Nixy answered at once, her ears twitching as he straightened with a proud tilt of her chin. “Master Rodolphus is in Master Lucius’s office. Would Mistress like Nixy to show the way?”
“No need,” Maia smiled. “But thank you.” She crouched down, lowering herself to Nixy’s level, and took the elf’s thin hand in hers. Nixy looked shocked for a moment, but relaxed under Maia’s familiar warmth. “You take such good care of us, Nixy. My son will always know you as family.”
The house-elf’s large eyes gleamed with unshed tears, and he stuttered out something that resembled a mixture of thanks and disbelief. Maia gave her a final squeeze before rising and making her way down the corridor toward her uncle’s office.
When she entered the room, Maia felt a quiet sense of awe steal over her. The last time she was in this room, she had to pose for photos taken by overzealous reporters. She hadn’t had the chance to take it all in. The space held a stately atmosphere, much like the ancient pureblood lineages that her family traced back through centuries. The room was vast, its height accentuated by the arched dome of glass at its center. Sunlight streamed through, casting a spectral luminescence upon the shelves. The bookshelves themselves were gargantuan and lined every available wall with dark mahogany, interspersed with cabinets made of the same wood, where glass doors revealed curious objects within. There were ancient skulls of various creatures mounted on pillars, enchanted to appear in mid-snarl or frozen mid-screech. Some seemed to shift slightly as if animated by some residual magic.
Between the books, strange objects rested on display—some elegant, others macabre. A collection of delicate silver cages held fluttering insects, their iridescent wings catching the light like shards of glass. An elaborate map stretched across one wall, pinned with dried butterflies of every color, each one annotated with precise handwriting. There were jars too—filled with unknown substances—where oddities floated gently, suspended in preservative solutions. A serpent carved from jade twisted its way along the top edge of a grand mirror, its eyes set with black opals, watching silently from above. It all seemed a mix of Borgin and Burkes’ darker curiosities and the elegant grandeur of Malfoy Manor’s tradition.
The room’s colors, primarily deep greens and blacks, were brought to life by the serpentine motifs that coiled in the moldings and around the bannisters of an iron staircase winding up to the second tier of shelves. The air itself seemed to hum with an almost tangible sense of history and secrecy.
Maia’s entrance was almost soundless, a practiced glide across the plush carpet beneath her feet. Her father, Rodolphus, and her uncle Lucius stood together near a grand desk—an intricately carved piece that exuded power and authority, with clawed feet of burnished silver. Both wizards were engrossed in conversation, their backs to the door. She clasped her hands before her and lifted her chin, the picture of grace and pureblood composure.
“Father,” she greeted, her voice clear and respectful*. Her father looked up, startled. “Ah, Maia. My bright star! What brings you here?” Maia took her time explaining what had transpired at the impromptu luncheon. Without looking up from his documents, Uncle Lucius commented, “Hm, I am quite pleased to hear that Miss Lovegood has found a proper match in Young Master Everett Padgett.” Rodolphus nodded in agreement, murmuring sounds of approval.
“There’s something else,” Maia began, “Master Padgett has asked us to stay in their home the day the announcement our Lord ordered is made. Lady Padgett will be home and she is in a fragile state. If their wards are breached, it would be disastrous.” Both wizards barely needed to think before they agreed. The plans and arrangements were made.
Meanwhile, Draco’s eye had ceased to heal. Much to his disappointment, his bad eye was surgically removed and a magical one was installed in its place. Maia had cried the entire day of her beloved’s surgery. No family member could console her; the only thing that remotely consoled her was the maker of the implant himself! He had a lot of experience reassuring wives, he said. He showed Maia the eye he had fashioned for Draco. It looked exactly like his natural eyes! The iris and pupil were painted to be a perfect match. There was no way to tell it was a false eye! She’d never stopped crying, by any means, but she was no longer hysterical. The procedure went smoothly. Her beloved fiancee had requested her presence the moment he awoke. She brought Arion to visit his father in Saint Mungos, where the baby received much attention from the nurses. They had seen the announcement in the paper and were absolutely besotted at the sight of him. Whenever he cried throughout the day, Maia never had to do a thing. A nurse would rush in to fetch Arion Malfoy whatever he desired. The only way the nurses would leave Arion alone was at the threat of Lucius Malfoy, himself, who eventually became so fed up with the attention he scowled at any nurse that got too close to his grandson. For the next few weeks, Draco needed to wear a bandage over the injured eye socket until his body fully accepted the new tool.
