✧HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOVE✧

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Rhea had been rather surprised to wake up with the light shining directly upon her, not to the side as it was entirely unavoidable. With that irritation, her eyes had shot open—Though they fought to do just that.

They were well-swollen shut and sore, she hadn't remembered the last time she hadn't cried herself to sleep. But this type of rawness was painstaking, and as she rose to sit up—She'd realize that this was not her room.

And these were not her clothes.

After throwing her legs over the side of the bed, she'd gone towards the window. Wondering if there was any clue as to who's manor this was, though the magnificent garden wasn't all that distinct.

Or it wasn't until a brightly colored peacock statue caught her attention, and that had made sense. Her last memories aligned with speaking with Narcissa Malfoy.

She would need to apologize immediately, but judging by the sun's position in the sky. Clearly, it was late in the afternoon already.

"Did you sleep alright...?" The voice caused her to jump instantly, and Narcissa had only smiled softly at the young girl. Rhea always preferred being shocked by a question than the Elf's popping in and out so quickly.

Yet Rhea couldn't deny the steaming pot of freshly brewed tea. Gods she could drink it whole, but she didn't dare move from her spot before knowing the mood of this little tea session.

"Please sit down, Rhea. We have much to discuss." The mood, she figured, was tender. Much less difficult to move her feet towards the couch and took the seat across the ways.

As the mistress of the manor, Narcissa had taken the opportunity to pour Rhea a hearty cup—Though Rhea noted two things.

Not only was she served first, which would undoubtedly be proper in most cases. But at this moment in time, she was of a higher class. Granted, Rhea didn't want to look into that simple pour more than she needed to.

Instead, she took into consideration of the small vial by the tea.

"It's the same one you took last night, I don't recommend continuing to take the entire vial in one dose. That amount should last a month." A blush had taken over the young Lestrange's face, so that's what happened last night?

"I'm sorry for causing trouble, Mrs.Malfoy, really it's—"
"Nonsense. And I do hope that you will be comfortable in calling me Narcissa soon. We are family after all." Family.

That title had caused Rhea to shake, her own blood hadn't managed the kindness, so it didn't come to an entire shock that it was tainted.

"Did you know I was in a betrothal before I entered a courtship with Lucius?" Cissy had smiled at the young witch's eyes had widened.

It was safe to say she didn't know.

"It's alright, you were focusing on your studies. Besides, Lucius doesn't like the crowds talking about us. It's in the past." Rhea nodded, but something told her this wouldn't be just in the past.

"...I don't remember much of last night, Mrs.Malfoy. Maybe that's for the better, but it's probably also for the worst." She noted right away that her first name hadn't been used, but that wasn't the worst.

Rhea's memory was starting to grow foggier, and she instantly blamed it on the use of the potion. "Dear, how much of this potion do you take?"

"Not enough. Or not that I feel like it's too much at least, the problem is more on the fact that it's being combined with another potion. My healer prescribed it to me from the last party." The blonde witch had nodded along.

"I had a firm word with your brother and Dolohov, they're both careless. Even my sister was disappointed." Rhea's brow rose, surely Bella wouldn't care any bit about her own well-being.

"My sister isn't the most caring one on the earth, I know. But she is very protective of those she sees as family."
"I haven't really had the chance to speak with her...Not that Rolf really speaks to me either." She claimed, and truthfully that was the root of the problem.

"I don't know what it's like to have brothers, two that are rather protective of you as well...But I do know what it's like to be a young woman in your position." Narcissa claimed, and the parallels between to shine brightly before her and Andy.

But then the panic of what Narcissa would think if she knew she was in contact with her estranged sister...That would ruin it all.

She'd be sent into the slums.

Even if it made her feel loads better to hear that she was welcomed in the Tonks and Potter residence, that still didn't amount to the fact that she would never be allowed to speak to her family again.

It was starting to win.

"I've also heard a word from my uncle, and he's not usually a man to keep quiet." That caused a worried shiver to course through her body, leaving the small clatter of the teacup and plater.

