Die Young, Leave a Pretty Corpse - 7th of May, 1978

[Rodolphus Lestrange]

Location: Miriam Tyrell's Home

Time: late evening

The Dark Lord had discovered another one of the members of the Order of the Phoenix – an idiotic name for an organization if there ever was one. Miriam Tyrell was an older woman, heavy set with light brown curls and brilliant green eyes. One of Lord Voldemort’s spies in the Ministry had reported that Tyrell was working to persuade the Minister to align with Dumbledore – the exact opposite direction Voldemort was planning to take things. After tonight, there would be no more Ms Tyrell getting in the way of things.

Rodolphus peered over the brick wall that surrounded Tyrell's back garden, before turning his back to the home and taking another drag on his cigarette. The light was fading from the sky and lights were being turned on in all the neighboring houses. Rodolphus had already taken it upon himself to extinguish the patio lamp that shone over the back garden, and tested the perimeter wards which were no match for his skill. 

The figure illuminated in the kitchen window was talking with someone unseen inside the house, but their intel said that the woman lived alone, which meant that they had no idea how long before this company would make their exit. They had a choice to make; wait until Tyrell's guest left or adjust their plans to take care of them both. He knew what he would choose were he alone, but as the Dark Lord has assigned this task to them both, he would confer with Bellatrix before acting. "It could be someone from the Minister's counsel. Two birds with one hex." He blew rings of smoke into the air. "Or the old cow is trying her hand at dating," he said with an almost snort of laughter. He would leave the choice to Bellatrix, knowing he'd have an earful when they returned home if he went against her wishes. 

Tagged: Bellatrix Lestrange

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

Sometimes, Bellatrix had to wonder how she had lucked out. Rodolphus was incredibly handsome and more important, incredibly willing to share their bed with other women. While she knew her sister looked down on her marriage to Roddy because of the fact neither of them was truly committed to the other, the arrangement had worked out perfectly for the both of them. The Lestrange and Black families got what they wanted from each other, Bellatrix got to let anyone into her bed that she wanted to, and they often got the chance to work together for the Dark Lord. Admittedly, nights like tonight were some of her favorites. She adored the chances she got to work with Alecto or Amycus, and more recently Rabastan (outside of the dreadful portkey office). But they never played the games as well as Rodolphus did, he was always willing to listen to her input on how they should proceed.

She didn’t know if her husband enjoyed the hunt or the kill as much as she did, but he did what she wanted to amuse her. That was far better than any idea of love that Narcissa had ever prattled on about. It was peculiar to Bella how her youngest only sister could care more about dinner parties and being a socialite than wanting to forge her own path. Yes, Lucius let Narcissa handle most aspects of his business these days, but that was because he simply couldn’t be bothered to do anything that might ruin a single hair on his head. Not because he saw the potential Narcissa had to be powerful. Bella had always seen it, and she could only hope that one day her sister saw the same.

Pulled from her thoughts about the obnoxious Malfoy’s by her husband's words, she shot him a smirk. He was so thoughtful, some would say. More than likely he knew if he made this decision without her, he would never hear the end of it. But she had complete faith that her husband never doubted just how vicious she could be given the opportunity. “Dating, you think? If it’s any sort of romantic affair I’m sure the hag had to pay a pretty galleon for companionship,” she answered him with a smile, pushing herself off the garden wall. “Who really cares who the other person is, it gives us each our own target to have fun with. Besides, if they are in her company they probably are just as sympathetic to Dumbledore as she is.”

[Rodolphus Lestrange]

He was pleased that Bellatrix's decision matched his desire, and her retort made him laugh again. "Just picture it, my love," he said with a romantic tone, "withered old cunt with her legs in the air, and some poorly rent boy thrusting furiously into her, ball sack slapping her ring piece as we burst into the room." He leered at his wife as he took another long drag off his cigarette. waggling his eyebrows at her suggestively. "A sight to behold, I'm sure." Rodolphus was not one for romance of the traditional variety, and in truth his style of foreplay was more along the lines of torture than whispering sweet nothings into one's ear. Murder was the ultimate aphrodisiac, and upon completion of an especially bloody mission Rodolphus was known to celebrate with some vigorous shagging with one of his many mistresses. He certainly had never been the monogamously faithful type, but he was faithful to Bellatrix in his own way, and committed to their union as it furthered blood purity. Having grown up alongside Bella, there was a trust between the pair that couldn't have been possible with any other pureblooded witch he might have ended up with had Reginauld and Cygnus made any other choices for them. His father had done very little in his lifetime that Rodolphus approved of, but he had managed to succeed where his firstborn's marital contract was concerned. Rabastan had faired far worse, unfortunately, but that problem had already been handled and now his little brother was free to make his own choices in his life, so long as Rodolphus approved.