Coincidentally, after his eye socket had healed, the time had finally come for Rebecca Padgett to return home and if the letter Maia received from Emmett had any merit, she was not well.
How could she be? Maia thought, sighing at the correspondence she held in her hand. It’s been nearly twenty years of her life slowly being sapped from her—unjustly, no less! Maia’s mother had to be consoled by Rodolphus when Maia relayed the news to her family. Bellatrix Lestrange had first hand experience in that awful place; the thought of what her friend endured made the strongest witch Maia knew crumble.
Rebecca had violent outbursts and repeatedly attacked nurses and doctors, insisting that they were the monsters that killed her sons. She was also thin and sickly. According to Emmett, when their father introduced the boys to her, she thought she was seeing double of her husband when they first wed. She was delighted and confused. Emmett said he had to leave the room to compose himself. Penny added in the post-script of the letter that she hadn’t expected her mother to deteriorate so quickly since Penny’s last visit. Rebecca had been confined to a private wing of the estate for not only her safety but everyone’s well-being.
The next morning the Malfoy-Lestrange clan, sans Arion, of course, arrived to their dear friends’ home. Bellatrix’s true location was known to those on their side of the war, so Richard was not surprised to see her. He was, however, shocked to see a witch with such a fearsome reputation break down in the main parlor. Maia’s father offered to take her home but Bellatrix practically shattered windows with her shout, “I will protect Becca with my life, Rod! You couldn’t drag me away!” When the shout was heard, Emmett, Everett and Penelope Padgett rushed into the parlor. Emmett startled Maia by throwing his arms around her and sobbing. Draco cringed, but understood his torment. Maia tried to rub soothing circles on his back but was completely out of her element. Everett smiled apologetically.
“Mate, if you don’t let Maia go you’re gonna smother her.” Everett joked. That got a scoff-like laugh from Emmett, who apologized, “I’m sorry, Maia,” he took a step back and wiped his tears on his cardigan’s sleeve, much to the disdain of his father. “I...I just really missed you and...with mum, its been so hard!” Maia’s entire being softened at his words. Penny gave a watery smile to her big brother and rested her hand on his forearm; he rested one of his hands on top of his sister’s.
“How is she?” Narcissa asked, leaning forward slightly, “Any improvement?”
Richard sighed and ran a hand through his copper curls, “Yes, however slight. Once the doctors managed to sedate her, the mind-healers got to work.” he took a deep breath, “Thank you, Lucius,” Maia took pause; she was unaware that her uncle and Mr. Padgett were on a first name basis! Richard continued, “Had you not advocated so strongly to Saint Mungos to have the best specialists sent over—” Lucius Malfoy raised a gloved hand to beseech Richard to pause, “Nonsense! What happened to your wife was an abhorrent miscarriage of justice! Had it been my own wife,” he looked to Narcissa with reverence, “I shudder at the mere thought!” he said with disgust. Richard nodded solemnly but with gratitude. He continued, “Rebecca is marginally calmer now. She is able to hold a brief conversation—with me, at least. Her body shakes and trembles, but I’m told it is simply a side effect of all she has been through in Azkaban. It may never go away fully.”
“When can I see her?” Bellatrix asked, her hands were clasped in front of her tear-stricken face as if begging.
“Oh, Bella,” Richard said in sympathy, “It will be a long while, I’m afraid. Even with all the work the mind-healers have done she still doesn't recognize her sons. She doesn’t understand yet that her boys are not really dead. It’s been so long since she’s seen you...”
“I understand, Ricky.” Bellatrix said sadly with a slight air of affection. Maia’s father wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gently tugged her to him. She hugged her husband tightly around the middle and the couple began to sway. Maia looked at her parents with sadness but also reverence. She hoped her marriage would be as strong as theirs was.
“If you don’t mind me asking, Master Padgett,” began Draco, stepping forward, “When do you expect the attack on your house?”
“In the next twenty-four hours, I imagine, which is why I am most grateful that you all are here. Too many in the ‘Department of Magical Law Enforcement’ ”, he said the name of the department mockingly, “are loyal to Dumbledore.” The patriarch paused before continuing, “The announcement was printed this morning. I’m sure you all saw it. Front page, full color—how could it not grab their attention? Mr. Snide was also kind enough to allow us to print his statement on the matter. He outright proclaimed that his law firm will cooperate with the D.M.L.E. in the investigation. At the moment, the magical residues are being retested. We should have proof that Dumbledore is behind it all, soon. Mr. Snide and I believe that alone will—”
Everett stiffened. Tension crackled through the air as he felt magic ripple over his skin, signifying a disturbance.
