"Miss Black," Aurora nearly stammered as Bellatrix closed the distance and came to stand beside the two of them.
Antonio was slightly surprised and mostly intrigued by Aurora's reaction. She wasn't frightened, per se, but the future astronomy professor of Hogwarts was clearly uneasy and nervous in Bellatrix's presence. It was like Bellatrix was a large tower looming over Auroa Sinistra.
"Miss Sinistra," Bellatrix replied coolly, her voice devoid of emotion. It was just pure formality.
Then her gaze shifted to Antonio, eyes narrowing slightly, "I did not know you were already acquainted with some of the guests."
"We were classmates at Hogwarts," Antonio explained.
"Ah," was all Bellatrix said before slipping her fingers around his hand. "Come, let me introduce you to the others."
Aurora's eyes widened in disbelief as Bellatrix took his hand. Bellatrix Black holding someone's hand was a big news.
"See you later, Aurora," Antonio offered with a sheepish smile as he was pulled away.
Aurora gave a mute nod, stunned, though Antonio didn't notice.
Bellatrix, seemingly 'unaware' of the stares they were attracting, led Antonio across the lawn and into the manor. The hallway was grand but modest, typical old money aesthetic, but the real centre of attention was the circular sitting area arranged in the hall.
It was a circle of sofas, occupied by the elite of the evening. Or as Antonio saw it- an early iteration of the future Death Eaters' club.
The moment Bellatrix entered with Antonio, her hand still lightly clasping his, the conversation stopped. All heads turned. Curiosity sparked. Frowns appeared. A tension, subtle but unmistakable, settled in the air.
Who was this man Bellatrix Black was holding hands with? This was the questions which through the mind of everyone present.
"Everyone," Bellatrix said; her voice smooth as she tried to draw everyone's attention, though she already had their full attention.
"This is Lord Antonio Olario," she announced.
The title made a ripple through the group. Technically, Antonio's standing as a 'Lord' gave him a step above these people, who were heirs of their families, even if his family was not as renowned.
But not one of them moved.
They should've stood. They should have shown the proper respect befitting a lord of a house.
But all they did was stare. Antonio understood the politics well enough and simply smiled. His face remained as lively as it was when he had entered.
"Olario," Bellatrix said, continuing with the introductions. "Lucius Malfoy."
Antonio did not need the name. The blonde hair. The arrogance in his posture. The haughtiness in the body. The signature Malfoy sneer—it was all too familiar.
Lucius gave a minute nod. Barely respectful. Just enough to not be insulting.
Bellatrix gestured toward a young woman next. She had dark hair and stood tall. Her face was aristocratic and even though there was a peculiar difference from what he would have expected, he still recognised her.
"My sister, Narcissa Black," Bellatrix introduced. "The youngest of the infamous Black trio. She just graduated from Hogwarts this year."
Narcissa's response was surprisingly warm- an acknowledging nod and a faint smile. But Antonio knew: it was not for him. It was out of respect for Bellatrix.
As Bellatrix moved on to the next person, Antonio wondered if Narcissa' marriage with Lucius Malfoy had caused her hair to turned blonde in cannon. Was blonde hair some feature of the Malfoy family magic?
"And since we're talking about the Black sisters," Bellatrix gestured next to another lady. "Meet the middle one—Andromeda Black."
Andromeda smiled too- sweeter, almost friendly.
Bellatrix added with amusement: "Do not be fooled by the innocent face, Olario."
"She has got an extremely sharp tongue. She is currently specialising in wizarding laws and traditions," she added. "Be careful of her."
Antonio nodded politely, filing away that important bit of information.
Bellatrix carried on:
"Alecto and Amycus Carrow," she gestured to the sullen pair of the sibling. They barely offered anything resembling a greeting—just cold stares and dismissive expressions.
Next came Evan Rosier, Reric Crabbe, Amolus Goyle, and Damien Greengrass. Antonio noticed only Greengrass offered a response that could be called remotely civil. The rest were ice cold.
Still, Bellatrix was unfazed. Antonio, too, thickened his skin and carried on with polite nods and an unshakable smile.
Then came the finale.
"And now," Bellatrix said, voice dipping with clear sarcasm, "we have Rodolphus Lestrange."
Tall. Broad-shouldered. Dark-haired and intimidating in stature. Rodolphus, though had a negligible IQ, had a presence worth mentioning. But he had his jaws tightened and his eyes were almost flickering with flames as he stared directly at Antonio. And Antonio very well knew, what it was about?
He gave the same smile he had offered to everyone else.
"Who are you?" Rodolphus snapped. The words were sharp, his patience already gone.
Antonio blinked, playing innocent.
"I believe Miss Black just introduced me," he said politely. "Antonio Olario. Lord of the Olario magical family."
The room shifted ever so slightly. A few of the more alert minds caught it- the mocking undertone hidden in Antonio's words. Rodolphus had definitely not asked for Antonio's name.
And the idiot he was, even Rodolphus noticed. He stiffened, ready to lash out, but did not get the chance.
Lucius Malfoy, probably the sharpest among this mini death eater group intervened.
"Everyone," Lucius cut in smoothly whatever Rodolphus was about to say. "Let us allow Lord Olario to take a seat first. We can continue discussions once our guest is settled."
Rodolphus gritted his teeth but said nothing.
Bellatrix smiled—just slightly—and guided Antonio toward one of the open seats.
And Antonio had only one thing in his mind, "Fuck!! I am going to enjoy this."
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