Taking one last drag from his cigarette before snuffing it in the dirt beside him, Rodolphus looked up and down the line of gated gardens. Further down to road he could hear children playing but the immediate neighbors were silent. Curly hair passed by the kitchen window again just as Rodolphus peered over the stone wall, and this time her silhouette was accompanied by that of a man, tall and lanky with thinning hair and a bulbous nose that did not fit his thin face. The pair seemed completely unaware that their movements within the home were being monitored and Rodolphus decided that if Tyrell's guest was from the Ministry, he had not come as armed guard for Dumbledore's soon-to-be departed pawn. Lord Voldemort would not have assigned this task to both he and Bellatrix were this some simple hit. They could have sent practically anyone to sneak in and kill an unarmed witch in her sleep, even one of Rabastan's contemporaries could have handled the job were Tyrell not some level of threat, but the fact that both Lestranges had been assigned meant that they were in for a fight. Roddy smiled as he shifted onto his feet, extending his hand to help Bella from the ground, his height hidden behind a plum tree. "Ready, darling?"

Tagged: Bellatrix Lestrange

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

Rodolphus laughed, and Bella had to admit she did adore it when she got him laughing. She was used to his quickly changing moods, she’d seen him lash out against his father - and once against Bunny - but they’d never really had a tiff. She figured it was because they understood each other. Neither of them liked the idea of being tied down, and their marriage was purely a transaction between their parents. Bellatrix would admit though, the transaction had worked out in her favor. “I’m not going to forgive you for putting that image in my head,” she teased with a laugh. She could picture it, and while she adored sex, Tyrell was not the person she wanted to picture having it. Alecto, on the other hand - perhaps they could summon her tonight to join them after their mission was complete. If not, there was bound to be one of her husband’s mistresses that was up for a little fun.

The block was mostly silent, which was good for their mission but ultimately disappointing. Collateral damage always made for a fun mission. Not that this one wouldn’t be fun, there was no need to send them both if Tyrell and her companion were a simple threat. Perhaps Tyrell wasn’t the real threat, and their Dark Lord had known she would have a companion tonight. Voldemort was quite knowledgeable about more than he would ever tell any of them when he sent them out to do his bidding. Taking the hand offered, she stood from her spot on the ground and put her cigarette out. Wand ready, she walked to the gate, probing the wards surrounding the house. “Pathetic attempts to keep her safe, a child could break these wards,” she said to her husband, wand already dismantling the lackluster protections. Not even a ward to alert the witch inside if someone was to cross into her home. Was this really the sort of help Dumbledore was recruiting these days? He clearly was desperate if that was the case.

She swung the gate open, not bothering to see if Roddy was following her as she moved silently across the backyard towards the door. A light was on in what appeared to be the kitchen, and as they got closer their targets moved from the room they’d been into the kitchen. She was able to get a better look at Tyrell’s companion, and she recognized him as an Auror from the Ministry. Oh, they were going to have fun tonight. “Tell me dear, do you want the miserable woman or the soon to be dead Auror?”

[Rodolphus Lestrange]

Bella withheld her forgiveness for his crude imagery and Rodolphus chuckled. “I shall find some other way to win back your favor tonight, my love. Of that, I am sure.” He pulled the slight witch to her feet with ease and hesitated a moment as she snuffed the butt of her cigarette on the stone wall before following her through the gate and into the back garden. The protection enchantments fell with ease, something Rodolphus was already certain would occur but still tickled him ever so slightly in the wrong way. Was Tyrell really so simple that she would think these elementary charms would keep her safe? Did Dumbledore not vet his informants as thoroughly as Lord Voldemort or even the Minister? Rodolphus rotated his wand in the palm of his hand, ensuring the best grip possible as they neared the back door of the modest home.