"He's also not the type to listen. He must think very highly of you." Rhea shook her head to stop the looming thought of temptation. After all, Narcissa had been a Black daughter once upon a time.

"I'm very grateful for his help, I don't think I'd be here—I know I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him...But it's not what you think, he's friends with another man that I'm...acquaint with." Rhea discloses, and the all too knowing smile had risen up.

"Aquatinted with? As Lucius and I used to be acquainted?" This elected a bitten lip to the young Ravenclaw. "I'm not sure, are you going to repeat this to my parents?"
"Of course not. If anything I'm going to put in a word against that bastard." That had caused a bit of excitement to shine onto Rhea's face, and the comfort began to set in.

"I...Well, I don't know his name, he won't tell me. He says it because he doesn't want me to get in trouble if I did."
"So you've spoken to him before?"
"Once, he caught me in one of the rooms of his estate where I was—Well Dolohov told me what those Death Eaters were up to, and I'm not one for violence or...That." Narcissa nodded, while she held the ideals it was difficult to process rape and such an aggressive nature that is more than likely shocked her.

"Love, they're men. You must realize that their urges—"
"Are disgusting."
"Yes. Disgusting, that is the purpose of mistresses. So we don't have to deal with their incompetence. But I need to tell you not all men are like that. I'm sure your aquatint is a perfect gentleman if he has made you smile like that." This caused a shy look away into her tea once more.

"He's very sweet and adoring in his letters, but he's so shy in person. I've told him I don't want trouble with Antonio and so he's managed to stay away. But he and Mr.Black had helped me that night." That earned a curt narrowing of her brow, now her uncle hadn't told her of any additional person is near.

"Do you have any speculation on who he is?"
"No, he seems a bit shy. I wouldn't want to out him like that." She claimed, and Narcissa held her own bit of laughter.

This excitement hadn't been around for quite some time, and so the elder witch had straightened her back and nodded. "It wouldn't take much work to see who it is." 

"No, most likely not. But it's not like it would go anywhere, my parents want a suitable marriage, not an infatuation."
"Well, what if this infatuation between this stranger is accepted by your parents?" That had stumped the Ravenclaw, she had never opened the door for that possibility.

On first appearance, Rhea knew that Atlas was wealthy—or well off at the very least. "I'm not sure how they would react, they want me to go to a rising Death Eater. I'm for sure he isn't one." Now that had also been a bit of a surprise.

"He isn't?" Rhea shook her head, going for another serving of the tea but placing aside the calming potion. "No, and it's a surprise. I—I don't even have a guess as to who he is." Narcissa had offered her own accounts as to how she approached her parents on a new betrothal.

That would be the first step.

The only issue is that her parents had left to tour France, just a few days before her birthday.

It hadn't hurt as much as she thought it would, not when she was packing to stay at the Black family manor.

Sirius had been outright shocked that his father was this kind, though he concluded that it was because she was a daughter. He himself wondered what would happen if he had a sister.

Oddly enough, Cissy had aided Rhea into packing up her trunk to make due for her time spending elsewhere. So that left Rolf in a bit of a stand-still, he hadn't been surprised by this new friendship.

Nor did he know what to think about it.

"Rhea...? Can I speak to you for a moment?" Narcissa had eyed the elder brother, almost tempting him to step out of turn so she could curse him.

Just like she promised.

Rhea looked towards her brother and nodded, it had only been a day since the Death Eater meeting. She hadn't really spoken much more than that following morning after waking up in the Malfoy Manor.

She remained there and now needed her things instead of having Cissy buy her new things during her stay.

Though she didn't think the witch had much of a problem with it at all.

"I'll be just in the hall." She said with a small squeeze of her shoulder before continuing out the door just like she said. "You could stay with me, you know..." Rhea had eyed him once over as she held her nightgown and laughed.

"No. That's alright. I wouldn't want to put you out." She claimed, when really that should be a line said to Orion and not himself.