“Merlin, the wards! THE WARDS!” His blue eyes flickered around the room wildly. He spun around frantically and grabbed Penny, yanking her away from Emmett. He grabbed her by the shoulders, “Panic room, NOW!” he yelled at her. She sprinted away along with three of their house elves who were commanded by Everett to go with his sister. Maia and her family whipped out their wands and spread out in the formations they had planned on: Bellatrix, her husband and daughter were tasked with securing the main parlor. Narcissa and Lucius tackled the south wing, where the doctors and Rebecca resided. Draco insisted on guarding the Floo system, as it wasn’t far from Maia. Richard and his many house elves were to guard the perimeter outside. The twins decided they would act as a reserve of sorts—going wherever their support was needed. The magic of the wards shifting was felt by everyone in the manor. Bellatrix huffed in annoyance.
Emmett asked, “Where’s Mipsy? We can’t let them kill Mipsy!”
“She’s with mum!” answered Everett.
“Expelliarmus!” Yelled a familiar and gruff voice from the fireplace. Maia spun around to see her father expertly erect a Protego around himself, “You’ll have to do much better than that, Mad-Eye!” he screamed. Mad-Eye Moody did not look himself. He looked more haggard than usual, he was much thinner than Maia recalled, as well. He was wearing duelist attire, so he was prepared, at least. Her eyebrow raised. What did this to him? She inwardly questioned.
“Lestrange.” Moody’s gravelly voice deadpanned, “I’ll have your head presented to the Ministry on a silver platter!”
“I’d like to see you try.” the icy voice of Rodolphus replied. The two wizards began circling each other like agitated Dugbogs.
“Ooh, an Auror to play with, huh?” cackled Bellatrix. She had a manic look of both amusement and rage on her face. It was like she had never been overwrought a mere minute ago. Without wasting a second she came to her husband’s aid. “Glacius!” she called followed by a strong, “Diffindo!” Ice shattered and blood sprayed as Moody’s left arm was hit with the cutting hex. A thousand tiny gashes decorated his skin, inflicted by the ice shards, no doubt. Mad-Eye’s cry of pain reverberated. After he took a moment to compose himself, he shouted, “Confringo!” His aim was directed at Bellatrix’s head. She laughed when the spell soared inches away from her hair, blasting away part of the wall behind her.
She raised her wand once more but before she could move her lips, a voice cut through the air,
“Over my dead body, Mad-Eye!” yelled Rodolphus, “Crucio!” Maia, who had been tasked with providing extra defensive spells for her parents, watched in utter delight when her father’s spell struck true. The renowned Auror fell to the floor like a soaked tea biscuit. His screams were music to her ears. He writhed against the floor. His peg-leg scraped against the wood, adding to the sickening symphony.
Rodolphus’s face was bright red with anger as he stood over Mad-Eye, “You dare attack my wife?!”
Maia’s joy over her father’s victory was overshadowed by what she saw next. Her sliver eyes widened when she caught sight of none other than Kingsley Shacklebolt approaching her father from behind. She narrowed her eyes and muttered, as to not be detected, “Imperio.” Instantly, he turned around. Maia was overjoyed to see his eyes glow a soft green, with a flick of her wand she forced him to duel Minerva McGonagall, Dumbledore’s right arm.
“What on Earth? Kingsley, what are you doing!?” McGonagall asked, momentarily confused. She cast a well-timed Protego as a shimmering, blue spell was sent her way, “They’ve cursed Kings with Imperio!” she warned the others. With the most skilled duelist in the Order occupied, Maia turned her attention elsewhere. She spun on her heels, wand drawn. Her eyes scanned the environment thoroughly, just as her mother taught her. Padgett Manor had changed from a peaceful retreat in the countryside of Wiltshire to a battlefield. The jewel-tones that seeped throughout the ancient English estate clashed with the colorful streams of magic that soared haphazardly through the air. Shouts echoed around Maia; warnings from comrades, verbal spells, magic whizzing by her ears. Wizards and witches on both sides of battle constantly changed positions—side stepping, jumping, anything to avoid being hit. Vases exploded with loud cracks. Oil paintings fell from the walls. Curtains caught fire! She found it difficult to know where she was needed. The commotion was overwhelming—even with all her training. Maia felt her heart pounding in her chest; the adrenaline pumping through her veins was evident to her. So many differently colored robes swished around the jewel-toned room and so many different colored streams of magic soared through the parlor that she was momentarily overwhelmed by the sights of the battle.
