Homecoming, Blushing, and a Dangerous Proposal
Lucien returned to Britain quietly.
The Lionhardt mansion gates opened the moment his carriage arrived, and before he could properly step inside—
Grayfia hugged him.
Then Gamma.
Then Yasaka.
Then Sylpha.
Then Velgrynd.
Akeno hugged him enthusiastically.
Penelope followed, carefully but warmly.
Nagini nodded, then hugged him anyway.
Seraphina hugged him last—
—and immediately turned bright red.
"I— I missed you," she mumbled.
Lucien smiled gently.
"I'm home."
Death appeared behind him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
"Took you long enough," Bayonetta teased.
Lucien sighed.
"I was busy."
The Question
Lucien glanced around.
"…Did my brother come?"
They all shook their heads.
"No," Grayfia said calmly.
Lucien nodded.
"I'll check later."
He adjusted his coat.
"I have an appointment this afternoon," he added. "At Grimmauld Place."
The mood shifted.
Akeno tilted her head.
"The Blacks."
"Yes."
Venelana stepped closer, straightening his collar.
"Be careful."
Lucien smiled faintly.
"I always am."
Grimmauld Place
Grimmauld Place was quiet.
Too quiet.
The door opened to reveal Narcissa Black, pale and composed, and Evelyn Malfoy, standing slightly behind her.
"Lord Lionhardt," Narcissa said formally.
Lucien inclined his head and followed them inside.
They sat.
Lucien waited.
Narcissa took a deep breath.
Then another.
"I need your help," she said finally.
Her voice trembled—just slightly.
"I want revenge on Lucius Malfoy, Flint, Carrow, and Nott."
Lucien didn't react.
"And," Narcissa continued, "I want to find my sister. Bellatrix."
Her hands clenched.
"She was brainwashed. Abused. Experimented on. Framed for crimes she never committed."
Silence filled the room.
Narcissa looked directly at Lucien.
"For your help," she said quietly, "I will give you fifty percent of the Black family's assets and wealth."
Lucien's expression remained neutral.
"And," she added, voice barely above a whisper, "I will give myself to you. As your servant. For anything you wish."
Evelyn stiffened.
Lucien studied Narcissa carefully.
Long.
Quiet.
Unblinking.
Then—
"It's not enough," he said calmly.
The room froze.
Narcissa's eyes widened.
Her mind raced.
Three months… three months of planning… failed.
Lucien leaned back slightly.
"You're bargaining incorrectly," he continued evenly.
Narcissa swallowed.
"…Then what do you want?"
Lucien stood.
"Before we discuss terms," he said, "I want you to speak with your family."
Narcissa blinked.
"…The portraits?"
"Yes," Lucien replied. "All of them."
He looked at her steadily.
"Let the Black family speak."
Narcissa hesitated—then nodded.
"Very well."
She rose and led Lucien deeper into Grimmauld Place.
Toward the screaming walls.
Toward history.
Toward judgment.