"Put me out—Rhea, you're my sister. It's what mother and father wanted in the first place."
"I don't really think I should be in your manor when you haven't believed a word I've said. So no, I'll stay with Mister and Mistress Black." She spoke, with clear conviction. Something that Narcissa had installed in her in under the time she spent under the Malfoy roof.

"It's not that I don't believe you, Rhee...It's just—It doesn't sound like him."
"You've made your choice, Rolf. It's starting to become clearer by the day, it's alright. I was going to be married off soon anyway." She said, hosting up her trunk to the floor and letting it levitate on off towards the hallway.

Now it just left her purse, one of which she's entrusted all of Atlas' missives into one leather bound scrape book. It was her pride and joy at the moment, even if Narcissa is curious.

She hid them with her life.

"Choice?... What choice? Rhea, this is much more than me believing you or—"
"We're blood, Rolf. You're not hearing me and you have to, because once the new year comes...I plan on telling them about another person I wish to marry." She stated, and that caused a brow to rise.

"Who?"
"And what business do you have in knowing?" She returned, but the way his face conformed caused her to smirk. "Hm, that's what I thought. I'll see you soon Rolf, perhaps we can have a dance—Unless of course you rather dance with Dolohov." She claimed, holding her bag close before walking past him and into the hall to join Cissy.

The new found friend had hooked her arm into Rhea's and guided her downstairs. Being the escort she needed in place of her brother. "Rhea!...Just—Just hold on a moment!"

It had been an instinct to stop and listen, but Narcissa held firmly to continue the movement. "If you want him to listen and value your voice, you need to stand up for yourself. Remember what I said before?"
Rhea let out a firm nod. "Yes—It's not worth the aggravation if it hurts you to listen." She repeated, and the two witches had continued off.

Now it wasn't the first time she had been invited inside the Black manor, but she realized quiet instantly why both Atlas and Sirius had a few comments about the place.

Even Regulus had a thing or two to say about the elf heads.

Cissy wasted no time in getting her comfortable in the upstairs room, and the two had been doted upon by Mrs.Walburga Black, who gushed over Rhea for a full hour.

"Oh had our boys been just a bit older, they would've made a fine coupling. Don't you agree, Orion?" His wife's comment had caused him to choke on his sip of fire whiskey.
"I suppose, perhaps you can speak with Clarissa about finding another suitable arrangement for Rhea here." Both she and Cissy had remained silent, the calculating gaze of Walburga was worrying some.

But Rhea had to smile faithfully to Orion's ability to remain silent on the matter, all while still aiding in some ways.

"Yes, why is it that Dolohov is the first choice? I could've sworn that Clarissa had been leaning towards Rookwood or Carrow." Neither of these names had posed much more than a frown on Rhea's behalf, and Orions smirked.

Giving confirmation to his niece that he for certain knew.

"As I understand it, mother and father want it because Rodolphous favors him as a brother and wants that relationship permanently." Walburga hid a chuckle behind her hand, and Rhea bit her lip seeing how the crack in character had been uplifting.

Perhaps Mrs.Black could sense the failure of this relationship, yet with the activities Walburga had planned, Rhea had felt like an adopted daughter outright, especially when Cissy had come over with sketches for her birthday gown.

Apparently, the Black family was very in tune with preparations, and at one point. Rhea had been told that it wasn't her mother who managed the party—It was the combination of the Blacks and Mrs.Malfoy.

She couldn't be all that surprised, especially not when she arrived at the beautiful estate she so lovingly craved. Orion had been the one to escort her into the building, as the birthday girl.

And without a doubt, Dolohov had come towards her in such a strut and cocky manner that Orion's grip tightened around her.

"Happy birthday love, you're looking wonderful this evening." Orion had watched Rhea smile politely, and as she was attempting to leave his side, she'd been stopped.

It wasn't necessarily a pullback, but it didn't allow her much movement to her date. "Nono, that won't do Antonio...Rhea is under my supervision this evening and the following time her parents are out of the country." This had been news to her, and thus she looked pleadingly towards Orion.