Maia’s eyes widened as a white streak of light careened towards her. She quickly manifested a Protego charm to shield herself. Her silver eyes narrowed at her assailant: Mundungus Fletcher—the shiftiest and most unpredictable, untrustworthy member of The Order of the Phoenix. He was exactly as Maia remembered him, short, stocky and closely resembling a Goblin. He had the audacity to smirk at her! Maia readied her wand. He moved to open his mouth but before a hint of an incantation could leave his lips, she had already trapped him in place with the Sticking Charm. Mundungus made many grunts of frustration as he realized what had happened. Maia gave him no chance to counter the charm. Her wand swirled in the air and with a glint of satisfaction in her eyes, she cast the Transmogrification Torture Curse. Mundungus dropped his wand and fell on his back, howling in agony. His legs were bent in an odd angle as his feet were still stuck to the floor. Fletcher’s body began to grow and twist into different shapes as his bones morphed. His eyes bulged from their sockets as his bone structure grew and shrank to Maia’s twisted will. His skull enlarged; his hands became long and gnarled.
How just. She thought to herself, The greedy monster of the Order becomes a monster himself! Maia watched the torture of Mundungus gleefully. Her entertainment was cut short by the voice of Elphias Doge, baying like the workhorse of Dumbledore’s that he was, “Holy fucking Merin’s beard! What the bloody hell are you doing to him?!”
Maia turned to the pureblooded jurist; a manic look on her face. She could tell the elderly wizard had immediately regretted calling attention to himself. Fletcher’s shrieks were still reverberating through the manor behind her as she slowly stepped towards Doge. Her black skirts swished around her ankles. Maia’s ink-black, dragon hide boots echoed across the wood, barely making a noise above all the Bedlam. Doge scrambled backwards, panic-stricken as if he was facing the Dementor’s Kiss. Maia began chuckling—the sound high and haunting.
“N-No! Stay away, you lunatic!”
She raised her wand, inwardly praising Snape for once in her life for his teachings, “Sectumsempra!”
The elderly wizard’s throat sounded as if it might tear from the wail of pain that left his mouth as two dozen deep cuts sliced through his skin. Blood sprayed as he fell. His blood pooled around him while he cried and whimpered pathetically on the floor.
What a shame to spill pure blood, Maia lamented.
Suddenly, Draco yanked his fiancee backwards by the elbow. Maia was confused until a bright stream of orange light flew past her seconds later. Draco and Maia looked up to see no other than Molly Weasley step out from her hiding place. Draco’s eye had detected her before anyone knew she was even in the room! “What a pity that I have to fight children!” her shrill voice rang out. Maia almost laughed at her appearance! She was wearing a house dress and an apron—like she had just finished laundry before deciding to pop in for a casual visit. Before Maia could register what was happening, Everett had stepped in front of herself and Draco. He’d wrangled his navy cardigan off and threw it to the floor as if it had personally offended him.
“ ‘Ello, mum.” he taunted, sneering in such a way that Draco would have been proud. Molly was flabbergasted, “George?” she squinted, “You’re not dead?!”
“For fuck’s sake, woman!” he roared, his head rolled back in annoyance, “You named me Fred! You still can’t fucking tell the difference, you...Goddamned baby-snatcher!” He began firing off spell after spell relentlessly, yelling at her in between, “My name is,” a non-verbal spell flew from his wand, “Everett,” a purple streak of light punctuated his words, “Ignatius,” then a red one, “Padgett!” Molly was knocked to the floor, skidding to a stop on her back. Emmett appeared next to his older brother. Molly had scrambled back to her feet only to be surprised by the sight of the other twin.
“This is how you brats treat me? After all I’ve done for you? I treated you like my own! I fed you, clothed you, paid for your education—which you squandered, like fools! Even though we struggled to make ends meet, I kept a roof over your ungrateful heads!” she screeched indignantly. The brothers scoffed at her. Otherwise they ignored every word but she continued her tirade, “You and your little family cost me every child of mine I held dear! You destroyed everything!” She screeched like that of a Harpy.
