"I killed Sirius Black. I killed Sirius Black. Hahahaha..."
As they chased that black dog, Bellatrix's song rang out once more.
Severus turned to look at Lucius. He seemed completely unaware.
If someone had gone mad, the first thing they did was see or hear things...
Severus gritted his teeth, pretended not to hear the voice, and continued the chase through the forest.
Few could stand before Louis XIV without trembling in fear. Likewise, few could remain calm and composed before the Little Corporal. Even Pierre, who had "attended university," changed his opinion of the First Consul after his interview. So the townspeople simply did not believe that the legendary Madame Sèvres would dare slap the First Consul.
Someone had witnessed the nose-pinching firsthand. Though frightening, it could be understood as an expression of intimacy. A king's mistress was always indulged; Fontanges had even worn Louis XIV's clothes.
She had much in common with Miss La Vallière. Both came from poor rural families, both were exceptional riders. She often hunted with the king's hounds, and the king never left her side.
Once, a branch knocked off her hat, so she tied back her curls with a ribbon. That hairstyle became fashionable for a time.
What people truly found unbearable was that she actually attended Mass in the same clothes as Louis XIV. Wearing men's clothes to hunt or ride could be understood, but why dress that way for Mass?
This angered Madame de Montespan, though she did not show it immediately. She would even dress and groom Fontanges before banquets.
Madame de Montespan's actions, however, angered Madame de Maintenon. Once, they met on the queen's staircase. Madame de Montespan was going down while Madame de Maintenon was going up, and Madame de Maintenon said stiffly, "Are you going down, Madame?