beautiful monster

I will leave the fighting your husband to you, and don’t worry. We’ll leave the baby raising to Cissa and I, and likely a nanny or two.

Thank you, that’s how it should be. I wish you two all the best with that one, your child is going to be more spoiled than either of you combined.

Yes, yes. Oh, certainly not, I would never dream of underestimating her. She’s formidable in a different way than you and your mother, but formidable all the same. I swear she could freeze someone into a statue of ice with just one look. [ she smiles ] It will, I promise.

All Black women have their own way of getting what they want, my mother and I are more direct in that matter but Cissa is a true Slytherin and chooses to be selective on the ways she goes about it all. Most likely and I would love to watch someone cower beneath her.

Oh, I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case. Cissa is a darling, but she’s so…oh, you know, she’s so – serious isn’t the right word. You know what I mean. Though I wouldn’t like to be on the receiving end of one of those blue glares. I do so love decorating a room, and of course this room is particularly important.

Quiet, demure? Yes, whatever word you’d like to use, Cissa is unlike my mother and I but that doesn’t mean she should be underestimated. The minute I see Cissa glare at someone and become angry is the minute you know someone might as well be dead on their feet.Yes I believe this will be Cissa's favorite room in the manor and I would like to make it look good for her.

Less clean-up. At the very least. Babies are messy already.

Wonderful news. I hope Cissa is prepared for the mess of a child.

Alright, then I won’t conspire with him. I’ll leave him to his own devices. You’re right, though thankfully we shall be fully staffed so it shouldn’t be too difficult. May even call you in for help. Prepare yourself.

Glad to hear you’ll be staying out of the firing way. Try not to need me for help too much, as much as I’ll love that kid and my sister, I don’t think giving me a child to care for is a great idea.

If I see him then should I suggest he go into hiding? [ he chuckles ] If I don’t keep busy, I won’t know what to do with myself. Can’t waste an opportunity like this. Might even find a moment to relax if I’m lucky. 

No, not unless you wish for your neck to be throttled as well. Might as well use it as a benefit because even with the silence Cissa and the baby will be keeping you busy for a while.

Child’s toys are usually soft. Preferably non-lethal. 

Well where’s the fun in that then?

Merlin knows I would never want to cross your mother. I’m not a woman who is easily intimidated, but between your mother and Lucius – I know who would win in that fight, for certain. Oh, I found the most darling rattle, it’s beautiful. The handle is real dragon bone. 

I’m beginning to think I am the only woman who will give her a run for her money in the attitude department, but I suppose the saying is ‘like mother, like daughter’. Lucius wouldn’t even win a fight with Cissa and that says a lot. Sounds beautiful, I’m sure Cissa will like some toys with authentic handles and aesthetic looks.

What did you choose?

“Those bloody things are child safe Bella! They could hurt themselves on the pointed edges!” As my beautifully pregnant sister continued to say. Non-safe children’s toys.

I will happily have you, Goyle, Rowle, and whoever else you recruit over our mothers. Don’t threaten that. [ he laughs ] He’s probably realized the longer he’s away, the worse he makes it for himself. A vicious cycle of avoidance, I’m sure. I’m fine, considering everything. It feels like we’ve hit a lull, but it gives me time to breathe and take cast of some much needed business. 

They wouldn’t agree on anything I’d say so might as well recruit people who will. Possibly but the longer he leaves me to my own devices, the longer I get bored and the more I think of how great it could be being a widow. Yes, I suppose some of you will take this lull in stride, make stronger ties everywhere.