“Reducto!” Called Emmett. The red light soared through the air. Molly had ducked out of the way of the spell’s reach. Emmett was proficient and precise with his spell-casting. He wasn’t nearly as emotional as his older brother. “Funny, last time I checked most of them weren’t even yours!” Everett spat.
Molly Weasley huffed with umbrage, “Expelliarmus!” She called out. Emmett twisted his body out of the way. Molly actually growled at him, “A little pest you are—always were! Arresto Momentum!” Emmett had to jump out of the way this time. He responded with, “Transformation!” The bright yellow light hit a curtain, transforming it into a squawking chicken that scampered away.
“Don’t forget, dear. I know all your tricks!” she taunted haughtily, “Depulso!” The brothers stepped out of the way; the spell hit the coffee table behind Maia as Draco pulled her to safety. Maia lifted her wand to assist but Draco stopped her, shaking his head. He knew with certainty that this was not their fight.
Molly Weasley adjusted her stance; ferocity overtook her features and she aimed her wand at Emmett. The witch dared to utter a spell that sent rage unlike anything he’d ever felt flooding through Everett.
“Oblivate!”
The ominous blue light shot forth, seeking to hit its mark. Everett’s blue eyes widened and he produced a sound he didn’t know he was capable of making as he tackled his twin to the floor; the spell missed them both entirely. Everett righted himself. His facial expression harsh. His blue eyes were narrowed and his teeth bared. He had clearly had enough. With a roar that rivaled a Graphorn, he damned her with the words, “Not my brother, you bitch!”
Levioso!” yelled Everett. Molly squealed as she was lifted into the air. The charm was swiftly followed by, “Decendo!” Molly Weasley was slammed harshly into the Persian rug below her. There was a grotesque thud; crimson began pooling underneath her hair. Everett found himself very satisfied at the image of Molly Weasley with a partially caved in skull—an unintentional but welcome surprise. Emmett released a shuddering gasp, “E-Ev, you...”
“Boys?!” a familiar, warm voice called. The twins looked over their shoulder to see the man they once called ‘dad’. He was dressed casually as he always was; he hardly looked prepared for battle.
“Oh, shit.” Emmett breathed. Everett laughed humorlessly.
“What was it, Arthur? Money, promises, power...land, perhaps? We know about Bill—or should I refer to him by his proper title? Master William Fabian Prewett!” he asked with false jovial candor. He then shrugged his shoulders and his expression became terrifying, “WHY!” Everett roared.
“I loved you like my own!” cried Arthur, tears spilled from his eyes.
“Frankly, we don’t give a shit, Arthur. You were nice to us. So what? Why did you take us, old man!?” called Emmett, stepping forward, his stance rigid and commanding. Arthur lowered his wand, “Dumbledore said you were orphans. I had no idea...”
“Oh, that’s such bullshite, Arthur!” screamed Everett, “Then why are you here—raiding our home?”
“They forced me!” he cried, “I could never raise my wand to my children!”
“Oh...” Emmett scoffed, shaking his head slowly, “...we’re not your children.” he said darkly. He trained his wand upon Arthur Weasley, who had begun shaking with fear, and murmured, “Stupefy.” Arthur fell to the floor, never seeing the demise of his wife, dazed. He was collected by Bellatrix with glee; she hummed a tune all the while. The boys watched him be dragged away. Without warning, a wall near Draco blasted apart. Furniture, debris and wood splayed out in the air; had Draco not had his magical eye, he certainly would never have been able to step out of the way in time!
“WHOA! Watch it, mate!” Called Emmett to Draco. The twins rushed to his side. Once the smoke cleared, Rubeus Hagrid made his appearance. With an ear-piercing battle cry, he began lifting furniture with his Herculean strength and tossing them effortlessly at anyone not in the Order. Frantically, Everett, Emmett, Draco and Maia began casting Arresto Momentum at a record-breaking rate. The flying furniture was rendered harmless. Emmett and Everett distracted Hagrid with spells aimed in his direction. Maia assisted with a loud bellow of, “Oppugno!” . The furniture that was stalled in air swiftly became projectiles once more. The furniture attacked Hagrid with the ferocity that Maia had woven into the spell. Much to her displeasure, Hagrid was able to block all blows but two. With the half-giant distracted, the twins were able to get the upper hand.