She recalled wanting to remain silent and not confrontational on the matters, but of course, that isn't at all what's happening here.

"Sir, I'm her—"
"Current Courtship, yes. You're a bit away from the title of a betrothal." Mr.Black had left both of the younger generation to stand in awe, and Rhea had almost tripped as Orion continued her off and away to secure her a drink.

"While I appreciate this—All of what you're doing. I'm worried for the retaliation."
"Don't be, because I can promise you he'll be begging for it to end once everyone is through with him." Her wobbly smile had returned to an even brighter one, especially when Orion had escorted her directly to where her friends.

Her nerves were never-ending, especially when Antonio and Rolf hadn't got the memo of what Orion had said the first chance. However he was on his best behavior, according to her hosting family's installation of fear.

And gentle hostility.

The night was going rather swell, and sure Rolf didn't fully believe her—He was still eyeing his mate in the sure possibility that there's some truth to the situation.

And that's all Rhea wanted, to have eyes on her to prevent another altercation.

As of yet, she's hardly had a full night's rest. It was Atlas' suggestion to take a few sips of fire whiskey before bed. Not enough to get drunk, but the fact that she hasn't managed a heavy drink before would put more easy in her mind.

The real trick of it all was, Rhea didn't want to ask Orion for hard liquor and Atlas' only response had been to send her a bottle with the small note attached to it saying:
One of your first gifts, my little goddess

It made her giddy to know what else Atlas had in store for her, but then the doubt had trickled in as she was pouring her last night's sip of whiskey.

When is Atlas' birthday?

What does he want for it?

"—Hilariously enough, it's—" Rhea had been zoning out of the conversation as her brother had sharply let out a groan. As did Antonio. "Are you alright?" She questioned, looking between both her brother and the bastard. It had almost escaped her that the Dark Mark was more than just a brand.

It was a calling card.

She nodded and smiled towards her brother with a quick kiss on his cheek. "Be careful." Her words couldn't have been more honest if she tried, her eyes stared directly into his—She needed him to be alright.

He pulled her forward and kissed her cheek, but didn't allow much time for Antonio to do the same. Instead those two and a scattering of others had left the party.

Another family member missing her birthday?

She wasn't surprised at this point, no, instead she embraced it. Dancing with Jasper and Hayden. Finally getting to speak with her friends on matters that couldn't be expressed over letters.

Rhea hadn't felt happier to be at an event now that the two main elements that were suffocating her were gone.

However in the midst of another dance with Jasper, Orion had found himself cutting into the mix. "I don't believe I've ever seen you smile this brightly at a gathering before."

"No, probably not. I haven't had much to smile about in the last few..." Months. Years.

Orion had fallen silent but continued to guide her around the dance floor, and yet when the music had finally come to a stop, he offered up his arm.

"Don't you want to see your surprise?" Of course there would be a surprise at her birthday, it's the only day besides Christmas that is left to purchase or receive gifts—Though in technicality, it was all materialistic.

"Mr.Black, you truly didn't have to get me anything." She claimed, and his laughter had filled up the hallway as they took another right. Rhea hadn't been down this path before, not that she could recall anyhow.

So when he motioned for her to open the door, he excused himself for her to enjoy. But she hardly took any note of that, not when Atlas was standing there.

Handsome as ever.

"My little Goddess, you're looking absolutely beautiful this evening. You're glowing." She bit her lip as she turned towards the hall for a moment, her escort and protector no where to be found. Though she offered up another smile to the gentlemen, as for a moment she had assumed there were none of the sort left.

"T-thank you...And thank you for hosting the party, I didn't realize Cissy or Mr.Black could manage to—"
"Oh that's no trouble, Walburga and Orion think it's their own with how much they've used it this year." She bobbed her head, but then the sudden excitement flared.

"He's not here you know, he and my brother left...You could've come and said hello out there."
"I'm selfish darling. Forgive me." She came closer and offered out her hand, and though he had a mere setback of hesitation—He soon found the common ground and pulled her close.