The figures moved in front of the window yet again, and Rodolphus shifted to remain out of their sight, pressed against the wall of the house. From this distance the second figure was more discernable, and Roddy’s face broke into a demented grin as his wife gave him first choice. “You know I’d only hit a lady if she asked,” he replied vaguely, though that was hardly the truth. His anger, while well documented, had been pointed in a good many directions regardless of gender, though rarely was Bellatrix in his crosshairs. They had fought before, as all couples did, but their union was stronger than simply a marriage. They had grown up together, plotted together, mourned tragic losses together. She had offered him comfort after his own brother broke his heart, and she had supported his – some would say unhealthy – methods of coping with the loss of his strongest ally. Bonds would mend between the brothers in time and with his faithful wife’s guidance they were already on the way to happier days, but did that mean she was owed all the fun on this little outing? “Don’t bother yourself with the Auror. I’ll take care of him; you have fun with Midge.”

Protection wards dismantled and roles decided, there was nothing left but to start their game. Rodolphus’ free hand snaked around Bella’s waist, pulling her against him as he pressed his lips to hers, enveloping her in a feverish kiss that only hastened the adrenaline through his veins. In a moment he was separated from her, grinning like a madman as he kicked in the door of Tyrell’s home and barged into what evidently was her dining room. A quick flick of his wand sent the chair at the head of her table flying in the air, knocking the tall auror off his feet just as the man appeared in the doorway to investigate the disruption. A scream sounded from behind the Auror further in the kitchen, but Rodolphus paid it no mind, solely focused on the man clambering back to his feet and sending bolts of red lightning in his direction. Rodolphus threw up a shield charm, deflecting the stunner as he stepped further into the home.

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

He knew her too well, and Bella didn’t stop her smirk as he assured her that he would win back her favor. He would too, even though she wasn’t truly cross with him. Sometimes it felt like they’d been with each other so long that he knew ways to make her happy - and also the best ways to piss her off. Tonight would be the first, that was for sure. Nothing got their nerves going as much as killing did, and perhaps they would call upon Alecto to come and celebrate with them if she wasn’t busy. That would make for a fine end to an evening that Bellatrix could only hope would be fun. If they killed them too quickly, the boredom that stuck around between assignments would return. There was only so much one could listen in on at the Ministry during the day, as many conversations that would be helpful in their tasks were conducted behind closed doors with only the men of the offices involved. This was why causing fear in others was so satisfying, having them know that if she wanted in the room she’d kill her way into it.

The wards fell easily, perhaps too easily. It didn’t matter though, if this was some trap to catch them or the Dark Lord. It wouldn’t matter, no one would be left alive to tell the story. Bella let sparks from her wand fall around her as they approached, growing ancy by the second. The fun and joy she would get from this was bound to be great, but fleeting. And who knew when they’d get another mission together? She laughed, perhaps too loudly, as he replied to her question, and twisted her wand in her fingers as Rodolphus pulled her into a kiss. It was time to play the game, and Bella was positive that she would win.

Rodolphus kicked the door open, which Bella made a mental note to tease him about later, before she followed him inside, ignoring the Auror and working her way to the kitchen as a chair flew past her. Tyrell was rushing to get her wand from the kitchen counter, and it was with a nonverbal spell that Bellatrix had the woman’s wand in her hands in only a second. “Such a shame, really,” she said as she stalked towards the woman who was scrambling to find something to use as a weapon, “Did you truly believe you were safe here? In your home, with your terrible wards and pathetic Auror protection?” Laughing, Bella reached the woman and pulled her close, wand to Tyrell’s face. Seconds later the woman was screaming, her eyes swelling shut. Bella released the woman to watch her scramble around the kitchen, following at a leisurely pace while she laughed.

[Rodolphus Lestrange]

The women had found their proper place in the kitchen as the men continued their fight around the dining table. Rodolphus blocked another red bolt of light. If this pathetic excuse for a guardian was only looking to stun and arrest the intruders instead of kill them, then he was in for a surprise. Bella had clearly recognized the man from her work at the Ministry, identifying him as an auror before they’d even entered the home. It was vital then that this bloke leave the premises in nothing less than a body bag, preferably in whatever sort of container they might use to clean up dismembered chunks of human flesh and brain matter. A bucket, perhaps? He wouldn’t bother with considering the possible alternatives later as this man warranted not a single moment’s thought beyond the battle they currently engaged in.