Draco whispered a spell that had Maia tingling with excitement, “Serpetsortia.” A large King Cobra slipped from Draco’s wand. With Parseltongue, he commanded the snake to slither behind the half-giant. When the moment was right, the venomous beast opened his frightening jaws and clamped down on Hagrid’s leg. With a yelp of pain, he began swatting at the snake. Draco nullified the spell which only served to confuse his victim. While Hagrid was once again distracted, Maia neutralized him with a well-placed Petrificus Totalus. Both of Maia’s parents had to combine their levitation spells in order to lift the cumbersome body. Maia looked to where she saw her father torturing Mad-Eye, but there was no body. Good. They successfully captured him! Rotten filth! Attacking mum in front of father like that! Got what he deserved. Maia thought.
Maia was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the unmistakable voice of Draco, “You will never take her from me! No one ever will again!” his voice echoed in vehemence. Maia’s head swiveled in his direction. In front of the grand, golden fireplace Draco was dueling Professor Minerva McGonagall. No! Where’s Kings?!
“Augh!” cried Emmett. Maia’s heart dropped from her chest. The sight that struck her was upsetting. Emmett’s face was contorted in pain; he was gritting his teeth and hissing. He staggered to his left, bent over and had grabbed his right knee, which was bleeding profusely through his trousers and fingers.
“You bastard! You’ll pay for this, Kings!” yelled Everett in pure defiance. Kingsley was already readying his next move. Who should I help? Maia reeled. Within a second she had decided, “Draco, love!” Maia sprinted towards the fireplace, flanking McGonagall. “This is lunacy!” shouted Minverva, “Hermione is leaving with me!” McGonagall’s emerald green robes flew about her while she side-stepped Draco’s casts. The threat of Maia being snatched away from her family once again hung in the air. The Professor’s wand was raised and Maia knew she had to act swiftly.
“Conjunctivitis!” Maia called. At once the Professor’s eyes swelled shut and the older witch was rendered helpless. She stumbled around almost comically, twirling as if she was poorly preforming ballet. Draco lunged towards her, attempting to capture her while stunned. McGonagall swore loudly and apparated on the spot.
“Damnit!” Draco snarled.
“Are you alright, darling?” Maia asked him, rushing to his side. Her voice was filled with care while looking him over for any injuries. “I’m perfectly alright, my sweet.” he consoled in between heavy gasps of breath. Beads of sweat poured from Draco’s flushed face. His stamina was fading fast. They turned around to check on the status of the battle and what they saw pleased the couple greatly. Kingsley was surrounded and greatly outnumbered. Order members lay dead around him while Maia’s parents and the twins cornered Shacklebolt. They all wore expressions of pure hatred. Bellatrix cackled, lifting her wand to preform, presumably a curse of horrific nature. With a pop Kingsley apparated like a coward.
Rodolphus Lestrange, roared in rage as he kicked over a nearby end table.
“Is everyone alright?” echoed the voice of Narcissa Malfoy, who was running into the destroyed sitting parlor with her husband in tow. Narcissa looked unlike herself. The normally pristine Lady Malfoy had her hair falling loose from her bun, her face was glistening with sweat and flushed, she and her husband were covered in ash and pieces of their robes were singed. Narcissa was delicately navigating her way through debris when her son sprinted to her. Draco had captured his mother by her shoulders and pulled her to him in an embrace. Draco pulled his mother from him, still gripping her. His eyes searched her face and body, looking for any injuries. She appeared to be doing the same but for him.
“Great and mighty Salazar, Mother! What happened to you and father?” Maia approached, standing behind her intended. Narcissa paused to take a deep breath; she used that time to gather her thoughts.
“Well, it was a battle and a half!” she exclaimed almost in disbelief. Bellatrix stepped forward, looking just as disheveled as her sister, “I bloody bet it was!” her eyes looked Cissa up and down with a stunned expression on her face.
“I thought we had it bad here...” mumbled Rodolphus. He then pulled his brother-in-law aside and informed him of which Order members has escaped their wrath. Lucius swung his arm in anger and swore under his breath. His teeth were bared in a snarl.
“Even with the help of a few house elves, we were swarmed.” breathed Narcissa. Lucius stepped away from Rodolphus and added, “Our enemies wore masks, which makes me believe they are affiliated with the Ministry and wanted to conceal their identities...whoever they were, they desperately wanted to silence Lady Padgett!” he ground his teeth together, scowling harshly.