Bringing her hands to his lips.

"Happy birthday, love." His voice had gone just above a whisper and Rhea found herself struggling not to appear visibly affected. But he knew better.

"With nobody around...I was hoping you'd like a dance?" Atlas' offer had caused her to look back towards the door, it had remained open—A clause that she was never supposed to be set in a room with a man.

It was risky behavior, but as of yet she didn't see the harm in giving in to her emotions, and so he had led her straight towards the center of the room.

Mindful that this might not be proper behavior, she showed her giddiness in a bright slightly tipsy smile. Causing Atlas to tilt his head back in a soft chuckle.

When his hand brushed against her hip she jumped, the softness of his actions was his silent way of asking: Is this alright?

Once his hand caressed her hip, he removed his wand from his inner pocket to start up the record player—And while she had assumed he would return to holding her, another flick had managed the candle lighting and enacting a few more around the room.

The fluttering in her heart had managed to infect the like of her stomach as well, especially when Atlas' proud grin rose up tenfold to see how Rhea liked his plan.

"You didn't have to do all this..." She whispered, but the way her eyes were attempting to capture it all meant that she adored it nevertheless.

"Rhea, I'll do this and more." An unsteady breath escaped the young witch's throat, she couldn't believe his promise—She wanted to, especially when her eyes flickered up to his.

His beautiful pearl grey swirls.

"...You deserve to be worshiped. I'm glad that bastard isn't here, but I would've done this regardless." Rhea smirked at his declaration, he was getting bolder with his actions.

But with the swaying and movement of the music to follow a pattern, she truly didn't need to think properly around him. It was such a dangerous idea, to continue to smile and soak up the feeling of attention and love.

Love.

Was it too early to express this? Rhea didn't know, truly her parents weren't the poster couple in her world. Nor anyone around her, the only concept of love she really understood was from the books she's read.

The ones she used to escape the other problems surrounding her.

"...Atlas?" She whispered up, at the sound of her voice he had been eager to speak with her. "Thank you."

"Of course darling, I wish I could do more—Or take advantage that you'll be over Orion's for the next few weeks. But I'll make it up to you." Her head had soon planted against his chest, and he hardly managed to continue his step with how his own heart was beating sporadically.

"This is more than enough."
"Nonsense, I plan to spoil you...And perhaps—Perhaps there could be something more between us both." Rhea had stopped mid-step, leaving him to do the same.

"Something more...?"
"Rhea—I've never...I've never felt this way, for anyone. Not in my lifetime at least and it's refreshing, I can't understand these emotions, but I know you're the leading cause of them—In a good way, mind you." Alphard had a bit of a word jumble, and now he stood in waiting, hoping that he hadn't scared her off with how straightforward he's being.

"I don't even know your name..." She concluded, though her smile hadn't faltered in the least bit than before. His mouth opened but closed soon after.

He couldn't do it. If he spoke his name, all of this would change. Rhea would turn into a bundle of worries on whether or not to be appropriate and polite.

He caught it when she was with Orion, even when his brother tried to be more friendly than most with her. His brother was a saving grace at this point in their secret friendship.

"It's alright...It's like you said, it's not safe if I know. I can't imagine what my father would if—"
"Not a damn thing. It's not that, love, I don't want things to change between the two of us." She blinked for a moment and then frowned.

"Why would it change?... I don't think a name for you would change anything at all."
"Wouldn't it?... It's refreshing you don't know who I am." That is when the blush had slowly crept through her cheeks, reddening them entirely to the point of feeling the heat rising in them.

This caused her to turn away.

"I don't think a name would make me run. Not when you've helped me so much."
"That's not true, Orion has helped—"
"As has Sirius and another friend, even Cissy. But I'm dancing with you the candlelight, not Mr.Black." Oh, the irony had caused him to chuckle.

"And if I'm not who you expected to be?"
"Well as of now, I'm trying to get out of a courtship once my mother and father return. Perhaps then we can truly humor what's happening between us." She said, rewarding him with another sweet smile.