A quick slashing motion of Rod’s wand sent a flash of purple lightning at the auror, and a shield charm from the tall man shattered and the auror fell to his knees. He may have blocked the majority of the curse but Rod was not done. He threw the table out of his way, letting it crash into the wall, knocking pictures of Miriam’s loved ones to the floor as Rodolphus stepped closer to the fallen guard. “Is this really the best Dumbledore could muster?” he asked the man rhetorically just before sending the torture curse to send the auror’s body into uncontrollable fits of anguish. A deep scream came from the man and mingled with sounds of chaos from the kitchen. “Ahh, music to my ears.” Rodolphus smiled cruelly, his hands mimicking a conductor at the symphony in a taunt that only made his smile widen. Stepping closer, Rodolphus eliminated any space between them and stood towering over the man on the floor and stepping on his wand hand. Shifting his weight to the foot that pressed on the auror’s wand hand, a notable crunching sound signaled a break in bone and wood. Another howl of pain joined the symphony of glorious sound that filled the house. Rodolphus glanced to the kitchen doorway for a glimpse of his bride in all her splendor.

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

As much as Bella loved a night out with her husband, completing missions for the Dark Lord, this was shaping up to be a rather unexciting event. Tyrell was a mess, rubbing at her eyes and trying to feel around on the ground for anything to defend herself with. Bella wanted a challenge, but it didn’t seem as if Tyrell was going to give her that. Bella tapped her foot as she watched the woman crawl, a smirk playing on her lips. Perhaps she could find some enjoyment in the torture of the Tyrell, at the very least. She approached the whimpering woman, before squatting to reach out and run her nails across Tyrell’s face. Miriam let a scream out, and it caused laughter to spill out of Bella, as she cast a babbling curse, finding it even more amusing that now the woman could only babble nonsense. “Unfortunate, isn’t it, that you are even able to defend yourself against me. This is the best that Dumbledore has to offer?” Standing, Bella looked around the kitchen and started rummaging through draws. “So many muggle contraptions, are you really that bad at magic Miriam?” A grin crossed her face as she opened a drawer, and Bella pulled out a mallet. Whatever it was used for didn’t matter, because she had a use for it.

She stalked back to the woman crawling on the floor, before kicking her over and bending down to grab one of her victim’s hands, pressing it flat against the floor. “Have you ever broken a finger? It’s painful but mostly uncomfortable. Here, I’ll show you.” With perhaps too much glee, she slammed the mallet down on one of Tyrell’s fingers, satisfied with the crunching noise it made. It took little effort to break the rest of the woman’s fingers, and Bella did just that before tossing the mallet to the side. She was bored, and it sounded like Rodolphus was having a grand time in the other room. At the very least one of them was getting a challenge. Standing up, she leaned back against the wall, twisting her wand in her fingers. Tyrell was babbling nonsense, and Bella found that she missed the screaming Miriam had previously been doing. “Crucio,” she said with a smile, and Bella danced around the room as the woman screamed. Perhaps Bella could find a way to make this more exciting. Stopping to look back to the other room, she saw her husband looking her way and blew him a kiss before she stopped the curse. Surely the woman had some knives around here somewhere.

[Rodolphus Lestrange]

Distracted momentarily by the sight of Bellatrix dancing joyfully around the writhing old bat and blowing him kisses, Rodolphus smiled. He enjoyed the work they did for the dark lord and was nearly always pleased to join his wife on a deadly mission such as this. Watching her work was exhilarating, and it always amused him to see how she took little hints of inspiration from their previous outings. Her time spent in the company of the psychotic blonde that oft frequented their bed, on the occasions they were not in said bed, proved to be similarly inspirational. Bellatrix had a way of taking something gloriously heinous and perfecting it. He was certain this evening would be no different.

The dark beauty having stolen his focus, however momentarily, was enough for the auror to summon the strength to swipe Rodolphus’ leg out from under him. The Death Eater landed on his back with a thud, breath leaving his lungs forcefully. Rod gasped and pulled himself to his feet in time to see the auror running toward the kitchen directly at his unwitting wife. Broken wand, broken hand, but not broken in spirit; Rodolphus knew this auror was a threat to them even without a weapon. His breath not fully restored, and his voice subsequently gone, Rodolphus summoned all his focus on the man barreling down on Bellatrix and sent green bolts of light across the room. A second later the lifeless auror fell to the floor, mere steps from reaching Bella and the witch he had been charged with keeping safe.

After confirming that the auror was in fact dead, Rodolphus righted one of the dining chairs that had been toppled in the fight and positioned it in front of the entry to the kitchen. “I need a moment to catch my breath, pet. Why don’t you give us a show.” He nudged the corpse out of the way and moved around the chair to take a seat. Ready for the entertainment.