“Worry not, Bella. We did not let a single piece of scum touch her. She and the medical team are safe.” assured Narcissa while reaching for her sister’s hand in comfort. Bellatrix’s expression morphed into one of extraordinary relief and gratitude. Her knees briefly buckled but with her husband’s help, she righted herself, “Thank fucking Merlin!” Bellatrix yelled. Master Padgett arrived. His footfalls echoed as he walked through the battlefield that was once his parlor. His eyes sought his children and when he was satisfied they were fine, he headed for the south wing without a word. Maia thought he looked positively frantic. Rightfully so. She thought to herself. Draco had left his mother’s side and began whispering to his father.
Emmett and Everett had finally caught their breath. Everett shoved a Wiggenweld potion into his twin’s hands. Emmett quickly chugged the green liquid; he threw the empty vial in the floor and his wounds closed. He walked slowly, his fatigue and leg injury evident, towards a wall on the far side of the room and turned left. A tapping sound was heard. When he came back in the room, Penelope was wrapped in one of his arms and nestled into his side; her face was turned towards his body. The tiny voices of the house elves that accompanied Penny to the panic room were murmuring at the feet of their masters.
“Oh, what a dreadful mess, Tobbs!”
“Yes, a nasty mess, indeed, Deek.” The two elves quickly began work to restore the room.
With the sounds of elven magic in the background, Emmett’s voice became soft and soothing as he spoke to his baby sister, “It’s alright, Penny.” she tried to move her head to look around but he stopped her, “No, no. You don’t want to look, sis. Trust me when I tell you that everyone is fine, just don’t look.”
“Why can’t I look?” she said defiantly, “You just said everyone was fine!” her voice trembled. Everett tried to control his sister, “Sis,” he took a calming breath, “I—” Before he could finish his thought, her verdant eyes caught sight of what used to be Mundungus Fletcher; his body was now monstrous and unrecognizable as a human. His limps were elongated and gnarled. His goblin-like features were swollen and his eyes bulged from their sockets as if they had been squeezed. Her scream was as ear-piercing as it was chilling. She audibly began to retch and promptly emptied her stomach into the floor.
When she finished she pointed, but did not dare to look again. Her head was turned away, “What the bloody fuck is that thing?!”
Bellatrix strolled casually forward and lightly kicked the corpse with her boot, “Looks like the aftermath of the Transmogrification Torture Curse to me.” she quipped.
“The what?!” hollered Penelope.
“I did it, mum.” said Maia. Everyone looked to her, some in shock, some with pride. Bellatrix beamed and opened her arms to her daughter. Maia stepped into her mother’s arms. “So? Don’t keep me in suspense, lovely! Which one is it?” Pride seeped into her every word. She guided Maia to the deformed corpse with an arm around her shoulder as they stared at Maia’s handiwork together.
“Mundungus Fletcher.” Maia growled; her face twisted into a sneer. Bellatrix and the rest of her family threw their heads back in laughter.
“Th...that thing is Mung?!” exclaimed both Everett and Emmett in both terror and bewilderment.
“The slimiest wizard to ever live!” cackled Bellatrix, “Wouldn’t know loyalty if it bit ‘im in the arse! Tried to play both sides—he did—but we lot knew and were usin’ it agai’st ‘im. Stupid lout.” she kicked the lanky corpse again, harder.
“Got what he deserved.” rang Rodolphus’s deep voice before he promptly spat on him. “Good work, my star. That curse is one of the most difficult casts there is.”
Penelope stood like a statue; her lips trembled and her eyes were wide while Emmett held her.
“Oh,” said Lucius Malfoy, spotting the crumpled form of Molly Weasley, “I would like to shake the hand of the one who did that.” he chuckled maliciously. Everyone’s attention was called to the plump body that laid adjacent to the golden fireplace. Bellatrix’s face lit up as if Yule had come early!
“Oh-ho!” she yelped in delight, followed by a fit of giggles. She squeezed Maia to her and they giggled together. Narcissa unceremoniously snickered into her hand; clearly, she was just as pleased. Everett sauntered forward, looking chuffed, “That would be me, Master Malfoy.” Lucius’s blond brows raised. Draco mirrored his father’s expression.
“Tell me...Young Master Padgett. How did you accomplish it?” he asked with a gesture of his arm in Mrs. Weasley’s direction.
Without a moments hesitation he answered, Levioso followed by Descendo...and a lot of rage behind it.” he said plainly.
Lucius chucked again and a rare smile graced his lips, “Well done.”