A squeal escaped her as Atlas had gripped her by her waist and spun her around in the air. "Merlin! Put me down, Atlas!" The way Rhea had held onto him for support just coursed another round of laughter, and she too had joined in.

"You're adoringly sweet Atlas, I don't think that'll easily change."
"Perhaps, but I don't want to ruin things so early. Please say you'll bare with me." She nodded eagerly, but then hummed.

"I suppose, but you'll have to do something."
"Anything." This shocked her, but his small slip truly escalated the temptation further.

"Kiss me." It'd shocked him outright, that he had profiled her as a shy Ravenclaw—But all she needed was a chance to spread her wings.

All the things that Radolphous had told him were proven false, and they hardly managed to speak much more than this. "Rhea..."

"I've imagined it millions of times before." She honestly admitted, and with the face she was receiving on his end—She felt rather relieved that he imagined the same.

Though he fantasied a bit more, especially in the middle of the night when he remembers how lonely he was—How his daily schedule was only benefiting himself.

He wanted to give, and here was a witch—A beautiful one—Who fancied him. Not because of what he could give, but because he offered a bit of kindness and she admitted to enjoying it.

"Rhea I ca—"
"Please. I don't want my first kiss to be with that damn—"
"First kiss?" He choked out the question, unable to fathom that this beautiful Ravenclaw had never been that close to a man caused him to falter.

Rhea watched in pure sadness that saying it was her first kiss didn't give the satisfaction she thought it would, of course, a man wouldn't care about those types of things like gals would. The only damn thing they cared for is a pureness in the sense of virginity.

His silence had sealed that he wouldn't do it, and she slowly retreated from pressing her body against his—Against the warmth his soul was offering.

"I'm sorry it was...It was foolish of me to ask." She spoke, offering a smile but it hadn't matched her eyes. They had been burning all night, and to see them start to water down had been causing him such a heartache.

"I don't think I deserve such an honor...But who am I to deny someone on their birthday?" He questioned, and that brought her eyes to snap back up. She accepted Atlas' soft touch to her chin to tilt it up to prepare her.

His eyes searching for any regret but there was done, just pure admiration. Once she caught wind that he was leaning in, her eyes had closed in a sense of bliss.

An instant reaction had been shared between the two, as if two magnets had connected together. Fireworks sparked, and it wasn't the taste of whiskey on his lips and the taste she received that made her lightheaded.

It was how easy to get lost in the motion, and Rhea hardly noticed that her arms overlapped behind his head to pull him down further—As attempting to stay on her tippy toes was proving to be difficult.

I'll have to wear taller heels to be able to do this more.

That had been of the many thoughts, while Alphard was trying his utter best not to lose his manners. The small coos coming from his sweet beloved made it quite difficult, her hands had a sweet touch that he hadn't realized pushed him into a frenzy.

When Rhea had abruptly pulled away, it was a moment of panic, but only for a moment. She had only done so because of her burning lungs demanding oxygen, and as Alphard had felt his own chest—He too needed a breath.

Funny how a simple action he's done dozens of times had felt so good.

Rhea's smile had matched her lulled eyes, it was such a difference between the first time he'd met her. From crying her eyes out and screaming for someone to help her, to now glowing like a true goddess.

"Believe me Rhea, I've wanted to do that for a while." She allowed her lips to press against his cheek and rub the better of her own against his trimmed facial hair.

It was safe to say she adored it.

"Same here, handsome." She quickly responded, especially when her hands had continued to play through his long locks.

Did she like his appearance?

Didn't he look too old?

Between the music and the sharing of soft kisses back and forth, Rhea hardly cared about the party outside—It wasn't as if it was truly a celebration about her. It was a formality to host, or in this case to have someone else host it.

With her family not here, it gave her a sense of maturity. That she could easily blend in with the crowd, and that was mainly due to Antonio's inability to get close to her today and the rest of the month.

That in itself was a gift.

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Date Posted: 08-20-2021

Time: 2:40

Words: 5070